Four-point field goal

A four-point field goal (also called a four-pointer) is a field goal in a basketball game made from a part of the court designated for a four-point shot, the designated area is typically farther from the basket than the three-point arc. A successful attempt is worth four points, in contrast to the three points awarded for a shot beyond the three point line, two points awarded for field goals made within the three-point line and the one point for each made free throw.

The four-pointer was introduced in competition by the Harlem Globetrotters.[1] The BIG3 basketball league is the only current professional league that uses the four-point field goal.[2] In BIG3, there are three distinct circles beyond the three-point arc designated as a four-point field goal area. A four-point field goal is attempted when a player shoots with any part of the player's body touching any part of the four-point circle. [3]

Footnotes

1. Harlem Globetrotters Add a Four-Point Line
2. BIG3 Week 1 Recap
3. BIG3 Rules

Further reading

• Mike Coppinger, "Going Deep: Harlem Globetrotters Add a Four Point Line," USA Today, Sept. 22, 2016.
• Jordan Ellenberg and Josh Levin, "The 4 Point Line Could Be Coming to the NBA, Here's Where to Put It," Slate.com/ June 20, 2016.
• Victor Mather, "New Three-on-Three League Has 4-Point Shot, Allen Iverson," New York Times, Jan. 11, 2017.
• Kevin Nye, "The Real Answer to the NBA 4-Point Line Debate," Hashtag Basketball, Mar. 13, 2019.