In basketball, a “field goal” refers to any basket scored during regular play, except for free throws. It is a shot made from the court, either a two-point shot (made from within the three-point line) or a three-point shot (made from beyond the three-point line). The term “field goal” is used to distinguish these types of baskets from free throws, which are awarded after certain fouls. A successful field goal is worth either 2 or 3 points, depending on where the shot is taken from on the court.
