Dec 03 2020

Profile Image of Daniel

Trend Story Final – The Impact of Rising Three-Point Shooting

Posted at 3:19 pm under Uncategorized

Do you attempt a shorter two-point basket that you’re more likely to make, or do you attempt a longer three-point basket that you are less likely to make? This question has been debated ever since the three-point line was introduced to the sport of basketball in 1979. The game was changed from that point on, and we are still seeing the number of three-point field goals attempted grow higher and higher.

The Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) is a good testing ground to show the gradual increase in three-point shots being taken. In the 2019-20 men’s basketball season, the total number of three-point shots attempted by GPAC teams was 9,338. This averaged out to 849 attempts per team for the season. In 2010-11, the GPAC teams attempted 6,446 three-point shots. This averaged out to 586. This is a 31% increase in three-point shots attempted in a little under ten seasons.

Why is this the case? Head coach Jim Sykes of the Morningside men’s basketball team thinks that a change in philosophy is partially the cause.

“I think what you’re seeing here is a change in the way basketball is being taught,” said Sykes. “When I was growing up, if you didn’t have a guy who was 6 feet 6 inches or taller, you were not going to do well. Now, you just need a prolific scorer that hit some deep shots with confidence, and you will do pretty well even without the priority of rebounding the missed shots.”

The change of philosophy is something the Morningside women’s basketball head coach Jamie Sale shows a change in interests as well.

“I think that it comes down to a change in the way fans enjoy the game,” said Sale. “Twenty years ago, it was more enjoyable to watch the back-to-the-basket post player play physically with another giant. Today, fans are more interested by great three-point shooting and watching smaller, and more relatable players dominate the game in that way.”

Whatever has caused the trend in basketball, it is evident that it is here to stay, and here to keep increasing. The crowd-dazzling change of basketball play will lead to more points, entertained fans, and a game of basketball that is accessible to everyone.

No responses yet

Comments RSS

Leave a Reply