In college basketball, the 3-point line is located at a distance of 20 feet, 9 inches from the basket. This distance was determined by the NCAA in an effort to adjust the game and address the increasing dominance of the 3-point shot.
I remember when the 3-point line was first introduced in college basketball. It was back in 1986, and it was a significant change to the game. At the time, the line was set at a distance of 19 feet, 9 inches from the basket. It was meant to add excitement and strategy to the game, giving teams the opportunity to score more points from beyond the arc.
Over the years, the importance of the 3-point shot in college basketball has grown significantly. It has become a major factor in the game, with teams relying on it as a primary scoring option. This shift in strategy has led to an increase in both made and attempted 3-pointers per game.
In fact, the 3-point shot has become so influential that it is responsible for a record 28.9 percent of all points in college basketball. This statistic highlights the impact that the shot has on the outcome of games.
To address this growing dominance of the 3-point shot, the NCAA made the decision to move the line back one foot, to its current distance of 20 feet, 9 inches in the offseason following the 2007-2008 season. The intention was to create more spacing on the court and reduce the reliance on the 3-point shot.
This adjustment was met with mixed reactions from players, coaches, and fans. Some felt that it was necessary to maintain balance in the game and prevent teams from becoming too reliant on the 3-point shot. Others argued that it would negatively impact the excitement and scoring in the game.
As with any rule change, it took some time for players and teams to adjust to the new distance. Shooting percentages from beyond the arc initially dropped, as players had to recalibrate their shooting techniques and adapt to the longer distance. However, over time, players have become more proficient at shooting from the new 3-point line.
It’s important to note that the 3-point line distance can vary in different levels of basketball. In the NBA, for example, the line is set at a distance of 23 feet, 9 inches in most areas, with a longer distance in the corners. In international basketball, the distance can also vary, but it is generally closer to the NBA distance.
The 3-point line in college basketball is currently set at a distance of 20 feet, 9 inches from the basket. This distance was adjusted by the NCAA in response to the increasing dominance of the 3-point shot in the game. While the change was met with mixed reactions, it has become an integral part of the college basketball landscape.