In basketball, field goal made (FGM) is an important statistic that captures the number of successful shots a player makes from the field. It’s a crucial factor in determining a player’s overall scoring ability, and it’s used to rank and compare players from different teams. But do free throws count as FGM?
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What is a Free Throw?
A free throw is a shot taken from the free throw line, located 15 feet from the hoop. It’s one of the most important shots in basketball, as it’s the only way a team can score without actually shooting the ball. Free throws are awarded to the team with possession of the ball after a foul has been committed. The player taking the free throw is given one attempt to make the shot.
Do Free Throws Count as Field Goal Made?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes. Free throws do count as field goal made. This is because a free throw is still considered a shot from the field, even though it’s taken from a different location. The free throw line is located a specific distance from the hoop, but it is still considered part of the field.
How Free Throws Affect Field Goal Percentage
Field goal percentage is an important statistic that measures a player’s overall shooting efficiency from the field. It’s calculated by dividing the number of field goals made by the number of field goal attempts. Free throws are included when calculating field goal percentage, meaning that a player’s free throw percentage can have a significant impact on their overall field goal percentage.
For example, if a player goes 2-for-2 on free throws but 0-for-10 from the field, they will still have a 20% field goal percentage. If the same player makes 4-of-10 field goals, their field goal percentage will be 40%. However, if they make all four of their free throws, their field goal percentage will be 50%, which is a significant improvement.
The Role of Free Throws in the Game
Free throws play an important role in the game of basketball, as they are the only way a team can score without actually shooting the ball. This makes them invaluable for teams that struggle to make shots from the field. Free throws also give teams an opportunity to increase their lead if they have the advantage.
In addition, free throws are often used as a way to slow down the game. If a team is ahead and wants to preserve their lead, they can commit intentional fouls to put the other team in the penalty and get free throws. This can help a team wear down their opponents and maintain their lead.
Conclusion
In conclusion, free throws do count as field goal made. This is because a free throw is still considered a shot from the field, even though it’s taken from a different location. Free throws play an important role in the game of basketball, as they are the only way a team can score without actually shooting the ball. They are also often used as a way to slow down the game and preserve a team’s lead. Therefore, free throws should definitely be taken into consideration when calculating a player’s field goal percentage.