# When Did the 3 Point Shot Start? The Surprising Origins and Expert Guide to Its Impact on Basketball
Fans today can’t imagine basketball without the thrill of the three point shot. Each buzzer-beater triple gets the crowd on their feet, but have you ever wondered: WHEN DID THE 3 POINT SHOT START and how did it transform the game? In this guide, we’ll dive into its origins, evolution, and impact—plus, reveal everything you need to know as a player or curious fan.
## The Core of the Question: When Did the 3 Point Shot Start?
The main curiosity behind the search term “when did the 3 point shot start” is straightforward. People want to know: When and where did basketball introduce the three point line, why did it happen, and how has it changed the way we play and watch the game?
– CORE ENTITY: Three point shot in basketball.
– SEARCH INTENT: Information-based. The user seeks facts, history, and context.
– LSI KEYWORDS: three point line history, first three point shot, NBA 3 point debut, 3 point rule origins, impact of 3 point shot
## Detailed Article Structure
– Introduction: Setting the scene and the burning question.
– Timeline: When did the 3 point shot start in different leagues?
– Why Add the Three Point Shot? Surprising Origins Explained
– Fast Changes: How the Rule Reshaped Pro Basketball
– Three Point Stats: Real Data That Prove Its Influence (Including Table)
– Step-by-Step: Improving Your Three Point Shot
– Watch Out: Common Three Point Shooting Mistakes
– Checklist: Everything to Remember About the Three Point Shot
## When Did the 3 Point Shot Start? A Precise Timeline Across Basketball Leagues
Most fans associate the three point shot with the modern NBA, but its roots lie elsewhere. Let’s break down the timeline:
– AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE (ABL): The very first three point line appeared during the 1961–62 ABL season. This experiment lasted only a few years.
– AMERICAN BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION (ABA): The ABA reintroduced the 3 point line to pro basketball in 1967. The league used the rule to thrill fans and draw attention, setting itself apart from the NBA.
– NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION (NBA): The NBA officially adopted the three point shot for the 1979–80 season. Chris Ford of the Boston Celtics made the first NBA three point basket on October 12, 1979 (source: NBA.com).
– NCAA COLLEGE BASKETBALL (MEN’S): The NCAA introduced its men’s three point line for the 1986–87 season at 19 feet, 9 inches from the basket.
– OLYMPIC BASKETBALL: FIBA set its international three point line in 1984, but its distance has changed over time.
Each league took inspiration from the others, tweaking the rule for their own game. This side-by-side comparison explains it further:
| League | Official 3 Point Start Year | Initial 3 Point Distance |
|---|---|---|
| ABL | 1961 | 25 ft |
| ABA | 1967 | 25 ft |
| NBA | 1979 | 22 ft (corners), 23 ft 9 in (arc) |
| NCAA (Men) | 1986 | 19 ft 9 in |
| FIBA (International) | 1984 | 22 ft 1.75 in |
## Why Did Basketball Add the Three Point Shot? Uncovering the Secret Origins
Here’s the fun part: The three point shot didn’t enter basketball just because someone thought it looked cool. Leaders created it to promote offense, open up the court, and get fans excited. Back in the late 1950s and early 1960s, many games were “defensive slogs.” Tickets sales and interest were down.
By rewarding long-range shooters with an extra point, leagues wanted:
– More floor spacing
– Faster-paced, high-scoring games
– A way for underdog teams to catch up quickly
– Increased unpredictability and late-game drama
According to a study by FiveThirtyEight, the average NBA team attempted just 2.8 threes per game in 1979. That number now soars beyond 34 per game—an explosive increase (source: FiveThirtyEight).
## How the Rule Reshaped Pro Basketball and the Way We Watch
When I first started watching basketball, the three point shot felt almost like a sideshow. Old-school coaches resisted its use, thinking it was “risky” or “gimmicky.” FLASH FORWARD, and now no championship-caliber team survives without great three point shooting.
– Golden State Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, built a dynasty largely on the power of the three.
– Today, over 36 percent of all NBA field goal attempts are threes (source: Basketball-Reference).
The result? Teams stretch defenses, pick-and-rolls have more space, and comebacks are never out of reach. Even in youth basketball, shooting from beyond the arc is the ultimate skill.
## Real Stats: The Three Point Revolution in Numbers
Not convinced? Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of key three point data from before and after the rule’s NBA debut:
| Season | NBA Average 3 Point Attempts (per game) | NBA Average 3 Point Percentage | Team Points per Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979-80 | 2.8 | 28% | 109.3 |
| 1994-95 | 15.3 | 35% | 101.4 |
| 2022-23 | 34.2 | 36.1% | 114.7 |
You’ll notice that as three point attempts rise, the game is both more efficient and higher scoring. That’s the power of rule innovation!
## Step-by-Step Guide: How to Improve Your Three Point Shot
Ready to join the three point revolution yourself? Follow our actionable steps below.
1. FIND YOUR RANGE: Start close to the basket, then move backward in small increments. STOP at the three point line only when you can consistently hit shots at each distance.
2. FOCUS ON FOOTWORK: Align your feet towards the rim, bend your knees, and plant firmly before releasing. Good footwork is a hidden key to long-range consistency.
3. PERFECT YOUR RELEASE: Keep your shooting elbow in, follow through, and snap your wrist. A high, confident release boosts accuracy and arc.
4. PRACTICE WITH PURPOSE: Alternate between catch-and-shoot, off-the-dribble, and game-speed shots. Mix up drills so your muscle memory works under pressure.
5. TRACK AND ANALYZE: Record your makes and attempts daily. Review video or stats to spot patterns in your misses—left, right, short, or long.
When our team runs shooting camps, these five steps help players at all levels add range fast.
## Watch Out: Common Mistakes in Pursuit of the Three Point Shot
Pay attention! Even seasoned shooters fall into these pitfalls:
– NEGLECTING SHOT SELECTION: Just because you can shoot a three, doesn’t mean you should. Forced shots kill team rhythm.
– OVERLOOKING LEGS: Fatigue ruins form. Late in games, tired legs lead to off-target threes—build up endurance in practice.
– TRYING TO CHANGE FORM TOO FAST: Major shooting tweaks should be gradual. Chasing perfect shooting mechanics overnight rarely works.
– IGNORING DEFENDERS: Great three point shooters still need space. Learn to move off the ball and use screens.
– LOSING CONFIDENCE: Misses are inevitable. TRUST THE PROCESS! Even NBA stars go cold for stretches.
## Frequently Asked Questions about the Three Point Shot
Q: WHO MADE THE FIRST NBA THREE POINTER?
A: Chris Ford, October 12, 1979 (Boston Celtics).
Q: WHEN DID THE WNBA ADOPT THE THREE POINT LINE?
A: The WNBA introduced it in 1997, in its inaugural season.
Q: DO OTHER SPORTS HAVE THREE POINT EQUIVALENTS?
A: Few do—netball and some streetball versions have bonus shots, but nothing as iconic as basketball’s.
## Checklist: Everything You Need to Remember About the Three Point Shot
— Understand the origin and evolution of the three point rule
— Know the distances in your league or competition
— Develop proper shooting footwork and mechanics for long range
— Recognize when to take smart three point attempts, not just any opportunity
— Track and analyze personal stats for continuous improvement
— Study legendary three point shooters and their techniques
— Avoid common mistakes by focusing on selection and shot process
— Stay up-to-date as rules or lines sometimes change
Now, the next time someone asks “WHEN DID THE 3 POINT SHOT START,” you’ll be the authority—ready with stats, stories, and practical advice. The revolution started in the ABL and changed basketball forever. Get out and practice your shot!
