Basketball is a game rich in strategy, athleticism, and statistics. Among the many abbreviations and metrics used to analyze performance, one that often comes up in scoreboards, box scores, and commentary is “FG.” So, what is a FG in basketball? The term stands for field goal, and it plays a central role in both individual and team scoring. In this article, we’ll break down what a field goal is, how it’s measured, why it matters, and how players improve their FG performance at every level of the game.

Understanding the Basics: What is a FG in Basketball

A field goal (FG) in basketball refers to any basket scored during regular gameplay — meaning not from a free throw. It includes both two-point and three-point shots made while the clock is running. Whether it’s a layup, jump shot, dunk, or shot beyond the three-point line, if it goes through the hoop during game play, it’s a field goal.

The total number of field goals made and attempted are key statistics in understanding a player’s offensive contribution. These are often displayed as:

FGM / FGA — Field Goals Made / Field Goals Attempted

This stat is then used to calculate FG% — field goal percentage — which is a vital measure of a player’s shooting efficiency.

FG% and Its Impact on the Game

To understand “what is a FG in basketball” more deeply, it helps to look at how field goals are analyzed. FG% is calculated by dividing field goals made by field goals attempted:

FG% = FGM ÷ FGA

So if a player makes 8 of 16 shots, their FG% is 50%. This percentage is often used to compare players’ shooting efficiency across games, positions, and eras.

High FG% is typically seen in players who take higher-percentage shots — like layups and dunks — while lower FG% may come from players who take more contested shots or long-range attempts. Regardless, the FG metric helps coaches and fans understand shot selection and offensive reliability.

Two-Pointers and Three-Pointers

Both two-point field goals and three-point field goals are counted under the FG umbrella. The only shots excluded are free throws.

• A two-point FG is made inside the three-point arc.
• A three-point FG is made beyond the arc.

Players with a high number of three-point attempts often have slightly lower FG% due to the difficulty of those shots. For that reason, a separate stat — three-point percentage (3P%) — is also tracked.

Still, when you hear someone ask “what is a FG in basketball,” it includes both of these shot types, as long as they happen during live game action.

Field Goals and Position Roles

Different positions on the basketball court tend to have different FG profiles:

• Centers and Power Forwards often have the highest FG% because they operate near the basket and take high-percentage shots like layups and dunks.
• Guards and Small Forwards may take a mix of mid-range and three-point shots, so their FG% may be lower but with higher volume.

Analyzing FG% helps coaches determine whether players are taking the right types of shots for their role.

Field Goals in Team Strategy

On a team level, FG statistics influence strategy and style of play. A team shooting a high FG% typically means:

• Efficient ball movement
• Good shot selection
• High conversion on open or close-range looks

When FG% drops, coaches may adjust the offense to get better shots — running plays to exploit mismatches, increasing fast break opportunities, or focusing on interior scoring.

FG stats also help coaches identify scoring droughts and determine which lineups produce the best scoring combinations.

FG in the Box Score

Field goal stats are among the first lines you’ll see in a basketball box score, typically listed as:

FGM-FGA (FG%)

For example, if a player’s stats read 10-18 (55.6%), it means they made 10 field goals out of 18 attempts, with a 55.6% success rate.

You’ll often find similar breakdowns for three-point field goals (3PM-3PA) and free throws (FTM-FTA) alongside FG stats to offer a complete picture of scoring performance.

Improving FG% Through Practice

Understanding what is a FG in basketball is one thing — improving field goal percentage is another. For young athletes and recreational players, repetition and technique are the foundation of efficient shooting.

• Focus on form: Perfect shooting mechanics at close range before expanding.
• Shot selection: Learn to identify high-percentage shots vs. low-effort attempts.
• Game speed reps: Practice shooting off the dribble, off screens, and in motion.
• Mental focus: Confidence and consistency are key in converting field goals under pressure.

As players grow in skill, tracking their FG% over time offers useful feedback on their development and helps refine their role on the court.

Practicing Field Goals at Home

One of the best ways to improve field goal shooting is consistent practice — and that often begins at home. Whether you’re shooting solo or running drills with friends, having a high-quality hoop system makes a big difference.

At Kids World Play Systems, we provide in-ground and adjustable basketball hoops perfect for working on all types of field goals. From short-range shots to three-point practice, our systems are built for durability and designed to grow with the player.

Our basketball hoops offer reliable bounce, stability, and regulation height options — helping players translate home practice into on-court performance.

Conclusion

So, what is a FG in basketball? A field goal is any shot made from the floor during live play — including two-pointers and three-pointers — and serves as one of the primary indicators of a player’s offensive effectiveness. FG% gives a snapshot of shooting efficiency and plays a key role in player development, team strategy, and game performance.

Whether you’re studying box scores, coaching youth leagues, or practicing in the driveway, understanding field goals helps you see the game more clearly. And with equipment from Kids World Play Systems, you can take that knowledge to the next level — practicing smarter, shooting better, and enjoying the game with every basket.