The Three-Point Line

Also known as: The arc, Three-point arc

How far out the arc is, and why the corner is closer.

The rule

The arc is measured from the centre of the basket. Near the corners it turns into two straight lines that run to the baseline, a little closer to the basket, because a full arc wouldn’t fit inside the sidelines. That’s why the corner three is the shortest three on the floor.

The reason

The arc rewards long shooting and pulls defenders away from the basket, which opens space for drives and post play.

Around the leagues

• 7.24 m (23 ft 9 in): NBA. 6.71 m (22 ft) in the corners.
• 6.75 m (22 ft 1¾ in): WNBA. 6.71 m (22 ft) in the corners.
• 6.75 m (22 ft 1¾ in): FIBA, NCAA M, NCAA W, Wheelchair. 6.60 m (21 ft 8 in) in the corners.
• 6.75 m (22 ft 1¾ in): 3x3. Here it’s the 2-point line.

Related: Scoring, Court and Basket

In the Dictionary: Mid Range