Crazy Time: Basketball is a fast-paced sport full of quick decisions, dynamic plays, and technical statistics. One of the most common abbreviations you’ll encounter on a basketball stat sheet is “FG.” But what does FG mean in basketball, and why does it matter?
Crazy Time: Table of Contents
Crazy Time: Whether you’re a casual fan, a player trying to improve, or someone getting into fantasy basketball or betting, understanding FG (Field Goals) is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore what FG means, how it’s calculated, how it differs from other types of shots, and what it tells us about a player’s performance.
Definition of FG in Basketball
Kaisi Time: FG stands for “Field Goal” in basketball. A field goal is any basket made during regular play (not a free throw). This includes:
- Two-point shots
- Three-point shots
Note: A field goal does not include free throws, which are tracked separately under FT (Free Throws).
Basic Field Goal Stats
Crazy Time: When you look at a basketball box score, FG usually appears in the following format:
Common FG Stat Line Format
| Stat Category | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| FG | 9-20 | 9 field goals made out of 20 attempts |
| FG% | 45.0% | 45% of field goal attempts were made |
Crazy Time: This tells us how often a player successfully scores when taking a shot that isn’t a free throw.
How Is Field Goal Percentage (FG%) Calculated?
Crazy Time: Field goal percentage is one of the simplest stats to calculate, yet one of the most telling.
Formula:
FG% = (Field Goals Made ÷ Field Goals Attempted) × 100
Example:
If a player makes 8 out of 16 field goal attempts:
FG% = (8 ÷ 16) × 100 = 50%
Kaisi Time: A higher field goal percentage typically indicates better shot selection and accuracy, although the difficulty and distance of the shots also play a role.
Types of Field Goals
Let’s break down field goals into their main categories and understand what counts.
Field Goal Types:
| Type of FG | Description | Points Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Two-point FG | Any basket made inside the three-point line | 2 points |
| Three-point FG | Made from beyond the arc | 3 points |
Free Throws: Not counted in FG stats.
Blocked shots or air balls: Count as FGA (attempts) but not FG (makes).
FG vs eFG vs TS – Advanced Shooting Metrics
Crazy Time: Basketball analytics goes deeper than FG. Here are some related stats you’ll often see:
eFG% – Effective Field Goal Percentage
This stat adjusts for the fact that 3-pointers are worth more than 2-point shots.
eFG% = (FGM + 0.5 × 3PM) ÷ FGA
Where:
- FGM = Field Goals Made
- 3PM = Three-Point Makes
- FGA = Field Goals Attempted
Kg time: This gives a more accurate picture of shooting efficiency.
TS% – True Shooting Percentage
True Shooting Percentage takes free throws into account along with FG and 3PT shots.
TS% = Points Scored ÷ (2 × (FGA + 0.44 × FTA))
TS% is considered one of the best overall shooting efficiency metrics.
League Averages for FG%
Crazy Time: Let’s look at average FG percentages across major basketball leagues:
| League | Average FG% | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NBA | ~46% | Varies by position and role |
| NCAA (Men’s) | ~44% | Lower due to more defense/less spacing |
| WNBA | ~42–44% | High efficiency in structured offenses |
| High School | ~35–40% | Wide variance depending on level |
Positional FG% Differences
Kg time: Players at different positions tend to have different FG percentages because of their role and shot selection.
| Position | Typical FG% | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Center | 55–65% | Takes high-percentage shots near the rim |
| Power Forward | 50–58% | Mid-range and post moves |
| Small Forward | 45–52% | Mix of inside/outside shots |
| Shooting Guard | 42–48% | Takes tougher jumpers and threes |
| Point Guard | 40–47% | Pull-up shots, drives, fewer easy looks |
Examples from the Pros
Crazy Time: Let’s look at some famous NBA players and their FG performances in recent seasons:
| Player | FG (2023–24 Season) | FG% | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikola Jokić | 10.2-17.5 | 58.3% | High post/paint efficiency |
| Stephen Curry | 9.8-21.0 | 46.7% | Many 3-point attempts |
| LeBron James | 9.4-17.0 | 55.2% | Drives + inside presence |
| Luka Dončić | 11.0-23.5 | 46.8% | High usage, tough shots |
These numbers show how FG% varies based on role, shot location, and play style.
How to Improve FG% as a Player
Practical Shooting Tips:
| Area of Focus | Tips |
|---|---|
| Shot Selection | Choose open, high-percentage shots |
| Mechanics | Work on footwork, follow-through |
| Conditioning | Fatigue lowers accuracy |
| Confidence | Shoot within your rhythm |
| Practice Drills | Repetition under game-like pressure |
Why FG% Matters in Team Strategy
- For Coaches: Helps determine which players take which shots.
- For Scouts: A low FG% might mean poor shot selection.
- For Analysts: FG% is a predictor of offensive efficiency.
- For Bettors/Fantasy Players: High FG% = high value in scoring leagues.
FG% Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
While FG% is important, it must be analyzed in context:
- A player may shoot 40% but be taking tough contested shots (high difficulty).
- A player shooting 60% may only take easy layups or dunks.
- FG% should be considered alongside volume, usage, and shot location.
So, what does FG mean in basketball? It’s one of the foundational stats that tells you how often a player is making their shots during gameplay. FG and FG% help reveal shot accuracy, efficiency, and decision-making—all critical components of individual and team success.
By understanding FG and related metrics like eFG% and TS%, you gain a deeper insight into a player’s effectiveness and how smart offensive basketball works.
Whether you’re a coach, a fantasy league fanatic, or just trying to improve your game, knowing the story behind the numbers gives you a sharper view of the court.
