Two- or Three- Point FGA per NFHS and NCAA Men's/Women's Rules.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

The following play is from the Facebook group: NFHS – Basketball Officials. It was a video which cannot post here so I will describe the play for everyone.

Let me further state that the Play did not occur during a game but was a staged SITUATION and was posted for educational purposes.


1: A1 and A2 are both Standing in Team A’s Front Court.


2a: A1 is Standing in the Free Throw Semi-Circle (i.e. inside the Three-Point Arc) facing Team A’s Basket.

2b: A1 is Holding the Ball.


3: A2 is Standing outside of the Three-Point Arc.


4: A1 jumps as if to Attempt a 2-Pt. FGA.


5: A2 runs toward A1 and jumps toward A1 from outside the Three-Point Arc.


6a: While A1 is Airborne and before A1 can release the Ball for a 2-Pt. FGA, A2 while still Airborne takes the Ball from A1’s hands and releases the Ball toward Team A’s Basket.

6b: The Ball goes through the Basket.


Is A2’s FGA a: i) successful 2-Pt. FGA or ii) successful 3-Pt. FGA?


I know that the probability of this Play ever happening is barely above zero, but I believe that is a great example of the need to know the most important Rule in the Rules Book: Rule Four, Definitions.

I have asked for a RULING per NFHS and NCAA Men’s/Women’s Rules and I already know my RULING and I also know how I would Rule per FIBA and NBA/WNBA Rules. So let’s have some off-season fun.


MTD, Sr.