In June 2019, the NCAA voted to move back the 3 point line to the international distance of 22 feet, 1 ¾ inch. Moving the line by 1 foot, 4 ¾ inches will make a small but noticeable change on how teams will approach the game. According to the voting committee, the purpose of the new restrictions is to improve offensive spacing and make the game more diverse. In this blog, we’ll talk about these new restrictions in more detail, who they affect, and how they can change the game going into the future.
Who do the new restrictions apply to?
The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved moving the 3 point line in college Division I, II, and III. The decision to make this change came after the Men’s Basketball Rules Committee received positive feedback from coaches in the 2018 and 2019 National Invitational Tournament, where games were played on an international 3 point distance. The new rule came into effect immediately for Division I teams.
As for Divisions II and III, this rule will come to effect starting with the next season. This was decided to minimize the financial impact that placing new lines on a court can have on teams from lower leagues. Seeing that the 2020 NCAA tournament was canceled due to safety concerns, teams will have a bit more time to adjust their basketball courts and have everything ready for the next season.
How will the new 3 point line restrictions affect the games?
The 3 point shot has grown immensely in popularity over the past few years. So much so, that it has made the game less eventful and minimized the contact between players. It became an almost universal skill, as even front court players have become capable of making baskets from downtown.
With that in mind, while the 3 point line extension won’t make a significant impact for 3 point specialists and the act of shot-making in general, it will have a substantial effect on the offense. It’s just enough to make the shot more challenging, while still keeping it an integral part of the sport. Wider spacing will allow more freedom for ball handlers to penetrate to the basket. It also makes room in the paint for players who like to play with their backs to the basket. Teams can run more efficient inside out offenses, as defending players will have to cover more court when assisting in defensive rotations.
One thing is certain; the new 3 point line restrictions will help shape college basketball in the right direction. By moving the 3 point line, it will not only make the 3 point shot more challenging, but it will also significantly reshape how teams play. Unlike some sports, which have been the same for decades, basketball is always evolving. The new restrictions will certainly make college basketball even more entertaining, and we can’t wait to see all of the ways these new changes will affect the game in seasons to come.
By the Numbers
The 3 point line was adopted in 1989 in college basketball and has been the shot with the highest expected value ever since. The 3 point shot has been steadily growing in popularity with each passing year, up until the first line extension in 2009. That offseason, the NCAA moved back the line one foot, to 20 feet, 9 inches. This is where the line would stand for the next ten years until 2019 and the most recent change.
After the 3 point line extension in 2009, there was a noticeable drop in 3 point performance. College basketball saw the most significant reduction in the history of the shot, with teams attempting 0.8 percent fewer 3 pointers per game and scoring 0.4 percent less. After this historic drop, the numbers continued to improve with each passing season, as players got used to the new range. Plus, even during the 2009 season, the 3 point shot remained the shot with the highest expected value, by a significant margin.
It’s expected there will be a nation-wide drop in performance. That being said, with some fine-tuning and tactical changes heading into next year, most college teams will be able to adjust to the new rule without facing significant performance impacts.
Get Ready for the 2020-2021 Season
The new 3 point line rules have already come into effect for NCAA Division I, while DII and DIII schools have until the 2020-2021 season to make the change on their court. If you own a gym floor that hosts games for NCAA DI, DII & DIII schools, you should have your lines updated as soon as possible. And, with the right gym flooring company, this is a simple and straightforward project. With a lengthy portfolio that includes NCAA teams, as well as organizations and brands such as the New York Yankees, Jets, Nike, and Adidas, we are the most trusted gym floor company in the business.
3 Point Line Restrictions: A Takeaway Message
At J&J Gym Floors, we’ll make sure that everything is on point. Our skilled and professional staff will provide you with a top-quality painting service, regardless of whether you’re looking for intricate or straightforward floor designs. By using the right products and applying a quality finish on your gym floor, we’ll ensure the maximum durability of your floor. Properly painted game lines, logos, and letters will not only look good, but they’ll also last much longer. More importantly, they’ll protect players from slipping and injuring themselves.Our line painting services, as well as amazing artwork and design services, are all available at affordable prices. We’re based in Northern New Jersey and provide services to most of NJ, NY, PA, CT, DE, and MD. Contact us today, and we’ll update your court and make everything ready for the 2020-2021 basketball season.