The three-point line, now an integral feature of basketball that has transformed the game into a dynamic, long-range shooting spectacle, was initially met with skepticism when introduced. This arc-shaped boundary rewarded players with an extra point for successful shots from distance, fundamentally changing strategic approaches to the game.
Dr. Ed Steitz: The Father of the Three-Point Line
While many basketball fans might assume the three-point line was always part of the game, this revolutionary addition can be attributed primarily to Dr. Ed Steitz. As the secretary of the NCAA Rules Committee in 1979, Dr. Steitz championed the introduction of the three-point shot to college basketball. His vision was to create more scoring opportunities, expand floor spacing, and add a strategic element that would make the game more exciting for spectators.
What’s fascinating about Steitz’s innovation is that he wasn’t just an administrator—he deeply understood basketball as a former coach at Springfield College. He recognized that giving smaller players a way to impact the game from distance would create more equity on the court, allowing skill to sometimes triumph over pure height and strength.
The ABA’s Pioneering Role
Before the NCAA’s adoption, we should acknowledge the American Basketball Association (ABA) as the first major professional league to implement the three-point line in 1967. The colorful ABA, known for its red, white, and blue basketball and innovative approach, used the three-point shot as a distinctive feature to differentiate itself from the NBA.
When the leagues merged in 1976, the NBA initially abandoned the three-point line. However, by the 1979-80 season—the same year Magic Johnson and Larry Bird entered the league—the NBA permanently adopted the three-point line, setting it at 23 feet, 9 inches from the basket (22 feet in the corners).
Evolution and Impact
The three-point line has undergone several modifications since its introduction. The NBA briefly moved the line closer (to 22 feet) from 1994 to 1997 before returning it to its original distance. By 2025, we’ve seen how the three-point shot has completely transformed basketball strategy, with teams like the Golden State Warriors building championship dynasties around perimeter shooting.
Cultural Significance
Think about how the three-point shot has created some of basketball’s most electrifying moments. When Steph Curry pulls up from seemingly impossible distances, or when Ray Allen hit that corner three in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals, these moments transcended sport to become cultural touchpoints.
The invention of the three-point line represents more than just a rule change—it symbolizes basketball’s willingness to evolve. Dr. Steitz’s innovation democratized scoring in basketball, giving players of all sizes the opportunity to impact the game significantly. What began as an experiment has become the centerpiece of modern basketball strategy, changing not just how the game is played, but how players are developed from youth leagues to the professional level.
