International Research Reveals How the Three-Point Revolution Changed Basketball

A new international study published in the International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching reveals how the three-point revolution has transformed modern basketball tactics. Led by Bruno Figueira of the University of Évora alongside Dominykas Bučas and Rūtenis Paulauskas of Vytautas Magnus University, the researchers analyzed 192 games from the top eight national teams across a decade of FIBA Basketball World Cups.

The findings document a steep decline in mid-range shooting in favor of statistically efficient three-pointers and finishes near the basket. Figueira noted that data-driven offensive strategies and statistical efficiency have permanently reshaped coaching decisions, athlete preparation, and player development across the global game.