Your Guide to the 3-Pointer

iHoops.com

Some of basketball's most famous shots have been from 3-point range. John Paxson's 3-point shot in 1993 wrapped up the Chicago Bulls' third NBA championship. Charlotte Smith of North Carolina took a pass with 0.7 seconds left and hit the game-winning 3-pointer in the 1994 NCAA women's championship game.

It started off as a gimmicky way to attract fans in the days of the old American Basketball Association. It's now a universally accepted part of the game of basketball at all levels--and a key strategy in every single game that's played.

Whether it's 19-feet, 9-inches for high school players or 23-feet, 9-inches for NBA sharpshooters, the 3-point line is here to stay. A new generation of players are being raised to respect the 3-point shot and, also, to develop the range needed to open up the floor for the entire team.

Do you have what it takes to be a strong 3-point shooter? This is your go-to guide to learning all you can about mastering the fundamentals of this shot. Below are links to articles, videos and animations that break down the 3-point shot every way imaginable. It's your secret weapon to being a super sharpshooter from beyond the arc:

Basketball Tips and Drills for 3-Pointers

• The History of the 3-Pointer -- Learn what brought the 3-pointer into the game, and how long it took for old-school players and coaches to adjust to the new scoring option.

• Fundamentals of the 3-Point Shot -- This iHoops animated breakdown shows step-by-step instructions to how a 3-point shot is perfectly executed to maximize the chance of a swish.

• 3 Ways to Make More 3-Point Shots -- Want to develop a deadly 3-point shot? Here are three drills used at high levels that will give you great accuracy from downtown.

• The Drive-and-Kick 3-Pointer -- Many teams use the drive-and-kick 3-pointer as a key play to get big points. Learn the basics of the play and find out how your team can master it before your next game with this animation.

• How Duke Sets Up 3-Pointers in Transition -- Point guards leading a fast break can find open 3-pointers if they move properly. Here's how Duke University practices the scenario to create 3-point opportunities.

• End-of-Quarter Play for a 3-Pointer -- This play, particularly effective as the clock winds down, gives the point guard two options for a 3-point shot thanks to a couple of ball screens.

• The Man Who Doesn't Miss Shots -- Learn the secret of professional shooting coach Dave Hopla, who once made 211 3-pointers in a row without a miss.