What constitutes a successful field goal attempt in basketball?

A successful field goal attempt in basketball is defined as a shot made from anywhere on the court that goes through the basket. This definition encompasses all types of shots, whether taken from close range, mid-range, or beyond the three-point line, as long as they successfully pass through the hoop.

The rationale behind this is that in basketball, the value of the shot is determined by its location - either two points for shots taken inside the three-point line or three points for shots taken from beyond that line. Therefore, any successful shot that goes through the basket meets the criteria for a field goal, regardless of where it originates on the court.

The other options do not fully capture what a successful field goal is. For example, stating that the shot must be taken from inside the three-point arc mistakenly limits the definition of a successful field goal, as it excludes shots that are worth three points. Similarly, the notion that a shot must come after a rebound or that it has to hit the backboard first does not reflect the basic criteria for a successful field goal but rather describes specific scenarios that do not universally apply to all successful field goals.