The shortest three-point shot from the corner is 22 feet from the basket. As you go closer to the top of the arc, the three-pointer grows longer and longer. The distance that a basketball can be thrown is limited by the diameter of the ball. The size of the hole in the backboard does not matter - it can be as large or small as necessary to prevent the ball from going through it. The length of the three-point line is determined by law in most countries. In the United States, the NBA plays games under the three-point line, but during international competitions they use the full court. In Europe, the three-point line is usually set at half court width. In fact, there is no limit to how far a player could throw a ball into a goal. The only factor that limits how long a shot can be thrown is how fast the ball is moving when it leaves the shooter's hand. A very high-velocity ball can be thrown much further than one thrown by an average player. However, players don't usually try to throw balls that far because they are too difficult to handle for an ordinary defender.