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3x3 basketball is a fast-paced version of basketball with several key differences from the traditional 5-on-5 game. The game is played on a half-court with one basket, with three players and one substitute per team. The rules are slightly different, with a shorter shot clock and a unique scoring system. The first team to score 21 points wins, or the team with the most points after 10 minutes. 3x3 basketball has grown in popularity, making its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020 and returning in Paris 2024.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 3 players and 1 substitute per team |
| Court size | Half-court with one basket |
| Official court measurements | 15m wide x 11m long |
| Ball size | 620g and 72.39cm in diameter |
| Game duration | 10 minutes |
| Points to win | 21 points |
| Shot clock | 12 seconds |
| Timeouts | 1 x 30-second timeout per team, 2 x technical timeouts |
| Fouls | No fouling out for individual players, 2 unsportsmanlike fouls = disqualification |
| Free throws | Awarded for non-technical, non-unsportsmanlike, non-disqualifying offensive fouls |
| Double fouls | No free throws awarded to either team |
| Ball possession | Switches between teams after every basket |
| Coin toss | Winning team chooses to start as offensive or defensive |
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What You'll Learn
Court size and number of hoops
The most significant difference between traditional basketball and 3x3 basketball is the court size and the number of hoops. Traditional basketball is played on a full-scale basketball court measuring 28m by 15m, with two hoops or rings at opposite ends. In contrast, 3x3 basketball is played on a half-court, with a single hoop at one end and an end line at the other. The official court size for 3x3 basketball is 15m wide (along the baseline) and 11m long (along the sidelines). This is the same width as a full-size FIBA court but shorter in length, where FIBA's standard half-court distance is 14m long. However, the rules state that half of a standard FIBA full court is an acceptable playing area for official competitions.
The playing area in 3x3 basketball is divided into two parts by a semi-circular arc, drawn at a radius of 6.75m from the centre of the hoop. The area inside the arc is called the one-point zone, and the area outside is the two-point zone. This zoning system is a key feature of 3x3 basketball, influencing scoring strategies and player movement on the court.
The smaller court size and single hoop in 3x3 basketball create a more compact and intense playing area compared to traditional basketball. This format encourages a faster-paced gameplay and a higher frequency of scoring attempts. The absence of a second hoop also removes the concept of attacking or defending halves for the teams, further emphasising the need for dynamic and adaptable tactics.
The rules and scoring system in 3x3 basketball are designed to promote a quick and dynamic style of play. Each team has a 12-second shot clock to attempt a shot after gaining possession, which is half the time allowed in traditional basketball. This shorter shot clock contributes to the faster pace of the game and discourages prolonged ball possession.
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Number of players
3x3 basketball is played with three players on the court for each team, with each team also allowed one substitute. This means that each 3x3 basketball team consists of four players in total. The substitute can be tagged in during a stoppage in play, allowing for other players to rest on the bench.
The smaller number of players is a key difference between 3x3 basketball and traditional basketball, which is played 5-on-5. This means that 3x3 basketball is played on a smaller court than traditional basketball, using a half court with just one basket, rather than a full court with hoops at both ends.
The rules of 3x3 basketball also differ from those of traditional basketball in other ways. For example, the shot clock in 3x3 basketball is just 12 seconds, compared to 24 seconds in traditional basketball.
The smaller number of players and court size in 3x3 basketball make it a faster-paced game than traditional basketball. This format also means that there is no concept of attacking or defending halves for the teams, as there is only one hoop.
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Scoring zones
3x3 basketball is played on a half court with a single hoop at one end. The playing area is divided into two scoring zones by a semi-circular arc, drawn at a radius of 6.75 m from the centre of the hoop.
The area inside the arc is called the one-point zone, and a field goal scored from inside this area is worth a single point. This is the same value as free throws, which are also worth one point each.
The area outside the arc is called the two-point zone, and a field goal scored from outside this area is worth two points.
The game starts with a coin toss, and the winner gets to choose whether to begin as the offensive or defensive team. Possession switches between teams after every basket, whether it is a successful field goal or an unsuccessful attempt.
The shot clock in 3x3 basketball is 12 seconds, half of the 24 seconds allowed in regular basketball. If the offensive team fails to take a shot before the shot clock expires, it results in a turnover.
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Game duration and rules
A FIBA-sanctioned game of 3x3 basketball is played over a single 10-minute period. The first team to score 21 points wins the match. If neither team reaches 21 points within the 10 minutes, the team with the most points at the end of the period wins. If the game goes to overtime, the first team to score two points wins.
Each team consists of three players and one substitute. Each team must have three players on the court when the game begins. The game is played on a half-court with one basket. The official court measures 15 metres (49 ft) wide and 11 metres (36 ft) in length. The playing area is divided into two parts by a semi-circular arc, drawn at a radius of 6.75 metres from the centre of the hoop. The area inside the arc is called the one-point zone, and the area outside is called the two-point zone.
The ball used in a 3x3 game is smaller than in traditional basketball. It is the same weight (620g) as the official size 7 basketball used in FIBA’s official men’s 5x5 games, but it is about 2 centimetres smaller in diameter. The smaller size facilitates better ball handling to suit the faster pace of the game.
The shot clock in 3x3 is 12 seconds, half of the 24-second shot clock used in traditional basketball. If the offensive team fails to take a shot before the shot clock expires, it results in a turnover. Each team receives one 30-second timeout per game, in addition to two technical timeouts.
In terms of fouls, there is no fouling out for individual players, but a player can get disqualified by committing two unsportsmanlike fouls. Fouls are charged to the team rather than the player. Each team is allowed a total of six fouls before entering the foul penalty situation. At that point, the opposing team will receive two free throws regardless of the type of foul. Starting with the tenth team foul, the opposing team will also get possession of the ball in addition to the two free throws. If a foul is committed that results in the non-fouling team retaining possession (e.g., a technical or "unsportsmanlike" foul), the non-fouling team will receive the exchange outside of the arc. Offensive fouls, if not technical, unsportsmanlike, or disqualifying, never result in free throws, regardless of the number of team fouls. In the case of a double foul, no free throws are awarded to either team.
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Ball size
3x3 basketball uses a smaller ball than the traditional basketball game. The ball measures 72.4 cm (28.5 inches) in diameter, which is the same size as the one used in the WNBA but slightly smaller than the ball (74.9 cm or 29.5 inches) used in professional men's 5x5 leagues. The smaller size is better in the wind as many 3x3 tournaments are outdoors. It also allows for easier ball handling and encourages the fast pace of 3x3 basketball.
The official FIBA 3x3 ball is manufactured by Wilson Sporting Goods. The company paired its patented Wave Triple Threat Technology with a smaller ball spec and size 7 weight to engineer a basketball with the grip and control that the 3x3 game demands. The ball weighs the same as a men's ball but is the same size as a women's ball, allowing for the use of a single ball for men's and women's competitions.
The FIBA 3x3 ball is designed for the speed and thrill of the 3x3 game. It is built to follow a similar look and feel to the official game ball of FIBA 3x3 Basketball. The intermediate size of 28.5 inches is ideal for girls aged 9 and up, and boys aged 9-11.
The Junior version of the FIBA 3x3 basketball features an all-surface cover that provides the same performance and specifications as the original. It also includes a cushion core, which provides a softer feel and improved grip.
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Frequently asked questions
3x3 basketball is played on a half court with a single hoop at one end and an end line at the other. The official court is 15 metres wide and 11 metres long.
The 3x3 basketball ball is the same weight as the official size 7 basketball used in FIBA's official men’s 5x5 games but is about 2 centimetres smaller in diameter.
In 3x3 basketball, teams can earn points by scoring field goals/baskets or through free throws. A field goal from outside the arc is worth two points, and a field goal from inside the arc is worth one point. Free throws are worth one point each. The first team to score 21 points wins. If neither team reaches 21 points within 10 minutes, the team with the most points wins.
