
3x3 basketball is a variation of traditional basketball, with some key differences. It is played on a half court with three players and one substitute per team, and a single hoop at one end. The game is faster-paced, with a smaller ball facilitating better ball handling. Teams can earn points by scoring field goals or through free throws. A field goal from outside the arc is worth two points, and one from inside the arc is worth one point. Free throws are always worth one point. The first team to score 21 points wins, and if neither team reaches this, the team with the most points at the end of the 10-minute game wins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players on each team | 3 |
| Number of substitutes allowed | 1 |
| Court dimensions | 15m x 11m |
| Shot clock | 12 seconds |
| Time limit | 10 minutes |
| Winning score | 21 points |
| Overtime rules | First team to score 2 points wins |
| Foul rules | No fouling out; 2 unsportsmanlike fouls = disqualification |
| Free throws | 1 point each |
| Field goals | 1 or 2 points |
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What You'll Learn

Scoring a two-pointer
In 3x3 basketball, a team can score points by shooting field goals or through free throws. A field goal can earn a team either one or two points. A two-point shot is scored when a player shoots and scores a field goal from anywhere outside the arc line or from the two-point zone. These shots are referred to as two-pointers.
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 called the two-point zone. The three-point line is the same as in the full-court game, with shots from behind it worth 2 points and all other shots worth 1 point. Therefore, a two-pointer in 3x3 basketball is scored when a player shoots from outside the three-point line but inside the semi-circular arc or two-point zone.
In 3x3, a successful field goal attempt from outside the three-point field goal line but inside the three-point line (i.e. a two-pointer) is worth two points. The shooter must have at least one foot on the floor outside the three-point field goal line prior to the attempt. The shooter may contact the three-point field goal line or land in the two-point field goal area after releasing the ball.
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, the team with the higher score at the end of the 10 minutes wins. If the game goes to overtime, the first team to score 2 points wins.
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Scoring a one-pointer
3x3 basketball is played on a half-court with three players from each team competing at a time. The game is played on an outdoor court measuring 36 feet long by 49 feet wide, with a hoop at one end and an end line at the other. The playing area is divided into two parts by a semi-circular arc, with a radius of 22 feet from the hoop. The area inside the arc is called the one-point zone, and this is where players will aim to score a one-pointer.
To score a one-pointer, a player must shoot and score a field goal from inside the arc or the one-point zone. This is worth a single point. The offensive team tries to score points by getting the ball inside the hoop from above, while the defensive team tries to stop them. When a player takes control of the ball inside the arc during live play, they or a teammate must either dribble or pass the ball beyond the arc before attempting a shot.
The game is fast-paced, with each team aiming to score 21 points to win the game instantly. If neither team reaches 21 points within the 10-minute game time, the team with the highest score at the end of the game wins. If the game is tied at the end of regulation time, overtime comes into effect, with the team that started the game on defense getting first possession. The first team to score 2 points in overtime wins.
Substitutions are allowed in 3x3 basketball, with each team having one substitute player. Substitutions can only be made when the ball becomes dead and the game clock is stopped. In addition, each team is granted one 30-second timeout, and two technical timeouts will take place after three and six minutes of playing time.
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Rules and regulations
3x3 basketball is an offshoot of traditional basketball, with some key structural differences. The rules and regulations of 3x3 basketball are as follows:
- Each team consists of three players and one substitute.
- The game is played on a half-court with one basket. The official court size is 15m x 11m.
- The playing area is divided into two parts by a semi-circular arc, with a radius of 6.75m from the centre of the hoop. The area inside the arc is the one-point zone, and the area outside is the two-point zone.
- The ball used is the same weight as a size 7 basketball but is smaller in diameter, facilitating better ball handling to suit the faster pace of the game.
- The game starts with a coin toss, and the winning team chooses whether to start as the offensive or defensive team.
- The offensive team has 12 seconds to attempt a shot after taking possession (half the time of regular basketball).
- Teams can earn points by scoring field goals/baskets or through free throws. A field goal from outside the arc or the two-point zone is worth two points, and a goal from inside the arc or the one-point zone is worth one point. Free throws are always worth one point.
- The first team to score 21 points wins. If neither team reaches 21 points, the team with the higher score at the end of the 10-minute game wins.
- If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, overtime comes into effect, with the first team to score 2 points in overtime winning the game.
- Substitution is permitted when the ball is dead and the game clock is stopped. Each team is granted one 30-second timeout and two technical timeouts.
- When a team commits its seventh, eighth, or ninth team foul, their opponents receive two free throws. For the tenth and subsequent team fouls, the opponents receive two free throws and ball possession.
- Fouls and violations should be called by players to keep the game under control.
- Held-balls are awarded to the defence first and then alternate.
- All players must wear non-marking athletic shoes.
While 3x3 basketball shares many rules with traditional basketball, such as ball-handling regulations and basic violation rules, these rules and the faster pace of the game make for an exciting and unique variation of the sport.
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Substitutions
The rules regarding substitutions in 3x3 basketball are designed to maintain the fast-paced nature of the game. The substitute player must be ready to enter the court quickly and efficiently to avoid any delays in the game. This ensures that the game flows smoothly and maintains its intensity.
It is important to note that the substitute player must be legally eligible to play and must not have committed any fouls that would result in disqualification. This is a crucial aspect of the substitution process, as it ensures fair play and maintains the integrity of the game.
In addition to substitutions, 3x3 basketball also allows for one 30-second timeout for each team. These timeouts can be used strategically to rest players or devise new strategies. However, they do not replace the need for substitutions, as the game clock continues to run during timeouts.
The combination of substitutions and timeouts provides coaches and players with the flexibility to manage their energy levels and tactics while adhering to the rules and maintaining the fast-paced nature of 3x3 basketball.
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Overtime rules
In a FIBA-sanctioned game of 3x3 basketball, the rules are slightly different from a regular basketball game. A 3x3 basketball game is played over a single 10-minute period. The first team to score 21 points wins the match. If neither team reaches 21 points, the team with the higher score at the end of the 10 minutes is declared the winner.
If the game ends in a tie, an overtime period is added, with the team that started the game on defense getting first possession. The first team to score 2 points during the overtime period wins the game.
Each team in a 3x3 basketball game consists of three players and one substitute. The game is played on a half-court with a single hoop at one end and an end line at the other. The court measures 15m in width and 11m in length. The playing area 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 the one-point zone, and the area outside is the two-point zone.
Teams can earn points by scoring field goals/baskets or through free throws. A field goal from outside the arc or from the two-point zone is worth two points, while a field goal from inside the arc or the one-point zone is worth one point. Free throws are always worth one point each.
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Frequently asked questions
A FIBA-sanctioned game of 3x3 basketball is played over a single 10-minute period.
As the name suggests, 3x3 basketball is played with three players on the court for each team. Each team is allowed one substitute on the bench, who can enter the game at any time during a dead ball situation.
The first team to score 21 points wins the match. If neither team reaches 21 points within the 10-minute time limit, the team with the most points wins. If the game goes to overtime, the first team to score two points wins.










































