
3x3 basketball, also known as 3-on-3 basketball, was introduced as an official Olympic sport in 2020. The fast-paced, urban variation of traditional basketball involves two teams of three players competing on a half-court setup with one hoop and backboard. The game is played over a single 10-minute period, with the first team to score 21 points crowned the winner. If neither team reaches 21 points, the team with the higher score at the end of the 10 minutes wins. The introduction of 3x3 basketball to the Olympics was intended to attract a new audience and showcase the skills of individual players in a condensed, intense format.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year introduced as an official Olympic sport | 2020 |
| Number of players in each team | 3 |
| Number of substitutes allowed | 1 |
| Weight of the ball | 620g |
| Diameter of the ball | 72.39cm |
| Game duration | 10 minutes |
| Points to win the game | 21 |
| Shot clock duration | 12 seconds |
| Points for a two-point shot | 2 |
| Points for a one-point shot | 1 |
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What You'll Learn

3x3 basketball became an official Olympic sport in 2020
3x3 basketball is played on a rectangular area (5.8m x 4.9m) with a key under the hoop and a free-throw line on its outer edge parallel to the baseline. The ball is moved around the court through passing or dribbling, and players must shoot within 12 seconds of taking possession—half the time allowed in regular basketball. Teams can score field goals/baskets or through free throws, with a field goal earning one or two points depending on the shooting distance from the hoop. The first team to score 21 points wins, and if neither team reaches this threshold within 10 minutes, the team with the higher score at the end of the time period wins.
The introduction of 3x3 basketball to the Olympics has been met with enthusiasm, with some noting the unique skillsets that players bring to the intense demands of the game. The sport's addition to the Olympic programme also provides an opportunity to attract a new audience and create more opportunities for basketball associations and players worldwide.
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Each team has three players
3x3 basketball, introduced at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo in 2021, is played with three players on each team. This is in contrast to traditional basketball, which features five players on each team.
The introduction of 3x3 basketball to the Olympics was announced on June 9, 2017, by the International Olympic Committee's Executive Board. The game is played on a half-court, with both teams attacking and defending the same hoop, depending on who is in possession. The condensed format of the game, which originated in urban areas of the USA in the late 1980s, lends itself to a faster pace of play.
Each team has one substitute player, who can enter the game during a dead ball situation. The game is played over a single 10-minute period. The first team to score 21 points wins, but if neither team reaches this threshold, the team with the higher score at the end of the 10 minutes is victorious.
Points can be earned through field goals or free throws. A field goal outside the arc line or from the two-point zone scores two points, while a shot from inside the line scores one point. Free throws are awarded due to infractions by opposition players and allow the fouled player to take one or two unimpeded shots at the basket from beyond the free throw line.
The ball used in 3x3 basketball is the same weight as the official size 7 basketball used in FIBA's official men's 5x5 games but is slightly smaller, measuring 72.39cm in diameter compared to 74.93cm for the size 7 ball.
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The game is played on a half-court
3x3 basketball was introduced at the Summer Olympic Games as an official Olympic sport in 2020. It was initially scheduled to debut at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, but the Olympics were postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
3x3 basketball is played on a half-court with a single hoop and backboard. The court setup is designed for two teams of three players each, with both teams attacking and defending the same hoop depending on who has possession. The three-point line in traditional 5x5 basketball becomes the two-point line in 3x3, with shots made outside the line worth two points and those inside worth one. The key, a rectangular area (5.8m x 4.9m) under the hoop, has an outer edge parallel to the baseline called the free-throw line.
The smaller court size and corresponding adjustments to the scoring areas reflect the condensed and faster-paced nature of 3x3 basketball compared to its traditional 5x5 counterpart. The rules and court dimensions are designed to promote quick, dynamic play and add an exciting, urban twist to the traditional full-court game.
The ball used in 3x3 basketball is also slightly smaller than a standard basketball, measuring 72.39cm in diameter compared to 74.93cm for an official size 7 basketball. This smaller ball size further facilitates better ball handling and contributes to the faster pace of the game.
In summary, the half-court setup of 3x3 basketball, with its single hoop, adjusted scoring areas, and smaller ball, creates an intense, fast-paced, and dynamic playing environment that differs significantly from traditional full-court basketball.
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The first team to score 21 points wins
3x3 basketball was introduced as an official Olympic sport in 2020. The game is played with three players on each team on a half-court setup with one hoop and backboard. It is a fast-paced variation of traditional five-a-side basketball, with a smaller ball and a shorter shot clock.
The rules of 3x3 basketball are designed to make the game fast and exciting. The first team to score 21 points wins the match. If neither team reaches 21 points within the 10-minute game time, the team with the higher score wins. This rule adds an additional speed component to the game, encouraging players to shoot quickly and score as many points as possible within the time limit.
The game can be won in two ways: by scoring 21 points or by having the highest score after 10 minutes. Teams can score points by shooting field goals or through free throws. A field goal can earn two points if shot from outside the arc line or the two-point zone, or one point if shot from inside the line. Free throws are awarded due to infractions by opposition players and allow the fouled player to take one or two unimpeded shots at the basket from the free-throw line.
The introduction of 3x3 basketball to the Olympics has been well-received, with some commenting on the unique skillsets that players bring to the intense demands of the game. The format's popularity is attributed to its fast pace, creativity, and ability to engage new audiences.
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The shot clock is 12 seconds
3x3 basketball was introduced at the Summer Olympic Games as an official Olympic sport in 2020. The game is played on a half-court, with two teams of three players each attacking and defending the same hoop depending on which team is in possession.
The offensive team in 3x3 basketball tries to score points by getting the ball inside the hoop from above, while the defensive team aims to stop them. Teams can earn points by scoring field goals/baskets or through free throws. A field goal can earn two points if scored from outside the arc line or the two-point zone, or one point if scored from inside the line.
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 time limit, the team with the higher score at the end of the 10 minutes is declared the winner.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, 3x3 basketball was introduced as an official Olympic sport in 2020.
There are three players on each team, with only one substitute allowed on the bench.
A 3x3 basketball game is played over a single 10-minute period. The first team to score 21 points wins. If neither team reaches 21 points, the team with more points at the end of 10 minutes wins.










































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