MIES (Switzerland) – The rules for 3x3 basketball were created to achieve three fundamental things: to make basketball simple enough that anybody can play, to make games fast and unpredictable, and ultimately to be entertaining for everybody involved.
As more people gravitate to 3x3 basketball’s short-game format, FIBA is working hard to make the sport one of the most accessible on the planet. That starts with understanding the fundamentals of the game and what makes it so appealing to players and fans globally.
Fundamentals Of The Game
What makes it simple? All you need is one hoop, one half-court, and two teams of three players plus one sub. FIBA 3x3 offers multiple tiers of competition – from its World Tour to its Challengers events – but the fundamentals remain the same across the board. FIBA 3x3 competitions are played with the official Wilson 3x3 basketball, which lends itself to speed, agility and skill.
Why speed of play matters. Keeping games to ten minutes helps keep the ball moving and lends itself to players who think fast. With a 12-second shot-clock, no breaks, half-time or quarters, the game is relentless and puts both the players’ skill and stamina to the test. Teams are encouraged to play actively, meaning that those not attempting to score will be immediately instructed to give up possession of the ball.
An edge-of-your-seat experience. Whether it’s three-versus-three at your local courts or you’re going for gold at the Olympic Games, the simplicity and speed of 3x3 basketball makes for an entertaining occasion. We’re here to entertain. So, we want to bring people closer to the action and push the pedal to the mettle for an exhilarating 3x3 experience.
“This game is all gas, no brakes, literally.” Kyle Montgomery 3x3 Commentator
The Points System
Going for the two-pointer. Unlike basketball, 3x3 keeps scoring low at one point anywhere inside the semi-circle/arc and two points scored outside the semi-circle/arc. The first team to score 21 points or more wins the game if it happens before the end of regular playing time.
Teams must be two or more points clear to win a game. If a game is too close to call, whereby teams are tied at the end of regular playing time, the first team to score two points in “overtime” will be victorious. Download the official 3x3 basketball rulebook for court diameters.
A free-throw is an opportunity awarded to a player to score one point, uncontested, from the free-throw line after he or she has been fouled. The free-throw shooter must make their shot within five seconds
Status of The Ball
The ball is always either ‘alive’ or ‘dead’. The ball comes alive when, following a check-ball outside the semi-circle/arc, the offensive player is possession of the ball. The ball will remain alive until either the referee stops play or the shot-clock runs down. Following a successful shot or field goal, the ball returns to the offensive team for a check-ball.
The ball becomes dead whenever the referee stops play, the shot-clock has run down, or following a successful free-throw. A player can also call a ‘time-out’ between periods of play and when a substitute is being made. The ball does not become dead if the shot-clock runs down after a shot or field goal has been thrown, giving teams one last-ditch attempt to steal the win.
Check-Ball Procedure
A check-ball is when the defensive player (inside the semi-circle/arc) passes or bounces the ball to the offensive player (outside the semi-circle/arc). This procedure should be followed at every break in play when the ball goes dead either following a successful shot or field goal, the shot-clock has run down, or the ball goes off the court.
The offensive team at the time of a check-ball is either the team who just completed a successful shot or field goal or successfully defended a 12-second shot-clock period without a shot or field goal being scored.
Have Fun With It
It’s worth repeating: 3x3 basketball is designed to be simple, fast, and entertaining. The games will be competitive, and players will incur violations for unsportsmanlike and regulation fouls. However, the game is there to bring our community together and have fun out on the court. In the spirit of 3x3 basketball and its place in the Olympic Movement, we encourage anybody and everybody to get involved. It’s easy to do. Just visit play.FIBA3x3 to sign up your very own team.