What Is 3x3 Basketball? A Complete Guide
Everything is smaller and quicker in 3x3 basketball. There are fewer players, smaller courts, less playing time, and a shorter shot clock. The fast-growing sport captures a wide audience of participants. Young, old, female, male, and players who competed in professional and college basketball have all found 3x3 appealing. Below is a comprehensive look at 3x3, which is skyrocketing in popularity.
The Evolution from Street Ball to Olympic Sport
In 1897, the Amateur Sports Federation settled on using 5 players for each team during a game of basketball. There wasn’t a set number before the ASF ruling. As basketball evolved, moving from gyms to outside courts and from rural parts of the country to urban areas, it sometimes was hard to get 10 people to play pickup games. Other forms of basketball started to pop up. One of those forms was 3x3. The Gus Macker 3x3 Tournament in 1974, which was started in Michigan and later grew into a national event, was one of the earliest competitions. In 2007, the Federation of International Basketball (FIBA) started its own 3x3 tournament in Asia. The success of the tournament led to 3x3 becoming an Olympic sport.
Rules & Format
The categories of teams for a 3x3 tournament are usually Co-Ed, Men’s 6 Foot and Under, Men’s Open, and Women’s Open. Communities all over the world have their own 3x3 tournaments. Below is a look at a 3x3 game format.
Size: A standard 3x3 court is 49.2 feet wide and 36.1 feet long, or half the size of a regulation court. There’s only 1 goal.
Scoring: Players generally can make a 2-point shot from beyond the 3-point arc, which is for 5-on-5 basketball, or a 1-point shot from inside the arc. Some leagues play with 2 and 3-point shots.
Length: Game times are typically 10 minutes, or whichever team gets 21 points first. If a game is tied after 10 minutes, the first team to score a basket wins.
Substitutions: Teams play with 3 players. The number of substitutions varies by league, but there are typically between 4 and 6 players on a team. Subs typically come into the game during dead ball situations, usually by tagging the player they’re replacing.
Inbounds: After a team scores, the ball is usually inbounded from underneath the basket, where the offensive team has to take the ball beyond the 3-point arc before it can attack. The defense can’t challenge the inbounds pass. Some forms of 3x3 allow the team that scores to keep possession of the basketball with possession only changing after a defensive stop.
Possession Rule: A player who receives a pass inside the arc typically has to make 1 pass before attempting a shot.
Shot Clock: A 3x3 shot clock is usually 12 seconds long, which is half the length of an NBA shot clock.
Free Throws: In a FIBA game, teams shoot free throws after an infraction occurs. Players typically are awarded 1 free throw if the foul occurs inside the 3-point arc in the act of shooting and 2 free throws if it occurs beyond the arc in the act of shooting.
Equipment & Gear for 3x3
Equipment and gear for 3x3 basketball can depend on whether you’re playing indoors or outside. In either situation, it’s important to stay cool, dry, and comfortable. Good shoes are imperative, and they might be different if the games are inside or outside. Below is a look at some equipment and gear that could help your performance.
Shoes: Getting the right pair of shoes should be a high priority. Your basketball shoes should be light, airy, and comfortable. If you’re playing outside, consider finding a pair with durable outsoles, and good traction. Some players prefer high tops, which are designed to give you more ankle support. Others might opt for mid- or low-top shoes, which could give you more freedom of movement. If you play outside, your shoes will probably wear out quicker. Having more than 1 pair can help spread out the wear.
Basketball Shirts: Look for quick-drying, comfortable, sweat-wicking long or short- sleeved shirts or tank tops for comfort. A shirt that feels good and fits right can give you confidence and help improve your performance.
Compression Shorts: Compression shorts are increasingly popular. They help stabilize the area around your hips. They’re designed to be stretchy and comfortable and worn underneath your shorts.
Socks: Bring a few pairs of socks to competitions. 3x3 tournaments often take place over the weekend, and teams are expected to play multiple games a day. You’ll likely want to change out your socks and possibly your shoes after each game. Socks should be airy and moisture-wicking with odor control technology.
Headband: A good headband will absorb sweat from above your eyeline. It can be hard to focus if sweat drips into your eyes, creating a burning sensation while impairing your vision. Your headband should be sweat-wicking and comfortable. Having more than 1 in your bag is a good idea.
Towels: Keeping your hands, arms, and face dry is helpful to maintain your performance. During breaks, you’ll likely want to wipe away as much sweat as possible. A fast-drying, medium-sized microfiber towel will help get you through a long day of basketball.
Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important to maintaining a high level of play. Find a large water bottle that will maintain a cool temperature for a long period of time for the best results. A top that pops open rather than unscrews is easier to use.
Basketball: The ball is 28.5 inches in diameter, which is the same size used in the Women’s National Basketball Association and slightly smaller than the size of a men’s professional basketball.
3x3 Versus Traditional Basketball
Because there are fewer players and more open space, 3x3 is a faster version of traditional basketball, which has 10 players on the court. The shorter game times and shot clock durations put more of an emphasis on wide open play and offense. 3x3 requires less stamina for players because the courts are half the size of a regulation court. Being able to make quick moves to break free on offense is a priority for 3x3. 3x3 focuses more on individual skills because there isn’t that much time to set up plays that require screens and cuts. Defense is less of a priority because there’s so much space to cover. Teams typically try to win by scoring as quickly as possible.
3x3 basketball is a great way to get players introduced to the game, and it can help with skill development for players in the offseason who play traditional basketball. It’s also a way for players of all ages to just have fun and play.