SAEDNEWS: Three-on-three basketball, known as FIBA 3x3, is a popular variation of traditional basketball. It began on urban asphalt courts in the U.S. and has grown in popularity due to its exciting and dynamic gameplay. It stands out among team ball sports like volleyball, korfball, netball, and slamball.
With the global rise in its popularity and the increase in players, this variation has become a driving force in the growth of basketball and basketball players. In 2007, FIBA officially adopted 3x3 basketball, debuting it as a trial sport at the 2007 Asian Indoor Games in Macau. It later appeared at the 2009 Asian Youth Games and the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics in Singapore.
The rules of 3x3 basketball are generally straightforward and flexible. Here are some key points:
General Regulations
FIBA basketball rules apply to all situations not explicitly covered in the 3x3 basketball rules.
Court
The game is played on a half-court (15m x 11m) with a single hoop.
The court must resemble a standard basketball court, including:
A free-throw line 5.80m from the hoop.
A two-point line 6.75m from the hoop.
A no-charge semi-circle beneath the hoop.
Teams
Each team consists of 4 players—3 on the court and 1 substitute.
Officials
The game has one on-court referee and two table officials (a scorer and a timer). Organizers may opt to use two on-court referees.
Start of the Game
Both teams warm up at the same hoop. A coin toss determines which team has initial possession. The winner of the toss can also choose possession in overtime.
Scoring
Shots inside the 6.75m arc: 1 point.
Shots beyond the 6.75m arc: 2 points.
Successful free throws: 1 point each.
Game Duration and Winning
A single 10-minute period is played, with the clock stopping during dead ball situations (including free throws). The clock resumes when the offensive team gains possession.
The first team to score 21 points wins, even if time remains. This rule applies only to regular play, not overtime.
If tied at the end of regulation, a 1-minute break is followed by overtime. The first team to score 2 points in overtime wins.
A team forfeits if it cannot field at least 3 players or fails to appear at the start.
Team fouls are limited to 7. A player fouls out after 4 personal fouls.
Free throws:
Fouled during a shot inside the arc: 1 free throw.
Fouled during a shot beyond the arc: 2 free throws.
Fouled during a successful shot: 1 additional free throw.
Non-shooting foul with 7 team fouls: 1 free throw.
After a Successful Shot or Free Throw:
The defending team must dribble or pass the ball from under the hoop to behind the arc.
After a Missed Shot or Free Throw:
Offensive rebounders may immediately shoot again.
Defensive rebounders must clear the ball behind the arc.
Steals or Turnovers in the Arc:
The ball must be cleared behind the arc before the next attempt.
Jump Ball:
Possession is awarded to the defensive team.
Substitutions are allowed during dead ball situations.
Each team gets one 30-second timeout. Players can request it during dead ball situations.
All 3x3 games are played with a size 6 ball (standardized for 3x3 basketball).
