3×3 basketball, also known as street basketball, is a sport derived from traditional basketball. Originating in the streets and urban parks, 3×3 has gained popularity around the world and, in 2020, became an Olympic sport.
This more compact version of basketball offers a fast and intense experience on urban courts, letting individual skill and team strategy come to the fore. With this in mind, we’ve brought you more knowledge about this sport, bringing you a guide with the main rules of 3×3 basketball.
In this article, we’ll explore in detail the rules that make up the sport, covering everything from the structure and size of the court to infractions and penalties. We’ll also talk about the length of the game, the scoring system and the number of players on the court.
Each rule will be covered to offer a more complete understanding of this sport that is gaining more and more fans! It’s time to find out what the rules of 3×3 basketball are!
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3×3 basketball rules: complete list
- Court
- Duration
- Score
- Infringements
- Players
- Other rules
3×3 basketball rules: court
The 3×3 basketball court is significantly smaller than the traditional basketball court, which is its main characteristic. With official measurements of 15 meters wide by 11 meters long, it is adapted to provide a faster, more dynamic and intense game.
The playing area is delimited by lines marking the three-point zone, the painted area and the free-throw line. The three-point zone in 3×3 is a semicircle with a radius of 6.75 meters from the center of the hoop, the same as in traditional sports, but extending only to the half-court sideline.
The painted area, also known as a “demijohn”, has the same dimensions as in conventional basketball. And the free throw line is located 5.8 meters from the basket.
It’s worth noting that 3×3 is played with just one basket, located in the center of one end of the court. The presence of a single basket reinforces the dynamic of rapid transition between defense and offense, a hallmark of this sport that makes everything more exciting.
3v3 basketball rules: duration
The game of 3×3 basketball is characterized by a very compact and dynamic format, with each game lasting a maximum of 10 minutes of running time. Unlike traditional basketball, there are no stops on the clock, except in specific situations such as time-outs, injuries or special situations defined by the referees during the match.
If a 3×3 basketball team reaches 21 points before the end of the 10 minutes, the match is immediately ended and that team is declared the big winner. Therefore, every possession is crucial to the progress of the game and victory.
In the event of a draw at the end of 10 minutes, the match is decided in extra time. In this, the first team to score two points is declared the winner, which makes it even more exciting to watch or play.
3v3 basketball rules: scoring
In 3v3 basketball, scoring is a little different from the traditional basketball system. So baskets that are made inside the three-point line are worth one point, while baskets made beyond the three-point line are worth two points. Through this rule, we see a balance between the inside game and long-distance shots.
In the case of free throws, which are awarded after fouls committed during a shot attempt, each basket is worth one point. The number of free throws awarded can vary depending on the situation, such as fouls committed on two-point shots or in bonus situations, when a team exceeds the limit of fouls allowed.
The scoring strategy in 3v3 is very important to consider, as the value of the baskets and the speed of the game require quick and precise decisions from the players to increase their chances of scoring.
3v3 basketball rules: infractions
Here are the main infractions committed in 3v3 basketball:
- Walking: happens when a player takes more than two steps without bouncing the ball on the floor, the same as dribbling;
- Double dribble: when a player interrupts the dribble by holding the ball with both hands and then starts dribbling again;
- Three seconds: an attacking player may not remain in the painted area for more than three consecutive seconds while his team has possession of the ball;
- Five seconds: the player has up to five seconds to pass, dribble or shoot the ball after receiving it;
- 12 seconds: the team in possession of the ball has 12 seconds to attempt a shot at the basket;
- Stepping out of line: the ball or the player in possession of it may not touch or cross the sideline or the end line;
- Personal foul: when a player has illegal physical contact with an opponent, such as illegally pushing, holding, hitting or blocking;
- Unsportsmanlike foul: is a physical contact that, according to the referees’ analysis, is excessive or intentionally violent;
- Technical foul: is committed due to inappropriate conduct by a player or coach. Examples: arguing with the referee, using inappropriate language or other unsportsmanlike behavior;
- Team foul: when a team commits more than six collective fouls during the game.
3×3 basketball rules: players
As its name suggests, 3×3 basketball is played with only three players from each team on the court, with a maximum of one substitute per team. Rotation between players is unlimited, but can only occur during stoppages in the game, such as after a basket, foul or time-out.
With a smaller structure, the game’s matches end up being more open and dynamic, allowing each player to be versatile and capable of playing both offensive and defensive roles. Communication between players is essential for success on the court!
3v3 basketball rules: other rules
In addition to the main rules, there are several others that are part of 3v3 basketball. After a successful shot, for example, or a converted free throw, the opposing team must restart the game from the baseline, inside the three-point semicircle area. In traditional basketball, the situation is different, as the ball is retaken at the site of the basket.
Another important rule in this sport is the check ball, used to restart the game after fouls, violations or fouls. With this, the defender gives the ball to the attacker outside the three-point line, and the game restarts when the attacker gives the ball back to the defender, meaning the game restarts.
It’s worth remembering that 3×3 basketball encourages sportsmanship and respect between players. Unsportsmanlike conduct, such as taunts and inappropriate behavior, is therefore strictly penalized in order to maintain the integrity of the game and ensure a healthy competitive environment.
3×3 basketball rules: complete list
- Court
- Duration
- Score
- Infringements
- Players
- Other rules
3×3 basketball rules
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