Everything you need to know about 3 on 3 basketball (2024)

3 on 3 basketball, also known as 3x3 or streetball, is a sport that's played all over the world. Unlike a standard game of basketball, 3 on 3 is played with three players from each team on the court and only uses one hoop. The International Basketball Federation, commonly known as FIBA, developed a universal set of rules for 3 on 3 basketball and now organizes international competitions.

The History of 3 on 3 Basketball

While individuals have been playing casual games of streetball for ages, FIBA didn't begin focusing on it until 2007. FIBA introduced a variation of 3 on 3 basketball in Singapore at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games. It chose 3 on 3 basketball because it offers a young, positive image and doesn't require a lot of equipment to play. It also hoped that the sport would create a worldwide interest in the game of basketball. And, well, it worked.

In September 2011, FIBA's first 3 on 3 U18 World Cup for both boys and girls was held in Rimini, Italy. In June 2012, the player community and tournament network platform 3x3Planet was set in motion, finalizing the introduction of nationally competitive 3 on 3 basketball.

The Official FIBA Basketball Rules of the Game apply to all 3 on 3 games unless stated otherwise in the rules. The following are a shortened version of the official rules of the game for your reading pleasure.

3x3 basketball is played on a half court with only one basket. A standard 3x3 court size is roughly 49 feet wide and 36 feet deep. It has the typical basketball court lines, including the 19-foot free-throw line, a 22-foot two-point line, and a no-charge zone underneath the basket. Half of a standard basketball court can be used for a 3x3 game.

For official FIBA competitions, a size 6 ball should be used.

Both teams have a total of four players — three players on the court and one substitute.

If a player successfully makes a shot inside the arc, it's worth one point. A successful shot behind the arc earns two points, and successful free throws are worth one point.

Each game is made up of one 10-minute period. The clock will stop for dead ball situations and free throws. Once the offensive team has contact with the ball, the clock will restart.

Whichever team scores 21 points or more prior to the end of the playing time wins the game. If the score is tied when the clock runs out, the game goes into overtime. There will be a one-minute break, and then the first team to score two points in overtime wins.

After six fouls, a team enters a penalty situation. After nine fouls, any subsequent fouls are considered technical fouls. If a foul is committed while a player is shooting inside the arc, then one free throw is awarded. Fouls committed while shooting outside the arc result in two free throws.

If a foul is committed while shooting, and the shot is successful, then only one free throw is granted. The seventh, eighth, and ninth team foul, as well as the 10th and any following team, technical, or unsportsmanlike fouls, will always result in two free throws.

After a free throw due to unsportsmanlike conduct or a technical foul, the awarded team keeps possession of the ball through an exchange at the top of the court.

To resume the game after a successful shot or free throw, a player from the non-scoring team must dribble or pass the ball to the top of the court behind the arc. The defensive team should not make a play for the ball in the no-charge zone, or semicircle, under the hoop.

If the offensive team recovers the ball after a failed shot or free throw, then it's allowed to continue playing without taking the ball behind the arc at the top. If the defensive team gets the rebound or steals the ball, then it must pass or dribble the ball to the top, behind the arc.

In a dead ball situation, the game is resumed after an exchange of the ball behind the arc at the top of the court. In order to be considered behind the arc, both feet must be behind the arc without stepping on the line. If a jump ball situation happens, the defensive team is given the ball.

Each team is given one 30-second time-out that can be called during a dead ball situation.

3 on 3 basketball is one of a few new additions to the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. The Olympic competition will follow FIBA's current rules, including the use of a 12-second shot clock and one 10-minute period.

While this sport will still rely on impressive basketball talent such as in the NBA, the rules and style of the game add a few key differences. For starters, it's much more fast-paced due to the 12-second shot clock. There are also fewer players on the court, leaving a lot of space to drive the ball. This allows for constant movement and a quicker game, allowing for an even more exciting experience.

In addition to speed, there's also shooting. While shooting is obviously an important skill in basketball, it's especially important in 3 on 3 basketball. When the game is only 10 minutes long and the first team to 21 points wins, the stakes on every shot are much higher, making this a riveting game to both play and watch.

Where to Watch a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament

To watch a competitive game of 3 on 3 basketball, take a look at Red Bull's 3x3 Basketball Tournament, RedBull 3X. RedBull's 3X series will hold tournaments in 21 cities around the U.S. With qualifier events in Phoenix, Cleveland, Boston, and more, RedBull and USA Basketball hope to develop the most skilled and competitive game of 3x3 basketball the world has ever seen. Individuals, both men and women, who compete in RedBull's 3X Qualifier events will be given FIBA points and a chance at a spot on the USA Basketball 3x3 National Teams.

If you're looking to play a game of 3x3 from the comfort of your own home, check out Red Bull's 3X online game. Play the game and enter your score for a chance at winning various prizes, including an amazing trip with RedBull and USA Basketball. The more you play and increase your score, the better your chances are of winning the grand prize.

What started as pick-up ball with friends has led to a thrilling, competitive sport that will have you cheering from the edge of your seat. The rise of 3 on 3 basketball is a journey you don't want to miss. From RedBull's 3X series to the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, this sport is about to take off. To stay in the know and keep up with the competition, make sure you follow the 21 qualifier events that will be taking place throughout the U.S.