Understanding 3 on 3 Basketball: Rules, Strategies, and Benefits
Basketball, as we traditionally know it, features a 5 on 5 full-court setup. If you go to 4 on 4 in a pick-up game you still normally play full court. 3 on 3 basketball is a grey area but normally forces you to half-court. It just happened to me on Sunday. I was playing old man pick-up ball and we had two injuries in a row and we were down to 7 players. No one wanted to play 3 on 3 so we just quit. That being said 3 on 3 basketball that has been making a big comeback in recent years.
Officially recognized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), and included in the Olympic Games, 3 on 3 basketball gives players with different sets of skill sets (3-point sharpshooters become even more important), a new avenue to keep playing basketball at a high level. In this article, we will delve into the rules, strategies, and benefits of 3 on 3 basketball.
3 on 3 Basketball Rules
There are some key differences between the rules of traditional 5 on 5 basketball and 3 on 3 hoops. Most notably, 3 on 3 basketball is played on a half-court with a single hoop, instead of a full court with two hoops. Each team can have up to four players (three on-court players and one substitute). If you ever played in Hoop It Up tournaments, now owned and operated by Kevin Garnett’s Big Ticket Sports, growing up you may recognize the format.
The scoring system is another important distinction. Baskets scored from inside the arc are worth one point, while baskets scored from outside the arc are worth two points. Games are played in a ten-minute period or until one team scores 21 points, whichever comes first. As a low-percentage three-point shooter this rule always killed me. I thought it put too much emphasis on three-point shooting. But I think that “bug” has now become a “feature” in 3 on 3 basketball to make it unique.
The following are links to the official rules of the major 3 on 3 basketball organizations.
Each league will have their own nuances. As an example, Hoop It Up, has their own set of rules but will then use FIBA rules for thier ProAm League since the winner goes onto play in the FIBA World Tour (might as well get used to the rules).
The style of play in 3 on 3 basketball tends to be different, as there are fewer players on the court and, based on the scoring, emphasis on 3 point shooting. In my mind, a perfect prototype is former NBA player Joe Johnson. 6 feet 7 inches known as “iso joe” for being able to isolate his defenisve player and go 1 on 1 and then a 37% career 3 point shooter. The complete 3 level scorer that is deadly on a spaced 3 on 3 floor. He proved that in winning the BIG3 championship in 2019 with the with the Triplets and winning the MVP in 2021.
Essential Skills and Strategies for 3 on 3 Basketball
The reduced team size in 3 on 3 basketball increases the importance of individual skills such as ball handling, shooting, and defense.
- Ball handling is important since you have extra spacing and need to be able to get past your defender and draw a defensive player to help and then kick it for an open 3 point shot.
- Shooting skill is equally important and especially 3 point shooting (or in this case 2 point) since you get double the points versus a free throw or shot inside the arc.
- Defense is key, as each player is typically responsible for defending an opponent one on one. As soon as someone has to help you are in danger of giving up an open shot beyond the arc.
Teamwork and communication also play an important role in 3 on 3 basketball. Effective offensive strategies often involve a mix of pick and rolls, off-ball screens, and sharp perimeter shooting. On the defensive end, communication is key in coordinating man-to-man defense and switching assignments.
The Benefits of Playing 3 v 3 Basketball
Playing 3 on 3 basketball comes with a number of benefits. From a health perspective, the fast-paced nature of the game makes it a great cardiovascular exercise. Additionally, the smaller team size can lead to more touches of the ball, which can aid skill development and understanding of the game. In addition, this gives you a lot of reps so when you are in 3 on 3 situations during regular 5 on 5 games you will understand the angles and how to attack and defend in those situations.
Socially, playing in smaller groups often fosters closer relationships between teammates. I used to play in the Omaha Hoop It Up tournaments and even traveled to Kansas City for one.
Another big benefit is that can extend your career, while researching this I noticed that fellow Fremont Tiger alumni, Mitch Hahn, was on the 2022 3-on-3 Hoop It Up Pro-Am championship team as pictured below.
He was a good college player but didn’t have the skill set that was going to translate to the NBA. However, he is about 6’7″ and can get to the hoop when he needs to, but most importantly, he is a knockdown 3-point shooter with huge range. That works in 3 v 3 and may allow him to continue making money playing basketball for a lot of years. Another player with Nebraska ties, Keisei Tominaga, plays for the Japanese national team. At 6’2″ he makes his living as a 3-point sniper.
Getting Involved in 3 on 3 Basketball
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in 3 v 3 basketball. Many communities have local leagues and tournaments, and websites like Meetup often have postings for pickup games. Additionally, FIBA’s 3×3 Planet is a great resource for finding events and connecting with other players.
If you can’t find a group in your area, consider starting your own. All you need is a half-court and six players!
History of 3 on 3 Basketball
3 on 3 basketball has its roots in street and pickup games, where it was often impractical to gather ten players for a game. Recognizing the potential of this format, FIBA took the initiative to formalize and promote 3 on 3 hoops globally. Since its adoption by FIBA in 2010, the sport has grown rapidly, reaching a milestone when it was included in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Below is a table showcasing the participating teams in the men’s 3×3 basketball tournament at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics:
| Rank | Team | Pts | MP | W | L | p | a | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 13 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 136 | 98 | 38 |
| 2 | Russian Olympic Committee | 12 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 129 | 90 | 39 |
| 3 | China | 12 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 127 | 97 | 30 |
| 4 | Japan | 12 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 130 | 97 | 33 |
| 5 | France | 11 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 118 | 116 | 2 |
| 6 | Italy | 9 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 98 | 125 | -27 |
| 7 | Romania | 8 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 89 | 142 | -53 |
| 8 | Mongolia | 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 79 | 141 | -62 |
The column labels are as follows:
- “Pts”: Points
- “MP”: Matches Played
- “W”: Wins
- “L”: Losses
- “p”: Points For
- “a”: Points Against
- “D”: Point Differential
Conclusion
3 on 3 basketball is an exciting and fast-paced alternative to traditional basketball. It emphasizes individual skills, teamwork, and strategic play, making it a great option for both casual play and competitive games. Whether you’re an experienced player or new to the sport, give 3 on 3 basketball a try – you might just find your new favorite game!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the court size for 3 on 3 basketball?
The court size for 3 on 3 basketball is typically half the size of a full basketball court. It consists of one hoop and a semicircular three-point line. The official dimensions as per FIBA are 15 meters in width and 11 meters in length.
What are the basic rules of 3 on 3 basketball?
In 3 on 3 basketball, each team consists of three players and possibly one substitute. The game is played on a half-court and every successful shot inside the arc is worth one point, outside the arc is worth two points. The first team to reach 21 points or the highest score after 10 minutes wins the game.
How is the game of 3 on 3 basketball started?
Every game of 3 on 3 basketball begins with a coin toss. The team that wins the coin toss gets to choose whether to start with the ball or pass it to the other team.
What are some good strategies for 3 on 3 basketball?
Good strategies for 3 on 3 basketball include mastering the pick and roll, improving ball handling, and implementing strong man-to-man defense. Effective communication and teamwork are also important.
Can 3 on 3 basketball help improve my traditional basketball skills?
Yes, 3 on 3 basketball can significantly help improve your traditional basketball skills. The format of the game allows for more ball touches, leading to better ball handling, shooting, and defensive skills. The fast-paced nature of the game can also enhance decision-making and communication skills.
Troy Wallace
Troy Wallace is Certified Basketball Speed Specialist and shares his experiences in trying to stay as healthy as possible to stay on the court. He is active in coaching youth basketball in YMCA, Team Work Sports Nebraska, and, currently, in the Jr. Warriors program in Omaha, NE. Visit Troy's Full Author Bio Page or email him directly.
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