3x3 basketball is an Olympic discipline with its own rules, different from 5x5: it's played on a half court with a single hoop, in short, intense games with 1- and 2-point scoring. This summary covers the official FIBA 3x3 rules that govern most tournaments. It's a practical guide; for federated competition, always check the official FIBA rulebook.
The court, the ball and the teams
3x3 is played on a half court with a single hoop. The official court measures 15 × 11 meters, though many grassroots tournaments adapt to the space available. The ball is special: size 6 (like the women's ball) but with the weight of a size 7, so it bounces and feels like a men's basketball.
Each team is made up of 4 players: 3 on the court and 1 substitute. The team with more points at the end wins, and substitutions are free at any dead ball, behind the baseline, without the referee's involvement.
Duration and how to win
A game lasts 10 minutes of running time (the clock stops on dead balls and free throws) or until a team reaches 21 points, whichever happens first. That "first to 21" is one of 3x3's defining features: a game can end well before the 10 minutes are up.
If the score is tied at the end of regulation, an overtime is played: it's not first-to-one-point, it's won by the first team to score 2 points. There's a short one-minute break before overtime.
Scoring (1 and 2 points)
3x3 scoring is different from 5x5:
- 1 point for every basket scored inside the arc.
- 2 points for every basket scored from behind the arc (the line is at 6.75 m).
- 1 point for every free throw.
That's why reaching 21 doesn't mean 21 baskets: a good outside shooter can close out a game very quickly.
Possessions and check-ball
Ball handling is what confuses people coming from 5x5 the most:
- Start and dead ball: after a foul or a violation, play resumes with a check-ball — the defender hands the ball to the attacker at the top of the arc — before putting it into play.
- After a basket: the team that conceded inbounds the ball from under the hoop by dribbling or passing; there's no check-ball, play continues.
- "Clearing" the ball: after a defensive rebound, a steal or a loose ball recovery, the team must bring the ball behind the arc (both feet) before it can attack the hoop.
The shot clock is 12 seconds. In held-ball situations, possession goes to the defense ("defense wins ties").
Fouls and free throws
Fouls are counted per team, and the penalty increases with the total:
- Fouls 1 through 6: no free throws, unless committed on a player in a shooting motion.
- Foul on a shooting motion: 1 free throw if it was a 1-point shot, 2 free throws if it was a 2-point shot. If the basket goes in, it counts and 1 free throw is added.
- Team fouls 7, 8 and 9: 2 free throws.
- Team foul 10 and beyond: 2 free throws and possession for the team that was fouled.
Each team also has one timeout per game.
3x3 vs 5x5 — key differences
If you already know traditional basketball, remember these differences: half court with one hoop; 10 minutes or 21 points; 1 and 2 points instead of 2 and 3; a 12-second shot clock instead of 24; the ball must be cleared behind the arc after every change of possession; and overtime is won at 2 points. Everything else (double dribble, traveling, personal fouls) is very similar to 5x5.
Ready to put these rules into practice? Read how to organize a 3x3 basketball tournament step by step or check out the upcoming events run with 21POINTS.