3x3 basketball: what changes compared with the traditional game

3x3 basketball is a discipline with three players per team, played on a half court with a single hoop. It became better known internationally through its inclusion in top-level multi-sport competitions. The rules are set by FIBA, and details may be updated, so check the current rulebook.

What changes

• Players. In 3x3, each team has three players on court and, generally, one substitute; in the traditional game, there are five on court.
• Court and hoop. 3x3 uses a half court and a single hoop, with both teams attacking and defending at the same one.
• Time. Games are short: as a rule, ten minutes of game time or until a team reaches 21 points, whichever comes first.
• Possession and clock. There is a shorter shot clock, of 12 seconds.
• Scoring. Shots from inside the arc are worth one point, and from outside the arc two points, unlike the 2 and 3 points of the traditional game.
• Ball restart. After a defensive rebound, steal or block, the ball must be "cleared" beyond the arc before attacking. After a basket, the team that conceded restarts from under the basket without clearing the ball.
• Overtime. If tied at the end of regular time, overtime ends when a team scores two points.
• Style. It tends to have more physical contact, a fast pace and fewer substitutions.

Scenarios

• People who want to play in small spaces. 3x3 requires less infrastructure and can be played on street courts.
• People who want quick games. Matches are short.
• People who prefer broader collective strategy. The traditional game offers more tactical combinations.

Criteria

1. Available space.
2. Number of people.
3. Playing time.
4. Physical conditioning.
5. Interest in official rules or a recreational game.

Strengths and limits

3x3 is dynamic, accessible and fast, but the few players demand versatility and a lot of energy. The traditional game has more position specialization and collective strategies, but needs more people and space.

A simple comparison matrix

Little space and few people: 3x3. Full court and a team of five: traditional game. In both disciplines, confirm the rules of the competition or venue.