3x3 is considered the number one urban team sport in the world. Simple and flexible enough to be played anywhere by anybody with a hoop, a half-court and six players, events can be staged outdoor and indoor, often taking place in iconic locations to bring basketball directly to the people.
3x3 (pronounced "three-ex-three" in English) basketball is considered the number one urban team sport in the world. From the first official event at the 2010 Youth Olympics Games to successive appearances at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, as well as the FIBA 3x3 World Cups and World Tours, it continues to grow phenomenally in popularity.
3x3 basketball can be played by anyone, anywhere—whether indoors or outdoors. From local community games on the streets to top-level competitions in iconic venues, it's accessible to all. All it takes is a hoop, a half-court, and six players. The rules are straightforward, making the game fast-paced, thrilling, and exciting. Official events use a size 6 basketball.
Each team consists of three players and one substitute. Each team must have three players on the court when the game begins. Substitutions occur during a dead-ball situation and they can only enter from behind the end line opposite the basket. A substitution becomes official once the player leaving the game has ‘tagged up’ by making physical contact with the substitute.
The game begins with the defensive team passing the ball to the offensive team to signify the start of the game. All offensive players must begin outside of the arc (the opposite side of the arc of the net), and the defensive team must begin inside of the arc. Once the offensive team receives the ball, the clock starts. This exchange is also used to restart the game from any dead ball situation.
Games are played for 10 minutes and the winner is the first team to score 21 or the team with the higher score at the end of the period. Every successful shot inside the arc, including free throws, is awarded one point, while every successful shot outside of the arc (often referred to as ‘downtown’) is awarded two points.
After a made goal or free throw, the play generally restarts with a player from the non-scoring team taking the ball directly under the basket and then dribbling or passing it to a point behind the arc.
The offensive team must attempt a shot for a goal within 12 seconds. An offensive player may also not dribble inside the arc with their back or side to the basket for more than 3 consecutive seconds. For either violation, the defensive team is granted possession.
A tie in the regulation time of 10 minutes leads to an untimed overtime period. The first team to score two points wins the game.