3x3 basketball rules

An official 3x3 court is 15 metres wide and 11 metres long. The game is played at one basket, and the basket and backboard follow standard FIBA equipment requirements: the rim is set at a height of 3.05 metres, while the backboard dimensions are the same as in 5-on-5 basketball.

There are three players from each team on the court. Each team may have no more than one substitute. Official competitions use the prescribed playing surface, basket, court markings, lighting and other equipment in accordance with FIBA standards and the regulations of the specific event.

A basket scored inside the arc is worth one point, while a basket scored from behind the arc is worth two. Every made free throw is worth one point.

A game lasts ten minutes of playing time. It ends earlier if a team reaches 21 points. If the score is tied after ten minutes, overtime follows: the first team to score two points wins.

The shot clock is 12 seconds. If a team does not attempt a shot before it expires, it loses possession.

A game starts with the ball being handed to the opponent at the top of the court. This procedure is called a check-ball. The same procedure is used when play stops and the ball returns to the offensive team without an immediate restart underneath the basket.

After a made basket, the opposing team resumes play from underneath the basket. There is no traditional inbound from the end line: a player takes the ball and dribbles or passes it into the court.

When the defensive team gains possession — through a rebound, steal, block or following a missed shot — it must take the ball behind the arc before starting a new attack. This is called clearing the ball. If a team attempts to score before clearing, the basket does not count.

Personal fouls count towards a team’s total number of fouls. The consequences depend on that total during the game:

Technical, unsportsmanlike and disqualifying fouls are administered under the FIBA 3x3 rules. In a doubtful situation, the official interpretation of the referees and the scorer’s table always takes precedence over the simplified explanation in this guide.

The number of free throws depends on the type of foul and the shooting situation. If a player is fouled while attempting a one- or two-point shot, the number of free throws matches the value of that attempt; if the basket counts despite the foul, one additional free throw follows.

Substitutions are allowed when the ball is dead and before a check-ball or free throw. A substitute may enter only after the player being replaced has left the court.

Each team has one time-out. At events with television production, two television time-outs are also scheduled at the first dead ball after the prescribed moments in the game. Their use is determined by the rules of the specific competition.

Coaching from outside the court is not permitted during the game or time-outs. Decisions on the court are made by the players taking part in the game.

At events that use a video-review system, a team may request a challenge in prescribed situations, for example to review a decision on a made basket, the expiration of the clock, a shooting foul or certain out-of-bounds situations.

The rules limit some requests concerning the last touch before the ball goes out of bounds or an uncalled situation immediately before a basket or a foul. Such a challenge may only be requested in the final two minutes of the game, when either team has at least 19 points, or during overtime.

A challenge applies only if the specific event provides it as part of its official organisation. The exact scope of review, available footage and final decision are governed by FIBA rules and the rules of the competition.

This guide simplifies the rules to give readers a clear starting point. For complete and current information, consult the official FIBA 3x3 rules and their interpretations; they take precedence over this summary.