What is 3x3?

What is 3x3?

What used to be a simple half-court game of pick-up has now become an officially recognized sport. This summer, the International Olympic Committee announced the inclusion of 3x3 basketball as an official event in the 2021 Olympics to be held in Tokyo.

BENEFITS of playing 3x3:

• More, more, more! On average, players get 40% more touches on the ball (i.e. shots, handling the ball, passes, rebounds, etc..) when compared to the conventional 5v5 game.
• Everyone is a guard. Because the game requires the ball to be moved quickly, all players need to share in the handling of the ball. This requires that players learn how to dribble with their heads up and look to move the ball quickly.
• You must defend. 3x3 is far more challenging to defend than 5v5. The nature of the game will force players to develop their individual and team defensive skills, particularly help side and ball containment.
• Offensive movement. The basic principles of offence used in 5v5 basketball are essential to the 3x3 game - screen & cut, pass & cut, screening away, hard curls, drive, and dish.
• Speed and quickness are of the essence. With the limitation of time and space, players are required to get the ball in play faster than the 5v5 game which provides for more shots, passes, rebounds, defending opportunities, etc.

 For more information on 3x3 please see FIBA 3x3.

WMBA Modified 3x3 Rules

 The WMBA will use modified rules for 3x3 for all ages. 

*Each game day, a participant age 7-10 will receive a minimum of 24 minutes of gameplay

*Each game day, a participant age 11-18 will receive a minimum of 36 minutes of gameplay