3×3 Basketball – Five Rules to Know

  • Scoring System
    1 point for shots made inside the arc (the entire playing area except beyond the three-point line).
    2 points for shots made from beyond the arc. Free throws are worth 1 point each.
  • Game Duration and Winning
    Games are played for 10 minutes or until a team reaches 21 points. If the score is tied after 10 minutes, the game goes into overtime, where the first team to score 2 points wins.
  • Shot Clock and Possession
    Teams have only 12 seconds to attempt a shot once they gain possession. After a defensive rebound or steal, the ball must be taken beyond the arc before the team can attempt to score.
  • Fouls and Three Throw
    Team fouls are cumulative:
    Up to 6 fouls: Common fouls result in possession for the non-offending team.
    7 to 9 fouls: 2 free throws are awarded.
    10+ fouls: 2 free throws + ball possession for the non-offending team. No personal foul limits, but excessive roughness can result in disqualification.
  • Check Ball and Restarts
    After a dead ball (like a foul or out of bounds), the game restarts with a check ball at the top of the key. There’s no jump ball to start the game; instead, possession is determined by a coin toss.

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