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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