TL;DR: FIBA 3x3 basketball is played on a half-court (15 m x 11 m / 49.2 ft x 36 ft) with one hoop, three players per side plus one substitute, and games run to 21 points or 10 minutes, whichever comes first. Inside the arc shots are 1 point; outside the arc 2 points. Became an Olympic sport in Tokyo 2020. The official ball is Size 6 with a Size 7 weight - a hybrid spec.
What 3x3 basketball is
FIBA 3x3 is a half-court, three-on-three basketball variant standardized by FIBA in 2007. It evolved from streetball, was developed into a structured competitive sport, and became an Olympic medal event at the 2020 Tokyo Games (held 2021). The sport is played with a single hoop and rotates possession quickly - games are tight, high-tempo, and lend themselves to outdoor and arena spectacle.
FIBA 3x3 has its own ranking system, World Tour, and Olympic qualification path - it's a distinct sport from traditional 5-on-5 basketball, not a casual variant.
The 3x3 court
Official FIBA 3x3 court dimensions:
- Playing area: 15 m x 11 m (49.2 ft x 36 ft) - approximately one half of a regulation 5-on-5 court.
- Arc (3-point line equivalent): 6.75 m (22.1 ft) from the basket center - same as the FIBA 5-on-5 line.
- Free-throw line: 5.80 m (19 ft) from the basket - same as 5-on-5.
- Key (no-charge semicircle): 1.25 m radius around the basket.
The court can be built indoors or outdoors. For permanent installations, look at FIBA-certified 25 ft x 25 ft court tile kits using the same surface system installed at the Olympic Games and FIBA World Tour events.
The 3x3 ball (it's not a Size 6 OR a Size 7)
FIBA 3x3 uses a unique ball spec that surprises a lot of players:
- Circumference: 28.5 in (Size 6 - same as women's 5-on-5)
- Weight: 22 oz (Size 7 - same as men's 5-on-5)
- Result: A ball that's smaller but heavier than expected - dribbles low and tight, ideal for the tight quarters of 3x3 play.
This hybrid spec was finalized in 2013 and has been consistent across all FIBA 3x3 sanctioned events including the Olympics.
Key rules: how a 3x3 game runs
Differences from 5-on-5 (the ones that actually change how the game feels):
- Game length: 10 minutes OR first to 21 points. Whichever comes first ends the game.
- Shot clock: 12 seconds (much faster than 5-on-5's 24).
- Scoring: Inside-the-arc shot = 1 point. Outside-the-arc shot = 2 points. Free throws = 1 point each.
- Possession after made basket: The defending team takes the ball out - no inbound stoppage; play continues at speed.
- Possession after rebound: The ball must clear the arc on a change-of-possession before a shot can be attempted.
- Substitutions: Made at the dead ball, by tagging the incoming player.
- Fouls: Team fouls accumulate; after 6 team fouls the opposing team shoots 2 free throws. Personal fouls don't foul out players the same way.
Building a 3x3 program
For schools, clubs, and parks investing in 3x3 infrastructure:
- Court surface: Modular tile systems are the standard for outdoor 3x3. The USA Enlio FIBA-certified 25 ft x 25 ft Club Kit is the same surface used at the Olympics.
- Hoop: Single regulation hoop at 10 ft. Portable hoops work; permanent in-ground installations are more common for facilities.
- Coaching board: Half-court layout. Our 3x3 magnetic coaching board (15.7 x 12.6 in) shows the exact FIBA 3x3 half-court markings.
- Uniforms: 3x3 traditionally uses tank tops with no sleeves. The custom reversible uniforms collection works well for 3x3 pickup tournaments.
Equip a complete 3x3 setup
For programs investing in 3x3, the complete setup is: court surface + hoop + ball + coaching board + uniforms. Hoopsbasket ships all of these. Browse our 3x3 basketball collection for the complete program package, or start with the custom basketball coaching boards collection if you're a coach diagramming plays.
Related reading
- FIBA vs NBA rules: the complete comparison
- NBA court dimensions and court equipment
- NBA basketball size: official dimensions
Images: Pixabay. Used under the Pixabay Content License.
