3×3 Basketball Rules – The History And Evolution

The first official rules for the “3on3 basketball game” (as the sport was referred to at the time) were introduced to the public in 2007 by FIBA and were utilized later in the year during the Asian Indoor Games in Macau, in which 3on3 basketball was played for demonstration. As opposed to the current rules, the start of the game was with a jump ball on the free-throw point, and had two periods of eight minutes each. It was played with an offensive shooting clock that was set at 16 seconds, and used the same scoring rules that are used for traditional basketball. The rules changed in sweeping fashion so new rules were introduced in 2010 by FIBA 3×3, and FIBA 3×3 continued to adapt them through the years. 3×3 rules were constantly evolving and changing as FIBA 3×3 were accelerating the game to create a spectacle that was fast and furious.

Just one rule change could change the course of the game. The NBA’s introduction of the shot clock of 24 seconds in 1954 immediately transformed the game’s pace and helped increase scoring by removing slow-down tactics. As a result, the scoring rose from 79.5 points per match during the 1953-1954 season to 93.1 scoring points per game just one season later.

There have been several meaningful changes to the 3×3 rules; however, the fundamental rules have remained the same since the day it was officially launched. This includes all rules for dribbling violations, clearing the ball behind the arc upon receiving a basket, playing on one basket, and teams comprised of three starting players and one substitute and other things.

Three-on-Three Streetball Rules

Before 3×3 was a basketball discipline that was officially recognized, the players loved playing three-on-three streetball on one basket (“twenty-one”) at outdoor courts for fun. The predecessor of 3×3 didn’t only significantly influence basketball culture, but it also laid the critical foundation for the present official rules for 3×3. Twenty-one has no official rules; however, its unofficial rules are almost identical throughout the globe.

The basic rules of twenty-one are almost identical to current 3×3 rules:

In both games, a game is played on a single basket with three players per team. The first team with 21 points is the winner of the game. Additionally, both games have the same scoring and dribbling rules. There is also no personal foul limit. When a defense team has rebounded the ball within the two-point arc, teams must first clear the ball out of the two-point arc before scoring.

But there are some distinct rules that distinguish the two sports apart. For example, when compared to 3×3 as it is in its current format, 21 is not as quick because it doesn’t have an offense shot counter, a penalty for team bonus, and has more frequent dead ball scenarios.

In contrast to modern 3×3, where after every basket, teams switch possession and the game continues, the offensive team in 21 remains on the offensive after each scored basket and then begins another play with the check ball at the top of the two-point arc, which significantly affects the speed that the sport is played. In addition, in pick-up 21, a two-point win differential is needed. There aren’t any referees, and players have to decide fouls.

This is where the game’s and 3×3’s innate aggressiveness has evolved. It is clear that the 3×3 rules are derived from official basketball rules as well as unofficial 3-on-3 streetball rules. While particular rules have been kept, others have been extensively altered.

Notable 3×3 Rule Changes Over the Years

2010-2013

In the year 2010, FIBA 3×3 modified their initial rules, but without altering the freedom in street basketball. But the rules for 3×3 were at that time different than those in the present version. For instance, in the first official 3×3 international event, 3×3 took place on a standard basketball half-court, with each team shooting from one hoop for two five-minute periods. It was fast-paced, with a shot timer of 10 seconds for the attacking team and no time-outs. As a result, teams were able to win before the end of regulation by being first to score 33 points.

In that era, there was a possibility of coaching in the game; however, no dunking was allowed unless pressure-released rings were in use. Scores were three points for each successful throw from the back of an arc, 2 points for one shot inside the arc, and 1 point for each free throw. These rules, which were like traditional basketball rules, were later changed because FIBA was keen for its new sport to be more distinct with a unique identity.

3×3 took on a new form and looked similar to the game we play today during the 2010 U18 3×3 World Cup, in which shoot time was set at 12 seconds. 21 points were required to allow a team to win in regulation time.

The scoring system was changed to the one we’ve appreciated the most: 2 points from outside the arc, and 1 point inside. The new scoring system meant that the two-point shot was worth twice as much as an inside-the-arc shot which rewarded long-range shots, which are a magnificent element of basketball.

2013-2015

In 2013 FIBA 3×3 changed its rules and raised the number of points earned for a dunk up to two points. This is the same amount awarded to shots made from the back of an arc. However, after carefully observing how the rules affected the game throughout the season, FIBA returned to awarding only one point for a shot.

In 2014, FIBA 3×3 made essential rule changes to improve the game’s speed even more. They introduced the team foul bonus after six fouls per team, awarding the team that has been fouled 2 free throws after the threshold is met. Following the 10th team foul, the team that is in opposition is given two free throws and the possession of the ball. This was considered essential to keep the speed of play and penalize overtly physical defense. Rules for personal fouls that removed players from the game following five fouls were eliminated. In addition, if the defense team got the ball in the 2 point arc, even through the steal, they needed to clear the ball behind the arc.

The penalty for technical fouls was reduced in 2015 from two possessions plus free throws down to only a single free throw and possession.

2016-2020

Between 2016 and 2020, FIBA 3×3 was able to make additional significant changes to the rules to distinguish itself even more from traditional basketball.

In the year 2016, FIBA 3×3 expanded the offensive rule named stalling, when a player’s inactivity is considered to be a violation. From that point, dribbling inside the arc with the back turned towards the basket for more than five consecutive seconds was a rule violation. This motivated more face-to-face playing and improved the appearance and aesthetics of the game.

A significant change that clearly distinguished 3×3 from traditional basketball, coaches weren’t allowed to approach the playing court, and teams were punished with a technical foul if they were coached in-game. FIBA 3×3 also modified the U12 categories to create a better suitable environment for that age group and make the sport more appealing to children.

In the year 2017, FIBA 3×3 issued its rule interpretations and clarified the way it makes decisions. Then, the challenges were implemented to underline the benefits of the system of instant replay, which was tested in 2016, and clearly helped officials in making rightful decisions.

In the year 2018, one of the primary aims of referees was to increase protection for shooters and skillful players while cracking down on situations like pushing, grabbing, and screening – especially in pick and roll situations – and without the ball movement.

“Every year, we focused on a specific rule (or more) to clean up the game and encourage skillful players, and on August 29, 2019, the “Official 3×3 Basketball Rules” manual was released, and we no longer made reference to the five-on-five game.”

Vlad Ghizdareanu, FIBA 3×3 referee

Evolution of the official 3×3 basketball rules: