3×3 Basketball
General Sport Description
3×3 Basketball is a variation of basketball, played three-a-side, with one basket/hoop and in a half-basketball court setup. Points are scored by throwing (shooting) the ball through the basket/hoop or by a being awarded a free throw.
The games are fast-paced with the ball being be moved by throwing it to another player (called passing) or by bouncing it with one hand while running or walking (called dribbling).
3×3 is played with a smaller ball than regular basketball although the weight is the same making dribbling, passing and shooting easier.
The winner is the first team to score 21 or the team with the higher score when time is up.
History
3×3 is a basketball format played informally in streets and gyms across the world, evolving from the original basketball game that originated in the United States in the 1890s.
In the late 2000s, 3×3 Basketball game rules started to become standardized throughout the United States, most notably through the ‘Gus Macker’ and ‘Hoop It Up’] tournament series, which held large events including teams and players from all skill levels. Since then, the number of 3×3 events and competitions has been steadily growing around the world.
FIBA took the decision to first test 3×3 at the 2007 Asian Indoor Games in Macau. Further test events were held in April 2008 in the Dominican Republic and October 2008 in Indonesia. The international debut was at the 2009 Asian Youth Games and made its worldwide competitive debut at the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics in Singapore. Since then, world championships in both open and U18 categories are held regularly.
FIBA launched a full program to make 3×3 a standalone game with its own format and regular competitions.
3×3 debuted as an Olympic sport at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
History In World Transplant Games
3×3 Basketball first appeared in the World Transplant Games in 2017 in Malaga, Spain. The event proved extremely popular and continues to be offered as a regular single and a team event.
Why participate in this sport
3×3 Basketball is a past paced exciting game enabling you to have fun whilst helping you to maintain health and fitness.
Playing basketball on a regular basis improves coordination & speed, as well as improving strength & cardiovascular health. Ball handling & dribbling also improve fine motor skills.
Being a team sport allows one to learn how to work with others towards a common goal, which is a critical life skill that a team sport such as basketball instils.
3×3 can be played at all levels so is suited to beginners and players of all ages and abilities.
Participating At A World Transplant Games
The following events take place at a Summer Games:
For a full overview of the Format and Sports Rules for competing at a World Transplant Games – click here
Getting Started
To start an informal game of 3×3 Basketball you will need six players, a half-court and a basketball. There may be basketball courts that you can use at your local playground or leisure/sports centre.
If you are excited by the sport look for a local basketball club – you can find this on the internet. Or you can contact your National Transplant Association for their help to put you in touch with other players and where to find coaching.
Training Concepts
WTG Malaga 2017
Images by Richard Hall
WTG Newcastle 2019
Images by Richard Hall
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