07/08/2026
3X3 or 3-ON-3?
Since 2017, I’ve been personally studying, learning, and memorizing the FIBA 3x3 Basketball Rules.
I’ve noticed that some leagues here in the Philippines, especially in barrios/barangays, modify certain rules of 3x3 basketball. There is nothing wrong with creating house rules for a local tournament, but let’s be clear about the distinction: once you modify the official FIBA 3x3 rules, you are no longer playing strictly under FIBA 3x3 rules. You are playing a modified 3-on-3 format.
So, let’s clarify some of the basic FIBA 3x3 rules:
FIBA 3x3 BASIC RULES
🏀 1. Game Duration
* The game is played for a maximum of 10 minutes.
* However, the game ends earlier if a team reaches 21 points.
* If the score is tied after 10 minutes, overtime is played.
* In overtime, the first team to score 2 points wins. (FIBA Basketball)
🏀 2. Team Composition
* Each team has a maximum of 4 players:
* 3 players on the court
* 1 substitute
🏀 3. Basketball
* Official FIBA 3x3 competitions use a size 6 ball, with the weight of a size 7 ball. (Cloudinary)
🏀 4. Scoring
* A basket scored inside the arc = 1 point
* A basket scored behind the arc = 2 points
* A free throw = 1 point (FIBA Basketball)
🏀 5. Team Fouls
* Upon reaching 7 team fouls: the opposing team is awarded 2 free throws.
* Upon reaching 10 team fouls: the opposing team is awarded 2 free throws PLUS possession of the ball.
🏀 6. Shot Clock
* A team has only 12 seconds to attempt a shot once it gains possession. (FIBA Basketball)
🏀 7. Half-Court Game
* FIBA 3x3 is played on one basket / half court, with two teams of three players.
🏀 8. After a Made Basket
* The team that was scored on gets possession and must take the ball from underneath the basket before continuing play.
🏀 9. Clearing the Ball
* After a change of possession, the new offensive team must take the ball behind the arc before attempting to score.
🏀 10. Substitutions
* Substitutions may be made when the ball becomes dead, and the substitute enters through the designated substitution area.
🏀 11. Check Ball
* Play begins or restarts with a check ball at the top of the arc between the offensive and defensive players.
🏀 12. No Jump Ball
* 3x3 does not begin with a traditional center-court jump ball. Possession is determined according to the 3x3 rules.
ONE IMPORTANT POINT
There is a difference between FIBA 3x3 and a local 3-on-3 tournament using modified rules.
A league is free to establish its own competition format, but it should clearly state that it is using modified/local 3-on-3 rules rather than calling those modifications official FIBA 3x3 rules.
If we want to call it FIBA 3x3, then we should follow FIBA 3x3. If we modify the rules, that’s okay—but let’s call it what it is: 3-on-3.
Let’s respect the game, understand the rules, and educate our players and coaches. 🏀
Know the rules. Play the rules. Respect the rules.
-DDC
