Why 3 on 3 Basketball/More Info/Rules

Why 3 on 3?

  • More touches, shots, handling the ball, passes, rebounds, etc… for players: On average players will touch the ball 1/6 of the time as opposed to 1/10 of the time in 5v5.
  • Everyone is a guard: One of our rules in 3v3 is if you get a rebound you push the ball up the floor. All players need to learn to dribble with their head up and look to advance the ball.
  • Harder to defend: 3v3 is harder to defend than 5v5, it is more difficult to get away with poor defense so players naturally have to have better help side and ball containment.
  • Great way to build your motion offense: You can still teach almost all the screens and cuts that you would utilize in your 5v5 offense: pass and cut, screen aways, hard curls, ball screens, dribble drive action etc…
  • Fast Game: Due to the shorter floor, players get into the front court faster which provides more shots, passes, rebounds, times defending etc…
  • FUN!! Most important part of the program!

More Information

  • Guaranteed 20 Games
  • Two Leagues: Non-Competitive and Competitive
  • Divisions: 6th, 7th 8th and Highschool (9-12th)
  • Concessions Provided by GSC (Gospel Spreading Church)
  • Location: Melvin Park (across from Hampstead Car Wash)


3 on 3 Rules

  • Home team will shoot for ball at the start of each game
  • Each game will be 20 minutes long. The team must win by only one point.
  • Teams score by either regular two-point baskets, or by three-point shots taken from outside the
    three-point circle. Two Point baskets will be worth 1 point and three-point baskets will be worth 2 points.
  • After a basket has been scored or a foul called, a player must put the ball in play from a line past
    the three-point line above the foul key. Also known as the clear line
  • All held balls will be put into play behind the three-point line with possession given alternately to
    each team.
  • On defensive rebounds or steals, players must return the ball by dribble or pass across the three
    point line before a basket may be attempted. Once across the line, they do not have to pass the
    ball before shooting. Also know as the clear line
  • After a basket, the team scored upon will put the ball in play. No make it take it
  • Fouls will be called by the court monitor/referee. A foul called in the act of shooting will result in
    either one or 2 points being awarded to the team which was fouled, depending on where the
    player was fouled and a change of possession. A non-shooting foul will result in the award of one
    point to the offended team and the ball back.
  • **However, once a team reaches 12 fouls they will be in the bonus. Every foul committed against
    the offense will result in free throws.
  • A foul called in the act of shooting will result in either one or two free throws awarded to the
    team, which was fouled, depending on where the player was fouled. A non-shooting foul will
    result in one free throw to the offended team. All free-throws will have players lined up in the
    lane lines and play live one release.
  • The three-second rule will apply to all offensive players.
  • Substitutions may be made after a basket or an out of bounds play.
  • Each team is only allowed one 30-second timeout.
  • If the game ends in a tie after regulation time there will be a one minute overtime period.
    Possession will be determined by the home team shooting for ball.
  • Ties at the end of any overtime period will result in successive one-minute periods until the tie has
    been broken, with possession alternating each overtime period.