FAQ

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FIBA & 3x3

Why is FIBA embracing 3x3 basketball?

3x3 basketball is already today the number one urban team sport in the world.*

In line with FIBA's vision to make basketball the most popular sports community in the world, FIBA is embracing 3x3 with the aim of further promoting, uniting and developing the game of basketball.

FIBA believes that 3x3 presents an excellent opportunity to attract new people to basketball and to raise awareness that everyone can play basketball, anywhere in the world.

Embracing an additional stand-alone discipline offers the opportunity to extend the reach of participating or hosting countries in international competitions.

* according to an IOC-commisionned study

What's FIBA's vision for 3x3 basketball?

Establish a pro FIBA 3x3 World Tour that allows 3x3 stars to make a living out of 3x3. Create the largest sports community in the world by having all 3x3 events worldwide included in the play.fiba3x3.com event directory.

When was 3x3 added to the Olympic Program?

On June 9 2017, 3x3 was added to the Olympic Program, starting from the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Is 3x3 being introduced in other international competitions?

Yes. 3x3 has been part of the Youth Olympic Program since 2010. There are 3x3 World Cups for men and women (senior and U18) every year. In addition, there has been a yearly, city-based FIBA 3x3 World Tour since 2012.

Additionally, basketball is played in multi-sports events such as the Asian Games, the European Games, the Mediterranean Games and many more.

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Events

What is FIBA's Competition Network?

FIBA's integrated competition network comprises of all FIBA-endorsed events, from standalone events to the qualifiers and Masters of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

What is a FIBA-endorsed event?

Any event can be endorsed. The requirements are that the organiser:

  • Uses the FIBA 3x3 rules.
  • Uses the freeware EventMaker for the management of the tournament,including the upload of results.
  • Ensures that all participating players are registered on play.fiba3x3.com
  • Grants FIBA royalty-free licence to amend, use and distribute footage and photographs of the event.

What competition format can be endorsed by FIBA ?

The classic format to be in place is round robins followed by a knock-out phase, leading to a final game; standings are calculated to force rank all the participating teams. Additional formats such as single elimination bracket are also available.

What is the minimum number of teams per tournament?

The minimum number of teams is four in the classic format and eight in single elimination. Minimum category or division size is 4 teams.

Are there specific scoresheets available for 3x3 basketball?

Yes, 3x3-specific scoresheets are used to keep track of the scoring within a game while, once the game ends, results are managed electronically by Event Maker.

What's the time slot to be allocated when playing full or basic rules?

Practice shows that a 10 minutes game can be played within a 20 minute timeframe.

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3x3 Tours

What is a 3x3 Tour?

A 3x3 Tour is a series of at least three FIBA-endorsed events tournaments linked together usually leading to a final although not mandatory. There can be more than one 3x3 tour in any given country. Tours can be awarded Quest or Lite Quest status and become part of the Path to the World Tour.

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3x3 Digital Platform

What tools are available to help me in organizing 3x3 events?

Event Maker is the official free-of-charge tournament management software for FIBA 3x3 Endorsed events.

play.fiba3x3.com is the community for players about tournament and player rankings.

Related links:

For more FAQ:s on the digital platform check help.fiba3x3.com

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Ranking

What are the basic principles behind the FIBA 3x3 ranking?

The individual ranking is an indicator central to FIBA's ranking system.

The Ranking is a player's individual position among registered FIBA 3x3 players based on points won at FIBA endorsed competitions. A complete explanation is available in the Ranking Full Guide and Ranking Quick Guide documents.

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Equipment

What is the official surface for 3x3 basketball?

There is no mandatory surface for 3x3 basketball; a tournament can take place on concrete, asphalt, existing or temporary courts. Playability and player safety are key components when choosing a surface.

What is the size of a 3x3 court?

The official court size is 15 meters in length and 11 in width with 1.5 meter boundaries. The court markings for the key and the arc are the same as on a standard court.

Accordingly, a standard basketball court falls within the recommended dimensions and allows two 3x3 games to be played simultaneously.

Where can equipment (courts, backstops, hoops, outdoor shot-clocks, scoreboards) be purchased/ordered?

Check out the FIBA Equipment and Venue Centre website for all information about equipment for 3x3 basketball.

Enlio, Schelde, Wilson and Magic Sky are the official suppliers of courts, backstop units, balls and canopies for FIBA 3x3 official competitions respectively.

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Eligibility & Teams

What is the maximum number of players per team in a tournament?

Teams are composed of three players, plus one possible substitute. Accordingly, the maximum number of players is four.

How are teams put together or selected?

A team is composed of a group of friends, team-mates, co-workers, etc. For nationality-based competition (such as the FIBA 3x3 World Cups, Olympic Games, etc.), each National Federation is responsible for selecting the team. National team players must be registered on play.fiba3x3.com.

How are players chosen to the national team?

Player selection for national team is a national federation prerogative and has to follow any of the following two models:

  • National team selection is a national federation prerogative and has to follow the principle of aligning a competitive team;
  • Only players registered in play.fiba3x3.com are eligible to play;
  • In order to be eligible for national team purposes, a player cannot have previously played for the national team (5v5 or 3x3) of another country in an Official Competition (other than with a exceptional authorization by the FIBA Secretary General);
  • The list of players (4 players) of the teams participating in national-team 3x3 Official Competitions have to be filled electronically via play.fiba3x3.com back-end by the corresponding national federation member within the given deadlines for each competition.

Are coaches foreseen in the teams?

Coaching is not allowed during the competitions. However, coaches or trainers are welcome in preparation to a competition or to increase the skill level of the players.

Is there a specific ball for 3x3?

Yes, FIBA partnered with Wilson to develop a specific FIBA 3x3 ball. You can find more information about the ball in the Ball section of this website.

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