3v3 basketball rules | Strafford Sports Center

3v3 rules

General Rules

  • Referee to determine which team gets the ball first.
  • 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.
  • After a basket has been scored or a foul called, a player must put the ball in play from the three-point line above the foul key.
  • On fouls— each foul called will result in 1 point AND the ball for the offended team. After a team has reached 15 points- when fouled, a team will shoot free throws (1 and 1).
  • 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.
  • After a basket, the team scored upon will put the ball in play.
  • The three-second rule will apply to all offensive players
  • Substitutions may be made after a basket or an out of bounds play.
  • A made shooting foul, under 15 points, will result in a free throw attempt. It’s a live ball, if made, the ball goes to the opposing team.

length of games

  • All games will have two 15 minute halves.

Fouls

  • After a foul is called, a player must put the ball in play from the three-point line above the foul key.
  • All held balls will be put into play behind the three-point line with possession given alternately to each team.
  • Each foul called will result in 1 point AND the ball for the offended team. So early in the game, teams are punished more for fouling, but only up to 15 points. After that, the offended team must earn the point.
  • Once a team reaches 15 points 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 two or three 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 once released.
  • Players will be fouled out after 6 fouls.

Overtime Rules

  • Overtime will consist of a Free Throw contest. 
  • One player from each team will shoot until one team made a shot and the other team misses.

timeouts

  • Each team is allowed 2 forty-five second timeouts per game.

forfeit time

  • Game time is forfeit time.
  • A team must have 3 players to start the game.
  • A team may not “pick up” players not on their team to have enough to play unless the opposing coach approves. If the opposing coach protests, the game may be played with the understanding that the team using the “pick up” players will officially forfeit the game, no matter the score.
  • This rule is in the interest of kids getting to play a game no matter the situations.

Goal height

  • K-1st grade boys and girls – 8ft goal
  • 2nd grade boys and girls – 9ft goal
  • 3rd-12th grade boys and girls – 10ft goal
    • NOTE: 3rd grade can request a 9ft goal if players are having difficulties with the 10ft goal

ball size

  • K-6th grade boys and girls – 28.5″, regulation girls ball
  • 7th-12th grade girls – 28.5″, regulation girls ball
  • 7th-12th grade boys – 29.5″, regulation boys ball

free throw distance

  • NOTE: K-4th grade players may land on line, but not cross it.
  • K-2nd grade  – Shoot from 9 feet
  • 3rd grade  – Shoot from 12 feet
  • 4th-12th grade – Shoot from regulation

uniforms

  • All players must have uniforms/shirts of matching colors and numbers on the back. Homemade t-shirts with numbers written on the back are fine too.
  • Teams are encouraged to have reversible uniforms in the event both teams have the same colors.

lane violation

  • K-2nd grade – no rule. Taller players will be encouraged to not “camp out” in the lane.
  • 3rd grade – 5 seconds, official will verbally assisted
  • 4th grade – 3 seconds, loosely enforced, verbally assisted
  • 5th-12th grade – 3 seconds enforced

Bench rules

  • Each team may have no more than 2 coaches and only one may stand and/or address officials.
  • Water and sport drinks only on the bench and only in bottles or closed cups.
  • No soda on the benches.

technicals

  • A technical foul assessed to a player or coach will result in 2pts for the team and possession.
  • A second technical in a single game will result in immediate forfeiture of current game.
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