3s League Official Rules
Based on FIBA 3×3 rules and modified for youth basketball development. Fast-paced games designed for skill-building, fun and player growth.
✅ Simple
Easy-to-learn rules that focus on the fundamentals. Rock-paper-scissors to start, 4 players per team and clear scoring.
⚡ Fast
10-minute games or first to 21 points. Continuous play with 1 timeout per team to keep the action moving.
🎉 Fun
More touches, more shots, more opportunities to shine. Every player stays engaged throughout the game.
Detailed Rules
Everything you need to know to play 3s League basketball.
Game Format & Scoring
Game Duration & Scoring
- •Each game is 10 minutes long or first team to 21 points, whichever comes first
- •1 point for made shots inside the arc; 2 points for made shots beyond the arc
- •Game clock runs continuously — no shot clock
- •If tied at the end of 10 minutes, next score wins (sudden death)
- •Rock-paper-scissors decides first possession in overtime
Starting the Game
- •Rock-paper-scissors decides first possession
- •The winner chooses to start with the ball or defend
Team Composition
- •3 players on court; 1 substitute
- •Minimum of 2 players to avoid forfeit
Ball Sizes
- •Girls and Boys 9U-11U: Size 5 (27.5") basketballs
- •Girls and Boys 12U-14U: Size 6 (28.5") basketballs
Playing Rules
Continuous Play
- •After a made basket, the defense immediately takes the ball from the net — no check-ball
- •After a missed shot and defensive rebound, the ball must be cleared behind the arc before scoring
- •After an offensive rebound, the same team may continue to play and score without clearing
Possession Rules
- •Jump balls go to the defensive team
- •Out-of-bounds goes to the opposing team
- •Substitutions only occur on dead balls before a check-in
Check-Ball Situations
- •Ball is checked at the top after fouls, violations or out-of-bounds plays
- •Defense hands ball to offense; play begins once offensive player has ball in hands
Fouls
- •Personal fouls count as team fouls
- •On the 7th team foul, the opponent is in the bonus
- •Bonus free throws: Foul on a 1-point try = 1 free throw
- •Bonus free throws: Foul on a 2-point try = 2 free throws
- •After 10 team fouls: defensive fouls = 2 free throws + possession
- •Unsportsmanlike/technical fouls = 2 free throws + possession
Stay in the Play!
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