In the dynamic realm of Canadian sports, where hockey and traditional 5-on-5 basketball have long dominated, a new player has emerged on the scene. 3×3 basketball. The fast-paced variation of the game has rapidly gained popularity, especially after its inclusion in the 2020 Olympic Games.
Though 3×3 basketball has roots dating back to the 1980s, its global recognition surged only recently. In Canada, the sport has made significant strides, with the women’s national team consistently excelling in international competitions, including the FIBA 3×3 World Cup.
What’s the difference: 3×3 vs 5-on-5 basketball
The distinctions between 3×3 and traditional 5-on-5 basketball go beyond player numbers and court size, it becomes more about encompassing a suite of playing styles, skill sets, and adaptability. That’s what makes it exciting; players that normally excel in 5-on-5 don’t necessarily excel in 3×3 like in other sports that overlap.
In 5-on-5, players often specialize in specific positions, each with defined responsibilities. For 3×3, the game demands a more well-rounded skill set from each player, as the reduced team size requires contributions across offense and defense. That, coupled with the smaller court space in 3×3 basketball, requires higher individual creativity, emphasizing quick decision-making skills and adaptability.
Some quick facts on 3×3:
- The game is fast. It’s all about speed.
- It’s a 10-minute game played by 2 teams of 3 players each on half court (11 metres by 15 metres)
- The first team to 21 points or has the most points at the end of 10 minutes is the winner.
- A semicircle arc divides the 3×3 basketball court into 2 with the area inside the arc referred to as a one-point zone and the area outside the arc a 2-point zone.
- The game is played on a single hoop in the middle.
- The shot clock, which is the maximum time the offensive team is allowed to make a shot, is 12 seconds (half the time of 5-on-5 basketball)
- Players have to go back and forth in a small space; not leaving a lot of time to catch their breath.
- There are no coaches during the game to discuss strategies or how to improve their game.
- The basketball is the same weight but slightly smaller in diameter.
All of the above speaks to how Ron Yeung, Head of Domestic and 3×3 Development for Canada Basketball, describes the sport as “very permissionless.”
“So, when it comes to building a team, it’s not just about having elite shooters or all guards, you need a player that can do a bunch of everything. All the skills… all the way down to strength and conditioning,” Yeung said.
Performance and gameplay
Disruptiveness is used as a key metric for player performance, according to Yeung. Deflections, steals, blocks and tips are all ‘disruptive’ actions that create extra opportunities for scoring or create a disadvantage for the other team, especially in the half-court-centric nature of 3×3 basketball.
The quest for the ideal player also extends into offensive decision-making, a crucial factor in the high-speed game. The ability to read, react, and make smart decisions without coaching on the court becomes a defining characteristic.
“A high IQ offensive decision-making player is critical for the success of this game,” Yeung explained. “We’ve seen a lot of great athletes that can make the reads, but they aren’t there IQ-wise. It’s the difference in terms of making a smart, quick decision, read and react, then be able to adjust. This is nothing new from a basketball standpoint, but it’s even more acute within the 3×3 game because of the spacing on the court.”
Essentially, the emphasis on creating opportunities within the 3×3 setting requires players to be proficient in controlling the ball, rebounding, and scoring, all while being able to balance between speed and agility without compromising shooting ability.
In terms of gameplay, Yeung said the intensity of 3×3 basketball demands a high motor skill ability and physicality. Described as a “10-minute sprint,” players must seamlessly transition between offense and defense, constantly moving on the court. The physicality of the sport becomes even more pronounced in 3×3, where every action is an attack, and the game’s relentless pace requires exceptional conditioning.
Strength and conditioning
Knowing the physical demands of the fast gameplay in 3×3, high performance athletes need to start first with a comprehensive assessment covering their muscular-skeletal health, aerobic and anaerobic capacities, and strength and power capacities, said Jeremiah Barnert, Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Canadian 3×3 women’s national team and at Canadian Sport Institute Calgary.
One of the most valuable physical or physiological arsenal to have for a 3×3 athlete is “muscle-skeletal tolerance, emphasizing the significance of keeping athletes healthy to maximize their training and competitive opportunities,” Barnert said. He also stressed the need for a systematic approach that considers the demanding 3×3 basketball season, with our national players travelling between North America and Europe. Managing jetlag, developing a longer and demanding season strategy, and addressing concussion management are all crucial aspects in preparing a team for their season.
For younger athletes transitioning to 3×3, Barnert recommends focusing on building a robust aerobic capacity, working on basic elements like mobility and active range of motion, and engaging in other sports for overall development. The goal, Barnert said, is to create a fitness base that enables athletes to withstand the high intensity demands of 3×3 basketball.
Building the foundation for success
Transitioning from traditional 5-on-5 basketball to the 3×3 format is a process that starts best at the grassroots level, Yeung said. Coaches aim to develop multi-skilled athletes with a focus on decision-making and adaptability from a young age. While there isn’t a specific pathway for 3×3 athletes in Canada yet, the goal is to spread awareness of the sport and integrate it into youth development programs.
“Our big push is starting at the grassroots level, 5 to 12 years old and focusing on the 3×3 format of play in basketball,” Yeung said. “There are more touches [on the basketball] when you play 3×3, which creates more confidence with young athletes. They want to have the ball in their hand and do things with it. This creates a lot of opportunities to experience the sport and for better development.”
Despite the global popularity of 3×3 basketball, North America, particularly Canada, is still navigating its way in developing a comprehensive pathway for athletes. Yeung clarified saying, “unlike Europe, where the sport has gained considerable traction, the lack of competition structure and limited international opportunities in North America poses challenges for player development.”
One of the goals in developing 3×3 basketball in Canada would be to establish a comprehensive competition network, Yeung said. This would include regional events leading to provincial championships, eventually culminating in a national championship. This type of structure would not only foster healthy competition but also serve as a platform for talent identification and athlete development.
Yeung also highlighted the potential for 3×3 basketball to integrate into the university sports landscape in both Canada and the US. By collaborating with U SPORTS and NCAA, Canada could tap into the rich pool of university athletes who could transition into 3×3 basketball. This avenue would offer an enticing option for athletes looking to continue their basketball careers beyond the collegiate level.
Tips for playing 3×3 basketball
For those looking to step onto the 3×3 court, success hinges on a few key things. Below are some tips from 2 of Canada’s 3×3 national team players, Paige Crozon and Alex Johnson:
- Work on your shot: master the art of the 2-point shot. Since all shots behind the arc are worth 2 points, it is important to be comfortable shooting the basketball when you are open.
- Watch game film: become a student to the game. Since there are only 3 players, it is important to find the advantages you have over your opponent. Most people think you can just hop right into 3×3 and have it mastered. This game is not only about skill but having a sharp mind.
- Prioritize fitness and conditioning: Cardio is a must! Unlike 5 on 5, 3×3 is non-stop and quick pace. The conditioning you have to be in is insane. Although the games are only 10 minutes long, the speed and pace of the game is very fast.
- Fall in love with the process – There are going to be good and bad games. Try your best to not get too high or low, staying in the middle is where you want to be. 3×3 is a rollercoaster of emotions so being able to lean into that will make the journey more enjoyable.
- Have fun – Playing 3×3 is similar to playing in the playground with your friends. However, there is now a pathway to the Olympics. It is important to bring that joy and love of the game to any level of competition.