Find out more about the world's fastest-growing urban team sport, how it's played, and what makes it different to the 5v5 game

3x3 is simple and flexible enough to be played almost anywhere by anybody - and it's no surprise it is the number one urban team sport in the world.

All you need is a hoop, a half-court and six players. It's basketball in one of its most basic forms, and getting involved couldn't be easier.

The game was one of the main attractions at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham - where Team England won historic gold and silver medals in 2022 - and the Olympics, but everyone can play, from the street to the elite.

What are the rules?

3x3 is similar to the 5v5 game, but there are some differences. 

A link to the official FIBA rules can be found in the Related Resources section of this page.

Love playing 3x3?

From getting involved in 3x3 with friends to forming a team and playing in competitions like Ball Out UK and the GG 3x3 Tournament, there's plenty to do.

• Your first step is to get a FIBA 3x3 Profile so that you're earning ranking points no matter what you're doing in 3x3. Click the link in the Related Resources section of this page to find out more.
• Why is this important? Because earning ranking points as you play not only helps you, but the GB teams as well! For more on how the 3x3 World rankings work, click the link in the Related Resources section.
• Finding organised opportunities to play couldn't be easier, use our event calendar to find out what events are on the horizon near you.
• Remember, 3x3 competition, just like the 5v5 game, still falls under UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) rules and governance. 

Find a court

Do you really want to go from the street to elite?

Some players take part for fun, but for others, 3x3 can provide a route to the very top of the game. Below is Basketball England's 3x3 Player Pathway, showing how you can rise through the ranks to take on the very best.

Tier 1: 3x3 Street – Whether you are simply playing with your friends or aspiring to compete on the world stage, 3x3 Street is the place for everyone and where the journey begins. Choose when you play, where you play and who you play with. 

Tier 2: 3x3 Ready – Open competitive 3x3 events - for those looking to win titles and gain FIBA ranking points, bragging rights are on the line between you and your friends. 

Tier 3: 3x3 National – Ball Out 3x3 - in partnership with BE – is the UK's premier 3x3 tournament. Street ballers from across the nation can compete in qualifying events in city locations, culminating in two days of finals in London. 

Tier 4: 3x3 Pro – The top players who specialise in 3x3 and have a professional career because of prize money and sponsors. 

Tier 5: 3x3 Elite – Play for England, play for GB. Represent your country on the world stage.

Our Talent Selection Policy is available in the Related Resources section.

Organising a 3x3 event?

It's fast, it's exciting, and 3x3 is open to all. Its speed and smaller teams means it guarantees more touches and more chances to score which makes it a great training and development opportunity for 5v5 basketball - but more importantly, it's a lot of fun in its own right!

And with less space required and fewer rules to worry about, 3x3 is suitable for anyone of any age or ability - and it's simple to host and run your own FIBA 3x3-supported competition using the digital FIBA 3x3 EVENT MAKER platform.

• In the Related Resources section, we've got plenty of info on how to use FIBA 3x3 Event Maker, plus videos, FAQs and more.
• Looking to rent some equipment? Contact us, we can help, with backstops, nets, scoring equipment and even the flooring to help with your event.

Get a quote for renting 3x3 equipment

• If you're organising a 3x3 event, let us know. Affiliate your event to Basketball England so we can help, and put your activity on our event calendar.

Register a 3x3 eventFind a courtFind a clubLearn and get qualifiedBuy a ball or kit