Welcome to 3 on 3 Basketball
It is an exciting time for sport in Canada from the grassroots community centre programs to the national elite programs.
Why? Because sport groups have recognized that our children aren’t getting from sport what they need to be active and
engaged in sport for life. And what children need begins with quality sport programs from an early age. The Winnipeg
Minor Basketball Association and Basketball Manitoba are trying to address this by ensuring children have the right
building blocks to enjoy sport and physical activity!
The WMBA with the support of Basketball ManitobaBasketball's international governing body (FIBA) and Canada
Basketball are recommending that all basketball played at the age 9 and under level use the 3 on 3 half court model. As
parents you can expect to see some changes. In general, here are three areas where you can expect changes and here
is why.
Why is this good for our children?
Focus on Physical Literacy
Children need to have agility, balance, coordination, running, jumping, catching and throwing skills in order to have an
enjoyable experience. Therefore, you will see coaches and programs emphasizing these things in their practices. This is
much like in school where a child starts with phonics and very simple works before they are asked to read a chapter book.
And yes, it takes practice and doing that will help a child become competent and confident. Imagine asking a child to read
a chapter book before they can read simple words. They would find it frustrating. Basketball is a tremendous team sport
which incorporates many key developmental skills including running, agility, balance, coordination, running, jumping,
catching and throwing skills. We are doing the same thing in these quality sport programs. By establishing the
fundamental movement and motor skills a child is setting a good foundation for being active for life!
Kids Don’t Play Like Adults
We can’t expect a young child to play the adult game. They are smaller, haven’t learned the skills and don’t necessarily
understand the game. Therefore, facilities, equipment, games, and practices to accommodate the developmental level of
the child are needed. These modifications are to help the child progress in a positive way, learn the skills and develop
confidence.
Game Structure
In order for the child to develop the skills, they need to touch the ball many times. Therefore, you are likely to see smaller
playing surfaces and fewer players on the court. This is to give each child the opportunity to touch, catch, shoot or pass
the ball as many times during a game. This will definitely improve their skills!
So WHY 3 on 3?
3 on 3
5 on 5
Players
Playing in
One Gym
12 total
players on
the floor
10 total
players on
the floor
Basketballs
Used
2 basketballs
on the court
1 basketball
on the court
Players per
Game
3 vs 3
(6 total)
5 vs 5
(10 total)
Court Size
Half Court
(1 hoop)
Full Court
(2 hoops)
Coaching 3
players in the
half court in
close
proximity
Coaching 5
players in a
full court
setting
Coaches
3 on 3 basketball results in...
More time playing and less time sitting. A total of 20% more playing time
for everyone!
Twice as many touches of the ball for the team which results in more skill
development and enjoyment. In 3 on 3, it’s really difficult for two players to
monopolize the ball and still play well. The third player gets involved almost
by necessity. All players get to handle the ball and handle it a lot!
More spacing for players and less congestion on the floor leading to
improved skills in shooting, passing and dribbling. 3on3 games loosen
everything up and give young players more room to operate. This allows
them to practice their basketball skills without the overcrowding.
Every possession starts in a scoring position at the top circle of the key.
This cuts out the time in the middle of the court providing more real playing
opportunities. It slows down and simplifies the game which allows for
enhanced learning!
Creates more teaching and learning opportunities between coach and
player. This helps young players to learn and master the basics before
moving on to more complex game play.
WMBA 3 on 3 BASKETBALL RULES
All games will be played using the current FIBA (International) basketball rules with the following modifications...
1.
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TEAM COMPOSITION. Teams will be formed normally at the community club ranging is size from 8-10 players
each. When a combined total of 12 or more players are in the gym for a game, 2 half court games will be played.
When 6 to 11 players are present in the gym, one basket in a half court setting will be used for the game. At
halftime, the split 'visiting' teams (team listed second on the schedule) will switch courts to ensure players have
an opportunity to play against different players in the second half. Players on the split 'home' team will remain on
the same half court throughout the entire game.
GAME PLAY. All games are played 3 on 3 in a half court setting on one basket. All play will begin with the ball
at the top of the 'key' which must be 'checked' by the defense given to the person defending the ball for a
moment) and passed in to begin play. All rebounds or changes in possessions must be 'cleared' with the ball
being taken back to the top of the key and must be passed in to a teammate. When ball is 'checked' (given to
the defender at the top of the key), the other 4 players on the 'wings' will tag hands with each other to ensure
they are in good defensive possession. Substitute players not playing can be used on the side and end lines
around the half court as extra 'catchers' to help players on the floor pass the ball around if needed to keep the
game flowing.
SCORES. No scores or standings will be kept.
EQUIPMENT. A 'size 5' (27.5) basketball and 8 foot high baskets will be used.
GAME TIME. Games will be played with 2 x 25 minute running time halves with a 5 minute halftime and regular
substitutions being made at the 5 minute mark throughout the game. There will be no timeouts allowed in games
to maximize the time played on the court.
PLAYING TIME. All players are to receive equal court time and will be regularly substituted every 5 minutes.
VIOLATIONS. All fouls, violations (travelling, double dribble, 3 in the key, etc.) or out of bounds calls will result in
the ball being given to the opposing team at the top of the key. No free throws will be taken at any time.
DEFENSE. Teams are to play 'man to man' defense only (no zone defenses allowed)
REFEREES. One referee will be assigned to each half court and be situated under the basket on the baseline.
In situations where less than 12 players in the gym, one half court will be used in the gym with 2 referees.
Team Sport is Good for our Kids – We Need to Keep Them in the Game!
We continue to read about the alarming rate of obesity and inactivity in our children as well as the high drop out rate in
sport activities. Sport is important not only for the physical benefits but for what it can do for children as they develop.
By developing good skills, children will have confidence and enjoy the sport. This should lead to continued
participation in a positive environment with their peers. Children who participate in regular physical activity have reduced
risks of many adult health problems, including diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. This is why one of the biggest
benefits of team sports is that they provide children with the opportunity to be physically active!
Benefits of Team Sport
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Teamwork: social skills, cooperation, a sense of community
Develops physical literacy and fitness
Teach children how to cope with competition in a healthy way
Understanding how to a play a game now to be active for life
Develops communication and leadership skills
Solve problems, develop patience and persistence, and become self-disciplined
Show appreciation and respect to others
More information can be found at...
www.activeforlife.ca
cs4l.basketballmanitoba.ca