3-on-3 basketball is a fabulous way for both beginners, and the most experienced of players to have fun and get better. 3-on-3 basketball games can be found in parks, gyms, and backyards across the country. For beginners, 3-on-3 is an excellent way to have fun with your friends and play the great sport of basketball. However, 3-on-3 is also a fabulous basketball training tool and a good way for players to improve.
3-on-3 basketball rules vary slightly from place to place. They all will have a time and/or a point limit and are played on a half court. 3-on-3 strategy is very different from that of 5-on-5 basketball strategy because it forces each individual player to do more. Offensively, 3-on-3 players must move without the ball and play off each other in order to create scoring opportunities. Defensively, the players must be in a better position because there is less defensive help. Additionally, not having a basketball coaches forces the players on a team to be creative on their own, and understand how to make proper adjustments when necessary.
The biggest and most competitive 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the country is Spokane Hoopfest. Located just three hours from Seattle, Washington, Spokane Hoopfest is the biggest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world. Over 20,000 players participate on 450 courts that cover the entire Spokane city center. Nearly 250,000 people will attend or be a part of Hoopfest in some way. Hoopfest has divisions for ever basketball talent level; from beginners, to current and former professional players. Divisions are comprised of anywhere from four to 16 teams, and the winner and runner up from each division is given an award. The event takes place on June 29 and 30th.
If playing 3-on-3 basketball does not excite you, then perhaps watching it as an Olympic sport will. The Olympic Committee and The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) are considering adding 3-on-3 basketball to the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil. This is being done as an opportunity to bring more youth viewership to the Olympics, and would be wonderful exposure for the less conventional version of basketball.
Consider a game of 3-on-3 next time you play basketball! It is a great alternative to a full court game. From California to New York, there are surely 3-on-3 games being played right now!
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