The Standard: 5-on-5 Full-Court Basketball

This is the classic version of the game, played professionally in leagues like the NBA and FIBA (International Basketball Federation). The objective is simple: two teams of five players each try to score points by shooting a ball through the opponent’s hoop.

Court Dimensions

While mostly similar, there are slight differences between NBA and FIBA courts:

• NBA Court: 94 feet long by 50 feet wide (approximately $28.65\times 15.24$ meters).

  • Three-Point Line: 23 feet, 9 inches from the center of the basket at the top, and 22 feet at the sidelines.

• FIBA Court: Slightly smaller at 28 meters long by 15 meters wide (approximately $91.86\times 49.21$ feet).

  • Three-Point Line: A consistent arc at $6.75$ meters ($22$ feet, $1.75$ inches) from the basket.

• Rim Height: For both formats, the hoop is always a standard $10$ feet ($3.05$ meters) above the ground.

Key Game Rules (5-on-5)

• Objective: Outscore the opposing team by the end of the game.

• Game Duration: Typically played in four quarters. NBA games have 12-minute quarters, while FIBA and college basketball use 10-minute quarters.

• Scoring:

  • 3 Points: A shot made from behind the three-point line.

  • 2 Points: A shot made from anywhere inside the three-point line.

  • 1 Point: A free throw awarded after a foul.

• Violations: Common infractions result in a turnover (loss of possession). These include:

  • Traveling: Taking too many steps without dribbling the ball.

  • Double Dribble: Dribbling the ball with two hands or dribbling again after stopping.

  • Shot Clock Violation: Failing to attempt a shot that hits the rim within the allotted time (24 seconds in NBA/FIBA).

The Urban Powerhouse: 3×3 Basketball

Recognized as an official Olympic sport, 3×3 (pronounced “three-ex-three”) is a faster, more frantic version of basketball played on a half-court. It’s a favorite in streetball tournaments and parks worldwide.

Court Dimensions

• Court: A 3×3 game is played on one half of a standard basketball court, using only one basket. The official FIBA 3×3 court size is 15 meters wide by 11 meters deep.

Key Game Rules (3×3)

The rules are designed to make the game quicker and more exciting.

• Teams: Two teams of three players, with one substitute per team.

• Winning the Game: The first team to score 21 points wins. If no team reaches 21, the team with the higher score after 10 minutes wins.

• Scoring: The values are different from 5-on-5.

  • 2 Points: A shot made from behind the three-point arc.

  • 1 Point: A shot made from inside the arc or a free throw.

• Game Flow:

  • Pace: The game is continuous, with no breaks after scored baskets. The non-scoring team immediately takes possession under the basket.

  • Clearing the Ball: After a defensive rebound or a steal, the ball must be “cleared” by dribbling or passing it beyond the three-point arc before a shot can be attempted.

  • Shot Clock: A much shorter 12-second shot clock keeps the action moving.

Other Popular Formats

• 21: A classic pickup game where it’s every player for themselves. The goal is to be the first to score exactly 21 points. Players must score their own points and can earn free throws after making a basket to add to their score.

• H-O-R-S-E: A non-contact shooting game. One player makes a shot from anywhere on the court. The next player must replicate that exact shot. If they miss, they get a letter (“H”). The first player to spell “HORSE” loses.

Whether you’re aiming for the structured competition of 5-on-5 or the creative freedom of a streetball game, understanding the court and the rules is the first step. Now grab a ball, find a court, and start playing!