FROM THE PLAYGROUND TO THE PODIUM, IT’S RESHAPING OUR GAME The international governing body for basketball (FIBA) has invested a tremendous amount of resources to fully develop the 3x3 game. FIBA introduced the 3x3, half-court version of basketball to a global audience at the 2010 Youth Olympics in Singapore, where it was regarded as the most popular sport throughout the Games. Last summer, Ontario Basketball (OBA) hosted one of three Canadian qualifiers for the 3x3 World Tour Championships. FIBA states that with more than 250 million players worldwide and among the most played recreational sports in the world, 3x3 will help the growth of basketball. Combine these initiatives with FIBA submitting an application for 3x3 to become an Olympic sport, and the once playground-only game is now becoming a world phenomenon. In addition to its high performance programming, FIBA, Canada Basketball and OBA have identified the significant impact the 3x3 game can have on skill development for active youth. There are tremendous benefits to having young children learn the game through 3x3 before being introduced to a full-court, five-on-five competition. BENEFIT 1: MORE TOUCHES In five-on-five games, one or two players can go an entire game rarely touching the ball. This especially happens in youth basketball where you have one or two dominant players who are by far the best ball handlers on the team. The team tends to get the ball into those players’ hands and those players tend to take the ball to the basket. The problem with this is that other players are not developing their skills when they don’t get to touch the ball, and the team isn’t developing as a whole.
Above: Eventual U13 Champions, SBA Blues taking on Kings Court at the inaugural OBA Challenge at Rexall Centre in July 2012.
In 3x3, 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. This allows all players to develop their skills in live game play.
BENEFIT 2: MORE SPACING Even with the smaller bodies of young players, five-on-five games can be crowded affairs. Youth basketball isn’t the best time or place for a kid to learn to fight through double teams or pass into multiple coverage. 3x3 games loosen everything up and give young players more room to operate. This allows them to practice their basketball skills without overcrowding. Once the basic basketball skills of dribbling, passing, rebounding, shot selection, etc. are learned and mastered, then they can advance to learn to beat double teams and making passes into tight areas. BENEFIT 3: REMOVE PRESSES & ZONE DEFENCES 3x3 games remove the issue of presses and zone defences. They are strictly person-to-person. This again allows young players to learn and master the basics before moving on to more complex game play.
Above: KW Selects represented Toronto, Ontario at the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Masters Competition in New York City on August 18-19, 2012
There soon may be structured provincial and national teams for 3x3 competition. There are countless 3x3 adult leagues throughout the province. More importantly, OBA and its stakeholders must strategize the most effective way to implement the 3x3 game in youth basketball since it serves as the best way for our children to increase skill development, confidence, enjoyment and the desire to play the game for life. With editorial from Canada Basketball.