Treat them as different rule formats
3x3 is more than a shortened version of 5-on-5. The formats differ in players on court, scoring, game time, restarts after a change of possession, and table-official assignments.
This overview uses the Japan Basketball Association’s 2026 3x3 rules and 5-on-5 table-official guidance. Event and age-group regulations may differ, so check the tournament briefing.
The main differences
| What to watch | 3x3 (JBA 2026 rules) | 5-on-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Players on court | Three per team; official rules allow up to one substitute | Five per team |
| Court and basket | Half-court format with one basket | Full court with two baskets |
| Field goals | One point inside the arc, two outside | Two or three points |
| Game time | One 10-minute period at official competitions, with clock-stop conditions | Multiple periods; duration depends on category and competition rules |
| Restart and possession change | Check-ball after a dead ball; after a score, take the ball from under the basket and clear the arc. Clear after a defensive rebound or steal. | Restarts vary by situation |
| Table-official crew | Scorer, scoreboard operator, and shot-clock operator | JBA’s simplified manual lists four core roles |
This is a quick format guide, not a full rulebook. Fouls, penalties, time-outs, substitutions, and clock operation have additional conditions.
Scoring: one and two versus two and three
In 5-on-5, a field goal is normally worth two points, or three beyond the three-point line. In 3x3, a shot inside the arc is worth one point and one outside it is worth two.
If you are keeping score, use the shot location and event rules before entering points. Follow referee signals and the event procedure instead of guessing from the scoreboard.
Game time and pace
The JBA’s 2026 rules set one 10-minute period for official competitions. The game clock stops when the ball is dead and during free throws. A team reaching 21 or 22 points before regulation ends wins immediately; this includes a two-point shot taking a team from 20 to 22. If regulation ends tied, overtime begins and the first team to score two points wins. Separately, rule 8.7 allows organizers to set the game time, a sudden-death score limit, or both when a game clock is unavailable.
5-on-5 uses multiple periods, with length determined by category and event regulations. Check the rules for the specific game you are watching.
Watch how play restarts
A check-ball at the top outside the arc restarts play after a dead ball when a team is awarded a new possession. After a made field goal, there is no check-ball: the team scored against restarts from under the basket and moves the ball outside the arc by dribbling or passing.
After a missed shot, an offensive rebound lets that team continue attacking without clearing. After a defensive rebound, steal, or block, the new offense must pass or dribble the ball outside the arc before attempting to score.
In 5-on-5, a restart depends on the situation, including throw-in location or a rebound. After a whistle, follow the officials’ signal and restart location along with the clock display.
Table-official assignments can change
The JBA’s 2026 3x3 rules describe a three-person table crew. Its 2026 simplified 5-on-5 TO manual describes four core roles. Do not assume a procedure from one format transfers unchanged to the other. Confirm responsibilities and equipment in the event briefing.
A quick checklist
- Confirm whether the game is 3x3 or 5-on-5 and which rules apply.
- Remember the scoring units: one/two in 3x3, two/three in 5-on-5.
- Check game time, clock-stop conditions, and how a tie is resolved.
- After a whistle, watch possession, restart location, and the officials’ signal.
- For a table assignment, review the role chart and equipment for that format.
Frequently asked questions
Is every 3x3 game 10 minutes long? The JBA’s 2026 rules set one 10-minute period for official competitions and recommend it for others. They also allow organizers to set a game-time or score limit in certain circumstances. Check the event regulations.
When does a 3x3 game end on points? Under the JBA 2026 rules, a team reaching 21 or 22 points before regulation ends wins immediately. If the score is tied when regulation ends, overtime is played and the first team to score two points wins. Rule 8.7’s organizer-set time or score limit applies separately when a game clock is unavailable.
Can I use 5-on-5 table-official experience in 3x3? The basics of accurate records and communication can help, but crew structure, clock operation, and restarts differ. Follow the rules and briefing for that competition.