Embracing Change: Why 3x3 at U10?

1. PLAYERS HAVE THE BALL MORE, AND GET MORE MEANINGFUL TOUCHES

It's simple math. In 3x3 basketball games, there are only 6 players on the floor, instead of 10 players during a 5x5 game. This means each player gets the ball in their hands more, and they get more meaningful opportunities with the ball. Even while reducing the players on the floor to a 4x4 game as it has been in the Annapolis Valley recently, many of the teams have not reduced the number of players. So while reducing the number of players on the floor at any given time is the right direction philosophically, it has reduced the amount of time each athlete gets to play even further, an unintended ill consequence of the current structure.

2. THERE'S MORE SPACE TO PLAY

Again, it's simple math. In 3x3 basketball, with only 6 players on the court instead of 10, there is much more open space for players to move and operate. This means there's more space to dribble, drive, attack, pass, cut, move, etc. Whereas in typical 5x5 basketball, the court is more crowded, and there's less room to operate, and more space clogged up for players to work on their skills.

3. SIMPLIFIES THE GAME, ENHANCING LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

The game becomes more simple in 3x3. Players can see more space, more attacking angles, and therefore get more opportunities to practice their skills. With less teammates, it allows the players to simplify what they see on the court, and make simpler decisions.

4. EASIER TO LEARN AND PLAY DIFFERENT POSITIONS

In 3x3 basketball, every player gets to play every position. With that said, there is a big emphasis on developing ALL skills of each player, not just "position specific" skills. For example, just because a player is really tall, doesn't mean they will only post up in the key all game. They will also be encouraged to dribble, pass, shoot, etc.

5. MORE REPETITIONS OF OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE SITUATIONS

In 3x3 basketball, the play is non-stop, and teams transition from offense to defense in the half court very quickly. Players have to think and react quickly, switching from offense to defense, and are forced to be fully engaged!

6. MORE PLAYING TIME FOR EACH PLAYER

With only 4 players on each team, there's only ever one sub. So everyone on the team gets lots of playing time. Compare this to the typical 5x5 or 4x4 basketball team, with an average of 12 players. Playing time is much less, and the amount of times each person touches the ball is exponentially lower.

7. COACHES ARE VERY CLOSE TO THE PLAYERS AT ALL TIMES

In 3x3, coaches are always very close to help guide the players. Not only that, but there's only 3 players for coaches to focus on! As a result, there's a lot of hands-on coaching for the kids, a lot of feedback provided in real time, that the kids can actually take in and hear. Whereas in 5x5 games, and a full court, you can't always hear the coach, and they've got more players to worry about.

8. MORE VISIBLE OPTIONS FOR PLAYERS, AND MORE DECISION-MAKING OPPORTUNITIES

In 3x3 basketball, there is so much more space for the players to observe, see, and react to. They only have to focus on 2 more teammates, and 2 other defenders, whereas in 5x5 basketball the court seems crowded and congested, with lots of other players. As a result, this presents each player with more visible options in 3x3, and more opportunities to make decisions while playing!

9. INCREASES THE ENGAGEMENT AND ACTIVITY OF ALL PLAYERS

Sitting on the bench is never fun, which is often the case in both elementary and high school basketball for many players. In elementary, with even playing time, short games and lots of teammates, you may only get a couple of short shifts each game. And in high school, only a few players generally play a lot, while others very little. This can lead to less engagement of players. With the 3x3 game, everyone plays, and there's only ever a maximum of 1 player subbing at a time. As a result, players are more engaged, and into the game, as they all feel a big part of it!

10. MORE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND EXERCISE FOR EACH PLAYER

One natural benefit of 3x3 basketball, is the increased amount of exercise and activity for each player. With less time on the bench and with less subs, each player is much more active!

11. IT'S FUN!

In 3x3, everyone gets to play more, sit on the bench less, touch the ball more, get more opportunities, shoot more, pass more, dribble more, defend more, etc. More participation and feelings of involvement equals more FUN!