Why do 3x3 players run out behind the arc before they shoot?
B · Beginner · The game · 3 of 6Because a team that wins the ball must take it behind the arc before it can score. This is called clearing the ball. It applies after a made basket, a defensive rebound, a steal and a block. An attacking team that rebounds its own miss may shoot again straight away.
How it works
- After a made basket or last free throw: a player of the team that conceded takes the ball inside the court, directly under the basket, and dribbles or passes it to a place behind the arc.
- No pressure under the basket: defenders may not play for the ball inside the no-charge semi-circle while this happens.
- After a miss, attacking rebound: the attackers may go on trying to score without clearing.
- After a miss, defensive rebound: the defenders must take the ball behind the arc by a pass or a dribble.
- After a steal or a block: the team that wins the ball must clear it.
- Behind the arc: a player is behind the arc when neither foot is inside the arc or on the line.
- The penalty: a shot released before the ball is cleared is a violation and any goal is cancelled. The other team gets a check-ball.
The glossary has clearing the ball, the no-clear violation, the arc and the no-charge semi-circle.
Tricky cases
A defender rebounds a miss and scores at once. Does the basket count?
No. The ball was not cleared, so the goal is cancelled and the other team gets a check-ball.
Does the player with the ball have to dribble out personally?
No. A pass to a team-mate who is behind the arc clears the ball.
One foot is behind the arc and one is on the line. Is the ball cleared?
No. Neither foot may be inside the arc or on the line.
Can a defender guard the player who collects the ball under the basket after a score?
No, not inside the no-charge semi-circle. Playing for the ball there after a basket is not allowed, and actively defending in the semi-circle after a basket is listed as a technical foul for delay.
Why the rule exists
Both teams attack the same basket. Without this rule a defender who grabbed a rebound could drop the ball straight back in. Clearing turns each change of possession into a new attack that starts from distance and gives the other three players a moment to switch from attack to defence.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIBA 3x3 rules | As above | Art. 30 |
| A defender deflects the ball into the basket | The goal counts for the attackers. No clearing is involved | Art. 16.2.2 |
| Video challenge | A team may ask for a review of whether the ball was cleared | Art. 47.5.2 |
| Five-a-side basketball | No such rule. Teams attack opposite baskets | ../5x5/ set |
From the rule book
FIBA, Official 3x3 Basketball Rules 2026 (valid as of 1 January 2026), Articles 16.2.5, 30.1 to 30.3 and 36.2.1. Official document:FIBA Official 3x3 Basketball Rules (PDF).