Two players are both holding the ball. Who gets it in 3x3?
A · Advanced · Violations and fouls · 2 of 6The defending team. 3x3 has no jump ball and no possession arrow. When a held ball or another jump ball situation is called, the team that was last on defence gets a check-ball, and the shot clock is set to 12 seconds.
How it works
- Held ball: opponents have one or both hands so firmly on the ball that neither can gain control without undue roughness.
- Other jump ball situations: the ball goes out and the referees cannot tell who touched it last, or disagree; both teams commit a violation on a last free throw that misses; a live ball lodges between the ring and the backboard; the ball becomes dead when neither team had control.
- Who gets it: the team that was last on defence, with a check-ball.
- The clock: the shot clock is reset to 12 seconds.
- Out of bounds in a held ball: if a player steps out during a held ball, it is treated as a jump ball situation.
The glossary has the jump ball situation and the check-ball.
Tricky cases
A defender ties up the dribbler. Does the attacking team keep the ball?
No. The team that was defending gets the check-ball.
The ball wedges between the ring and the backboard on a shot. Who gets it?
The team that was defending when the shot was taken.
Is there ever an actual jump in 3x3?
No. The rules use the name "jump ball situation" for the cases above, and each is settled with a check-ball.
Neither team had the ball when it became dead. Which team counts as the defence?
It depends on who last had control. The team that did not is treated as the defence. The rules read for this page do not add more.
Why the rule exists
A jump ball needs a centre circle and a referee to toss it, and an arrow needs a table to keep it. Giving the ball to the defence needs neither. It also rewards the defender who got a hand on the ball strongly enough to tie it up.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIBA 3x3 rules | Check-ball to the last defensive team | Art. 12.2 |
| Five-a-side basketball | A jump ball to start, then alternating possession | ../5x5/ set |
From the rule book
FIBA, Official 3x3 Basketball Rules 2026 (valid as of 1 January 2026), Articles 12.1, 12.2 and 23.2.3. Official document:FIBA Official 3x3 Basketball Rules (PDF).