How does a 3x3 game start, and what is a check-ball?
I · Intermediate · The game · 2 of 7A 3x3 game starts with a check-ball, not a jump ball. A defender at the top of the court, behind the arc, bounces the ball to an attacker facing them, and play is live. A coin flip decides who has the first possession. The same exchange restarts play after every foul, violation and time-out.
How it works
- The coin flip: the winning team chooses either the first possession of the game or the first possession of a possible overtime.
- Where: at the top of the court, in the middle, behind the arc. The attacker may not have a foot inside or on the arc.
- The exchange: the defender faces the attacker and bounces the ball to them with a normal basketball pass.
- Feet down: the attacker must "have both feet on the floor" when receiving it.
- The gap: about one metre between the two. At world-level events the 3x3 logo on the floor marks the places.
- When time starts: the game clock and the shot clock start when the check-ball is complete and the ball is in the attacker's hands.
- At the very start: the referee hands over the check-ball to begin regular time and overtime.
- During the game: the referee steps in only if the players are out of position or do it wrongly.
- When it is used: whenever a team is given possession from a dead ball.
The glossary has the check-ball, the coin flip and the live ball and dead ball entry.
Tricky cases
Is there a jump ball at the start?
No. The game starts with a check-ball for the team chosen by the coin flip.
Can the attacker shoot straight from the check-ball?
Yes. The attacker is already behind the arc, so the ball does not need clearing. A shot from there is worth two.
The team that wins the coin flip wants the ball in overtime. Is that allowed?
Yes. It may choose the first possession of a possible overtime, and the other team then starts the game.
Does play restart with a check-ball after a basket?
No. After a made basket the team that conceded takes the ball under the basket and plays on at once.
Why the rule exists
On a playground nobody has a referee to throw a jump ball, so players "check" the ball with an opponent to show both sides are ready. The official rules kept the habit. It also means the defence is always set before play starts, since a defender has to touch the ball first.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIBA 3x3 rules | Check-ball for every dead-ball possession | Art. 17 |
| After a made basket | No check-ball. Play continues from under the basket | Art. 30.2.1 |
| Five-a-side basketball | A jump ball to start and throw-ins from out of bounds | ../5x5/ set |
From the rule book
FIBA, Official 3x3 Basketball Rules 2026 (valid as of 1 January 2026), Articles 9.2, 9.4, 10.2 and 17.1 to 17.2.6. Official document:FIBA Official 3x3 Basketball Rules (PDF).