Our 3v3 League is a perfect option for athlete’s that are looking to get more game like experience with more spacing. Athlete’s will be able to be creative and apply the skills and IQ they have been wanting to improve on in game in a smaller setting.

There will be a maximum of 4 players per team. Each team will be placed into it’s respected grade level. ANY SKILL LEVEL IS WELCOME!

Players needs: Basketball shoes and a large water bottle to stay hydrated

Rules of The tournament

General Rules

  1. Teams can consist of three or four players : three starters and one substitute.

  2. All players must be 4th through 8th Grade as of Fall 2026.

  3. All teams are guaranteed at least four (4) scheduled games .

  4. Games are played on a half court using The SBA official 3x3 rules.

  5. Scoring: one point per basket; two points for shots made behind the designated 3-point line. The team ahead after the 10-minute time limit wins. Possession alternates after each made basket.

  6. The Shepherd Basketball Academy reserve the right to verify any player’s age and grade level. Inaccurate information is grounds for immediate disqualification of the player and possible the entire team.

  7. The Shepherd Basketball Academy reserves the right to reduce the number of scheduled games, or shorten games, due to unforeseen circumstances.

Game Administration & Rules

Roster Size

  • 4 player limit (must have 3 players to start the game)

Referees

  • 1 required

The game Referee is the final authority for each game.  All scores are final once certified by the game referee.  The use of video review by game officials is prohibited.

Time/Score Keepers

  • 1 required, 2 suggested (a parent from each team) or in Bracket play the referee/administrator will keep score

Time-outs

  • Each team is allowed one 30-second timeout per game.

  • Clock will stop

Initial Possession

  • Rock Paper Scissors (winning the Rock Paper Scissors allows a team to start the game with the ball or decline in order to get the ball in a potential overtime)

Game Duration & Scoring Limits

  • League Operators will have the option to organize their games according to either format below.

  • 1×10 minutes

  • Running clock

  • The team with the most points at the end of the game

Overtime

  • First team to score two (2) points wins

Scoring

  • Baskets made from inside the arc count as one point. Baskets made from behind the arc count as two points.

Substitutions

  • Can occur in dead ball situations, prior to the check ball. Players must enter the game at the top of the court.

  • Can also occur at each 5 minute interval

Starting Possessions

  • To start the game and after any dead ball that requires checking the ball at the top, teams do not have to pass in. This means the player who checked ball can attempt to score right away from the top of the 3pt line at the rear of the court.

Shot Clock

  • The referee, court monitor, or staff member may institute a 30 second clock at any time. After a team has been warned about stalling, failure to hit the rim on the offensive possession within 30 seconds will result in loss of possession. The referee will count down the final 5 seconds.

Free Throws

  • 1 free throw if fouled while shooting

  • 2 free throws if fouled while shooting behind the arc

  • 1 free throw if fouled while shooting and the shooter makes the shot

  • Free throws count as one point

  • Following a made free throw, the opposing team will check the ball at the top. If the
    free throw is missed, the ball is live and the offensive team can rebound and play, or the
    defensive team can rebound and clear.

​Jump Ball

  • All jump balls become possession of the defensive team

Possession Following A Successful Goal

  • Defense now transitions to offense and has to get ball behind the 3pt line (Anywhere around the arc)

  • Do not have to wait for defense to get set

Possession Following a Dead Ball

  • Check ball exchange behind the arc (at the top)

Possession Following a Defensive Rebound or Steal

  • Ball to be dribbled/passed behind the arc

Playoffs

  • Players must play in at least 2 games for the respected team to be eligible for the Bracket Play.

Coaching Rules

  • Coaches are allowed to provide guidance during timeouts, and before and after the games. Coaches can also make substitutions.

  • Coaches will be penalized a point if a ref sees excessive coaching during games.

  • Penalties will be assessed at the referee’s discretion.