Three reasons for 3 on 3 in youth basketball:
1.) Players are more involved: In 3 on 3, players are guaranteed to be heavily involved in every possession of the game, expediting their development.
2.) Players learn how to play the game the right way: With a coach at every basket and 15 minutes of direct instruction every game day, players will learn how to effectively space the floor, run pick and rolls, curl screens, etc. All of these concepts directly translate to success in a traditional 5 on 5 setting.
3.) No pressing/zone defense: Players will gain confidence and experience against man to man defense instead of facing zones and pressing, which will ultimately help them prepare for the next level.
Typical schedule for league play
0-5 Minutes: Coach O’Connor and Coach Maerder address league with the focus of the day. (Examples on topics of focus: how to read screens, how to maintain balanced spacing, how to alleviate ball pressure with triple threat)
5-15 Minutes: Teams practice specific concepts at separate baskets with a coach.
15-35 Minutes: Game 1
35-55 Minutes: Game 2
55-75 Minutes: Game 3
Structure for Games:
Each team has 5-6 players.
Participants can make their own teams. Create your own team to compete and learn together with your friends! Players are also welcome to sign up individually or without a full team and will be placed on the most appropriate team for development after the first day of evaluation.
16 minute games, sub every four minutes for equal playing time.
Play must start with a pass.
Alternating possession on made baskets.
Coaches will meet with every team after each game to provide feedback and areas for improvement.