3x3 basketball: where three-pointers are worth two!

Basketball may be like a religion for some in the United States, but as we know, the French regularly come out on top, just ask Victor Wembanyama or Tony Parker. Of course, we're a little biased! But did you know that there's a variation of the popular game where two teams of three players play each other on a half-court? Turns out it's an Olympic sport.

3x3 basketball was originally seen as a simple pastime. But this offshoot of street basketball has become so popular that it was made official in 2010, when it was included in the program for the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. Ten years later, the sport's success has earned it a place in the Tokyo 2021 Games. And that's just the beginning!

So why did this relatively new sport become so popular? Quite simply because it's never been easier play! 3x3 basketball can be played alone or with others. All you need is a wall or two and a little space. It's also freer, more practical and faster than its big brother.

It's really quite simple. Two teams made up of three players face off on a half-court with one basket.

On the court, the aim is to score as many points as possible before time runs out. But unlike traditional basketball, a game only lasts ten minutes or stops when a team manages to score 21 points.

The scoring system is also a little different, but easy to grasp: one point for a shot that goes in inside the arc or on a free throw, two points for successful shots from behind the 6.75 metre line (also known as the arc.

Whichever variation of the game you play, here are three terms you need to know if you want to play 3x3 basketball.

Alley-oop: a play in which one player passes the ball to his partner by throwing it over the hoop. The team-mate then finishes the move with a dunk.

Block : the act of holding out one's hand to deflect or stop the ball (without fouling) before an opposing player can score.

Buzzer : the buzzer signals the end of regulation time but it leaves enough time for one final shot. If it goes in, it's called a buzzer beater.

At the Tokyo 2021 Games, the first gold medals in this fledgling sport were awarded to Latvia on the men's side and the USA on the women's side.

France will not to be outdone though. Led by their captain Marie-Ève Paget, Les Bleues were crowned world and European champions in 2022. Having qualified for the Paris 2024 Games, they will be aiming for a first Olympic title following their fourth-place finish at the previous edition.

The men, who did not qualify for 2021, will attempt to get to their first Olympic Games. We're keeping our fingers crossed for Alex Vialaret's team-mates, who won bronze at the 2022 World Cup before going on to win gold at the Mediterranean Games the same year.

While waiting for the Games to kick off, you can still try out the sport at various street courts around the capital.

Before becoming an ace though, it's best to work on your shooting, concentration and core strength.

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