1
Beginner
Level 1 · Rating 1–13
I just started 3x3 basketball. I know it's played on a half court with one basket, but the rules still confuse me.
I already do
- ShootingA close shot when nobody is on me.
- DefenseI stay in front of my man, with my back to the basket.
- Team playI hand the ball to the nearest teammate when he asks for it.
Not yet mastered
- ShootingFinishing with a defender in front of me.
- DefenseRemembering that after a defensive rebound the ball has to go outside the three-point line before we attack.
- Team playDoing the check (handing the ball to the opponent at the top before restarting) without delay.
2
Upper Beginner
Level 2 · Rating 14–20
I've understood the rule about clearing the ball past the line, and the 12-second clock stopped scaring me.
I already do
- ShootingA standing short shot that drops when I'm open.
- DefenseI guard closely and fight for the rebound under the basket.
- Team playI pass and cut to the basket; I clear the ball after a stop without wasting time.
Not yet mastered
- ShootingFinishing on the move: I get the footwork timing wrong.
- DefenseGuarding without fouling on the shot.
- Team playDeciding fast: the 12 seconds run out with the ball in my hands.
3
Lower Intermediate
Level 3 · Rating 21–34
I play 3x3 naturally now: I attack fast after the check and I know a shot from outside the line is worth two.
I already do
- ShootingI finish at speed on my good side and my bad side, and my mid-range shot already drops in matches.
- DefenseI hold my own one-on-one and box out before the rebound.
- Team playI pass and cut, and I clear space on the far side for my teammate to attack.
Not yet mastered
- ShootingA shot from outside the line with a defender on me: I force it or give up.
- DefenseReading the switch when the opponents set a screen.
- Team playPlaying without the ball: I stand still and the 12 seconds go by.
4
Intermediate
Level 4 · Rating 35–48
I play 3x3 every week and my team works: I attack fast, clear space, share the rebound and know when the two-pointer is worth the risk.
I already do
- ShootingA mid-range shot that drops in matches and a finish even with the defender on my body.
- DefenseI guard with my feet, push the attacker to his bad side and close the rebound before clearing the ball.
- Team playCuts, screens for a teammate and passes on time within the 12 seconds.
- DecisionI choose between the two-pointer and the finish by reading score and clock.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionKeeping my cool when the opponent pressures off the check and the 12 seconds get short.
- ShootingHitting two-pointers with regularity in a match.
In tournaments I play 3x3 tournaments and my city's intermediate amateur leagues.
5
Upper Intermediate
Level 5 · Rating 49–62
I have a repertoire one-on-one and with three on the court: pick and roll, a confident two-pointer, and I read the switch before it happens.
I already do
- ShootingA confident two-pointer and finishing through contact on both sides.
- DefenseI switch on the screen without leaving anyone open and win rebounds from bigger players through position.
- Team playPick and roll (a screen followed by a cut to the basket) and pick and pop (a screen followed by stepping out for the two-pointer).
- DecisionI manage the clock: I attack fast when the defense isn't set and slow down when the score calls for it.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionClosing out the match against a more solid team: the play is good, but the defense gets there.
- DefenseGuarding the two-pointer without giving room for the drive.
In tournaments I play advanced amateur leagues and state 3x3 tournaments, with results.
6
Advanced
Level 6 · Rating 63–76
I'm a hard attacker to guard and I really defend in 3x3: I cover, switch, rebound and clear the ball without wasting time.
I already do
- ShootingTwo-pointer, mid-range and finishing through contact, all under defense.
- DefenseHelp and recover, switches read ahead of time and dominant rebounding.
- Team playI read the pick and roll from both sides of the ball; I find my teammate on the cut before the defense closes.
- DecisionI change the team's strategy mid-match based on what the opponent shows.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionTurning a match to 21 around when the opponent shuts down my main play.
In tournaments I play competitively: strong state championships and FIBA-ranked 3x3 tournaments.
7
Upper Advanced
Level 7 · Rating 77–88
I play at high intensity for the full 10 minutes and I'm strongest on the points that decide a match to 21.
I already do
- DecisionI read the other team in the first possessions and change the plan.
- ShootingCreative finishing through contact and a two-pointer under pressure.
- DefenseI take their best attacker one-on-one and still crash the offensive glass.
- Team playI join a team put together on the spot and find my space on the half court without talking it through.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionImposing my pace on elite-ranked teams without losing my head.
In tournaments Amateur elite: the league's select team and the state's strongest 3x3 tournaments.
8
Specialist
Level 8 · Rating 89–97
I'm a reference in my state's amateur 3x3 and I have FIBA ranking points. Anyone playing my team needs a plan.
I already do
- ShootingEfficiency from every zone through a whole tournament, with several matches on the same day.
- DefenseI guard any of the three and dominate the glass at both ends.
- Team playI create shots for my teammates with passes and screens at the right moment.
- DecisionI anticipate the other team's intent and switch strategy within the 12 seconds.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionThe pace of people who live off 3x3 and travel the circuit.
In tournaments Semi-professional: paid regional leagues and FIBA-ranked 3x3 tournaments.
9
Professional
Level 9 · Rating 98–99
I make a living from 3x3 basketball or I'm on that path: I train as an athlete, with a team and a planned season.
I already do
- ShootingFundamentals, physique and reading at circuit level.
- DecisionI decide well against professional circuit athletes.
Not yet mastered
- DecisionNothing that fits in a list: the difference here is the FIBA ranking.
In tournaments Professional: the 3x3 pro circuit (FIBA 3x3 World Tour or equivalent).
