Geometry gate
Confirm the 15 × 11 m playing surface and the complete 18 × 14 m 3×3 footprint before positioning fences, spectators, lighting or adjacent courts.
GLOBAL SPORTS TECHNICAL LIBRARY
COURT · 3×3 BASKETBALL TECHNICAL CENTRE
3×3 Basketball facility technical centre.
A 3×3 facility is not simply half a basketball court. Permanent community courts, commercial-social venues and event courts need their own footprint, drainage, equipment, lighting, scoring, circulation and operational strategy.
Open technical reference Technical Diagram PackSpecification PackPlanning ToolsKNOTTR Project BriefOpen 3×3 Basketball hub
Apollo Technical Reference · Edition 2026.1 · Governing references reviewed October 2026 · always verify the current competition documents for final design.
0115 × 11 m playing surface
0218 × 14 m 3×3 footprint
033.05 m ring height
0412-second shot clock
INTERACTIVE FACILITY MAP
See the 3×3 basketball facility as one connected system.
Select a layer to see why it matters. This is a conceptual coordination map—not a dimensioned court, field, structural or compliance drawing.
3×3 BASKETBALLPLAYING AREA
FACILITY ENVELOPE · CIRCULATION · TECHNICAL INTERFACES
SPORT→SURFACE→EQUIPMENT→STRUCTURE→LIGHT→SPECTATORS→TECHNOLOGY→OPERATIONS
3×3 TECHNICAL CONTROL LAYER
Use six release gates before a court becomes a quoted system.
KNOTTR should feel easy to buy without making technical shortcuts invisible. These gates keep geometry, product evidence and local works separated so the project can move quickly without overstating what has been verified.
Base + drainage gate
Survey the hard base, correct local undulations and establish the drainage route. A finish surface should not be expected to repair a failed base.
Surface evidence gate
Where FIBA approval is required, match the exact quoted surface system to its current approval and level rather than relying on a generic product-family claim.
Backstop gate
Select the exact permanent or mobile backstop around competition level, support geometry, anchoring / ballast, padding, movement route and current approval evidence. Current FIBA 3x3 guidance uses at least 900 mm upright-to-baseline clearance for Level 1 and 400 mm for Level 2.
Timing + display gate
Treat the 12-second shot clock, game scoring, operator position, power, data and display visibility as one match-control layer.
Venue gate
Resolve lighting, barriers, spectators, accessible viewing, storage, media, player waiting and event handling outside the playing envelope.
15 × 11 mformal playing surface
18 × 14 m3×3 footprint
≤ 1%single-plane fall where sufficient drainage is otherwise unavailable
≤ 5 mm / 3 mFIBA venue-guide flatness reference for impermeable outdoor systems
COMPETITION + FACILITY LADDER
Separate the playing level from the project type.
A resort can still need a competition-capable court; a public facility does not automatically need Level 1 equipment. Select the operating model first, then the approval level justified by the brief.
PATHWAYSURFACEBACKSTOPTECHNOLOGYOPERATIONS
Community / recreationDurable outdoor surface selected for climate, drainage and maintainability.Robust permanent equipment; approval level only claimed when the exact product is listed.Simple lighting; optional basic scoring / access systems.Public access, cleaning, inspection, neighbour and vandal-resistance planning.
Club / Level 2 pathwayHigher-performance surface with competition-style geometry and repeat programme use.Level 2 or project-appropriate equipment pathway verified against current listing where required.12-second timing can be added with club scoring and venue displays.Repeat training, leagues, academy use, storage and spectator edge.
Competition / Level 1 pathwayExact approved Level 1 3×3 surface configuration where the event brief requires it.Exact current Level 1 approved 3×3 backstop and ring configuration.12-second shot clock, competition scoring, event display and camera / broadcast coordination.Officials, players, event barriers, media, spectators and controlled changeover.
Portable event / broadcastPortable approved system selected around the venue floor and repeated assembly cycle.Mobile event backstop with exact approval and movement / ballast requirements confirmed.Temporary power, timing, scoring, display, PA and streaming planned as a deployable package.Cases, freight, staging, crew sequence, sponsor graphics, pack-down and dry storage.
OUTDOOR LIGHTING REFERENCE
Community visibility and broadcast competition are different lighting briefs.
These are governing-reference anchors, not a complete lighting design. Uniformity, glare, spill light, vertical illumination, camera requirements, mounting positions, controls and local regulations still need project-specific design.
RELEASE CHECK
A specification can move forward when these five statements are true.
The site envelope has been measured, including the full 3×3 footprint and surrounding operating zones.
The base and drainage strategy is known rather than assumed.
The exact surface and backstop approval evidence has been checked where the project requires FIBA-approved equipment.
Timing, scoring, lighting, power and display interfaces have owners.
Local civil, structural, electrical, installation and statutory responsibilities are clearly allocated.
FACILITY LEVEL MATRIX
The technical brief changes with the level of venue.
Do not copy elite-event requirements into every community project—or under-specify a competition venue from a school checklist.
Community / education
Permanent participation court with durable outdoor surface, backstop and practical lighting.
Club / academy
Club / social court with spectator edge, scoring and repeat operating model.
Competition
Competition court with exact approved surface/equipment, shot clock and event zoning.
Elite / major venue
Broadcast/event court with temporary infrastructure, media, audience, display and rapid installation/changeover.
12 TECHNICAL TOPICS
Design the complete 3×3 basketball environment.
Each topic is part of the same facility. Changing one layer can affect several others, which is why product selection should follow the complete brief.
01
Playing geometry
Use the 15 × 11 m formal playing surface and the dedicated 18 × 14 m 3×3 footprint as different planning controls rather than simply cutting a 5-on-5 hall in half. Protect scorer, player, spectator and event-service zones outside the playing surface.
02
Surface / playing system
Outdoor systems should be checked for UV weathering, wet slip, permeability / drainage, thermal expansion and base tolerance. Where sufficient drainage is not possible, the FIBA Venue Guide allows a slight single-plane slope of up to 1%; for impermeable systems it gives a guide of no more than 5 mm undulation under a 3 m straightedge.
03
Sport equipment
Backstop geometry, board/ring, padding and anchoring or ballast must match the exact permanent or event system. Where FIBA approval is required, verify the exact current product and competition level in the approved catalogue.
04
Lighting
Community lighting and broadcast/event lighting are different briefs. The FIBA Venue Guide uses 100 lux as an ordinary outdoor visibility reference where regular broadcasting is not anticipated and 1200 lux minimum across the playing area for competitions with broadcasting demands; full design still requires glare, uniformity, spill and camera review.
05
Spectators
Protect the player boundary while creating close spectator energy. Temporary barriers, seating, fan zones and accessible viewing need defined offsets.
06
Structure + building interface
Review pole/foundation or temporary support conditions, scoreboard/display supports, shade/cover and wind exposure.
07
Environment
Outdoor courts need solar orientation, heat expansion, wind, rain and stormwater planning. Avoid tree debris and uncontrolled runoff onto the playing area.
08
Accessibility
Provide accessible court approach, ramped tile edges where required, inclusive player access and accessible spectator positions.
09
Storage + changeover
Event tiles, barriers, backstop components, shot clocks and furniture require transport cases, dry storage, handling routes and an installation sequence.
10
Technology + controls
Treat the 12-second shot clock, scoring, PA, FÍSVOR event display, streaming/camera and content-control systems as one event layer with clear power/data ownership.
11
Evidence + standards
Confirm exact FIBA 3×3 Approved surface/equipment where the competition brief requires it; keep product approval separate from local base, electrical and structural work.
12
Maintenance + lifecycle
Inspect tile movement, edges, drainage, surface wear, backstop stability, pads, fasteners, clocks, cables and spare parts on a defined schedule.
EVIDENCE LADDER
Do not collapse different kinds of evidence into one “approved” claim.
Official rule / governing reference
Defines the sport or competition requirement. It does not automatically approve a supplier or construction detail.
Product test / approval
Applies to an exact surface, equipment item or system configuration and the scope stated by the governing programme.
Installed facility test / certification
Where the sport offers it, field/court/facility testing confirms the finished installation rather than only the product.
Project engineering
Foundations, supports, wind/seismic loads, electrical, building interfaces and local-code compliance remain project-specific.
Commercial release
Warranty, documentation, spares, freight, installation responsibility and exact quoted configuration are closed before order.
SPECIFICATION INPUTS
Information a useful 3×3 basketball specification should contain.
These inputs can become a consultant brief, RFP schedule or Apollo project review without prematurely inventing an exact model.
01
Permanent or event court
02
Competition level
03
Available footprint
04
Base and drainage
05
Surface pathway
06
Backstop / anchoring method
07
Lighting hours / broadcast need
08
Shot clock / scoring / display
09
Spectator and barrier plan
10
Storage / transport / installation model
PERFORMANCE-SPECIFICATION STARTERS
Clause intent that can be developed into the project specification.
These are performance-based starting points, not a substitute for the project architect, engineer, governing body or exact selected-system data.
Playing environment
Use the 15 × 11 m formal playing surface and the dedicated 18 × 14 m 3×3 footprint as different planning controls rather than simply cutting a 5-on-5 hall in half. Protect scorer, player, spectator and event-service zones outside the playing surface.
Surface performance
Outdoor systems should be checked for UV weathering, wet slip, permeability / drainage, thermal expansion and base tolerance. Where sufficient drainage is not possible, the FIBA Venue Guide allows a slight single-plane slope of up to 1%; for impermeable systems it gives a guide of no more than 5 mm undulation under a 3 m straightedge.
Evidence and approvals
Confirm exact FIBA 3×3 Approved surface/equipment where the competition brief requires it; keep product approval separate from local base, electrical and structural work.
Maintenance and lifecycle
Inspect tile movement, edges, drainage, surface wear, backstop stability, pads, fasteners, clocks, cables and spare parts on a defined schedule.
DRAWING ROADMAP
Draw the interfaces that words usually miss.
Public planning diagrams can define intent. Exact fabrication, foundation, fixing and model drawings should follow only when the selected system is verified.
3×3 court + footprint plan
Drainage / base concept
Backstop foundation or ballast detail
Lighting / camera plan
Spectator barrier layout
Shot-clock / scoring schematic
Event storage + install sequence
TECHNICAL DIAGRAM PACK
3×3 Basketball planning diagrams for the interfaces that written specifications miss.
Four vector sheets cover plan geometry, vertical coordination, equipment/operations and spectator/technology interfaces. Verified sport dimensions are shown only where the technical baseline supports them; conceptual allowances remain explicitly labelled.
PACKLTV-3X3-BASKETBALL
SPORT3×3 Basketball
REFERENCE REVIEW04 OCT 2026
STATUSPLANNING / COORDINATION
01
Dimensioned Plan
02
Vertical / Section Coordination
03
Equipment + Operations Zoning
04
Spectator + Lighting + Technology
Planning diagram status
These diagrams organise coordination information. They are not fabrication drawings, engineering drawings, construction details, certified court/field layouts or statutory documentation. Current governing-body requirements, exact selected-system drawings and local professional design take precedence.
MAINTENANCE & LIFECYCLE
Make performance maintainable.
01Surface cleaning
02Drainage inspection
03Tile edge / expansion checks
04Backstop and padding checks
05Shot-clock functional test
06Lighting inspection
07Event hardware inventory
TROUBLESHOOTING
Common symptoms worth investigating.
Ponding after rain
Check base falls, permeability, blocked drainage and local surface undulation.
Tiles buckling in heat
Check expansion allowance, edge restraint and installation temperature.
Backstop movement
Check anchoring/ballast, base level and hardware.
Wet slip
Check surface condition, contaminants and approved outdoor slip characteristics.
Clock visibility
Check position, sun angle, brightness and spectator/player sightline.
Event setup too slow
Map component packing, court sequence, handling equipment and crew roles.
SPORTS PLANNING CALCULATORS
Turn early ideas into measurable planning inputs.
These are early-stage planning tools—not engineering, certification, accessibility or photometric calculators. Every input is visible and editable so assumptions stay explicit.
18 × 14 m facility-footprint reference used for initial 3×3 planning.
CALCULATOR 01
Facility footprint
18 × 14 mindicative precinct rectangle
252 m²indicative footprint
1playing units
CALCULATOR 02
Surface planning quantity
165 m²playing-area total
174.9 m²planning quantity incl. allowance
This is area arithmetic only. Roll widths, tile modules, seams, line systems, perimeter details and manufacturer-specific waste factors can change the final order quantity.
CALCULATOR 03
Spectator capacity study
50estimated seats per row
27 mapproximate row length
Not a code or sightline calculation. Final rows, aisles, vomitories, accessible positions, guards, rake and egress must be developed by the project team.
BUILDER 04
Lighting brief
01Confirm the sport and exact competition level.
02Define the playing area plus spectator, camera and officials zones.
03Coordinate luminaire locations with structure, roof services, poles and maintenance access.
04Control glare for players, officials and spectators.
05Confirm local electrical, emergency-lighting and spill-light requirements.
06Define training, match and reduced-energy operating modes where controls support them.
NEXT STEP
Carry the assumptions into the technical and specification workflow.
Permanent and event courts have different edge, barrier and operational requirements. Verify current FIBA 3×3 requirements for the intended competition level.
PRIMARY GOVERNING REFERENCES
Use Apollo to navigate the technical problem—then verify the rule at source.
We link to the governing organisation rather than republishing whole standards. Rules, manuals, approval lists and competition requirements change.
FIBA Outdoor Courts & Facilities
Outdoor basketball and 3×3 planning guidance covering footprint, flooring, drainage, equipment and lighting.
Open official sourceFIBA Official 3×3 Basketball Equipment & Software
Current 3×3 equipment appendix covering the playing surface, boundary space and sports-functional requirements.
Open official sourceFIBA Approved 3×3 Backstop Units
Current catalogue of approved 3×3 backstop systems with competition level and licence information.
Open official sourceReference review date: 5 October 2026. Governing-body content remains owned and controlled by the relevant organisation. Apollo's summaries are planning aids, not substitutes for the current official rules or local professional advice.
CITE THIS RESOURCE
3×3 Basketball Facility Technical Centre
- Publisher
- Apollo NZ Global
- Edition
- 2026.1
- Reviewed
- 5 October 2026
Apollo NZ Global. 3×3 Basketball Facility Technical Centre. LUTHVAR Global Sports Technical Library, 2026.1. https://apollonzglobal.com/3x3-basketball-systems/facility-technical-centre
Technical reference & source policyPROJECT-SPECIFIC REVIEW
Turn the technical reference into a controlled 3×3 basketball project brief.
Apollo remains supply-only. Local design, foundations, civil works, installation, statutory approvals and professional sign-off remain with the appropriate project parties unless a specific support item is expressly included.