Half-court basketball is often played in tournaments, intramurals or recreational leagues when individuals are looking for a more informal setting to play basketball than a traditional five-on-five game. Playing half-court is not necessarily an easier game than full-court basketball. Fewer players have to cover the court and one great athlete can easily dominate. When playing in a three-on-three tournament or intramural league, there are rules that are used to adjudicate the game and make sure that it is played fairly.
Game Scoring
A game of half-court basketball is played to a score of 15 points. The first team to score 15 points while ahead of its opponent by two points wins the game. If the team is ahead by one point, the game continues until one team is ahead by two points up to a maximum of 19 points. If no team is ahead by two at that point, the first team to 19 points wins. Shots taken from with the three-point arc are worth one point; shots taken from outside the arc are worth two points.
Taking It Back
All new possessions must be taken back to the top of the key. If team A has the ball and shoots and team B gets the rebound, team B must take the ball back to the top of the key before it begins its offensive possession. If team B registers a steal or team A turns the ball over or commits a foul, team B must take the ball back to the top of the key to start the possession.
Foul Calls
There are no free throws shot in half-court basketball. All fouls shall be called by the player who was fouled. There are no referees so all calls are self-officiated. A call of foul on an offensive player results in the defensive team getting possession of the ball. A call of foul on a defensive player results in the offensive team continuing its possession.
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