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Hoops HUB
3x3 Pick-up and Coaching
U12 Girls & Boys

We’re excited to launch a new initiative for Term 2 — free, fun, and informal basketball sessions on Saturday mornings, designed especially for kids born in 2014, 2015, or 2016. These 45-minute sessions will run each Saturday from 9:00 AM at the Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre. 

 

Led by our experienced Blue Mountains Magic representative coaches, the sessions will include a mix of skills development, basketball fundamentals, and pick-up style 3×3 games.

 

The aim is to give young players more access to quality coaching and more opportunities to get on the court, build confidence, and improve their game.

 

Whether your child is brand new to basketball, already playing in one of our junior competitions, or simply looking for more chances to play — this is a great way to stay active, make friends, and grow their skills in a relaxed, supportive environment. There’s no cost, no registration required, and no commitment — just come along and join in when you can.

 

This program is being trialled for Term 2 only. We’ll reassess its success at the end of term and decide what it might look like moving forward. If it proves popular, we’d love to keep building on it.

 

We’d love to see both new and returning faces, and we especially encourage kids who’ve been curious about basketball but haven’t yet had a chance to try it. Bring a friend and let’s play!

Here’s everything you need to know:​

When and Where

   – Start Date: Every Saturday morning (during Term 2)

   – Time: 9am

   – Venue: Court 1, Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre 

Registration & Cost

Registration: is not required, just come along when it suits you! 

 

Cost: $0 – that’s right, we are opening the courts and providing access to our coaches for all U12 players for free!

 

Who can play: Open to girls and boys born in 2014, 2015 or 2016.

 

Whether your child is new to basketball or wants to keep improving, these sessions are a great chance to learn, play, and have fun with others. Spread the word and bring your friends!

Why 3x3 is Great for Development

   – More ball touches and space = more decisions, faster learning

   – Boosts confidence, creativity, and teamwork

   – Ideal for both beginners and experienced players

   – Fun and engaging format that keeps kids active and involved

This YouTube video provides a great overview of the main 3×3 rules with demonstrations and examples.

How 3x3 is Different from Traditional 5v5 Basketball

3×3 is a fun, fast-paced version of basketball that’s growing quickly around the world. While it uses the same core skills of dribbling, passing, shooting and defending, there are some key differences you should know. We play the official FIBA 3×3 rules with some slight modifications which are outlined below.

Basic Format

   – 3 players on court per team (plus one substitute)

   – Played on a half court with one hoop

   – Games last 15 minutes or end when one team reaches 21 points

Fast-Paced Play

   – After a made basket or rebound, teams “clear” the ball past the 3-point line and continue play

   – The game is continuous — no stops after scoring

   – All dead balls restart with a check ball at the top of the key

Scoring

   – 1 point for baskets inside the arc

   – 2 points for shots beyond the arc (what’s a 3-pointer in 5v5)

   – First to 21 or the leader after 15 minutes wins

Fouls

   – Team fouls only — at 7 fouls, the other team gets 2 free throws

   – At 10+ fouls, it’s 2 free throws plus possession

   – No individual foul-outs, but referees still manage rough play

BMBA Modified Rules

   –  Coaches will be permitted to actively participate in games and may be present on the sideline 

   – All games will be 15 minutes in length. 

   – There will be no 12 second shot clock, however the referee may give a 5 second count if at their absolute discretion, the offensive team is stalling or failing to play actively.

   – We will use standard size 5 basketballs

Sport
- Our Courts -

Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre

Catalina Ave, Katoomba

Located on Country now known as The Gully which is highly significant to Gundungurra and Darug Traditional Owners, who retain a rich cultural, spiritual, social and economic relationship with this special place.