Fifteen new events are set to make an appearance at the Summer Olympics in 2021, many of which are versions of some of the world's most popular sports.
Some of which will be reflective of activities every kid will be doing during their summer vacation.
In track-and-field and swimming, we'll be seeing exciting mixed-gender relay races for the first time. Cycling will see the return of the "madison" relay race around a track and Freestyle BMX will make it's Olympic debut, which fans are more likely to associate with the X Games than with the Games of the 32nd Olympiad.
But, among all of the new events being introduced at 'Tokyo 2020', one event is sure to be one of the most intriguing for those who are looking for something to watch after the NBA Finals. And that is Basketball 3x3.
While basketball in the Olympics is one of the most watched events every four years, thanks in part to 'The Dream Team' and the explosion of talent in places like Eastern Europe, Basketball 3x3 will be an entirely brand new game. Played with three players per side and a clock that never stops, Basketball 3x3 is an Olympic sport that came straight from the playground.
While this new version of the sport will introduce Olympic dreams to a whole new crop of young talent all over the world, I do wonder how it earned a place in history's most revered sporting event.
What is Basketball 3x3 and how does it work?
Introduced to the world as FIBA 3x3, the Summer Olympic version, Basketball 3x3, will make it's debut at the 202o Olympics in Tokyo - which will confusingly take place a year later than the name suggests, in July and August of 2021.
Basketball 3x3 is branded as "an exciting new brand of basketball", but the version you watch may remind you of the same game you played in your driveway as a kid.
The game is played with two-teams of three players on half of a regulation basketball court. The 'half-court' means that both teams are playing on the same goal consecutively, a feature shared by no other sport in the Olympics.
A game of 3x3 is won in two ways, either by the team that is the first to score 21 points or whichever team has the highest scores after the time expires.
Each game includes only one 10-minute period, and a game can end in sudden death when a team scores 21 points. If the 10-minute period ends in a tie, an overtime period starts and the first team to score 2 points is the winner.
Points can be scored in a similar way to basketball, but the amount for each shot differs. An arc, resembling a three-point line is on the court, but shots made within the arc are worth 1 point and shots made outside of it are worth 2 points.
There are no stoppages throughout a 3x3 game, so the 10-minute clock runs continuously. When a team scores, they are immediately on defense.
A 12-second shot clock is used, so the offensive team must attempt a shot within that time. When a shot is made or the hits the rim, the 12-second shot clock starts over.
Each team will also have a substitute, that sits on the bench off of the court.
Basketball 3x3 is usually played outside on a hard, concrete-like surface and uses a unique ball designed by FIBA, for use specifically in international competition.
