Hoop District, the talent and culture celebration at the intersection of sports and social media that’s coming to Paris and Berlin this spring, is not your average basketball tournament. Influencer-led 3x3 teams will compete for a chance to be part of the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four festivities and win the €10,000 grand prize.
But they won't be playing your grandfather's game – or even your mother's. Not at all.
Hoop District will feature some unique 3x3 game rules called that are designed to keep everyone – players, fans, viewers and even referees – constantly engaged throughout swings in the action and the scoreboard.
In addition to the standard one- and two-point shots, taken inside or outside an arc indicated on the court, several novel scenarios called Power Ups may be activated during Hoop District games.
There are four Power Up options, of which each team can use two during the course of any game. The clock will be stopped by the referee when a team captain raises his hand and invokes one of the following Power Ups.
Three-Point Shot
A player chosen by his or her team captain will shoot alone from one of special three-point circles in the corners near the half-court line. After the shot is taken, whether made or missed, possession changes to the other team.
Point Boost
By activating this Power Up, a team can earn double points on its next two possessions. Any possession ends when the opposing team gets the ball.
One-on-One
The team captain chooses a player to go one-on-one against an opponent of the same gender. They play each other head-to-head until someone scores.
No Dribble
When activated by one team, the opposing team will not be able to dribble for the next two possessions. If the ball is dribbled during this time, the team that activated the Power Up will be awarded a free throw plus possession.
Only one Power Up at a time may be activated. So if a two-possession Power Up is in progress, neither team can interrupt it by asking for another Power Up until the first one is complete. Also, Power Ups can only be called for during live action, never when the clock is stopped.