Four friends shoot hoops on a shady court tucked between housing blocks in northern Serbia, but this is not a casual afternoon get-together — the men are training for the Olympics.
The game, called 3×3 basketball, is played by millions on street courts across the world but has struggled for recognition since its first professional tournament in 2012.
While basketball is played on a full court with two hoops and five players on each side, the 3×3 version is on a half-size court with two teams of three shooting at the same basket.
This summer, 3×3 will make its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games — and Serbia is the runaway favorites for gold.
“We’re absolutely dominant. Any…
Keep on reading: ‘Punk rock’ hoops: Serbia aims for 3×3 basketball Olympic glory