Unique ABA Rules
A combination of NBA, NCAA, International rules that make our game faster-paced, higher scoring and more fun to watch.
The American Basketball Association has several unique rules that make it a fast-paced, high-scoring game. Most famous of these unique rules is the 3-D Light. Here are some of the major differences between the ABA, the NBA, and the NCAA:
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In the ABA, a player has 7 seconds to get the ball across midcourt, as opposed to the 8 seconds allowed in the NBA.
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​Players foul out after their 7th foul, but they can return in overtime.
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A half-court shot is worth 4 points.
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If the ball is turned over in the backcourt for any reason, the 3-D Light comes on. When the 3-D Light is on:
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Add a point to any basket made on that possession.​
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Add a free throw attempt to any shooting foul that is called on that possession.
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ABA Overtime Rules
In overtime in the ABA:
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Overtime lasts 3:00
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Starts with jump ball
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One :30 timeout per team
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Personal fouls and team fouls do not carry over from regulation
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Players foul out after 2 fouls in overtime, even if those are his first two fouls of the game.
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A bonus situation occurs on the 4th team foul in OT
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Non-shooting foul in bonus = 3 free throws
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Non-shooting foul in bonus with 3-D light on = 4 free throws
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Bonus does not come in to play on shooting fouls
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ABA Double Overtime Rules
In double overtime in the ABA:
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No clock
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No timeouts
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Personal fouls and team fouls carry over from OT
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First team to 10 points wins
