360 Hoops Tournaments: Through the Eyes of Shane Brey

As the co-founder and inventor of 360 Hoops, Coach Shane Brey has been at the forefront of revolutionizing basketball since founding the company in July 2018. With a background in coaching through his Brey’s Basketball Academy, Shane has dedicated years to creating a game that not only challenges players physically and mentally but also amplifies the joy and fundamentals of the sport. Recently, Shane took time to watch videos from some of our exciting 360 Hoops tournaments, including events like the March Madness Basketball Experience in New Smyrna Beach and the innovative debut in Alabama alongside his brother, renowned coach Mike Brey. These tournaments showcase the patented THREE-IN-ONE basketball hoop in action—a portable, adjustable, and durable setup that transforms any court into a dynamic 3v3v3 “King of the Court” battle on a 30-foot circular playing area.

Drawing from his observations, Shane’s insights highlight why 360 Hoops is more than just a game; it’s a fresh approach that fosters skill development, teamwork, and pure fun for players of all ages and skill levels. In this post, we’ll dive into Shane’s thoughts on the offensive and defensive dynamics, unique rule elements like the absence of a three-point line and lower rim heights, and other standout aspects of the game. We’ve combined these reflections with key features of 360 Hoops to give you a comprehensive look at how this innovation is changing youth sports and beyond. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or aspiring player, these takeaways underscore the transformative power of our circular court design, which allows up to five 360 Hoops courts on a single regulation basketball court—bringing 15 hoops where only two would traditionally fit.

Revolutionizing Offense: Speed, Movement, and Smart Plays

One of the most striking elements Shane noticed in the tournament videos is how 360 Hoops naturally accelerates the pace of play while teaching players to execute great basketball plays without the ball. Unlike traditional basketball on a linear 94-foot court, the circular setup with three baskets integrated into a single, wheeled hoop encourages constant motion and strategic positioning. “We know it’s faster and makes players move without the ball,” Shane explains, “but it naturally conditions players on how to make great basketball plays. Three baskets with more space in a circle and angles to attack—I really like how this setup opens up opportunities.”

A standout rule that amplifies this is the three-pass minimum before scoring, which Shane calls “amazing.” It forces kids to move around the circle, creating dynamic positions for scoring and preventing stagnant play. This aligns perfectly with 360 Hoops’ core mission to maximize engagement and shots—players get more touches, more decisions, and more chances to develop offensive IQ in a compact, high-energy environment. Tournaments like the one in Alabama demonstrated this beautifully, where teams adapted quickly to the 360° angles, leading to creative drives and passes that mimic professional-level spacing but in a youth-friendly format.

In essence, 360 Hoops turns offense into a symphony of movement, where the patented hoop’s design—complete with its unbreakable plexiglass backboard and premium breakaway rim—supports aggressive, old-school basketball fundamentals while adding a modern twist.

Elevating Defense: Communication and Adaptability in a New Arena

Defense in 360 Hoops is where the game’s uniqueness truly shines, as Shane observed. The smaller circular playing area—about 30 feet in diameter—means defense is embedded in every possession, regardless of skill level. Players must constantly make split-second decisions: tracking the ball, monitoring opponents’ locations, and identifying which of the three baskets is unguarded. “Defense has to make decisions on where the ball is, players’ location, and which of the three baskets is not being guarded,” Shane notes. “Players talk more, communicating on how to guard—it’s very different to guard one hoop like in traditional basketball.”

In traditional setups, lane lines provide clear boundaries, and the single basket’s position is predictable. But in 360 Hoops, the hoops’ 360° orientation creates unpredictability—you truly have no idea where the next scoring threat might emerge from. This forces defenders to stay alert and collaborate, reducing the advantage of speed alone. Shane pointed out a common issue in youth traditional basketball: faster players can simply run the full court and score with minimal resistance. In 360 Hoops, that doesn’t fly—the compact circle levels the playing field, emphasizing positioning and teamwork over raw athleticism.

This defensive intensity has been a hit in our tournaments, including the recent partnership announcements with coaches like Sarah Behn, aimed at empowering the next generation of female athletes. It’s no wonder events are expanding nationwide, with more setups rolling out soon.

Rule Innovations: No Three-Point Line, Lower Rims, and the 2-Point Spot

Shane’s takeaways also extend to some of 360 Hoops’ rule choices that promote fundamental skills and add flair. The absence of a three-point line encourages “real old-school mid-range basketball,” as Shane puts it, pushing kids to drive to the basket rather than relying on long-range shots. Paired with the adjustable rim height (from 4½’ to 10′), this setup makes dunking accessible and exciting, especially for younger players. The lower rim fosters confidence and athletic development without the intimidation of standard heights.

Another cool feature Shane appreciates is the exclusive 360 Hoops 2-point spot—a designated area for two-pointers that’s “cool and different,” perfect for branding with logos. While attempts from this spot aren’t as frequent as expected, it adds a marketing edge and strategic layer to the game. These elements tie into our overall design philosophy: keeping the game simple yet innovative, with no personal fouls, no free throws, no timeouts, and only team fouls tracked. This streamlines officiating and keeps the focus on play.

As highlighted in our September 2024 press release about the proprietary three-in-one product launch, these rules transform youth sports by inspiring the next generation and injecting energy into every possession.

The Bigger Picture: Physical Demands, Fun, and Ease of Play

Beyond offense and defense, Shane was impressed by the game’s overall intensity and appeal. “This game is physically harder than you think,” he shares. In just 14 minutes of running time, a 360 Hoops game features more possessions than a full 40-minute college basketball matchup—thanks to the fast pace and lack of interruptions like fouls or timeouts. Yet, despite the exertion, “all players had FUN! All smiles on every player.” This joy is a hallmark of 360 Hoops, as seen in tournament footage where kids of varying ages light up with excitement.

Teaching and managing the game is straightforward, making it ideal for coaches, officials, and organizers. Setup takes under 15 minutes, and the portable design (on wheels, fitting through double doors) means it’s easy to deploy anywhere—from gyms to outdoor courts. Our events, like the Fitchburg debut in April 2025, have proven this, with co-founder comments noting nationwide expansion on the horizon.

In summary, Shane’s reflections reinforce why 360 Hoops is poised to change the shape of basketball: it builds skills, promotes communication, and delivers unmatched fun in a space-efficient package. As we continue to host tournaments and partner with influencers like Mike Brey and Sarah Behn, we’re excited to see more players experience this game-changing format.

Ready to join the revolution? Visit https://play360hoops.com/ to learn more, sign up for events, or get your own 360 Hoop. Follow us on Instagram (@play360hoops) for tournament updates and behind-the-scenes insights. Let’s keep the ball bouncing—in every direction!

About 360 Hoops

360 Hoops is a sports innovation company reimagining basketball with its patented three-in-one hoop and circular gameplay, allowing players to score on any of three baskets. While preserving the essence and global appeal of basketball, 360 Hoops enhances engagement, maximizes space efficiency, and gets more players moving and having fun. Played on a circular court with nonstop action, the game is designed for all ages and skill levels. By changing the shape of the game, 360 Hoops creates a fast-paced, dynamic experience while solving the common challenge of too many players, not enough hoops. With a mission to deliver the most fun way to fall in love with sports, 360 Hoops inspires movement and makes the game more accessible – offering an exciting, innovative way to play, develop, and compete.

Learn more at play360hoops.com.