How 6x6 Basketball Became Popular

Basketball is traditionally played with five players on each team, but that wasn't always the case, especially for women. In the late 1800s, women began engaging in physical activities, but societal norms still viewed women as “weaker” physically. To accommodate these limitations, a unique variation of basketball was developed to reduce physical stress on women's bodies: 6x6 basketball.

In Six-on-Six basketball, teams are divided into two groups of three players. On one side of the court, one team attacks while the other defends, and on the opposite side of the court, the roles are reversed. Players cannot cross the court, and there are no three-point shots.

The state of Iowa (US) was one place where this version of the game found a perfect home. It was well-suited for indoor play during the harsh winter months. In Iowa, 6x6 basketball gained immense popularity, leading to the establishment of female high school tournaments and sold-out games, reaching its peak when a packed 15 thousand people assisted the Iowa State Finals in Des Moines.

As the US Office of Civil Rights pursued gender equality, it banned 6x6 basketball. Oklahoma was the last state to abandon the 6x6 format in 1995. Progress toward equality often unfolds in incremental stages. While a separate basketball variation for girls might appear counterintuitive today, it could have been a crucial stepping stone, proving that girls were just as eager and competitive as boys in sports.

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