IIT Madras Launches ‘Phiball’, a New Three-Team Basketball-Inspired Sport

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) launched a new sport called Phiball on 28 August 2026, ahead of National Sports Day , which is observed every year on 29 August. The new game combines ideas from basketball and netball while introducing an unusual three-team competition format. Unlike conventional basketball, which involves two teams and two baskets, Phiball allows three teams to play at the same time . Each team has to defend one basket while trying to score in the baskets defended by the other two teams. As a result, players must constantly watch two opponents and quickly switch between attacking and defending. Teams and Players Each team consists of seven registered players , with four players active on the court and three substitutes . With three teams competing simultaneously, up to 12 active players can be involved in play at the same time. The three-team structure is intended to make the game less predictable than a traditional two-team sport and place greater emphasis on communication and quick decision-making. Circular Court and Three Baskets Phiball is played on a 26-metre-diameter circular court divided into three equal 120-degree sectors . Three baskets are positioned around the court, with each team initially assigned one basket to defend. The court also contains a 4-metre Centre Free Zone , where shooting is not permitted, along with restricted areas near the baskets. These special zones encourage players to move the ball and find better attacking positions instead of simply shooting from anywhere on the court. Match Format A Phiball match is divided into three quarters of eight minutes each , with a three-minute interval between quarters . The game also uses a 24-second shot clock for a new possession and a 14-second reset in applicable situations . These time restrictions are designed to prevent teams from holding the ball for too long and help maintain a fast pace. Rotating Defensive Baskets One of Phiball's most distinctive rules is the rotation of defensive baskets . After every quarter, the three teams rotate clockwise and begin defending a different basket. This means that no team remains in the same position throughout the match. The rotation requires teams to continually adapt their tactics and prevents one particular court position from providing an advantage for the entire game. Scoring System The scoring system is similar to basketball. A successful free throw earns 1 point , a field goal from inside the 6.75-metre arc earns 2 points , and a successful shot from beyond the arc earns 3 points . However, players cannot attempt a shot from the Centre Free Zone. Limited Dribbling and Passing Another notable feature seen in the inaugural format is a restriction on individual dribbling. A player is limited to three dribbles , encouraging them to pass the ball rather than keep possession individually for a long period. This rule makes passing, movement, teamwork and quick thinking particularly important. Basket Design The inaugural Phiball setup also featured baskets without conventional basketball backboards . Without a backboard, players cannot depend on traditional bank shots or standard backboard-assisted layups. They need to shoot more directly towards the rim, increasing the importance of shooting accuracy. Origin of the Name ‘Phiball’ The word “Phi” comes from the mathematical Golden Ratio , represented by the Greek letter φ and approximately equal to 1.618 . The concept has also influenced elements of the game's design, including a roughly 1.6-metre restricted perimeter zone intended to provide additional space and improve player safety. Inspired by OmegaBall The three-team concept was partly inspired by OmegaBall , a three-team football format that IIT Madras had introduced on its campus earlier in 2026. Following interest in the concept, IIT Madras explored whether three-team competition could also work in a basketball-style game. Phiball's rules were subsequently developed with input from basketball coaches over roughly two months . Low-Cost Sports Infrastructure An important objective behind Phiball is to make the sport accessible to institutions that cannot afford expensive sporting facilities. The game can potentially be played on dirt, clay or grass surfaces , rather than requiring only a specialised basketball court. The initial setup was reported to cost less than ₹30,000 , using relatively simple equipment such as three basket posts and court-marking materials. This could make the format particularly useful for rural and government schools with limited sports infrastructure. Skills and Purpose Phiball has been designed to promote teamwork, communication, speed, accuracy, physical fitness and tactical decision-making . Because three teams are playing simultaneously, players must be aware of activity occurring in several directions. They may be attacking one opponent while simultaneously preparing to defend against another. This creates a faster and more complex tactical environment than a conventional two-team game. Launch and National Sports Day The sport was introduced immediately before National Sports Day on 29 August , which commemorates the birth anniversary of legendary Indian hockey player Major Dhyan Chand . Participants from nine educational institutions were involved in the initial Phiball event, including IIT Madras and several other institutions from Chennai.