When I was a kid we just hooped. We didn’t have trainers. We didn’t dribble around with garden gloves or put basketballs in grocery bags. We just hung out in the driveway or at a park and came up with different ways to compete whether it was 1 on 1, shooting contests or 21. Here are a few that quickly came to mind while I’m still irritable:
1. 3 vs. 3 Half-Court:
This game is best played with two teams of three players on a half-court. Players start by taking turns shooting to make a basket. Once all three players on a team have made a basket, they win the game.
2. Double Shot Clock:
This game requires a shot clock and two players. One player starts the clock and takes a shot. The clock stops if the player makes the shot, and the other player takes a shot from the same spot. If the player misses, the clock continues until the shot is made. The player who starts the game continues to choose the shot locations.
3. Hot Potato:
This game is perfect for a small group of players. One player stands in the middle of the court with a basketball. The other players stand around the outside of the court and try to pass the ball to each other without being intercepted by the player in the middle. The player in the middle tries to intercept the ball and tag the other players. If a player is tagged, they become the new player in the middle.
4. Silly Shot Challenge:
In this game, players compete to make shots from different spots on the court. Each team takes turns shooting from three different zones, with different point values for each zone. The team with the most points at the end wins.
5. Around the World:
This classic basketball game can be played by two or more players. Players take turns shooting from different spots around the arc, starting with the free-throw line. The first player to make a shot from each spot wins.
6. Knockout:
This is a fast-paced and competitive game perfect for a group of friends. Players line up behind the free-throw line and take turns shooting. The player who makes the most shots in a row wins.
7. 3-2-1:
This game is similar to the Silly Shot Challenge, but it also incorporates layups. Players take turns shooting from three different spots on the court, but they must also make a layup after each shot. The first player to score 21 points wins.
8. King of the Court:
In this game, players compete to be the “king” of the court. One player starts as the king, and the other players try to challenge them. The king must stay in the center of the court and defend against the challengers. If a challenger scores on the king, they become the new king.
9. 21:
This game is played similarly to the card game Blackjack. Players take turns shooting, and the goal is to get as close to 21 points as possible without going over. Players can score points by making shots from different parts of the court, with different point values for each shot.
10. Horse:
This classic basketball game is perfect for two or more players. Players take turns shooting from different spots on the court, and the goal is to make the same shot as the previous player. If a player makes a shot that the previous player missed, they earn a letter. The first player to spell out the word “HORSE” loses.
What other games for basketball players that love to just play did I miss?
