You love your kids, but let’s be honest: the odds are against them becoming the next LeBron James.
But that’s OK. You don’t have to be NBA material – or even tall – to enjoy the game of basketball. Here a few great variations on the standard game of basketball you and your children might enjoy with your outdoor basketball hoop.
1. HORSE
This one is a classic. One person announces how they’re going to make a shot. If they do, the next person has to make the same shot. If they miss or don’t make the exact same shot, they get a letter. H-O-R-S-E. If they spell “HORSE,” they’re out of the game.
We’ve seen HORSE referred to as a “trick shot” game, but that doesn’t mean you should expect your kids to emulate Michael Jordan at its prime. It can be something as simple as trying to make a lay-up, or just standing in a certain spot.
2. Lighting
This basketball hoop game requires at least three players but works best with an even larger group. You’ll also need two basketballs. Beyond that, it’s relatively simple: Create a free-throw line, and have the players line up single file. Once the first player takes a shot, the second person in line shoots.
If the first player misses the shot, they must get the rebound from anywhere on the court before the second player makes their basket. If the second player scores first, the first player is out of the game. If the first player scores first, they must throw the ball to the next person in line, the move to the end of the line to wait their turn again. The game goes until only one player is left shooting.
3. Twenty-One
This is essentially a one-on-one game of basketball, with the first player to hit 21 points winning the game. You can play with two or more people, with the other players trying to keep whoever has possession of the ball from scoring.
When someone makes a shot, it counts as two points. After that, they get two free throws, each of which is one point. If either free throw misses, the ball goes back into play. If both free throws make it, the player keeps the ball. Some versions of Twenty-One don’t allow three-point shots, while others say a three-pointer is any shot made from beyond the free throw line.
4. Around the World
This game is designed to test its players shooting ability. You’ll need two or more players and some way to mark off about a dozen “stations” in your play area (chalk works best if you’re playing in the driveway). Start at the first station, which is nearest the hoop. The first player takes their shot. If they make it, they move onto the next station until they miss.
If a player misses, they have to go back one station and pass the ball to the next player. The winner is whoever is the first to go “around the world” (i.e. make a basket from all 12 stations). Some versions of Around the World allow players more than one chance to make a shot.
5. Game of Ten
This game is fun, if a little chaotic (especially if you have multiple players). You’ll need a ball for every player. Everyone shoots until someone scores 10 points – or 20 or 30 if you want to extend the game. And no one takes turns, which is why we used the term “chaotic” earlier. The risk of having your ball knocked out of play by someone else’s ball is part of the fun.
Basketball is a great way for your kids to have fun while getting exercise. And there are enough variations on the game that anyone can enjoy themselves while playing.
If you think your children would enjoy their own hoop at home, Swingset & Toy Warehouse can help. We carry a line of hoops designed for players of every skill level. Visit us online or at one of our four stores, and we’ll help you find something that hits the mark with your kids.
