As we write this, we’re in the midst of March Madness and the end of the college basketball season.
But for the potential NCAA stars of tomorrow, or kids who just like shooting baskets at the family basketball hoops in their driveways, the season is just getting underway.
We have several months of warm weather to look forward to, which makes this the perfect time to put together this sequel to last year’s list of basketball games for kids.
Here are five basketball games for children of all skill levels. Give them a try when the outdoor play season kicks into high gear.
1. Ready, aim, fire!
This is a fast-paced game that requires at least two people, and is meant to improve players’ agility and ability to shoot quickly.
Start by giving each player their own ball setting up seven markers around the basket for players to shoot from. The goal is for each player to make a shot from all seven points, with everyone taking shots at the same time.
The winner of the game is the first person to make a basket from each of the seven points. We would recommend you or another adult act as referee/scorekeeper, as the play can get pretty chaotic.
2. Island
Young players can test their control and agility – while still enjoying some outdoor play –with this game.
You’ll need to create an “island” inside the lines of the basketball court – or create an artificial boundary in your driveway. The object is for players to dribble their own ball while trying to knock other player’s balls out of bounds, all while staying within the island.
If a ball goes off the island, that player is out. The last player on the island wins.
3. Musical basketballs
Kids who have played musical chairs should have no trouble picking up on this game, which is more relaxed than the other entries on this list, but still a good way to help players practice shooting.
You’ll need a ball for each player, and a speaker to play music. Put the balls in a circle, start the music, and have the players walk around the circle. When the music stops, each player grabs a ball and tries to make a basket.
Once a player has made a shot, they can sit down. The last player standing is out.
4. All-star shootout
The set-up for this game is somewhat similar to “Ready, aim, fire,” requiring two or more players shooting from various points under your family basketball hoops.
But instead of seven markers, you’ll need to draw 10 or more circles around the court, each of them requiring different levels of shooting ability to make the basket.
Each circle should come with a different point level depending on how far it is from the basket. Each player can make 10 shots from any circle they wish. At the end of the game, the player with the most points is the winner.
A very skilled player can rack up a lot of points shooting from the farthest basket, so we’d recommend this game for players who are all at the same skill level.
5. Knock out
Our last game is a great skills test, requiring players to hone their ability to make free-throw shots under pressure. You’ll need at least three players, and two basketballs, and a free throw line 10-15 away from your basketball hoop.
Have the players line up in single file, giving the first two players in line their own basketball. As soon as the first player takes a shot, the second player moves to the front of the line.
The goal is for the second person in line to make a basket before the first player. If they do, the first player is out. If the first player makes a basket on the first try, they pass the ball to the third player, and head to the back of the line. The game continues until only one player is left.
If you think your child would enjoy playing on basketball systems at home, Swingset & Toy Warehouse can help.
We carry a wide selection of family basketball systems, along with our signature swing sets and outdoor play accessories. Visit us online, or at one of our four stores, and we’ll work on finding something that appeals to your future superstar.
