Knock Out
Needed: Two Basketballs and Two or More Players
The Play: The first two players line up at the free throw line. Give each a basketball. The first player attempts a free throw. If he or she does not make the shot, the second player has one shot to make a basket and “knock out” the first player. Play proceeds until all but one player has been “knocked out.”
Around the World
Needed: One basketball and Two or More Players
The Play: There are several variations of this game, but the simplest is to have the first player begin by making a shot from the free throw line. If they make the basket, they continue by moving along the 3-point line to the mid-point and then to the wing on one side, followed by the same pattern on the other side. When they miss a shot, the basketball is given to the next player to make the same shots. To cut down on frustration, young players can begin in the subsequent rounds where they last missed a shot. The winner is the player who completes the pattern with made baskets.
Golf
Needed: One Basketball and Two or More Players
The Play: Play begins by allowing one player to shoot the ball from a predetermined spot on the court. If they make the basket, they score “1.” If not, they shoot again until they make the basket, and their score represents the number of shots they required for a successful basket. Other players shoot from the same spot and record scores, and then the play moves to another spot on the court. If time allows, the play can continue from a total of 18 different locations on the court.
Musical Basketballs
Needed: Three or more Players and One Basketball Per Player. Also a source of music.
The Play: Place basketballs in the center of the group of players. Start music. When the music stops, each player grabs a basketball and attempts a shot. The last player to successfully make a shot is out, and play continues until only one player remains.