Everyone loves a good game of roundball, but for little kids an actual five-on-five, full-court game of basketball can be a bit too complicated. It's difficult enough for many kids to dribble the ball to the hoop and shoot it before committing a double-dribble or traveling violation.
There are several other basketball games, however, that are tailor-made for those a bit young to play a traditional game of hoops.
Knockout
Knockout is a great basketball game for little kids. It works like this, with two balls: all participants line up single-file at the free throw line, and the first contestant begins the game by shooting a free throw. If he misses, he must chase down the rebound and put it in the basket from anywhere on the court before the following shooter makes her shot.
As soon as one player's free-throw attempt goes through the hoop or falls to the ground, the following player may take her shot from the line, and so forth. The objective is to "knock out" the player shooting before you, by making your shot before they've converted theirs. It's great shooting practice and results in some frenzied action that keeps smiles on kids' faces.
The goal is to "knock out" the person shooting before you.
21
Another popular basketball game for kids is 21. It's an "every man for himself" game in that there are no teams. The game starts with a free throw. With a miss, the ball is live and anyone can rebound it and try to score.
Every made basket is worth two points, and the scoring player is then rewarded with up to three free throws. With a miss, the ball is live again. If all three free throws are shot successfully, the shooter is then rewarded with possession of the ball and a chance to drive to the hoop or shoot from outside.
Although there's no passing involved, 21 does teach teamwork because players without the ball routinely join to play team defense on the player with the ball.
H-O-R-S-E
Among all basketball games for kids, H-O-R-S-E may be the longest standing. The first player determines where the first shot is taken from, and if he makes it, those that follow must make the exact same shot, lest they be awarded "H," the first of the five letters. He retains the right to choose shots until he misses, in which case the next shooter in line picks a shot.
Once you have all five letters, you're out. H-O-R-S-E games routinely include wild trick shots with eyes closed, bank shots off of walls and other various tricks. It encourages creativity in players and test their ability to shoot under pressure of receiving that fateful "E."
Member Comments