Sometimes kids don't have the ability, skills or even the attention span to play a full, organized game of basketball in P.E. But that doesn't mean you're out of luck when it's raining outside and there's no other option but to go into the gym. There are several entertaining basketball games kids can play in elementary school that have simple rules and will help kids get some exercise.
HORSE
One of the most classic basketball games of all time, HORSE is the ultimate test of players' shooting skills and creativity. To play HORSE, have all players -- preferably no more than three or four per basket -- decide a playing order. The first player in the group starts by shooting a shot from anywhere on the floor. If the player makes the shot, all other players must attempt the same shot from the same location. Anyone who doesn't make the shot receives the letter "H." If the first player doesn't make the initial shot, the next player in order gets to choose the shot. This pattern continues until a player earns all the letters in the word HORSE, which results in elimination. The last player standing is considered the winner.
21
This game is the perfect half-court game when you have multiple or an odd number of players. In 21, it's every man for himself. Each player is on his own team. One player is chosen to start the game with the ball at the top of the three-point arc. That player dribbles as in a normal game and tries to make a shot. A shot made from behind the three-point line is worth two points. Any other shot is worth one point. Once the ball is shot, any other player may rebound the ball, but on a change of possession must take the ball outside the three-point line before shooting. A player who makes a basket then gets up to three free throws. If any of the free throws are missed, the other players may grab the rebound and continue play. If the player makes all three free throws, he gets the ball at the top of the three-point arc to try another field goal. The first player to 21 points wins the game.
Around the World
Another popular P.E. game that tests players' shooting skills, Around the World is easy to set up and easier to play. Use tape to mark 10 to 15 different shooting spots on the court in order. Put players in order. The first player in line shoots from the first spot. If she makes it, she moves on to the next spot. When a player misses, she has the option of either staying at that spot and waiting for her next turn, or trying another shot from that spot. If she misses the second shot, however, she must go back to the starting spot, even if she is on the last shooting spot. The player who is able to make it all around the shooting spots wins the game.
Lightning
The best thing about the game of Lightning -- also known as Knockout -- is that it can be played with an unlimited number of kids, making it the perfect P.E. game. All you need are two basketballs. Have all players line up single file behind the free-throw line, and give the first two players each a ball. The first player shoots a foul shot. Immediately after the ball leaves his hand, the second player can shoot. The object is for the second player in line to make a shot before the first player can. Once a shot is missed, the player who shot it can attempt a shot from anywhere on the floor. If the player behind him makes a basket before he makes his, the first player is eliminated. Play continues until only one player remains and is declared the winner.
Member Comments