Basketball is a great way to stay active and a fun sport that kids of all ages can enjoy.
We’ll share basketball games for kids that keep the sport exciting and help develop various skills crucial for young athletes. By incorporating games into practice sessions, kids can improve their basketball abilities while enjoying every moment on the court.
Here are some enjoyable basketball games designed to keep kids entertained and improve their skills.
1. H-O-R-S-E
A classic and popular basketball game that is perfect for players of all skill levels. Players take turns shooting from the same spot where the previous shot was made, and if they miss, they receive a letter of the word “HORSE.” The game continues until only one player remains that hasn’t been eliminated by spelling out “HORSE”. This game encourages creativity and helps with practicing challenging shots.
2. Knockout
Knockout involves two basketballs and a line of players. The first two players in line each have a basketball. The first player shoots, and as soon as they release the ball, the second player can shoot. The goal is to make a basket before the person in front of you to “knock” them out of the game. This fast-paced game is excellent for practicing shooting under pressure and helps improve rebounding skills.
3. Dribble Limbo
How low can you go while dribbling? Set up a limbo bar using a broomstick or a similar object. Players must dribble under the limbo bar without touching it or losing control of the ball. After everyone has had a turn, lower the bar. This game is fantastic for improving dribbling skills and body control.
4. Basketball Relay Races
Divide players into teams, and have them dribble a basketball around a set course as fast as they can. Add obstacles or specific dribbling tasks, like alternating hands, along the course to make it more challenging. This game is great for building endurance and dribbling skills.
5. Around the World
This shooting game involves several marked spots around the hoop. Players must make a shot from each spot, moving around the key in a semi-circle. If a player makes a basket, they move to the next spot, but a miss gives the next player a turn. The first player to make a shot from all positions wins. This game is excellent for practicing shots from different angles.
6. Freeze Tag Basketball
Combine the classic game of freeze tag with basketball. One or two players are “it” and must tag other players. When tagged, a player must freeze with their legs wide apart and hold the basketball above their head. Other players can unfreeze them by passing the basketball through their legs. This game encourages teamwork and awareness.
7. 21
This is a popular game where players shoot from anywhere on the court, and the first player to score exactly 21 points wins. Players earn two points for a regular basket and three points for a basket beyond the three-point line. However, if a player scores over 21, their score is reduced to 11. This game emphasizes shooting accuracy and strategic play.
8. Sharks and Minnows
In this game, one player is designated as the “Shark” and starts at half court. The rest of the players, “Minnows”, start at one baseline with a basketball each. The goal for the Minnows is to dribble to the opposite baseline without having their basketball stolen by the Shark. Once a Minnow’s ball is stolen, they also become a Shark. The last Minnow remaining becomes the first Shark in the next round. This game is excellent for dribbling skills and defensive techniques.
9. Bump Out
Similar to Knockout, this game requires two basketballs and a line of players at the free throw line. The first two players have basketballs. When the first player shoots, the second player can shoot as soon as they get their ball. If the second player scores before the first, the first player is “bumped out” and goes to the end of the line. This game is great for practicing quick, pressured shots.
10. Musical Basketballs
This game is a twist on musical chairs. Place multiple basketballs in a circle. Players dribble around the circle while music plays. When the music stops, each player must find a basketball to shoot. Those who do not get a ball are out for the round. Musical Basketballs is fun and helps improve dribbling and quick decision-making skills.
11. Simon Says Basketball
“Simon Says” can be adapted for basketball by having one player, Simon, call out basketball moves. Like “Simon says, dribble with only 4 fingers”. Players must only follow the instructions if they start with “Simon says.” Players who act without the “Simon says” prompt or don’t do the right action are out. This game is effective for practicing listening skills and basketball fundamentals.
12. Basketball Tag
In Basketball Tag, all players have basketballs and must dribble within a defined area. One player is “it” and must tag others by touching them or their basketball with their hand. Once tagged, players must perform a specific task, like five jumping jacks, before rejoining the game. This variant helps improve dribbling in tight spaces and evasive maneuvers.
Ready to get your kids playing basketball games? PROformance Hoops has basketball goals for kids built with easy to adjust height.