17+ Basketball Games for Kids (Activities)

Basketball doesn’t have to be a sweaty, competitive game of five-on-five.

There are numerous games played with a ball and hoop that youngsters of all skill levels will enjoy.

In this article, we will explore a variety of basketball games for kids that can be played with just a basketball and a hoop.

Key Takeaways – Basketball Games for Kids

• Discover fun and engaging basketball games for kids
• Improve shooting, dribbling, and teamwork skills
• Games suitable for kids of all skill levels
• Enjoy the sport while having fun on the basketball court
• Gather friends or join a youth basketball program to start playing today!

Basketball Games for Kids

Basketball is a popular sport for kids to enjoy, and there are various fun basketball games and drills that can help them develop their skills while having a great time.

Here are 17+ basketball games for kids:

1. H-O-R-S-E: A classic shooting game where players take turns trying to make shots from different spots on the court. If you miss a shot that the previous player made, you get a letter. The first player to spell “H-O-R-S-E” loses.
2. Around the World: Players take turns shooting from different spots around the three-point line. You must make a shot from each spot before moving on to the next one.
3. Dribble Knockout: Players dribble the ball while trying to knock the basketball away from other players. The last player with the ball wins.
4. 1-on-1: Simple one-on-one games where players take turns trying to score on each other.
5. 2-on-2 or 3-on-3: Smaller team games with simplified rules for younger kids.
6. Hot Potato: Players pass the ball around the circle quickly, trying not to be the one holding it when the coach or a designated player yells “Hot Potato!”
7. Dribble Relay Race: Teams race while dribbling a basketball through cones or around obstacles.
8. Musical Chairs Dribble: Similar to musical chairs, but players dribble the ball around a circle of chairs. When the music stops, they must find a chair to sit in.
9. Balloon Basketball: Play basketball with a balloon instead of a regular ball, which makes the game slower and more manageable for younger kids.
10. Cone Dribbling: Set up a course with cones for kids to dribble through, practicing ball control and agility.
11. Shooting Races: Create relay races where players must make a shot before passing the ball to the next player in line.
12. Freeze Tag Basketball: Play tag, but when a player is tagged, they must freeze until a teammate unfreezes them by making a basket.
13. Simon Says Dribble: Play a dribbling version of “Simon Says” where the leader gives dribbling commands, and players must follow them.
14. Basketball Bowling: Set up pins (empty water bottles) at one end of the court and take turns rolling the basketball to try to knock them down.
15. Basketball Scavenger Hunt: Hide basketball-related items around the court or playing area and have kids search for them while dribbling.
16. Target Practice: Place targets on the backboard or around the court, and have kids try to hit them with their shots.
17. Basketball Duck, Duck, Goose: Play a variation of the classic game where players tap each other’s heads with the ball while saying “Duck, Duck, Goose.”
18. Passing and Catching Drills: Various passing and catching drills can be fun and beneficial for kids to improve their skills.

These games can be adapted for different age groups and skill levels. Make sure to prioritize safety and provide proper supervision, especially for younger kids.

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Knock Out – A Fun Basketball Game for Kids of All Skill Levels

Knock Out is a game that kids of all skill levels can enjoy and participate in. It’s a great way to improve basketball skills while having fun with friends. This game is played with two basketballs and is ideal for a group of two or more players.

The rules of Knock Out are simple. Players form a line at the free throw line, and the first two players receive a basketball each. The first player takes a shot, and if they miss, the second player can “knock out” the first player by making the basket before they can grab the rebound and put their ball in the basket. The game continues until all but one player is knocked out.

Knock Out is perfect for kids with varying skill levels because everyone gets a chance to shoot and participate. It encourages friendly competition and helps players develop their shooting and rebounding skills. So gather your friends and get ready for a thrilling game of Knock Out!

Table: Rules of Knock Out

“Knock Out is a fantastic game for kids of all skill levels. It provides an opportunity for everyone to participate and have fun while improving their basketball skills. The competitive nature of the game adds to the excitement and makes it a favorite among young basketball enthusiasts.”

Around the World: Improve Shooting Skills with this Basketball Game for Kids

If you’re looking for a fun and effective way to improve basketball shooting skills, then Around the World is the game for you. This classic basketball game is perfect for kids of all ages and skill levels. Not only does it provide a great opportunity to practice shooting from various spots on the court, but it also adds an element of competition and excitement to the game.

In Around the World, players start at a designated spot and must make a shot before moving on to the next spot. If a player misses, they get a second chance to make the shot. The first player to successfully make all their shots on the first or second try is declared the winner. This game helps kids develop accuracy, consistency, and confidence in their shooting abilities.

Playing Around the World can be even more engaging by setting up different challenges or time limits. For example, you can challenge players to complete the circuit in the shortest amount of time or play against each other in a head-to-head competition. This game is not only a great way to improve shooting skills but also provides a fun and interactive way for kids to enjoy the game of basketball.

“Around the World is a shooting game that aims to improve shooting skills from various spots on the basketball court.”

Benefits of Around the World:

• Improves shooting accuracy and consistency
• Develops confidence in shooting abilities
• Allows players to practice shooting from different spots on the court
• Enhances competitiveness and adds excitement to the game
• Can be customized with different challenges and time limits

So, gather your friends or teammates and start playing Around the World to improve your basketball shooting skills while having a blast on the court!

Firing Squad – A Fast-Paced Shooting Game for Kids

Looking for an exciting basketball game that will get your kids moving and improve their shooting skills? Look no further than Firing Squad! This fast-paced game is perfect for kids who want to challenge themselves and have a blast on the court.

In Firing Squad, players compete to make a basket from predetermined spots on the court. The goal is to improve shooting accuracy and speed while having a great time. Unlike traditional shooting games that involve taking turns, Firing Squad allows all players to shoot at the same time. This adds an element of excitement and competition to the game.

To play Firing Squad, set up several spots on the court where players must make a basket. These spots can be marked with cones or designated areas. Players stand at their respective spots and shoot simultaneously. The game continues until each player has made a basket from each spot. This game not only enhances shooting skills, but also encourages players to think quickly and make accurate shots under pressure.

So, gather your friends or teammates and get ready for an action-packed game of Firing Squad. It’s a fantastic way to keep kids active, improve their shooting abilities, and have a lot of fun on the basketball court!

Golf – A Unique Basketball Game for Kids that Teaches Shooting from Different Spots

Golf is a merger of the age-old Scottish game and basketball, creating a unique and exciting experience for kids on the court. This game not only allows them to showcase their shooting skills but also introduces the concept of strategy and precision. By shooting from different spots on the court, players learn to adapt to various angles and distances, improving their overall shooting abilities.

Similar to traditional golf, players start on the first “hole” and aim to make the shot with the fewest attempts possible. If they succeed on their first try, their score for that hole is one. However, if they miss, they must shoot from the spot where they grabbed the rebound, and their score for that hole will be the number of shots it took to make the basket. The player with the lowest score at the end of all the holes emerges as the winner.

Example Scorecard:

Golf encourages players to think strategically about shot placement and execution. They must carefully assess each shot, taking into consideration factors such as distance, angle, and their shooting abilities. By practicing and mastering golf, kids can develop a well-rounded shooting technique and the confidence to make shots from different spots on the court.

So, gather your friends or join a youth basketball program to experience the unique and engaging game of basketball golf. It’s a fantastic way for kids to have fun, improve their shooting skills, and embrace the challenge of shooting from different spots on the court.

Musical Basketballs – Combine Basketball and Musical Chairs for a Fun Game

Musical Basketballs is a creative and energetic game that combines the excitement of basketball with the classic game of musical chairs. It’s a perfect activity for kids who love both sports and music. This game not only enhances their basketball skills but also tests their agility, coordination, and decision-making abilities. The rules are simple, and the gameplay is engaging, making it a favorite among young players.

Similar to musical chairs, Musical Basketballs involves walking around a circle of basketballs while music plays. When the music stops, players must quickly grab a basketball and take a shot. The twist is that once a player successfully makes a basket, they sit down to indicate that they are finished. The last player standing becomes the “winner” and the game continues until everyone has had a chance to participate.

This game encourages players to think on their feet and make split-second decisions. They have to be aware of their surroundings, anticipate when the music will stop, and react quickly to grab a basketball and take a shot. It’s a fantastic way for kids to enhance their hand-eye coordination, shooting accuracy, and ability to perform under pressure. Plus, the combination of basketball and musical chairs adds an extra level of fun and excitement.

So gather your friends or join a youth basketball program to experience the thrill of Musical Basketballs. It’s a game that will keep kids entertained, active, and engaged while also helping them develop important basketball skills. Get ready to dribble, shoot, and enjoy the music!

Gameplay Summary:

In Musical Basketballs, players walk around a circle of basketballs while music plays.

1. When the music stops, players must quickly grab a basketball.
2. Players then take a shot at the hoop.
3. If they make the shot, they sit down to indicate that they are finished.
4. The last player standing is the winner.

This game is a delightful fusion of basketball and musical chairs, offering a unique and entertaining experience for kids. It’s an excellent way to keep them active, develop their basketball skills, and have a blast with friends.

Sharks and Minnows – A Classic Basketball Game for Kids

Sharks and Minnows is a classic game played in almost every beginner youth sport. It is a fun and energetic game that combines dribbling and stealing skills. The objective is simple: the sharks try to steal or deflect the minnows’ balls out of bounds, while the minnows try to dribble from baseline to baseline without losing their ball. This game not only improves dribbling and ball control but also enhances agility and decision-making skills.

To play Sharks and Minnows, divide the players into two groups: sharks and minnows. The minnows start with a basketball each and line up at one baseline, while the sharks spread out throughout the playing area. Once the game starts, the minnows must dribble their ball and try to make it from one baseline to the other without losing possession. The sharks, on the other hand, can steal the ball or deflect it out of bounds to eliminate a minnow from the game.

The game continues until all the minnows have been eliminated, and the last one or two remaining minnows become sharks for the next game. Sharks and Minnows is a popular choice for basketball practices, as it promotes teamwork, communication, and quick thinking. It is a game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels, making it an excellent addition to any basketball training session or recreational play.

Tips for Playing Sharks and Minnows:

• Encourage minnows to use quick dribbles and change directions to avoid the sharks.
• Remind minnows to keep their heads up and scan the playing area for open spaces.
• Sharks should focus on staying active and anticipating the movements of the minnows.
• Rotate the roles of sharks and minnows to give everyone a chance to experience both sides of the game.

“Sharks and Minnows is a classic game that helps young basketball players develop key skills such as dribbling, ball control, and agility. It is a fun and engaging activity that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels.” – Coach Johnson

Home Run – Basketball Game that Combines Dribbling and Shooting Skills

Home Run is an exciting basketball game that combines both dribbling and shooting skills. It is a great way for kids to improve their overall basketball abilities while having fun on the court. In this game, players are divided into two teams: the dribblers and the shooters. The objective is for the dribblers to successfully dribble the ball around half court and back, while the shooters try to make a shot and get the dribblers out.

This game not only enhances dribbling and shooting skills but also promotes teamwork and strategy. The dribblers need to work together to protect the ball from the opposing team while maintaining control and speed. On the other hand, the shooters must demonstrate accuracy and quick decision-making to score points and eliminate the dribblers.

In each round, the teams switch roles, allowing every player to experience both aspects of the game. The team with the most successful runs, where all the dribblers are out, wins the game. Home Run provides an enjoyable and competitive environment for kids to test their abilities and challenge themselves in a fast-paced basketball setting.

Key Skills Developed:

• Dribbling techniques
• Shooting accuracy
• Teamwork and communication
• Strategy and decision-making

By participating in the Home Run basketball game, kids can hone their dribbling and shooting skills, improve their coordination, and develop a deeper understanding of the game’s fundamentals. Whether playing with friends in a casual setting or as part of a youth basketball program, Home Run offers an engaging way for kids to enhance their basketball abilities while enjoying a fun and competitive game.

Basketball Tag – A Fast-Paced and Energetic Game for Kids

Basketball Tag is a thrilling and energetic game that combines the excitement of basketball with the fast-paced nature of tag. It is a great way for kids to improve their dribbling skills while having a blast on the court. In this game, players must remain on a line on the court at all times, adding an extra challenge to the classic game of tag.

To play Basketball Tag, one or two players are designated as taggers, and their goal is to tag the other players who are not “it.” The twist is that players must dribble the ball while avoiding being tagged by the taggers. This adds an extra layer of excitement and coordination to the game, as players need to focus on both dribbling and tagging.

Players who are tagged, step off a line, or lose control of the ball are out until the next game. The game continues until there is only one player left who has not been tagged, and they are declared the winner. Basketball Tag is a fantastic game that keeps kids engaged, active, and helps improve their dribbling skills in a fun and competitive environment.

Benefits of Basketball Tag:

• Improves dribbling skills: By combining the act of dribbling with the game of tag, Basketball Tag helps kids enhance their ball control and coordination.
• Promotes agility and quick thinking: The fast-paced nature of the game requires players to think quickly and make quick decisions to avoid being tagged.
• Enhances teamwork: Basketball Tag encourages players to work together to avoid being tagged and create strategies to outsmart the taggers.
• Increases cardiovascular endurance: The constant movement and dribbling involved in the game provide an excellent cardiovascular workout for kids.
• Boosts competitiveness and sportsmanship: Basketball Tag fosters a spirit of healthy competition while teaching kids the importance of fair play and good sportsmanship.

In conclusion, Basketball Tag is a fantastic game that combines the thrill of basketball with the excitement of tag. It is a fast-paced and energetic game that helps improve dribbling skills while keeping kids active and engaged. With its numerous benefits for physical and mental development, Basketball Tag is a must-try game for kids who love basketball or are looking for a fun and challenging activity to enjoy with friends.

Dribble Limbo – A Challenge of Low Dribbling Skills in Basketball

Dribble Limbo is an exciting game that tests players’ low dribbling skills in basketball. It offers a unique challenge that requires players to control the ball while maneuvering under a progressively lower pole. This game is not only fun but also helps improve players’ dribbling technique and agility.

In Dribble Limbo, players take turns dribbling a basketball under a pole set at a certain height. As the game progresses, the height of the pole is gradually lowered, making it more challenging to successfully dribble under it. Players must demonstrate precise control and coordination to navigate the ball under the pole without losing control or touching it. The last player who can successfully dribble under the lowest setting of the pole wins the game.

This game is particularly beneficial for players looking to enhance their low dribbling skills. By practicing dribbling under a lowered obstacle, players develop better control over the ball while keeping it closer to the ground. This skill is crucial in many game situations, as it allows players to maneuver effectively and protect the ball from opponents.

Benefits of Dribble Limbo:

• Improves low dribbling technique
• Enhances ball control and coordination
• Develops agility and quick reflexes
• Creates a fun and competitive atmosphere

Overall, Dribble Limbo is an engaging and challenging game that provides a fun way for players to improve their low dribbling skills. Whether played during practice or as part of a friendly competition, this game offers players the opportunity to enhance their dribbling technique while enjoying the thrill of the challenge.

Buzzer Beater – Test Shooting Skills Under Pressure in this Basketball Game

In the fast-paced and adrenaline-filled game of basketball, there’s nothing quite like the pressure of a buzzer beater. Buzzer Beater is a game that puts shooting skills to the test under intense pressure. In this thrilling game, players have just 10 seconds to make as many baskets as possible before the next player takes their turn. It’s a race against the clock and a battle of nerves as players try to sink shots under the watchful eyes of their opponents.

The key to success in Buzzer Beater is a combination of speed, accuracy, and composure. Players must quickly position themselves, assess the best shooting angles, and release the ball with precision. Every shot counts, and every miss adds to the pressure as time ticks away. With each successful basket, players earn valuable points and gain the upper hand in this exhilarating competition.

Buzzer Beater not only tests shooting skills but also challenges players to perform under pressure. It’s a game that simulates real-game scenarios where players must make split-second decisions and execute their shots flawlessly. The ability to handle pressure and deliver when it matters most is a crucial skill for any basketball player, and Buzzer Beater offers the perfect opportunity to develop and refine this skill.

Conclusion

These basketball games for kids are a fantastic way to have fun and improve skills on the court. Whether it’s shooting, dribbling, or teamwork, these games provide a variety of opportunities for kids of all skill levels to participate and enjoy the sport.

From the fast-paced action of Sharks and Minnows to the precise shooting challenges of Around the World, each game offers a unique experience that keeps kids engaged and excited. By incorporating these games into their basketball routine, kids can refine their abilities while having a great time with friends.

So, whether you’re organizing a playdate, joining a youth basketball program, or simply looking for ways to keep your kids active, these basketball games are sure to be a hit. Grab a basketball and a hoop, gather your friends or teammates, and start playing these exciting games today!