5 Fun Basketball Games for Families

Spending quality time with family is beneficial for any child, whether it be at the dinner table or on your backyard sport court. And while there’s nothing quite like a traditional game of old-fashioned basketball, there are other ways to get your family involved without needing professional skill levels. Games like H-O-R-S-E, Knockout and Around the World are easy to play and can turn a typical family night into an evening of fun competition. Engaging in games that involve your whole family is a great way to bond and encourage one another while making a habit of group exercise. So grab your family, turn off the television, and head to your home basketball court for some laughter, fun, exercise, and family bonding.

These five games are easy to learn and can be played by almost anybody in your family. Whether you’re hosting a large group of friends or dedicating the entire evening to family time, here are a few games that every member of your family can enjoy.

H-O-R-S-E
This classic game is great for both novices and experienced basketball players alike.

You’ll Need: 2+ Players, A Basketball
How to play:
1. Decide who goes first, second, third and so on – you will keep the same order of play throughout the game.
2. The first player to shoot decides on a trick shot.
3. If the player makes the shot, the next player in line needs to make the same shot.
4. If the player makes the shot, the ball goes to the next player in line.
5. If that player misses, he/she gets an ‘H’ and the next player comes up with a new shot.
6. Once a player gets all five letters, he/she is out of the game.
7. Keep paying until only one player is left.

KNOCKOUT
This fast-paced game is great for larger groups.

You’ll Need: 2+ Players, 2 Basketballs
How to play:
1. Players line up at the free throw line, extending back toward half-court.
2. The first two players start with a basketball each.
3. Player 1 shoots a free throw.
4. If he/she makes it, he/she passes the ball to the next player and goes to the back of the line.
5. When a player misses, he tries to make a basket as quickly as possible, before the next player can sink one.
6. Players can shoot from anywhere after a miss, not just the free throw line.
7. If player 2 makes a basket before player 1, player 1 is out of the game – or “knocked out of the game.”
8. Keep playing until only one player is left standing.

AROUND THE WORLD
This game is a great way to practice a variety of shots.

You’ll Need: 2+ Players, A Basketball
How to play:
1. Mark 5-10 spots in a semicircle around the court, at different angles and/or distances from the hoop.
2. Have players start from the first station on one side of the court.
3. If a player makes the shot, he/she continues on to the next stations in succession.
4. If a player misses, he/she goes to the end of the line and the next player starts.
5. Keep going until players make all of the shots in a row without missing.

TWENTY-ONE
Also known as cutthroat, this is a common pick-up game.

You’ll Need: Typically 2-4 players, A Basketball
How to play:
1. The game begins with one player at the free throw line.
2. When the player with the ball tries to score, the other players try to stop the player from scoring.
3. Whoever has the ball is on offense, other players are on defense.
4. Every shot made counts for 2 points, shots from beyond the 3 point line count for 3.
5. The first player to score exactly 21 points wins. Players who go over 21 points will be penalized.
6. There are few rules, with no out-of-bounds or fouls.
7. Game play varies wildly, depending on regional or local guidelines.

ONE-ON-ONE
The quintessential game of pick-up basketball.

You’ll Need: 2 Players, A Basketball
How to play:
1. Two players square off on a half-court or full-court miniature game of basketball.
2. All regulation basketball rules apply, including fouls and out-of-bounds.
3. Just like a regular game of basketball, but with only 2 people.
4. Players determine the length of the game by time or points scored.