Quick answer
Knockout, H-O-R-S-E and Around the World are three of the best basketball games for kids, because they need only a hoop and a ball or two. For bigger groups, try Sharks and Minnows or Red Light, Green Light to practice dribbling.
Fun basketball games at a glance
| Game | Players | Teaches |
|---|---|---|
| Knockout | 3 or more | Shooting under pressure |
| H-O-R-S-E | 2 or more | Creative shooting |
| Around the World | 1 or more | Shooting from different spots |
| 21 | 3 or more | Shooting, rebounding and defense |
| Sharks and Minnows | 5 or more | Dribbling and protecting the ball |
| Red Light, Green Light | 3 or more | Ball control and stopping |
| Dribble Tag | 4 or more | Dribbling with your head up |
| Two-Ball Relay | 4 or more | Passing, or dribbling, and teamwork |
Knockout
Players line up at the free-throw line, and the first two each have a ball. The first player shoots, then the second shoots right away. If you miss, you rebound and try to score before the player behind you does. If they score first, you're out. The last player left wins.
H-O-R-S-E
The first player takes any shot they like. If it goes in, the next player has to make the same shot or get a letter. If it misses, the next player chooses the shot. Spell H-O-R-S-E and you're out. For younger kids, use a shorter word like P-I-G.
Around the World
Mark spots around the key, then try to make a shot from each one in order. Make it and you move on. Miss and you stay, or pass to the next player. The first to get around and back wins.
21
Everyone plays for themselves. A made shot from outside is worth 2 points and a free throw is worth 1. After a basket, you shoot free throws until you miss, and everyone else fights for the rebound. The first to exactly 21 wins.
Sharks and Minnows
Each "minnow" has a ball and tries to dribble from one baseline to the other, past one or two "sharks" who try to knock their ball away. If you lose your ball, you become a shark. The last minnow wins.
Red Light, Green Light
Players dribble toward the coach on "green light", and stop with the ball under control on "red light". Anyone still moving or losing the ball goes back to the start.
Dribble Tag
Everyone dribbles inside a marked area, and one player is "it" while also dribbling. If you're tagged or lose your ball, you become "it" or do a quick skill to get back in. It teaches kids to look up while dribbling.
Two-Ball Relay
Split into teams. Each player dribbles to half court and back, then hands off to the next player. For a harder version, use two balls at once, or chest passes down the line. The first team finished wins.
Tips for younger kids
Lower the rim and use a smaller ball so more shots go in. See the basketball size chart and hoop height by age. Bring players back quickly after they're out, so nobody sits for long. Need somewhere to play? Find a court near you.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best basketball games for kids?
Knockout, H-O-R-S-E and Around the World are popular because they need little equipment and are easy to learn. Sharks and Minnows is great for bigger groups.
What basketball games can 2 players play?
H-O-R-S-E and Around the World both work well with two players.
How do you play Knockout?
Players line up at the free-throw line, and the first two have a ball. If you miss, you try to score before the player behind you does, or you're out. The last player left wins.