3-on-3 Bonus Points Basketball
Half-court 3-on-3 games where the value of each basket depends on how it is scored: after all three players touch the ball, off an offensive rebound, or with the weak hand. The rules reward team play and man-to-man defense, not just the top scorer.
How to play
- Teams of 3 in pinnies, one or two games per basket. Explain the point chart and repeat it before every game (2 min).
- Points: a regular basket is 1; after all three have passed, 2; a weak-hand layup, 2; a put-back off an offensive rebound, 2. A clean steal is 1.
- Four-minute games: each player guards the opponent with the same pinnie number, and after a basket or rebound the ball is cleared past the arc (8 min).
- Basket ladder: winners move up to the left, losers down to the right; before each game, teams take 30 seconds to pick a bonus to go after (6 min).
- Final game with a point chart voted on by the class. Wrap-up: which bonus changed your play the most? (4 min).
Rules
- Each player always guards the opponent with the same number; no switching.
- The player who is fouled calls it, and the ball is checked at the three-point line.
- Safety: if two games share a basket, each uses only its side of the lane, and a loose ball crossing to the other side stops play.
Variations
Easier
Use only one bonus, the three-player pass, and play 3-on-3 with an offensive neutral player.
Standard
A four-bonus chart, man-to-man by numbers, and a basket ladder.
Harder
Baskets with no bonus are worth zero and a clean steal is worth 2 points.
Adaptations
- Students who use wheelchairs: their baskets always count 2, and the opposing defender stays an arm's length away.
- Shy students: the three-player pass bonus guarantees that everyone touches the ball and takes part.
- Balance teams by ability so the basket ladder doesn't keep the same students at the bottom.
Learning goals
- Take part in a team game where everyone touches the ball.
- Apply man-to-man defense with a fixed matchup.
- Adjust offensive decisions to the scoring rules.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketball: 4
- pinnies: 12
- basketball hoops: 4
Teacher tip
Bonus rules change the game on their own: players who usually hog the ball start passing. If a team overuses one bonus, swap it out in the next game to keep variety.
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