Basketball Golf Course
A nine-hole course spread across the outdoor baskets where each hole is a shooting spot and players count how many shots it takes to score, just like golf. Students work on shooting accuracy from different angles and distances and on keeping an honest score.
How to play
- Set nine numbered cones around the baskets at different distances and angles and write each hole's par on a card: 2, 3, or 4 shots (3 min before class).
- Form groups of three with one ball and a scorecard; each group starts on a different hole so nobody waits.
- At each hole, every player shoots from the cone; after a miss, they shoot again from where they get the rebound, but never closer than halfway to the rim.
- Record the number of shots needed to score, with a maximum of six per hole; the group moves on once all three have finished.
- Play the full nine holes in about 15 minutes; groups that finish early replay their worst hole.
- Compare total scores with the course par and talk about which holes were toughest (2 min).
Rules
- Each player records their own shots and the group confirms them.
- Don't shoot if someone from another group is under the basket.
- Safety: walk, don't run, when chasing a ball through another group's shooting area.
- Six shots maximum per hole; then write down six and move on.
Variations
Easier
Put every hole inside the lane and raise par to 4 on each.
Standard
Play nine holes at varied distances with par 2 to 4 and shoot again from the rebound.
Harder
Require every shot after a miss to come off one dribble and a jump stop.
Adaptations
- A student with limited mobility plays from fixed marks at each hole while a partner passes back the rebound.
- Shy students may quietly tell their count to the group's scorekeeper.
- Higher-skilled students play with par one shot lower on every hole.
Learning goals
- Adjust shot force and arc to the distance and angle.
- Use a consistent routine before every shot.
- Keep score honestly and respect other groups' turns.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketballs: 9
- basketball hoops: 6
- cones: 9
- scorecards: 9
Teacher tip
Draw a simple course map on the scorecard so groups don't get lost. If two groups reach the same basket, the newcomers wait outside the lane until the first group finishes.
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