Everybody Scores Basketball
A modified basketball game where a basket only counts if it's scored by a teammate who hasn't scored yet, and the ball must go through three players before a shot. Students practice passing, shooting, decision-making, and including everyone.
How to play
- Make 4 teams of 6 (one of 7) in pinnies and play two 6-on-6 games on two half courts, each with its own hoop.
- Three-pass rule: the ball must go through at least three different teammates before a shot. No more than 3 dribbles in a row.
- Everybody-scores rule: a basket only counts if it's made by a teammate who hasn't scored yet. Students who have scored can only pass and defend.
- Games last 7 minutes. A team earns a 5-point bonus if every player has scored. Play two games, switching opponents (14 min).
- 6-minute wrap-up: team free-throw rounds that add up to one class total.
Rules
- Defend without contact, an arm's length away; no slapping the ball out of hands.
- Scorers wear a scarf or clip so everyone can see they've scored.
- Inbound from the sideline after every basket.
- The teacher may pause play to review the passing rules.
Variations
Easier
Hitting the rim counts, and play 4-on-4 in a smaller space.
Standard
6-on-6 with three required passes and everybody scores.
Harder
A basket only counts after a bounce pass.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair shoots at a lower hoop or a hoop hung on the wall, and their baskets count double.
- Shyness: teammates must pass to the student before the team can shoot.
- Skill level: students with basketball experience shoot only with their non-dominant hand.
Learning goals
- Pass and shoot in small-sided game situations.
- Make decisions that get the whole team involved.
- Follow modified rules and play without contact.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketballs: 2
- pinnies: 25
- basketball hoops: 2
Teacher tip
This rule pushes students to find the teammate who's been left out; point it out when it happens. If you don't have enough hoops, hang hula hoops on the wall.
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