Knockout with a Second-Chance Line

Classic line shooting game: each player tries to score before the player behind them does. Instead of sitting out, knocked-out players jog to the next basket and keep playing. Students practice shooting under pressure and quick rebounding.

How to play

1. Make groups of 6 per basket with a shooting cone 10 ft from the rim; the first two players in each line have a ball.
2. The first player shoots from the cone; on a miss, they get their own rebound and shoot from anywhere until they score.
3. As soon as the first player shoots, the second player may shoot from the cone.
4. If the player behind scores first, the player in front is 'knocked out': the shooter earns a point and the knocked-out player joins the line at the next basket.
5. Whoever scores passes the ball to the next player in line and goes to the back; play never stops.
6. Play 3 rounds of 4 minutes; the player with the most knockouts wins.

Rules

• The first shot is always from the cone; rebound shots can come from anywhere.
• No touching or slapping another player's ball.
• Nobody runs under the basket until the ball hits the rim or the floor.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student shoots from a closer fixed spot and a partner gets the rebound.
• Shyness or autism: use a floor marker to preview which basket they go to if knocked out.
• Lower skill: the student starts two steps ahead of the player behind.

Learning goals

• Shoot quickly and accurately under time pressure.
• Attack the rebound after a miss and shoot again with control.
• Handle the frustration of being knocked out and keep playing.

Equipment for a class of 25

• youth basketballs: 8
• basketball hoops: 4
• cones: 4

Teacher tip

Group similar skill levels at each basket so nobody is always knocked out. Remind students that grabbing the rebound before the second bounce wins the race.

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