Trash Can Threes: Basketball With Paper Balls

Two teams pass a paper ball without traveling with it, like in basketball, and shoot at a wastebasket from 1-, 2- or 3-point zones marked with tape. It works on accuracy, passing and the basic traveling and free-throw rules.

How to play

1. Crumple scrap paper into balls, tape the 1-, 2- and 3-point lines and explain the rules (4 min).
2. Free throws in pairs from the 1-point line: five shots each (4 min).
3. 5-on-5 game with teams rotating: you can pivot with the ball but not walk; three passes before shooting (8 min).
4. Final round with the foul rule: if a defender touches the shooter's hand, two free throws (4 min).

Rules

• With the ball in hand you pivot, you don't walk: traveling gives the ball to the other team.
• Defend an arm's length away, no contact.
• Waiting teams keep score and referee.
• No standing on chairs or desks to get a ball.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: play from a fixed spot and their baskets count double.
• Students with low vision: bright tape around the wastebasket and a teammate taps it before the shot.
• Students with less accuracy: choose the line they shoot from.

Learning goals

• Improve throwing accuracy at a small target.
• Apply basketball's traveling and foul rules.
• Referee and accept calls with good sportsmanship.

Equipment for a class of 25

• recycled paper balls: 10
• wastebaskets: 2
• masking tape: 1

Teacher tip

Use scrap paper and drop it in the recycling bin at the end. Two teams of five play in the space between the board and the front row while the rest referee and keep score; rotate every 2 minutes.

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