Two-Target Mini Basketball 4v4

A four-on-four mini basketball game with two ways to score: making a basket, or bouncing the ball inside a hula hoop on the floor near the baseline. That way every student can score while practicing passing, driving, and choosing a target.

How to play

1. On each half court, lay two hoops on the floor on either side of the basket, about 10 ft from the rim; form teams of 4 in pinnies, with two teams per basket (3 min).
2. Use the basic rules: dribble and pass, two steps after the catch, and no double dribble.
3. A basket is worth 2 points; bouncing the ball inside a floor hoop after catching a pass is worth 1.
4. After any score or defensive rebound, the new offense clears the ball past the free-throw line.
5. Play 4-minute games and switch opponents or baskets on the whistle (12 min, 3 games).
6. In the last 5 minutes, play a game where the floor hoop only counts for someone who hasn't scored yet.

Rules

• No defending inside the floor hoops or covering them with a foot.
• No ripping the ball away and no pushing.
• The same player can't score in a floor hoop twice in a row.
• Safety: hoops lie flat, and nobody steps on them while running.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student scores double in the floor hoop and may bounce it from close range.
• Visual impairment: use bright hoops and have a teammate call out passes.
• Skill level: students who can't reach the rim yet focus on the floor hoops.

Learning goals

• Choose between shooting at the basket and going for a floor hoop.
• Pass to the teammate in the best scoring position.
• Involve the whole team in scoring.

Equipment for a class of 25

• basketball: 4
• basketball hoops: 3
• hoops: 6
• pinnies: 24

Teacher tip

If the hoops slide around, tape them to the floor. This game cuts down frustration for students who struggle to make baskets and gives them a real role.

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