SlamBall Games for Kids

SlamBall resembles a traditional game of basketball, except that it's supplemented with four trampolines from which players jump, shoot and slam dunk. This game was originally popularized on Spike TV in 2002, where it ran for two seasons. Despite the excitement of watching SlamBall when played by adults, the game can prove dangerous for kids. Adjusting your court and game rules appropriately for younger children makes this game accessible to everyone.

  1. Jump and Shoot

    • Set up a trampoline next to a basketball hoop. Give each kid 10 shots total, or a timeframe during which each kid can attempt to shoot as many times as she wants. SlamBall is played with a court that changes from a regular court into a trampoline court near the basket. Pass the player the ball while he stands on the trampoline and let him shoot his first shot. Whether he makes it or not, he must then get the rebound and shoot again from wherever he picks up the ball. Tally up the total shots made by each player. The kid who makes the most shots wins.

    Slam Dunk Contest

    • A slam dunk contest SlamBall-style must be set up for safety if played by younger kids. The hoop must be low enough so that a moderate jump from the trampoline will allow each kid to reach the rim. Once kids attempt to dunk, they should be able to land on a soft pad set up under the basket. Watch players closely as they attempt to practice dunk several times. Once players are comfortable, hold a slam dunk contest where players attempt to make the most creative dunks. Have one or more adults standing underneath the basket to assist with landing.

    Pass and Score

    • Set up a trampoline in front of a low basketball hoop, and a soft safety pad underneath the basket. Line players up in front of the trampoline facing the hoop. The first kid jumps on the trampoline and an adult standing behind the basket passes her the ball. Her goal is to hit the ball off of the backboard so that it passes to the next player who is following closely behind her. Each kid attempts to catch and hit the ball off the backboard again, so that it lands in the player's hands following behind him. The last kid in line attempts to shoot or dunk the ball from wherever he catches it. As players become more coordinated, they will be able to get more creative with their passing and shooting or dunking techniques.

    Trampoline H.O.R.S.E.

    • H.O.R.S.E. involves taking turns making difficult shots in an attempt to outshoot your opponent. The first player shoots from a chosen position on the court and if she makes it, the player following her has to make the same shot or he acquires a letter in the word "horse." The first player to have every letter of "horse" loses. Play this same game, but incorporate the trampoline required in SlamBall. Not only do players get to set up their shot from any position on the trampoline, but incorporate fancy jumping moves that can only be performed on the trampoline. If a player makes her shot doing a high jump, turn, twist or other jumping move, the player following her has to mimic her exact motion and make the shot or else he acquires a letter.