Basketball Games to Play With Kids Age 9 to 15

Although the game of basketball is fun to play, sometimes children need to experience it in a different way to enjoy the sport. Teachers can introduce new forms of the game while reinforcing the skills necessary to become a successful basketball player.

  1. Around the World

    • Improve student shooting accuracy by challenging them with this game. Take turns making shots from assigned points on the court. The first player to make all five shots in a row and then the same five shots back wins. Consider designating places for differing skill levels with more advanced shots farther away from the hoop. Don't forget to include difficult shots such as right under the rim, challenging players to stand on one leg, or closing one of their eyes while shooting.

    Red Light, Green Light & Tag

    • Help improve athleticism, by teaching kids how to move on the court. Begin by playing the traditional game "Red Light, Green Light" which has children moving and stopping at your calling. Then allow them to play the game "Tag" which encourages agility and quick movements. After children have warmed up playing Red Light Green Light and Tag, hand them a basketball and have them play tag while dribbling the ball. Point out the similarities between stopping and going, and trying to stay away from the opponent.

    Netball

    • Teach students better passing skills by playing Netball, a form of basketball without all the dribbling. Official Netball rules require seven players for each team, and only allow for two positions to shoot a basket, once the player is inside the three-point line. Once a player has received the ball he may only take two steps, and only has three seconds to get rid of the ball. Netball, at its finest, hones passing skills and team communication.

    Horse

    • The game of Horse has several variations, so make sure to establish rules well before the play has begun. The first player selects a spot on the court to make a shot; if the ball successfully goes through the hoop he wins the letter "H"- the first letter in the word "horse." Each player must make the shot from the same place on the court, or she gets an "H." After everyone has taken a shot, move to the next place on the court. The first player then selects another spot on the court to make a shot; if he makes a basket he is awarded an "O"- the second letter in the word "horse" and each remaining player is challenged to make the same shot. The steps are continued until one or more players have made enough shots to spell out the word "Horse" and are eliminated.