The following games and/or activities are in an order to where the YOUNGER will enjoy the FIRST FEW and the OLDER will enjoy the LAST FEW.
1.) Simon Says
For children who are just now learning how to play basketball, this game can be a simple way to continually practice the basic moves of basketball. Line the children up to where they can all see you then explain to them that they are to do what "Simon says." If they are to do something that Simon doesn't say, then they are out. The winner can either get a prize or younger children enjoy just the fact of other people looking at them with you holding their arm up in the air. Some examples that you could use during this game is: Simon says to, "Dribble with you right hand," "Dribble with your left hand," Dribble with both hands," "Jump up and down and dribble," "Put the ball down and get into the defense position." Other creative fun commands should make the children enjoy the game.
2.) Follow the Leader
This adds both dribbling and movement. It is fun to add in silly things like zig zags and making circles. WARNING: Sometimes children will lose control of the ball and it will go rolling away from them and chaos will soon come thereafter. Thus, you may only be able to play for a short while. Finishing the game with shooting the ball can end up with a herd of children underneath the basketball goal. Good luck!
3.) Agility Course
It is simple! Set up a course for the children to dribble through using whatever you can find. Some examples are: putting cones in a line for them to zig zag through, having something small for them to jump over, or maybe you could guard them for a little part to give them some competition. Get creative and use whatever you can!
4.) Sharks and Minos
In this game, have one player stand in the middle of the court while the rest have basketballs at the sidelines underneath the basket. Explain that the kids with the basketballs are to dribble to the other side of the court without the person in the middle stealing their ball. The person in the middle is to try and get as many kids out as possible. Count down and when the game starts, the person in the middle can run after as many kids as possible. Keep replaying until there is a winner or if there isn't just one child left, the kid in the middle wins!
5.) Keep the Dribble
Before you play the game set goal depending on the size of the crowd you have. Usually half court is enough for the start. Them goal of the game is to be the last person dribbling. Instruct everyone to begin dribbling and if they double dribble, loose control of the ball, or go out of bounds, they are out. This game is good for dribbling without looking at the ball, ball control, and the arm bar technique. As children get out, it would be a good idea to change the boundaries so they get out faster.
6.) Knock Out
Line the children up at the basket and only give the first two players in line the ball. The distance from the basket the children should line up at varies on their skill level. A vast majority will be able to shoot from the free throw line. Younger children can be moved closer and older children could try it from the top of the three point line. The rules are simple. If the person behind you makes the ball in the basket before you, you're out. You can not shoot before the person in front of you and you may not touch another player's ball.
7.) Scrimmage
Just the basic 5 on 5 game! Everyone enjoys some competition here and there! Make sure you evenly distribute the skill level on each team! It would be good to keep the game fair and call fouls!
Remember:
These games change depending on the age of the children playing them.
Always be at an even level of authority and fun. Enforce the rules so that everyone can have fun.
Between games or at any break DRINK WATER! For real.
Smile and have fun yourself! If the kids see you having fun and enjoying yourself, they will also enjoy the games.
Have fun and stay safe!
Luke Burgdorf
Which did your children enjoy the most?
- Simon Says
- Follow the Leader
- Agility Course
- Sharks and Minos
- Keep the Dribble
- Knock Out
- Scrimmage
