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Best Modified Games of Basketball to Play Today!

Best Modified Games of Basketball to Play Today!

While a game of basketball is a great, fun, and exciting way to burn some calories and enjoy time with family and friends, many times, simply playing the game can get boring or repetitive.  And if you are finding yourself looking for a new basketball game to play, then you’ve come to the right place.

Below, we are going to review the best modified games of basketball to play today.  These games, while keeping the core rules of basketball in play, will have slightly altered objectives and regulations.  However, the core aspects of the game will remain intact, making them easy to learn and even more fun to play.

Why Should You Play a Modified Game of Basketball?

While the love of basketball is alive in many of us, truth be told, simply playing a game of basketball repeatedly can become quite boring.  In fact, repeating nearly any sport, game, or activity can become quite boring after a certain point.

However, one of the beauties of the game of basketball is its simplicity.  And within this simplicity, there can be found many variations and modifications.  And although the sport of basketball is relatively easy and simple to understand, it remains by far one of the best sports to modify and play in a variety of differing ways.

Not only will these variations and modifications help you to enjoy the sport and spend more time outdoors and away from your electronic devices, but doing so will also help you to elevate your skills and understanding of the game.  Again, while these modified games differ from the game, they still maintain the core skills and abilities needed to succeed.

Best Modified Games of Basketball to Play Today!

Pass Only Offense

Pass only offense, or more affectionately known as POO, is a great variation of the game of basketball.  In pass only offense, two teams will play on a half-court setting.  The team on offense, and with the basketball, will only be able to move the ball by passing it amongst one-another.

In other words, pass only offense removes the ability to dribble by any one single player.  Rather, in order to move the ball and score effectively, the offensive team must look for open players to pass the ball to.  If an offensive player dribbles the ball, then they forfeit the possession and must turn over the ball to the opposing team.

In pass only offense, the first team to score 15 points wins.

Free for All

Free for all basketball is a modified version of the game and one that is often played by youth on basketball courts around the world.  The game is simple and should be played in a half-court setting.  In free for all basketball, each player competes against all other players on the court for possession of the ball and points.

As the name suggests, free for all basketball is meant to be played as individual teams.  That is, each player is responsible for their own points and the first individual player to score 11 points is declared the winner.  A competitive game, free for all basketball pits you directly against other players on the court for dominance and bragging rights.

Best Modified Games of Basketball to Play Today!

One Shot Free for All

A modified version of a modified basketball game, one shot free for all is meant to level the playing field a bit.  Rather than solely competing for possession of the ball, each player will take turns with possession of the ball after a play has ended.

For example, if five players are playing on the court, player A will start with the ball and attempt to score.  Whether they do so or not, the ball will be declared dead and player B will be given an opportunity to attempt to score the ball.

This version of free for all is a great practice game and one that is great for kids and children.  It ensures that all players are given an equal opportunity with the ball and ensures that everyone remains involved in the game.  The first player to score 7 points wins.

Pickup and Chase

Perhaps one of the most fun modified basketball games to play, pickup and chase requires two opposing teams of five players.  To begin, team A will roll the ball from the opposing basketball hoop towards the middle of the court.  A player from team B will attempt to retrieve the ball and will be able to score against either side of the basket.

Essentially, the team retrieving the ball is able to score against either end of the court, forcing the defensive team to properly and adequately cover both ends to limit any scoring attempts.  However, the team retrieving the ball must ensure that communication occurs throughout and that all players understand the strategy on each play.

Best Modified Games of Basketball to Play Today!

Team One-on-One

Team one-on-one’s takes a new twist on the one-on-one game and makes it more of a team sport.  In team one-on-one, two opposing teams of five players stand on opposite sides of the basketball court.  A designated coach or neutral party will call two opposing players and throw the ball into the middle of the court.

Both players will race to retrieve the ball and attempt to score on their designated basket.  The individual who scores will earn their team one point.  The first team to reach 10 points in total will be declared the winners.

Assist to Win

Assist to win is a great team basketball game and one that helps to teach individual players the importance of playing together as a team.  In assist to win, two opposing teams of five players compete in a full-court game.  The first team to reach 21 points wins.

However, in order to score, a player must pass the ball and qualify the point scored as an assist.  In simpler terms, points are only added to a team’s score if the made bucket was done as a result of a pass.  So, if player 1 on team A passes to player 2, who successfully scores, a point will be added to their score.

However, if player 1 dribbles the ball up the court and shoots a three-point shot, without having received the ball from a teammate, then the made basket won’t count and the ball will be turned over to the opposing team.

Best Modified Games of Basketball to Play Today!

Tap In

Tap in takes basketball to a new level and encourages offensive rebounding abilities to win the game.  The game is meant to be played by two opposing teams of five players on a full court.  Aiming to score 50 points to win, each basket within the three-point line will count as 1-point, with baskets made past the three-point line counting as 2-points.

However, if a player successfully secures and scores off of an offensive rebound, then their team will be awarded 10-points.  Clearly an incentive to secure more offensive rebounds, this modified basketball game encourages proper rebounding techniques by both teams and is tons of fun to play.