How to Play Four-on-Four Half-Court Basketball

Spacing is the key to a four-on-four half-court basketball game. Expect things to get crowded in the paint; alter your playing style accordingly.

Instructions

1. Pick a scoring system for your game. Most recreational games award one point for normal shots made and two points for shots made beyond the three-point arc. Feel free to follow conventional scoring methods as well.

2. Set a winning score. Hoop games usually end at 11 points, scoring by ones. Also common are 7-, 15-, and 21-point games. Set a high winning score if you're scoring the game conventionally.

3. Decide on possession after scores. Winner's outs (or "make it and take it") gives the ball back to your team after you score. Loser's outs gives the ball to your opponents after you score.

4. Determine a clearing point, a spot where each team must take the ball after rebounding an opponent's missed shot. This establishes continuity by giving both teams a chance to set up for the next play. The three-point line is almost always used as a clearing point.

5. Start the game once you've finished arguing over which team gets the ball first.

6. Call your own fouls as they occur. Decide between shooting free throws or awarding possession to the player who has been fouled and stick to the decision.

7. Run it back. Rematches give the losing team a chance at redemption, while providing the winners with opportunities to gloat.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that four-on-four half-court basketball will get crowded. By maintaining proper spacing, you'll give your offense a better chance to score.

• Even though there are more players on the court, certain basics still work. The pick and roll, isolation plays, and a post-up game can all be effective ways for your team to score.