How to Play 21 in Basketball
This is a fast-paced half-court game that requires three players, all of whom are trying to score exactly 21. All regular rules of the game apply, except there are no out-of-bounds and no fouls.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Have player 1 shoot an uncontested shot from the free-throw line or the top of the key (depending on skill), while players 2 and 3 position themselves for a possible rebound.
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2
Allow player 1 to shoot uncontested free throws, up to three in a row or until she misses, if the initial shot was made.
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3
Award player 1 possession of the ball at the top of the key if she makes all three free throws.
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4
Understand that the ball goes "live" if player 1 misses. Whoever rebounds the ball must dribble it beyond the 3-point arc to "clear" the ball.
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5
Note that once a player has cleared the ball, she then tries to score a basket against the two opposing players.
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6
Know that when a player scores, she shoots uncontested free throws, up to three in a row or until she misses, at which point the play is "live" once more. Again, all rebounds must be cleared at the 3-point arch.
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7
Have each player keep a mental count of her points: Free throws earn 1 point, baskets in "live" play are worth 2 points, and the initial shot of the entire game is worth 3 points.
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8
Understand that the winner is the first player to reach 21 points exactly. If a player is at 20 and misses a free throw, that player's score is reduced to 11.
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9
Keep in mind that once a player hits 21 points exactly, that player shoots an uncontested shot from the free-throw line or 3-pointer at the top of the key (depending on skill level).
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10
Beware: If the shot is missed, that player's score is reduced to 13.
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1
Tips & Warnings
21 can be played with more than three people, but having too many players makes it tough to score as well as keep track of points.
One variation of the game includes "tips": When a shot is missed, a rebounder can jump and tip the ball into the basket. The player who missed the shot goes back to 0. The rebounder gets 2 points and a chance to shoot three free throws.
Hard fouls, such as a clear shove, result in ball possession instead of free throws.
If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
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Comments
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Damn I want to try this.
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Inside Up
Aug 25, 2009
i agree with joker32774.But its a good article, exept it could have been explained a bit clearer I can imagine if its the first time someones learning how to play this game and they done know it, they might not understand all of it. But its god, thanks. -
Louis Lim
Apr 28, 2009
fun game
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camandres
Jun 30, 2008
To add to my last post, my friend who made the tip-in when I was at 20 makes the argument that his tip wasnt worth anything only on that shot but I told him that he still gets his 3 points for the tip (thats how we play) but that I stay at 13 and cannot go to 0 on that.
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camandres
Jun 30, 2008
To add to my last post, my friend who made the tip-in when I was at 20 makes the argument that his tip wasnt worth anything only on that shot but I told him that he still gets his 3 points for the tip (thats how we play) but that I stay at 13 and cannot go to 0 on that.
