How to Play 21 in Half Court Basketball

This is a how to on the basketball game known as 21 and how we used to play and score the game.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A half court basketball area, and a ball and goal. At least 3 players.

1. Grab at least three of your buddies and start a great game of 21 basketball which is excellent practice for the real deal. Start the game with one player shooting a free throw and the rest are under the goal area for a rebound. The first free throw made in the game will count as 2 points, all others are one point. If the shooter makes three free throws in a row he is then rewarded the ball out of bounds. We called this the three and walk rule. This rule will help you get that free throw percentage up there where it needs to be at.

2. In the event of a miss then the rebounder than backs the ball out at least 15 feet so there are no cheap baskets. If he is able to score the basket it counts two and he is then rewarded with free throws. Of course he will get three shots if he makes them and then the three and walk rule will kick in again. Shooter gets ball out after three made free throws.

3. Special rules: If a player lands on 13 then he must hit the next free throw or go back to zero. Should a player land on 20 he must hit the next free throw or go back to 14. These rules will keep everyone alive in the game until the end. It also helps a young player shoot free throws with a little bit of pressure added to the shot. This will help you in a real game.

4. More rules: The defense calls the foul, if you foul an offensive player then you call it out loud. The offensive player gets the ball out of bounds unless he scores the basket, then he gets the points and free throws. The honor system is in play here, it worked well for us.

5. The rules of real basketball apply, you should use out of bounds markers. In the event of a turnover the closest defender is rewarded the ball. So no walking, or double dribble or anything thats not allowed in the real game. Another option is to reward the ball to the guy with the lowest point total.

6. The winner of the game gets to shoot the first free throw to start the next game.

Tips & Warnings

• 21 is a great tool for developing your game, use it and enjoy it with your friends.
• Three to five players is best. I prefer three so it is not to crowded.

[pattiglo]

on 8/11/2009 I like the 3rd step, it adds a twist to the game!