Basketball Games You Can Play Indoors With Your Mates

Hi, I’m River!

I’m 11 and I started Hoops for Good to sell mini basketball hoops—and help other kids play basketball too.

I play with my hoop pretty much every day, and I’ve made up a bunch of fun games with my friends (and my little brother). If you’ve got a mini basketball hoop, here are some easy indoor games you can try with your mates.

You don’t need much space. Just your hoop, a ball, and someone to beat.

1. HORSE

You’ve probably played this one before.
Take turns shooting from different spots. If someone makes a shot, the next person has to copy it exactly. If they miss, they get a letter.
First one to spell H-O-R-S-E loses.

You can make it harder with trick shots only.

2. One-Minute Madness

Set a timer for 60 seconds. You’ve got one minute to score as many baskets as you can.
Play in rounds—whoever gets the most in one minute wins.

I like to play this as a warm-up before trying trick shots.

3. Around the World

Pick five spots around the room (use socks or sticky notes to mark them).
Take one shot from each. If you make it, move to the next. If you miss, go back to the start.

You can change the spots every time you play.

4. Trick Shot Battle

Each person gets 3 tries to land the best trick shot they can.
You can bounce it off walls, lie on your bed, or throw it over your shoulder—whatever you want.
Rate each other’s shots and crown a winner.

(And if someone films it, tag me—I want to see it.)

5. The “Wrong Hand” Challenge

You’re only allowed to shoot with your non-dominant hand.
I’m right-handed, so I have to shoot with my left.
First to 10 points wins. You’ll miss a lot at the start, but it gets fun once you figure it out.

Bonus Tip: Make a Scoreboard

You can make a mini scoreboard on paper or a whiteboard and track your wins.
Or start a mini league with your friends and see who’s the mini hoop champ each week.

Need a Hoop to Get Started?

Grab one from the shop. It comes with a hoop, soft ball, pump, and over-the-door hooks.

And for every one sold, $10 goes to basketball programs that help other kids get the chance to play too.

Got Your Own Game Idea?

Let me know! I might try it out and feature it in a future blog or video.
Or tag me on TikTok or YouTube if you’ve made up something cool with your mates.