
Basketball HORSE is a fun and competitive game that can be played by kids and adults alike. It's a great way to improve your basketball skills and show off your creativity. The objective of the game is to invent new shot challenges and attempt to make baskets from different spots on the court. If you miss a shot, you receive a letter from the word HORSE. The player who spells out the word HORSE first is eliminated, and the game continues until there is only one player left, who is then declared the winner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 2 or more |
| Equipment | 1 basketball hoop, 1 basketball, 1 game sheet, 2 slip-resistant shot markers, 2 sets of H.O.R.S.E letters |
| Objective | Be the last player standing by not spelling out "HORSE" |
| Rules | Players take turns shooting at the hoop from different locations and coming up with their own wacky shots. If a player misses a shot, they get a letter towards the word "HORSE". |
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What You'll Learn

How to play: the rules of basketball HORSE
Basketball HORSE is a fun game that every basketball player or kid with a backyard hoop can enjoy. It's a shooting game where players take turns shooting at the hoop from different locations. The game is a bit like Simon Says, but with a basketball.
To start, players must decide on the order in which they are going to shoot. This can be done in many ways, from a brief free-throw competition to rock, paper, scissors. You need at least two players to play HORSE, but there's no limit to the number of players.
The first player chooses a shot challenge. It can be as simple as a layup or as complex as spinning three times and shooting a behind-the-back shot from the foul line. If they make their shot, the other players have to do the exact same thing. But if they miss, the next player gets to make up their own wacky shot for the others to try.
Each player that can't make the previous player's shot gets a letter towards the word 'HORSE'. So, if you miss the first shot, you get an 'H'. If you miss the next shot, you get an 'O', and so on. If you make a shot but everyone else misses, those players get a letter. When you spell out the full "HORSE", you lose the game. The last person left standing, who hasn't spelled out 'HORSE', wins!
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How to win: spelling HORSE and being the last player standing
To win at HORSE, you need to be the last player standing. This is a basketball shooting game, so you'll need at least two players and a hoop.
Each player takes turns shooting at the hoop from different locations. If you make a shot, but everyone else misses, those players get a letter towards the word 'HORSE'. If you miss a shot, you get a letter. The aim is to avoid getting all five letters and spelling out 'HORSE'. When you have all five letters, you're out of the game.
So, to win, you need to be the last player left who hasn't spelled out 'HORSE'. You can make the game more challenging by attempting trick shots, like shooting while sitting down or with your eyes closed.
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Where to play: indoors, outdoors, or at the gym
HORSE is a versatile game that can be played indoors, outdoors, or at the gym. The game typically requires a basketball hoop and a ball. If playing outdoors, it is recommended to use a rubber or synthetic ball as leather balls can be damaged by gravel and concrete and are better suited for indoor use.
For those with access to a backyard hoop, setting up a game of HORSE outdoors is a great option. This allows players to enjoy fresh air and sunshine while they play. Playing outdoors also provides a larger space for players to spread out and attempt their shots without feeling cramped.
Indoor spaces, such as a gym or a basketball court, can also be ideal for playing HORSE. This is especially true if the weather is not suitable for outdoor play. Indoor spaces often provide a more controlled environment, with even lighting and consistent playing conditions.
Additionally, the game can be adapted to be played indoors in a smaller space, such as a driveway or a garage. This versatility makes HORSE accessible to players with varying levels of space and resources.
No matter where you choose to play, the key components of the game remain the same: taking turns, inventing creative shots, and having fun!
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Number of players: two or more
The game of HORSE is a fun basketball game that can be played with two or more players. It's a great way to practice shooting and invent new shots that you wouldn't normally try in a regular basketball game. The more players you have, the longer the game will last.
Before you start, decide on the order of play. You can do this by playing rock, paper, scissors, having a free-throw competition, or flipping a coin. The player who goes first gets to make up their own wacky shot for everyone else to try. They can do anything they want before shooting—they make the rules! For example, they could spin around five times and then hop up and down before taking a shot.
If the first player makes their shot, the other players have to do the exact same thing. But if the first player misses, the next player in line gets to invent their own unique shot for everyone to attempt. Each player that fails to make the previous player's shot gets a letter towards the word "HORSE". So, if someone makes a shot but everyone else misses, those players get a letter.
The game continues until there's only one person left. When someone spells out the word "HORSE" with their letters, they are out of the game. Keep playing in the same order, skipping the eliminated player's turn, until there's only one player left. This person is the winner!
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$10.99

Equipment: basketballs, hoops, and a safe surface area
To play basketball HORSE, you'll need basketballs, hoops, and a safe surface area. If you're playing with two people, you'll need one basketball. If there are more players, you can either take turns or use multiple basketballs.
It's important to consider the surface you're playing on. If you're playing outside, use a rubber or synthetic ball as leather balls can be damaged by gravel and concrete. Choose a safe, flat area that's free from obstacles and potential hazards.
You'll also need a basketball hoop. Only one hoop is needed for HORSE, making it easy to play at home in a driveway or on a neighbourhood court.
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Frequently asked questions
Basketball horse is a fun game where players take turns shooting at the hoop from different locations and coming up with creative ways to make baskets.
First, you need at least two players. Then, decide on an order of play. The first player gets to do anything they want before shooting. If they make the basket, the next player must shoot from the same spot. If they miss, the next player gets to make up their own wacky shot. If a player misses a shot that everyone else makes, they get a letter toward the word "HORSE". The game ends when someone spells out "HORSE" and loses, or when there is one person left who hasn't spelled out "HORSE" and wins.
Some examples of creative shots include shooting while sitting down, bouncing the ball between your legs before shooting, attempting a one-handed shot, or trying a no-look shot where you close your eyes or look away before shooting.
Yes, you can play with different words instead of "HORSE", such as "PIG" or "LOSER", or make up your own word. You can also play with different rules for earning letters. For example, instead of getting a letter for missing a shot that others make, you can give a letter to each player who fails to make a shot that you invent.










































