Amanda Knapp
Facebook Messenger has a hidden basketball mini-game that was introduced before March Madness in 2016. To play, users send a basketball emoji and press it to bring up the game. Players swipe the screen to shoot the ball and try to get it through the hoop. The game is simple, but it can be addictive. The highest score seen by one user was in the 80s, while another user's record was 13.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to play | Send a basketball emoji in a conversation and tap it to bring up the game |
| Scoring | Swipe the screen upward to shoot the ball into the hoop |
| The speed of the swipe does not matter, only the direction | |
| High score | Unknown, but the highest user-reported score found was 80 |
| Difficulty | The hoop starts moving back and forth after 10 points |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
How to play Facebook Messenger basketball
Facebook Messenger has a hidden basketball game that you can play with your friends. Here is how you can play it:
Firstly, make sure that you have the latest version of the Messenger app installed. Then, open a Messenger conversation and send a basketball emoji to your friend. Once the message is sent, tap on the emoji, and the basketball game will launch. Note that in some cases, you might have to double-tap the emoji for the game to launch.
The game is simple: flick the ball toward the hoop to score a point. The speed of your flick does not matter as the ball automatically moves to a certain height, so you only need to focus on its direction. The game will keep track of your high score, and different emojis will appear depending on whether you make or miss a shot.
Once you reach 10 points, the game becomes more challenging. The hoop will start moving back and forth across your phone screen, and according to some sources, it might move faster after you hit 20 points. If you are playing in a group chat, Messenger will tell you what other people's high scores are, and the highest score will be the one to beat.
In addition to the basketball game, Facebook Messenger also offers a hidden chess game. To play it, type "@fbchess play" into a chat window, and a digital chessboard will appear.
Mastering the Art of Scoring in Basketball
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Tips for a high score
While the simple game of Messenger basketball might seem addictive and fun, it can be frustrating when you can't get a high score. Here are some tips to help you improve your game and get that winning feeling.
Firstly, it's important to remember that this game is all about proper form and technique. While it may be more comfortable to play with one hand, using your thumb to flick is not the best for aiming. Instead, opt for your dexterous index finger for more accurate shooting. A longer swipe of the finger, rather than a short flick, will also help with accuracy. Touch the basketball icon with your index finger and swipe it past the net, going further than you feel is necessary. This will help you make straight shots. However, once the basket starts moving at higher levels, you may need to shorten your swipe.
To further stabilize the phone and improve your accuracy, place it on a flat surface like a table or desk instead of holding it with your other hand. This will help you focus on your aim and give you a steadier base from which to shoot.
When shooting, remember that the speed of your swipe doesn't matter as the ball automatically moves to a certain height. So, take your time and focus on swiping directly towards the hoop. A quick, upward swipe will send the ball towards the basket, but aim carefully to ensure you make the shot.
Finally, if you want to cheat, a common method is to use a straight edge like a ruler to guide your shots. Place it flat on the screen of your smartphone, and adjust the angle from the ball to the basket to ensure you never miss.
Now you're ready to go out there and get that high score!
Wilson Basketballs: Who's Using Them and Why
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Highest scores achieved by players
The highest scores achieved by players in the Facebook Messenger basketball game seem to vary. One person reported a high score of 22, stating that they had seen others in the 80s. Another player's record was 13, and they noted that the hoop starts moving faster after 20 points.
The game's simplicity and addictiveness have made it quite popular among users. The objective is to swipe the ball upward toward the hoop to score points, with the speed of the swipe not being a factor. The game becomes more challenging when the player reaches a certain score, usually 10 points, as the hoop starts moving back and forth across the screen, making it harder to score.
Some players have shared tips and strategies to achieve higher scores. One suggestion is to swipe the screen quickly upward when shooting the ball to prevent it from going in a random direction due to slow movement. However, it's important to note that the speed of the swipe is not directly related to the distance the ball will travel, as the ball's height is automatically determined.
While the game's simplicity makes it accessible, reaching high scores can be challenging due to the increasing difficulty. Players need to focus on their accuracy and timing as the game progresses to achieve higher scores. With practice and persistence, some players have managed to reach scores in the 80s, which serves as an impressive feat and a testament to their dedication to the game.
Understanding Basketball Score Sheets: A Beginner's Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The game's history
The game of Messenger Basketball was introduced by Facebook during March Madness in 2016. It involves sending a basketball emoji to someone and then tapping on it to activate a basketball game. The game is simple: you get a point for every successful shot you make into the hoop. The game keeps track of your high score, and when you play in a group chat, it tells you what other people's high scores are and makes the highest score the one to beat.
The game is not very complicated, but it can be quite addictive. The mechanics are straightforward: you swipe the ball towards the hoop to shoot it, and the speed of your flick does not matter as the ball automatically moves to a certain height. All you need to focus on is the direction of your swipe. The game also features different emojis that appear depending on whether you make or miss a shot.
Once you reach 10 points, the game becomes more challenging. The backboard starts to move back and forth across the screen, making it harder to score. According to some players, the hoop starts moving faster after you hit 20 points, increasing the difficulty further.
While some players have reported high scores in the 80s, the current record high score for Messenger Basketball is not publicly known. However, with its simple gameplay and accessibility within the Facebook Messenger app, the game continues to provide entertainment and competition for players of all skill levels.
The Unique Style of Dressing in ABA Basketball
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Other Facebook Messenger games
To play basketball on Facebook Messenger, you need to send a basketball emoji to a friend and then tap on it to bring up the game. The highest score possible is not common knowledge. However, some users have claimed to have scores in the 80s. Once you get to 10 points, the difficulty level increases as the hoop starts moving back and forth. The game becomes harder after every multiple of 10, and some users have claimed that the hoop starts moving faster after 20 points.
Facebook Messenger also has other games, including a soccer ball game and a chess game. To play the former, you need to type the soccer ball emoji and then tap on it. The latter can be played by typing "@fbchess play" into a chat, and a chessboard will appear. These games are a great way to pass the time while waiting for replies or for someone to join a video call.
Mastering the Art of Rebounds in Basketball
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Send a basketball emoji to someone in a chat and then tap on it to bring up the game.
Scores in the 80s have been reported, but most players seem to top out in the 20s.
Swipe the screen quickly in an upward motion when shooting the ball. Aim your swipe directly at the hoop.
Once you get to 10 points, the hoop starts moving back and forth across the screen.
