Around the World

Fun game

Make your way around a set of shooting spots before your opponents.

10 min 2–8 per hoop Half court
ShootingU10U12U14U16

Game guide

2–8 per hoop · 1 ball per hoop

Get everyone ready

Five numbered spots · one ball1 takes the first turn. 2 and 3 wait clear of the shooting route. Set the distance for your group. 12345123

● Player / attackGold: ball

Illustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×

Set up

Mark 5–7 spots around the key/arc with cones or tape.

A coached example. In live play, players make their own decisions; the outcome can change.

Look for: Set your feet before each shot.

Playback options
Illustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×
Coach’s notes & group organisation

Mark 5–7 spots around the key/arc with cones or tape.

  1. Shoot from spot 1; make it to advance to spot 2.
  2. Keep going around the spots in order.
  3. Miss and you can 'stick' (wait) or 'chance it' (miss again = back to start).
  4. First all the way around wins.

Suggested reset

The shooter retrieves the same ball after every attempt. Follow the stated scoring and turn rules; at the end of the turn pass to the next player and wait clear of the basket. Coach or the next player keeps score. Reset scores only for a new game.

Coaching cues

  • Set your feet before each shot.
  • Pick a routine and repeat it.
  • Good sportsmanship — cheer makes.

Adapt the challenge

Easier: All spots close to the rim.

Harder: Add a second lap anticlockwise, and a miss sends you back a spot instead of to the start.

Around the World Doubles: Pair up and alternate spots — the pair must make both shots at a spot to advance.

What this drill teaches

Shooting with something riding on each shot. Every attempt either advances you or presents the stick-or-chance gamble, so players practise setting their feet and running their routine while their heart rate argues with them.

In games: Games never offer relaxed, nothing-on-the-line shots — kids who've made pressure shots in a game they care about are far less likely to shy off open looks on game day.

What good looks like
  • Feet set and routine run at every spot, even when behind
  • Shot rhythm staying the same on the 'chance it' attempt
  • Players cheering makes instead of sulking at the back

U10: keep every spot close to the rim so the game moves. U14–U16: expect arc-distance spots, smart stick-or-chance decisions and a second lap.

Equipment

1 ball per hoop

Setup

Mark 5–7 spots around the key/arc with cones or tape.

Steps

  1. 1Shoot from spot 1; make it to advance to spot 2.
  2. 2Keep going around the spots in order.
  3. 3Miss and you can 'stick' (wait) or 'chance it' (miss again = back to start).
  4. 4First all the way around wins.

Coaching points

  • Set your feet before each shot.
  • Pick a routine and repeat it.
  • Good sportsmanship — cheer makes.

Why kids love it

A shooting classic with real stakes on every shot; kids will replay it forever.

Variations

Easier

All spots close to the rim.

Harder

Add a second lap anticlockwise, and a miss sends you back a spot instead of to the start.

Around the World Doubles

Pair up and alternate spots — the pair must make both shots at a spot to advance.

Related drills