Beat the Pro

Fun game

Race an imaginary 'pro' to a target score.

8 min any Half court

ShootingU10U12U14U16

Game guide

Any group size · 1 ball per hoop

Speed

Get everyone ready

● Player / attackGold: ball

Illustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×

Set up

Player shoots from chosen spots; the coach keeps the 'pro's' score.

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

Look for: Take makeable shots when it's close.

Playback options

Pause between chaptersIllustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×

Coach’s notes & group organisation

Player shoots from chosen spots; the coach keeps the 'pro's' score.

Every make = 1 point for you.
Every miss = 3 points for the 'pro'.
First to 11 wins.
Pick your spots wisely under pressure.

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

Take makeable shots when it's close.
Rebound your own miss fast.
Balanced shot even when rushing.

Adapt the challenge

Easier: Miss = 2 for the pro, shoot from close.

Harder: Only shots from outside the free-throw line count and the pro gets three on a miss.

Team vs the Pro: Share one score across the whole group with everyone shooting in turn.

What this drill teaches

Shot selection with a scoreboard attached. A miss costs three times what a make earns, so wild shots lose the game fast — the maths quietly teaches kids to hunt good shots when the pressure is on.

In games: Builds the late-game habit that wins close matches — taking the makeable shot when it matters instead of the hero heave that hands the game away.

What good looks like

Smart, makeable spots chosen when the score is tight
Sprinting to rebound their own miss
Balanced shots even while chasing the pro's score

U10: miss costs two and spots stay close — losing to the pro often is normal. U14–U16: expect outside-the-free-throw-line spots with the pro taking three per miss.