Knockout

Fun game

Fast, competitive shooting under a bit of pressure — the all-time favourite.

10 min 5–15 Half court
ShootingU8U10U12U14U16

Game guide

5–15 · 2 balls, 1 hoop

Get everyone ready

Two balls · single queue1 starts at the free-throw line; 2 has the second ball. 3 and 4 wait behind the active shooters. 1234

● Player / attackGold: ball

Illustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×

Set up

Everyone lines up single file at the free-throw line (or closer for littles). First two players have a ball.

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

Look for: Shoot quickly but under control.

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

Everyone lines up single file at the free-throw line (or closer for littles). First two players have a ball.

  1. Player 1 shoots. If they miss, they rebound and keep shooting until they make it.
  2. As soon as player 1 shoots, player 2 may shoot.
  3. If player 2 makes their shot BEFORE player 1 makes theirs, player 1 is knocked out.
  4. Made shots — pass to the next player in line and go to the back. Last player standing wins.

Suggested reset

After a make, retrieve and pass your ball to the next waiting player, then join the back if still in. Eliminated players step outside the shooting and return lanes. Collect both balls before starting a new game.

Coaching cues

  • Shoot quickly but under control.
  • Rebound your own miss fast.
  • Good sportsmanship — cheer, don't taunt.

Adapt the challenge

Sink the Shooter: Knocked-out players spread around the key and try to block or tip the shots of whoever is still in — gives eliminated kids something to do straight away and keeps everyone moving. Some teams call this one Titanic.

Easier: Shoot from right next to the hoop for U8.

Team Knockout: Split into two teams and count how many of the other team you knock out — eliminated players still rebound for their side.

What this drill teaches

Shooting quickly with someone racing you — and recovering from a miss instead of sulking. The chase format makes every shot matter, so kids learn to hurry the rebound, not the shooting motion.

In games: Shots that hold up when the moment feels big — kids get used to shooting under real pressure, so the game-day free throw or quick catch-and-shoot feels familiar instead of frightening.

What good looks like
  • Rushed rebounds but unrushed shooting motions
  • Feet reset before the second attempt, even in a panic
  • Cheering for the players still in, not taunting the ones out

U8: shoot from right next to the hoop and expect long, giggly rallies. U14–U16: full free-throw distance — watch that form doesn't collapse in the race.

Equipment

2 balls, 1 hoop

Setup

Everyone lines up single file at the free-throw line (or closer for littles). First two players have a ball.

Steps

  1. 1Player 1 shoots. If they miss, they rebound and keep shooting until they make it.
  2. 2As soon as player 1 shoots, player 2 may shoot.
  3. 3If player 2 makes their shot BEFORE player 1 makes theirs, player 1 is knocked out.
  4. 4Made shots — pass to the next player in line and go to the back. Last player standing wins.

Coaching points

  • Shoot quickly but under control.
  • Rebound your own miss fast.
  • Good sportsmanship — cheer, don't taunt.

Why kids love it

Pure adrenaline. Kids beg to play it. The comeback tension when two players race to score is unbeatable.

Variations

Sink the Shooter

Knocked-out players spread around the key and try to block or tip the shots of whoever is still in — gives eliminated kids something to do straight away and keeps everyone moving. Some teams call this one Titanic.

Easier

Shoot from right next to the hoop for U8.

Team Knockout

Split into two teams and count how many of the other team you knock out — eliminated players still rebound for their side.

Related drills

Coaching notes that use this drill