Knockout
Fast, competitive shooting under a bit of pressure — the all-time favourite.
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.
- 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
- 1Player 1 shoots. If they miss, they rebound and keep shooting until they make it.
- 2As soon as player 1 shoots, player 2 may shoot.
- 3If player 2 makes their shot BEFORE player 1 makes theirs, player 1 is knocked out.
- 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
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.
Shoot from right next to the hoop for U8.
Split into two teams and count how many of the other team you knock out — eliminated players still rebound for their side.