21 (Shooting Game)

Fun game

Score exactly 21 with free throws and put-backs.

10 min 3–6 per hoop Half court
ShootingU12U14U16

Game guide

3–6 per hoop · 1 ball per hoop

Get everyone ready

Shoot from the lineTake your shot — a make is worth two, a follow-up tip is worth one. 123

● Player / attackGold: ball

Illustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×

Set up

Players in a line at the free-throw line, one ball.

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

Look for: Rebound your miss fast and go straight up.

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

Players in a line at the free-throw line, one ball.

  1. Shoot a free throw — a make is 2 points.
  2. Rebound your own shot and put it back — a make is 1 point.
  3. Keep rebounding and scoring 1-pointers until you miss.
  4. First to exactly 21 wins; go over and you drop back to 15 (or 11).

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

  • Rebound your miss fast and go straight up.
  • Do the maths — sometimes you want to miss the free throw!
  • Play under control near the rim.

Adapt the challenge

Easier: Play to 11 and shoot free throws from closer.

Harder: Only the free throw counts for two — every put-back must be a power finish off two feet.

Knockout 21: If your put-back goes in before the next player's free throw, they lose a point.

What this drill teaches

Free throws and putbacks with a brain attached. The exact-21 rule forces players to track the score and choose what kind of shot they need — game-style arithmetic under pressure — while every miss demands a fast, controlled putback.

In games: Builds the offensive-rebound reflex — miss, chase, go straight back up — plus the score awareness older kids need in the last two minutes of a close game.

What good looks like
  • Players sprinting to their own miss instead of watching it
  • Putbacks going straight up under control, not flung
  • Players doing the maths out loud near 21

U12: play to 11 and expect the bust rule to catch everyone once. U16: expect deliberate strategy — including missing a free throw on purpose.

Equipment

1 ball per hoop

Setup

Players in a line at the free-throw line, one ball.

Steps

  1. 1Shoot a free throw — a make is 2 points.
  2. 2Rebound your own shot and put it back — a make is 1 point.
  3. 3Keep rebounding and scoring 1-pointers until you miss.
  4. 4First to exactly 21 wins; go over and you drop back to 15 (or 11).

Coaching points

  • Rebound your miss fast and go straight up.
  • Do the maths — sometimes you want to miss the free throw!
  • Play under control near the rim.

Why kids love it

The scoring twist adds strategy and drama — the comeback and 'bust' moments are gold.

Variations

Easier

Play to 11 and shoot free throws from closer.

Harder

Only the free throw counts for two — every put-back must be a power finish off two feet.

Knockout 21

If your put-back goes in before the next player's free throw, they lose a point.

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