physical education basketball games

• How to Teach

How to Teach Basketball

When teaching basketball in Physical Education lessons, it is helpful to have a range of activities, teaching models and styles in the toolbox to help ensure students make great progress. Basketball lessons can be delivered in a range of ways depending upon the age, group size, resources available and your level of knowledge of the game.

If teaching lower Elementary (Primary/KS1) you may want to opt for more cooperative group activities where students can explore the different skills without the pressures of any defenders. Then in upper Elementary (Primary/KS2) students can experience a range of competitive, cooperative, and small-sided games (3v3). Once students move into Middle-School (KS3) and High-School (KS4 & 5) this is where students can begin to experience the full-scale versions of the game through 5-on-5 games. A great way to do this would be using a ‘Teaching Games for Understanding’ model.

Below are a few basketball activities, an example skill card and lesson plan from our ‘Ultimate Basketball Pack’ that you can use in your lessons.

Activity: TAILS

• EQUIPMENT: 1x basketball; 1 pinnie per student
• SPACE: Half- or Full-court basketball
• DURATION: 6-8 mins
• GROUPINGS: Whole Class

Description: Every student has a basketball and a pinnie/bib which is tucked into the back of their shorts (like a tail). The aim of the game is for all students to keep their tail for as long as possible, whilst trying to take away other player’s tails. In order to do this, players must always dribble the ball around the area, maintaining good control of the ball, keeping their heads up and watching their backs. If a player loses their tail, they must continue dribbling and try and get someone else’s tail which they can then put back in their shorts. If a player takes a tail whilst already having one, they can either hold on to it until later, or generously give it to a class mate who has lost their tail. Each round 90s to 2mins. Repeat 2 or 3 times.

Alternative: Students can only have one tail. Once they lose it, they must try and get someone else’s, until their are no more players left with a tail. When a player has taken someone else’s tail they must place it in a designated area e.g., hulahoop on the side of the court.

Teaching Points

• Dribble with head up
• Dribble below waist
• Alternate between hands
• Avoid dribbling violations (carrying, double-dribble, travelling)
• How many times did you lose your tail?
• How many times did you take someone else’s tail?
• What do you need to do keep your tail?
• What can you do to take someone else’s tail?
• What would be your top tips for dribbling with great control?

Activity: PARTNER SHOOTOUT

Skill Card: Shooting Technique - B.E.E.F.

Skill Cards: When teaching basketball it can be extremely useful for students to use skill cards to deepen their understanding of complex skills. For example, when trying to teach students how to shoot in basketball with correct technique, they could use the above skill card to read over with a partner. After, they will then take turns practicing shooting whilst their partner observes and gives feedback. This is an example of a 'Reciprocal Teaching Style' which you can learn more about in our 'Teaching Styles' article.

Teaching Considerations

Teaching Considerations: When teaching any activity to children it is important to consider: What grade are they in? What size ball should they use? How high should the basketball be? and; What sized teams should they play in? We hope that the above table will help you answer those questions quickly and confidently. If you don't have the luxury of having an adjustable basketball hoop, simply hang a hula hoop over the rim and students can shoot for that instead or as well i.e., 1 point for the hula hoop, 2 points for getting the ball in the basket.

Example Basketball Lesson

Lesson objectives.

• Explore and improve understanding of the rules in basketball
• To be able describe and/or demonstrate triple-threat, pivoting and dribbling in basketball
• To apply these skills into games

Activity 1: Discussion

• EQUIPMENT: 1x basketball per game; 1 pinnie per student
• SPACE: Half-court per group (depending upon space available)
• DURATION: 3 mins
• GROUPINGS: 3-5

Students have 2-minutes to discuss as many rules of basketball that they currently know. Students should be sitting on the floor, facing each other showing good listening and communication skills sharing their knowledge of basketball rules. After, have each group share one rule with the class. Try it differently - give students a large piece of paper and pens and they have to write down the rules they know with a brief description.

Activity 2: 3-on-3 Games (7-12 minutes)

• DURATION: 7-12 mins
• GROUPINGS: 3s

Students play a 3-on-3 basketball, demonstrating their understanding of the rules of the game. Students are expected to call their own violations to demonstrate their understanding. During this game, the teacher can float between the groups, stopping games where necessary to clarify any basic rules.

Formative Assessment: This is a good opportunity to assess students understanding of the game, and their ability.

Did you manage to play your games fairly? Call your own violations? Agree on calls? Any rules that you are unsure about?

Activity 3: Traffic Lights (see p.10 of Ultimate Basketball Pack)

• EQUIPMENT: 1x basketball per student, 4 cones (1 red, 1 orange, 1 green, 1 blue)
• SPACE: Full-court basketball
• DURATION: 5-8 mins

The teacher has 4 cones in their hand which they will hold up at different times during the activity. Red = Stop (hold the ball in the triple threat position); Green = Go (dribble into space, avoiding other players); Orange = Change direction (players perform crossovers and change direction without picking up the ball); Blue = Fancy tricks (students show off their basketball dribbling skills they have).

Teaching should be constantly walking around the area, encouraging students to keep their head up. When holding up a red cone (students in triple-threat), encourage players to pivot so that they are always square to the teacher. Drip feed in different coaching tips (▼ see Skill Cards p.2).

Activity 4: Rooster (see p. 6)

• EQUIPMENT: 1x basketball per student
• DURATION: 5-6 mins

Students have to dribble around the area protecting their ball whilst also knocking away other players basketballs. The challenge - how many other people’s basketballs can you knock away in 2 minutes. Teacher to encourage players to keep their head up, dribble below their waist, find space, practice dribbling with both hands (not at the same time).

How do you keep control of the ball? When do you think you use triple-threat? How can pivoting help you in a game?

Activity 5: 3-on-3 Games

• EQUIPMENT: 1x basketball per game, pinnies/bibs
• SPACE: Half- or Full-court basketball (depending upon your space available)
• DURATION: 10-12 mins
• GROUPINGS: 3's

Students return to playing 3-on-3 basketball against a different team. During this game the teacher will focus on encouraging and recognising players that are demonstrating triple-threat, pivoting, and dribbling. Students continue to officiate their own games.

Assessment: Assess students triple threat, footwork and dribbling.

In groups of 3-5, students to discuss 1) What is Triplethreat; 2) How to Pivot; 3) How to dribble; 4) Which of these skills they felt they are best at? What do they need to do to improve? Teacher circulates the groups, listening in to the different conversations.

Would you like more basketball activities? Download the Ultimate Basketball Pack with over 50 basketball activities that are appropriate for using in PE lessons. Our pack will help you deliver high-quality basketball lessons for Phys Ed! It has been developed by highly-qualified and experienced PE teachers for specialists and non-specialists alike who want to deliver the best basketball lessons where students can make exceptional progress.

In the Ultimate Basketball Pack by the PE Project you will find:

• Over 50 basketball activities
• Skill Cards
• Lesson Plans
• Assessment Criteria for Elementary, Middle-School, and High-School
• Basketball Rules
• Non-doer sheets
• Plus lots of additional extras like questions, teaching recommendations, differentiation strategies.

The Ultimate Basketball Pack

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7 Innovative Invasion Games for PE

** This blog is being shared to provide activity ideas for future use. Gopher strongly recommends following your district, state, and CDC guidelines for practicing safe Physical Education during the pandemic.

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For 60+ more Invasion Games .

1. Ricochet Ball

Objective: Score more points than the opposing team by catching balls from their team’s ricochet rally ball.

Scroll to next game (Ricochet Triple Ball)

Fundamental Movement Skills : Locomotor (Dodge, Run), Manipulative Send (Throw), Manipulative Receive (Block, Catch)

Equipment List:

• Ricochet Rally Set
• One Ricochet Ball
• Two Ricochet Rally Shields

Setting Up:

• Use a basketball court   
• Each team begins on their half of the court
• One player from each team stands in the basketball crease in the other half of the court. This player holds one Ricochet Rally Shield
• One goalie from each team stands on the goal line between the goal posts -no other players may enter the crease

Instructions:

• Give the ball to a player from one of the two teams.
• Players with the ball can only pivot and cannot otherwise travel while holding the ball.
• Players pass the ball to each other in efforts to move the ball closer to their ricochet rally player.
• Players score by throwing the ball, at their player holding the ricochet rally shield, who attempts to ricochet the ball into the goal.
• When the ball lands on the floor (not including the ricochet on the goal) or is intercepted or after a point is scored, the other team gets possession of the ball.

Questions & Notes:

• What are some of the best strategies to score points?
• What are some of the best strategies to prevent the other team from scoring points?

2. Ricochet Triple Ball

Scroll to next game (Drag’N Tails Dunk)

• Three Foam Balls
• Use a basketball court
• One player from each team stands in their basketball crease in the other half of the court. This player (Ricochet Rally) holds one foam ball–no other players may enter the crease.
• Give the remaining ball to a player from one of the two teams.
• Players score by catching a ball ricocheted off their ricochet player’s ball. Defense can attempt to knock the ball away.
• When the ball lands on the floor or is intercepted or after a point is scored, the other team gets possession of the ball.

3. Drag’N Tails Dunk

Objective: Score points by dunking a ball into the goal without losing your dragon tail.

Scroll to next game (Mobile Baseline)

• One dragon tail per player—different color per team
• One ball (or disc)
• Two baskets
• Use a volleyball court (or play outdoors on soccer field)—there needs to be a center line to divide the teams into two zones.
• Place a basket in the middle of the two zones.

Each team begins on their half of the court.

• Players with the ball can only pivot and cannot otherwise travel while holding the ball; players can use one step to dunk the ball.
• Players pass the ball to each other in an effort to move the ball closer to their end zone.
• Players score by dunking the ball into the basket.
• When the ball lands on the floor, it is intercepted, after a point is scored or if a ball carrier’s tail is removed, the other team gets possession of the ball.
• When any player crosses the center line their flag can be pulled. When flags are pulled those players must return to their half of the court and reattach their flags.
• What are some of the best strategies to score points? ​

4. Mobile Baseline

Objective: Teams try to be the first to fill their basket with all their balls

Scroll to next game (Mobile Fill Own)

• Two mobile goals
• Two sets (different color) of 12 balls.
• Use a volleyball court with a center line—the end of the volleyball court is the end zone.
• Each team begins on their half of the court with all of their balls.
• One player from each team is in the opposite end zone with a mobile goal.
• On the signal to begin, players attempt to toss balls from their half of the court into their mobile goal, the other team cannot go in the end zone, but can, on their own half,  otherwise attempt to deflect the other team’s balls from successfully making it into the mobile goal.
• When a ball does not make it into the mobile goal, players can run into the other team’s zone to pick up the ball and run it back to their half (players cannot toss the balls back).

Team which fills their basket first scores a point. Spread the balls out again, and play again…

• What are some of the best strategies to fill your cart? ​
• What are some of the best strategies to prevent the other team from filling their cart?

5. Mobile Fill Own

Objective: Teams try to be the first to fill their basket with all their balls.

Scroll to next game (Ultimania Ball)

• Use an open space.
• Place a basket in the middle of the two zones—one goalie for each team is at their team’s basket.
• Players are in scattered position in playing area.
• Balls are scattered throughout the playing area.
• On the signal to begin, players pick up balls and attempt to toss them into their team’s basket or pass it to players closer to their team’s basket.
• The goalie may move with the Mobile basket to get closer to their teammates with balls.
• The opposite team can play defensively by knocking away the other team’s balls.
• When all balls from one team are in their basket the round is stopped, the team that filled their basket first scores a point, disperse the balls, play again…
• Any balls tossed into the opponent’s goal, score minus two when counting points when all balls from one team are in the baskets.

6. Ultimania Ball

Objective: Score points by tossing a ball or disc through the Ultimania target

Scroll to next game (Ultimate Basketball Hoops)

• One foam ball or disc
• Two Ultimania Nets
• The Ultimania targets are placed in the middle of a basketball key–no players may enter the crease.
• Players pass the ball to each other in efforts to move the ball closer to their Ultimania Target.
• Players score by throwing their ball or disc through the Ultimania Target.
• When the ball/disc lands on the floor or is intercepted or after a point is scored, the other team gets possession of the ball.

Questions for Understanding:

7. ultimate basketball hoops.

Objective: For each team to score more baskets than their opposing team.

Fundamental Movement Skills : Locomotor (Run), Manipulative Send (Throw), Manipulative Receive (Catch)

• Eight cones to define two creases.
• One hula-hoop per team.

One OMNIKIN® ball per game.

• Place a square crease (two to three paces across) on either end of the playing area.
• One player from each team stands in their crease holding a hula hoop–must always be held horizontally.
• Other players are in a scattered position in the playing area.
• One player is given the ball.
• Players with the ball can take three dribbles with the ball and, when stopped, can only pivot, and have three seconds to pass the ball.
• Players attempt to pass the ball to teammates and toss the ball into the hoop held horizontally by their goal-keeper.
• When a goal is scored another player switch roles with the goal-keeper.
• Defense cannot attempt to knock the ball away from the player holding the ball.

Any ball that hits the ground or is intercepted goes to the other team.

• Have four teams play at the same time with one or two balls.
• Thanks to OMNIKIN® and Scott Williams at NYS AHPERD  2019.

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…click a category above for great p.e. games, the pe games you will find on this site are used by professional physical education teachers as part of successful programs in school gyms – here you’ll find amazing ideas for p.e. – tried, tested, and proven by physed teachers and coaches , direct link to youtube channel: physedgames youtube, browse the categories at the top to enjoy quick and easy video descriptions to learn a new game for your class or visit our youtube to find the most popular games and get the latest game ideas sent directly to your video feed by subscribing. , game of the month.

Looking for some classic physical education ideas? Looking for something new and unique? There are all types of games & activities ranging from sport-specific (soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, lead-ups, etc) to LOG’s, tag, warm-up, fitness, team-building, dodgeball, literacy, numeracy, etc. Children need at least 90 minutes of exercise a day for healthy development – these games will motivate to get students moving and enjoying learning skills in the gym! So hopefully you will find lots here to help supplement your own program.

** Grade level specific categories are searchable: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, and Grade 8 – browse through games that are appropriate for your grade level. HIGHSCHOOLS please note that most of the Grade 8 category games can be used and/or adapted for use at the highschool level – take a look and see what works! **

If you have a favorite PE activity or game idea that you use in your own program and you’d like to share, please send a detailed email to us at [email protected] and we will do our best to create a video to add to the list.

PhysedGames is frequently updated with new ideas to try out. We also offer a couple book options (hardcopy and electronic) to add to your physical education library. These book options convert many of the best game videos into more portable text-based and electronic forms. PLEASE NOTE that all games are firstly and always available for FREE in the video viewing format. For those interested, take a look at the popular PHYSEDGAMES TOP 99 PHYSEDGAMES TOP 99 (affiliate link) hardcopy book from Amazon or get top-rated Digital File Downloads (PDFs) on Teachers Pay Teachers. A big THANK-YOU goes out to those who support PHYSEDGAMES!

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Basketball Lesson Plans

• Doug Curtin
• May 9, 2024

Basketball lesson plans aim to provide every student with a foundation in which they can develop their basketball skills, eventually leading to fun and successful gameplay. To do so, students can get comfortable and confident with a breakdown of basic dribbling, passing, and shooting techniques. 

While working on different skills and drills, students can also explore the basic rules and strategies of basketball, with an added bonus of different games and activities they can play at any time or place! Check out awesome resources and activities for your basketball unit. 

Skill Development Basketball Lesson Plans

Students who play basketball outside of physical education might be eager to jump into full 5 on 5 basketball games. However, within physical education, regardless of grade level, jumping right to full-blown games of basketball will leave many students in class feeling frustrated and left behind. 

Therefore, basketball lesson plans for physical education can focus on skill development. That doesn’t mean teachers can’t create an amazing basketball unit that engages all students in class. Through a skill development approach, teachers can differentiate and modify the fundamental skills of basketball for every experience and ability level. 

For example, one aspect of basketball lesson plans is developing students’ dribbling skills. To start class, teachers could start students with a basic warm-up focusing on a stationary dribble technique. Beginner-level students could start by dribbling with their dominant hand (e.g., right hand), while more advanced students could practice dribbling with their non-dominant hand (e.g., left hand). Everyone gets to practice basketball dribbling skills! 

Different Elements of Basketball Lesson Plans 

At PLT4M, we break down basketball lesson plans using the following categories: 

Rules & Game Play 

A great way to plan a basketball lesson is to put together a lesson using one material from each section and finish the class with a game.  (Note: Modified games are a great way to introduce students to all the different ways they can play basketball, not just 5 on 5.)

Let’s examine a sample lesson plan that teachers could create using the basketball unit resource pack in PLT4M. 

Sample Basketball Lesson Plan 

Teachers can introduce awesome basketball lesson plans using the resources and materials from PLT4M basketball. 

Dribbling: Stationary (5 Minutes) 

5 rounds of: 

30 seconds Right Hand

30 seconds Left Hand 

30 seconds Rest 

Passing: Two-Handed Push Pass (5 Minutes) 

Partner Passing – Starting just a few feet away from each other, accumulate 10 passes before taking a step back and repeating. See how far you can spread out from your partner while still getting your pass to reach your partners chest (no bounces!) 

Lay Ups: 2 Footed Lay Up (10 Minutes) 

In small groups, students must drive to the hoop and land on two feet before going up for a lay up. Students can practice different strategies like pump faking, pivoting, and laying the ball up right away.

Shooting: Free Throws (10 Minutes) 

In small groups, students can practice free throws. Have one student take 5 free throw shots in a row before the next person in the group shoots. Other group members can retrieve rebounds and return the ball to the shooter. Have each student be the shooter twice to see if they can match or make more free throws than the first round. 

Rules & Game Play: Knock Out (Remaining Time) 

Now that students have practiced lay ups and free throws, introduce the game of knockout, which combines both skills.

Have students explore the rules and instructions of knock out with PLT4M’s Different Types of Basketball Games PDF. (Additional PDF’s come with PLT4M’s basketball lesson plans including types of defense, types of defense, parts of the court, basics of basketball, and more.) 

Bonus! Classroom Management Strategies For Basketball Unit

Here are a few tips and strategies for implementing the skills and drills within your basketball lesson plans. 

After reviewing the skill or drill, teachers can have students break off to practice in three different settings: 

Individual 

Small Group

To practice, teachers can have students work through the skill and drill in a variety of ways: 

Set A Timer

Ex 1: How many non-dominant hand dribbles can you accumulate in 60 seconds? 

Ex 2: You have 10 minutes to go practice different types of lay ups in your group. 

Set A Number 

Ex 1: Complete 10 succesful bounce passes in a row before moving further apart. See how far you can go! 

Ex 2: Attempt 20 one-handed form shots from 5 feet away and see how many you can make. 

Key Takeaways on Basketball Lesson Plans 

Basketball is an awesome addition to your physical education curriculum! From manipulative skills to motor skills, students can learn a lot from the popular game of basketball. A few key takeaways for teachers as they set out to implement basketball lesson plans include:

Focus on Skill Development – Each drill from PLT4M has written and video instruction. We recommend taking about 5-10 minutes on any drill to introduce the skill and allow time for students to practice.

Make It Fun – Teachers can add fun twists and different variations to make the different skills and drills fun and challenging for students. Based on your age group and class dynamics, you can always tweak and modify drills to mix things up!

Add Assessments – Create custom metrics to log different types of basketball data relevant to your group/audience. Example: Free Throws Made (10 Attempts)

Want to tap into the basketball resources and technology to take your basketball plans to the next level? Reach out to PLT4M to schedule a free consultation on how to incorporate these resources and lots of other awesome PE lesson plans and topics!

What other types of lesson plans and workouts does PLT4M have?

Consider PLT4M your full learning management system for health and physical education.

PLT4M has a full slate of PE lessons for physical education teachers to choose from! From PE games to fitness activities, PLT4M has countless options. Check out some of the most popular below:

• Weight Training 
• Dance Fitness 
• Mindfulness 
• Remote Learning 
• Personal Hygiene
• Drug and Substance Education 
• Physical Literacy
• Social Emotional Learning
• Health Education Lesson Plans 

Is PLT4M aligned to Shape Standards?

Yes, every program is aligned to the PLT4M to the  Shape Standards.  SHAPE America’s National Standards & Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education define what a student should know and be able to do as result of a highly effective physical education program. This guide demonstrates how the PLT4M programs align with grade level standards, helping you achieve and accomplish a standards-based curriculum.

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March Madness Basketball Ideas on PE Central

It's March Madness and basketball is here! The following are lesson ideas, instructional cues, instant activities, assessment ideas, bulletin boards and Best Practices taken from PE Central that all have to do with basketball. These are not all of the basketball resources published on PE Central so make sure to go to our lesson ideas page and find more ideas either by browsing the categories or doing a search.

March Madness Basketball Lesson Ideas Mini Book (PDF)

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Awesome Resources for Physical Education Teachers

Teaching Basketball – Passing and Shooting

Wouldn’t it be great to get Kentucky’s coach John Calipari to teach teach Passing to your kids and have some NBA players demonstrate it?

Well with technology this is now possible.

During the second lesson our basketball unit we focus on passing and shooting skills.  Check out the video below to see how we quickly teach passing through a youtube video and demonstration.

The kids really liked seeing NBA players and I think it helped some of the more advanced students buy into doing some basic passing practice – it helps kids to see that even advanced players need to work on basic skills to get better.

Here is the youtube video we used for the demo, if you want to use it in your lessons:

Teaching Shooting with BEEF Cues

After the passing practice we do a quick review of B.E.E.F. shooting cues that we learned during the previous week.

After allowing students some practice time, we play a fun game called Hot Spots.

If you’re interested, check out a run through of the game below: 

This is an awesome game to play with any level.  For our younger students we just crank the goals down or use our shorter wall mounted goal ( the one we have is from Bison but most equipment retailers have something similar to this) and we use Gatorskin balls instead of basketballs.  We also move the dots in closer to the goal to make it easier for them ( see below for an example ).

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ben Landers (@thepespecialist)

Note : If you have 4 students on a team, use 3 gator skin balls per team to reduce any waiting around and to give students more practice time.

Example of the game being played below:

Instant Replay (AKA PIG)

If you’re looking for a shorter quick game that’s perfect for partner work or a group of 3, you can teach your kiddos the classic “PIG” or Instant Replay as I call it.  In this simple game, you take turns shooting and when a goal is scored your partner must try and copy your shot.  If they are successful play continues, but if they are unsuccessful they receive a letter.  The first person to make their partner spell the designated word (PIG in this case) is the winner.

Many of us have played this at some point in our childhood, see how I explain it in the video below:

Another fun shooting game for K-2nd (or even older kiddos) is Smackball

Check out the video below for an example of how to play

This one works great with partners or groups of 3 and you can vary the goal height and swap out partners to mix things up if you want to.

Using a Smaller Ball for Shooting Skills

For a long time I found it hard to teach younger students to shoot properly.  It’s tough for them because they don’t have the physical strength to get the ball up to the goal.

I’ve had way more success using 6” gatorskin balls or the 7″ Mini Basketballs with my younger students and even offering them as a choice with my 3rd and 4th grade students if they want to use them. It’s also good to remind your students to use their legs to jump up when they take a shot to help them get some more power behind the ball.

See an example of the smaller ball below as I teach B.E.E.F. to 2nd graders.

Another CLASSIC shooting game that I teach my 3rd – 5th graders is the popular basketball game Knockout.

I play a version I call “Round Robin Knockout” which you can check out below if you’re interested:

Basketball Station Activities

With my K-2nd Graders I also do lots of Station Work ( more info on teaching with stations here ) so they can build up the fundamental skills needed to play modified games when they get to  the 3rd – 5th grades.  You can purchase my Station Signs at the bottom of this post if you’re interested (see a few examples of the signs below)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9AAbsxBTI3/

3 v 3 Basketball Tournament

For most of my 3rd – 5th classes (unless I don’t think they can handle it, some classes are a different breed, am I right? ) I end the basketball unit with a 3 v 3 basketball round robin tournament.

I keep it pretty simple and use an app called TeamShake to make my teams quickly and evenly and use an app called Round Robin to track all the scoring and tournament info.

You can check out the clip below for a walkthrough of how I explain the tournament to my students and some important points to go over before trying to do any type of tournament in PE class (purpose of the tournament, importance of good sportsmanship and basic review of rules/procedures of the game).  I feel like setting the tone for the culture of your tournament ahead of time make a HUGE difference in how much fun the kids have while playing and reduces your management and behavior issues.

Hope those ideas are helpful!  Thanks for reading.

If you have some more tips leave them in the comments!

Also, if you missed my previous post about teaching Ball Handling and Dribbling Check It Out Here

More Basketball Resources

If you want to check out our Basketball Resources you can see an overview of them in the videos below.   Each resource is available to all teachers in our membership program ( info on our membership here ), just login and download them straight from the membership area.  They are also available in our Teachers Pay Teachers Store for anyone who isn’t a member.

Basketball Unit Resource Pack

The Unit Resource Pack will provide you with a ton of printable resources to plan an AMAZING basketball unit.

Included in this download:

• Sample Unit Plan with 50 pages of activities
• Printable Station Activity Signs
• Basketball Cues Poster
• Create Your Own Basketball Routine Worksheet
• Basketball Tricks Checklist
• Player of the Day Certificate
• Basketball Golf Scorecard

Check out the Basketball Unit Resource Pack (TPT)

Basketball follow the leader pack.

All of our follow the leader packs are a “technology upgrade” for anyone with a screen that goes along perfectly with the Unit Resource Packs.

• 3 Follow the Leader Videos (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced)
• Animated GIF Looping Videos
• Powerpoint Slideshows with all Animated GIFS
• Create Your Own Ball Handling Routine Worksheet
• Basketball Trick Checklist

Check out the Basketball Follow the Leader Pack (TPT)

Have fun and teach on.

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Reader Interactions

January 4, 2022 at 1:33 pm

Where is the basketball resource pack for members? I am only seeing the link to the basketball resource pack in teacher pay teachers.

January 4, 2022 at 4:12 pm

As a member you get access to everything we’ve ever created in the membership.

You can get all of the E-books, Unit Plans, Activity Guides, Videos and Trainings (and ever single other resources we’ve ever created) inside the membership area.

You can check out the page below for a walkthrough of how to sign in and get into the members section on the site:

https://membership.thepespecialist.com/start-here/

Once you get logged in you can go here (our Members Home Page): https://membership.thepespecialist.com/forums/forum/general-discussion/

We also created a Table of Contents for the Membership with a link to EVERY RESOURCE! You can find it below:

https://membership.thepespecialist.com/table-of-contents/

Link to Basketball Resources Page HERE

Lastly, you should’ve gotten an email explaining all of this when you signed up, so we just want to make sure you’re getting our member emails – if not make sure to check your SPAM folder – sometimes we get filtered because of the links. If you find us in SPAM add us to your contacts so you can receive all the member updates.

If you haven’t gotten any member updates and would like to use another email, you can do so HERE (Gmail works great)

Let us know if you have any other issues!

March 9, 2020 at 12:26 pm

I’ve started a sports club in our school’s afterschool program and this was incredibly helpful for us! Thank you so much!

March 9, 2020 at 7:44 pm

Awesome – Pumped to hear that, hope the club goes well!

March 8, 2020 at 7:51 pm

Can you please explain to me the breakdown of the lessons you would do with a Kindergarten class for your Basketball Unit?

For example – Lesson 1: Ball Handling and Dribbling Lesson 2: …? Lesson 3: ….?

Thank you so much!

2 – Passing and Shooting 3 – Modified Game (like the spot shot game you see in this post by using gatorskin balls) or stations

I teach in stations A LOT with kindergarten, so after teaching them the basic skill, we work on the skills in station format

December 16, 2019 at 1:18 pm

Thanks for sharing, this is an awesome video for young students.

December 16, 2019 at 6:21 pm

Sure thing, glad it was helpful!

January 7, 2019 at 11:52 am

Hi Ben, I purchased the jump rope unit for $25. I loved it!!! Thank you, as it was very helpful. Is there a basketball unit that I can purchase? If so, where can I find it?

January 9, 2019 at 5:22 pm

Hey James! Thanks for the purchase and so pumped to hear it was helpful, currently we don’t have the bball unit for sale outside of the membership, but in the future we hope to get more products out to folks for stand alone purchases.

May 9, 2018 at 9:04 am

I have my students 3 days a week for 45 minutes each day (approx. 25 students), so they get a lot of practice dribbling, passing, and shooting. Just wondering if after those games you play small sided games such as 2v2 or 3v3 with grades 3-5? I was going to set up 6 half courts and let them try 2v2 to ensure everyone is getting playing time.

May 11, 2018 at 4:18 pm

Yep, we usually shoot for 3 or 4 on a team. Play 5 minutes and report your scores – I use the round robin app to track the tournament.

February 20, 2018 at 8:52 am

Do you have any Basketball skills or lessons for 6 through 8th graders?

February 21, 2018 at 4:21 pm

I teach Elem, but I think all the activities and ideas in this post would be relevant to teaching middle school as well.

February 22, 2018 at 7:37 am

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By: George Lawrence J.D.

Published: 09 September, 2010

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Fun Basketball Games for PE

Gym class, also known as physical education or “PE,” is a time when students can stretch their arms and legs and burn off some of the energy that has been building from sitting at a desk all day. Common activities in PE include sports such as basketball or volleyball. These traditional games may become boring. To spice up a PE day using basketballs, consider playing some alternative games.

Around the World

Around the World is a shooting game designed to improve a player’s shooting skills. At least two players are required to play this game; more players may be added and teams can be utilized. At the start of the game, mark six locations around the basketball court. Typically, the first location is at the baseline and the locations move outward and around the key. The goal is to make baskets at each location. Players advance to the next location after they make a shot. The first player to make it all the way around the key--and thereby all the way around the “world”--wins. Consider adding variations such as second chances. Games-for-All-Reasons suggests allowing a player who misses a shot to take a second crack at it, but if the player misses his second shot, he must go back to the beginning.

Line Basketball

Teaching Ideas suggests playing the basketball-variation Line Basketball. This game mainly utilizes passing abilities and has a slight focus on shooting skills. Divide the class into two teams and line them up parallel to each other at the center of the court. Assign each person a number. Place two basketballs in the center between the two lines. Call out two numbers; those students must race to grab one of the basketballs. After the players retrieve the ball, they must throw chest passes to teammates down their line toward the basket. The last player in line attempts a shot. The first team to make a shot earns one point. The person who shot the ball goes to the other end of the line and the game repeats.

Dribble Mania

Lesson Plans Page recommends for PE class Dribble Mania, which focuses on dribbling and ball-handling skills. Each player must have a basketball to use. Square off a relatively small area on the basketball court; the area must have enough room for at least four people to dribble. Mark the area with cones. Players enter the area and must dribble the basketball without losing control. At the same time, the players must attempt to knock other players’ basketballs out of the square. Play continues until one player is left in the square.

• Teachingideas.co.uk: Line Basketball

Based in Traverse City, Mich., George Lawrence has been writing professionally since 2009. His work primarily appears on various websites. An avid outdoorsman, Lawrence holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in both criminal justice and English from Michigan State University, as well as a Juris Doctor from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where he graduated with honors.

Basketball in Physical Education

The game of Basketball was invented in the United States of America. Dr. James Norsmith of the U.S.A. developed it in December 1891 at Spring Field college. The origin of this game is very interesting. In the beginning, 40 to 50 players used to be in one team. This game used to be played in a gymnasium. A pair of baskets were nailed on the walls facing each other One had to climb up to get the ball out whenever a goal was scored. Indeed, it was a difficult task. After that, Dr. Smith framed the specific rules of this game.

What are the Rules for Playing Basketball?

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This game was played the first time on 22nd January 1892. The first time, five players formed a team. From 1895 to 1900 A.D., a lot of amendments were made to the rules of the game. American Basketball Training Association made its efforts for the demonstration of this game in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, but it could not get success. After that, in the 1932 Olympics, efforts were also made to introduce Basketball.

At last, in the 1936 Olympic games, which were held in Berlin, Basketball was included. In 1932 International Basket Ball Federation was constituted. From the very beginning, U.S.A. dominated in Basketball. Approximately 85 years ago, in India, the game of Basketball was introduced by Y.M.C.A. College Madras (Now Chennai). Since then, Basketball became famous in every part of India. The Indian Basketball Federation was formed in 1950.

• 1. Now the length and breadth of Basketball court is 15 m × 28 m
• 2. Now the feather ball is used in Basketball competition.
• 3. The last 2 minutes play before the end of the game should be played in real sense and not to pass the time.
• 4. Now three time-outs can be provided during the second half of the game to each team but in first half only two time-outs are given.
• 5. The Basketball poles should be at least 2 m away from the end line.
• 6. Now the throw can be given from the end line.
• 7. 30 second rule has been changed to 24 seconds.
• 8. Now there are four periods of the game i.e.10 – 10 – 10 – 10 minutes.
• 9. A rectangular shaped restricted area has been introduced.
• 10. The distance of three point line has been extended to 6.75 m,whereas, earlier it was 6.25 m.
• 11. No charge semi-circles have been introduced. The radius of the circles shall be 1.25 m from the point on the floor beneath the exact centre of the basket to the inner edge of the semi-circle.
• 1. European Cup
• 2. American Cup
• 3. Asia Cup
• 4. Services Trophy
• 5. William Tod Memorial Trophy (National-Men)
• 6. Prince Vasalat Jha Trophy (National Women)
• 7. B.C.Gupta Trophy
• 8. Federation Cup
• 9. Bangalore Blues Cup
• 10. C.Munni Swami Cup
• 11. All India Ramu Memorial Trophy

Some important things about Basketball

What are the measurements of basketball court.

28 m × 15 m

What is the height of the board from ground?

What is the circumference of the ball.

75 to 78 cm

How many players are there in a team?

Total 12 players (5 players + 7 Substitutes)

What is the duration of a time-out?

One minute.

What numbers are printed on the shirts of players?

Numbers 4 to 15 are printed on the shirts of players.

What is zone to zone defence?

It is a system of defence in which players are responsible for defence of their sides.This system of defence is mainly suited against a team that is slow in making moves.

What is the duration of substitution?

The duration of substitution is 20 seconds.

Which type of ball is used in competitions?

Leatherette ball is used in competition.

From where the free throws are taken?

Free throws are taken from the end line.

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• Pete Charrette

PE Games for Elementary Students: 6 Dynamic Physical Education Games to Transform Your Classes

Physical Education games serve as the heartbeat of an engaging and effective physical education curriculum. These activities not only energize PE classes but also bring to life the crucial motor movement, fitness development, and manipulative skills students learn throughout their PE journey. By transitioning from traditional skill practice to dynamic, inclusive games, physical educators can witness firsthand the transformation in their students’ abilities to navigate space, collaborate with peers, and apply strategic thinking in real-time. This evolution in teaching approach aligns seamlessly with the broader educational goals set forth by SHAPE America Standards, ensuring that each game played contributes meaningfully to the development of physically literate individuals.

The incorporation of PE games into the curriculum offers a unique opportunity to cement the foundational skills taught in PE classes. Through carefully designed activities, students can apply and refine these skills in a context that emphasizes fun, engagement, and practical application. This method not only reinforces learning but also enhances students’ ability to adapt and apply various movement patterns and strategies across different situations, fostering a more comprehensive understanding and appreciation for physical activity.

Adhering to the SHAPE America Standards, this article aims to explore the multifaceted benefits of PE games. These standards serve as a guiding framework, illuminating the path towards achieving educational excellence in physical education. By integrating these games, educators can ensure their programs are not just meeting but exceeding the expectations for developing well-rounded, physically literate individuals who value and engage in physical activity for life. Through this lens, we delve into the transformative power of PE games, showcasing their potential to enrich the PE experience for students of all ages.

Benefits of Incorporating PE Games into the Curriculum

Incorporating engaging and fun games into the physical education curriculum offers multifaceted benefits, directly contributing to the development of students' physical, cognitive, and social abilities. These games are instrumental in translating theoretical knowledge into practical skills, enhancing the overall learning experience in physical education.

Engaging Students in Active Learning

Engaging students in active learning through PE games not only captures their interest but also significantly improves their motor skills and movement patterns. These activities offer a dynamic classroom atmosphere where students are eager to participate and learn. The skills utilized during PE games help address SHAPE America's standards as referenced below:

Fostering Motor Skill Competency (SHAPE America Standard 1 )

Variety of Movement Patterns:  PE games introduce students to a wide range of movements such as throwing, catching, and kicking, helping to build a solid foundation of motor skills.

Skill Development Through Play:  Engaging in a pe game allows students to practice and refine these skills in a supportive and enjoyable setting, encouraging continued participation and improvement.

Application of Knowledge and Skills (SHAPE America Standard 2 )

Strategic Thinking and Decision Making:  Games often require students to use strategy and make quick decisions, applying their understanding of movement concepts in real-time scenarios.

Real-World Skill Application:  Through small and large group games, students learn how to apply movement principles and strategies, enhancing their ability to perform and collaborate effectively.

Promoting Physical Fitness and Well-being

By making physical activity enjoyable and varied, PE games motivate students in a middle, high or elementary school to participate more frequently, contributing to a healthier lifestyle. These activities are essential in demonstrating that fitness can be fun and rewarding, encouraging students to remain active both in and outside of school.

Maintaining Physical Activity Levels (SHAPE America  Standard 3 )

Regular Engagement:  PE games ensure students are actively participating throughout the class, contributing to their daily physical activity quota.

Health-Enhancing Fitness:  Activities are designed to improve cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and endurance, supporting a lifelong journey towards a healthy lifestyle.

Incorporating PE games into the educational framework allows physical educators to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. By aligning these games with the SHAPE America Standards, educators can ensure that students not only achieve their physical education goals but also develop a lifelong appreciation for health and fitness.

The Role of PE Games in Promoting Social and Personal Responsibility

Physical Education games are essential in teaching more than just physical skills; they foster social and personal responsibility, encouraging students to act with respect and integrity both on and off the field. By embedding these values into the curriculum, students can partake in healthy competition and educators can leverage PE games to promote growth in every student, directly aligning with SHAPE America's Standards 4 and 5.

Cultivating Responsible Behavior and Respect

PE games serve as a practical tool for educators to instill important social skills, such as cooperation, respect, and responsible behavior, crucial for personal development and academic success.

Teamwork and Fair Play (SHAPE America Standard 4 )

Combined Effort and Responsibility : Games provide a context for students to practice teamwork and experience the importance of fair play. These activities encourage students to take responsibility for their actions and understand their impact on the group's success.

Respect for Diversity:  Diverse PE games allow students to interact with a wide range of peers, teaching them to respect and value different abilities and backgrounds, fostering a culture of inclusivity and empathy.

Highlighting the Value of Physical Activity

Through engaging and enjoyable PE games, students can discover the comprehensive benefits of physical activity, including its impact on health, personal fulfillment, and social well-being.

Enhancing Health and Wellness (SHAPE America Standard 5 )

Boosting Self-Esteem:  Regular participation in PE games emphasizes the importance of physical activity for maintaining health, highlighting its role in enhancing physical and mental well-being.

Promoting Enjoyment and Self-Expression:  Cooperative games or activities like an obstacle course offer students a platform for challenge, enjoyment, and expressing themselves, encouraging a lifelong engagement with physical activity for pleasure and personal achievement.

Facilitating Social Interaction:  By participating in PE games, students develop social skills and build relationships, understanding the value of physical activity in creating and maintaining social bonds.

Incorporating PE games into the educational framework not only meets the SHAPE America Standards but also enriches the learning environment. Educators are equipped to guide students in developing a sense of responsibility, respect for themselves and others, and an appreciation for the integral role of physical activity in achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.

Featured PE Games

Explore the following selection of 6 dynamic PE games crafted to inject excitement, teamwork, and strategic thinking into your physical education classes. With each game offering distinct objectives and skill sets, they guarantee to captivate every student, reshaping your PE lessons into exciting and inclusive adventures. These featured games are perfect for aligning with SHAPE America's Standard 2 which states: The physically literate individual applies knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies and tactics related to movement and performance.

Game Overview

Battleship  is an engaging and fun game, that emphasizes students' development of

throwing, rolling, and blocking skills within a teamwork and strategy-focused context. Set in a naval-themed arena, this game challenges students to collaborate and think strategically as they aim to "sink" opposing teams' ships by knocking over their pins, simulating the battle on the high seas.

Equipment Needed

8 – 12 mats (representing battleships)

6 pins per battleship

Velcro tape or other markers for pin placement

8-12 flags or flagpoles (one for each battleship)

Matching scrimmage vests for scuba divers

20-30 gatorskin balls

20-30 yarn balls

Transform your gym into a vast naval battlefield with battleships stationed around the perimeter. Each battleship is represented by a mat, with six pins set around it to act as targets. A flag at the front signifies the ship's presence. Distribute various balls around the gym class floor as ammunition. Assign 4 – 8 students to each battleship, with one person from each team wearing a vest matching their flag color as the scuba diver. Designate one student from each team as a "scuba diver," identified by a vest matching their team's flag, who will operate off the mat to gather balls - the ammunition.

Rules and Gameplay

The objective is for teams to sink opposing battleships by knocking over their pins using balls.

When all a team's pins are down, that battleship is considered sunk, and they must lower their flag.

Even after being sunk, teams can continue to play and aim to sink the remaining battleships.

Players must manage their positions on their mat, covering their battleship effectively.

Each team has a scuba diver who collects balls from the gym floor to distribute to their respective teams but they cannot block shots. Each ball is like a hot potato and must be rolled quickly to a teammate.

Scuba divers can gather multiple balls at a time but must avoid interfering with the gameplay.

Players on the battleships must not step off the mat, doing so may result in a penalty such as knocking down one of their own pins.

The game concludes when only one battleship remains or the one with the most pins standing after a predetermined time. Reset the pins after the conclusion and the game continues

Teaching Tips

Differentiation/Modification: Consider using taped-off areas or cones to define battleships for easier setup. Adjust the type and size of balls to modify the game's difficulty and Change the number of pins required to sink a battleship based on skill levels. You can also vary the number of scuba divers based on team size and skill.

Safety: Encourage players to maintain positions on their mats to prevent falls. Scuba divers should be cautious of their surroundings to avoid collisions with players or obstacles.

Assessment: Assess students on their ability to apply proper throwing, rolling, and blocking techniques. Observe students' teamwork and strategic planning, ensuring they adhere to game rules and demonstrate fair play.

Storm the Castle

Storm the Castle  focuses on the dynamic skills of dodging, fleeing, chasing, and tagging within a large group setting. This medieval-themed, multi-faceted tag game encourages students to strategize and work as a team to protect their castle and its treasures while attempting to invade the opposing team's fortress. Play music to start and stop the game and for transitional purposes.

8-, 18-, or 24-inch cones for treasures.

Small saucer cones for dungeons.

16 Poly Spot Markers.

2 sets of different colored vests for teams.

Boundary lines to define the playing area.

To set up the game, begin by dividing the class into two teams, each team taking up residence on one side of the play area, symbolizing their respective castles. At the rear of each castle, place four cones, each serving as a treasure, positioned strategically on four of the eight spot markers. The play area is then divided into two distinct sections, each representing a castle. Each castle is equipped with two gates positioned at opposite ends and two dungeons situated on opposite sides, adding layers of strategic depth to the game setup.

Knights (students) start in their castle and the game starts on the teacher's signal.

The objective is for knights to cross into the other team’s castle, avoid being tagged, and retrieve treasures to bring back to their side. The first team to secure all 8 treasures wins.

Knights prevent opponents from stealing their treasures by tagging them before they can grab a cone. No diving, sliding or blob tag allowed.

Tagged knights are sent to the dungeon and can be freed by a teammate who reaches the dungeon without being tagged.

Freed knights must link with the rescuer and students walk safely return to their castle.

Knights carrying a stolen treasure must walk with it above their head to show it was legally taken and are immune to being tagged while doing so.

Up to 4 guards per team can protect the treasures.

Referees or rock/paper/scissors can resolve disputes or close calls.

Differentiation/Modification: To accommodate various play spaces, the length of the court or field may be adjusted. Playing outdoors offers a refreshing alternative to indoor spaces. The number of cones representing treasures can be varied to modify the game's difficulty, and adjusting the number of guards per team allows for strategic flexibility.

Safety: Safety is paramount in Storm the Castle. Diving or sliding to retrieve cones is strictly prohibited to minimize the risk of injury. Students are reminded to maintain control over their movements at all times, keeping an eye out for open spaces to navigate safely. It's also crucial to ensure a safe distance from walls and other obstacles, protecting students from potential harm during the excitement of play.

Assessment: Observation focuses on students' techniques in chasing, dodging, tagging, and fleeing, ensuring they apply these skills effectively within the game context. Additionally, students' adherence to the rules, their ability to work as a team, and employ strategies for cooperation are key aspects of the assessment.

King/Queen Pin

King/Queen Pin , created by an accomplished physical educator from North Carolina, Gabe Erbin - @ErvinGabe , engages students in refining their throwing, rolling, and defensive abilities within the imaginative context of a royal court. Participants adopt roles as either noble guardians (kings and queens), endeavoring to protect their kingdom's valued treasures (pins), or as rebellious contenders (peasants), aiming to overthrow the monarchs by knocking down their treasures. This activity promotes strategic planning, collaborative effort, and physical dexterity, all wrapped in an entertaining medieval narrative.

10 – 15 bowling pins

Several Nerf, Gator skin, or yarn balls

16 Poly Spot Markers

Boundary lines

To set up the game, envision the playing area as the court of a king or queen, with the monarchs positioned centrally to defend their treasures, represented by several large bowling pins placed at the heart of the play zone. Some students take on the role of a king or queen, assigned the task of guarding their pin. Meanwhile, the remaining students, cast as peasants, position themselves behind the court's sideline, ready to engage. The field is dotted with a variety of soft, Nerf, Gator, or yarn balls, serving as ammunition for the impending challenge.

 Instructions for Play

Divide students into two groups: King/Queen Pins (defenders) and Peasant throwers/rollers (attackers).

The goal for attackers is to knock down the King/Queen Pin’s pin by throwing or rolling balls.

Throws or rolls must be executed with at least one foot on the Peasant line.

Balls can be retrieved from anywhere but must be launched from the Peasant line.

Successfully knocking down a pin allows a Peasant to dethrone the King/Queen Pin and take their place.

King/Queen Pins defend by blocking balls with any part of their body, without directly supporting the pin to prevent it from falling.

The aim for King/Queen Pins is to maintain their status by effectively defending against the attackers.

Differentiation/Modification:  Try substituting balls with indoor Foam Frisbees for an added challenge. Additionally, the number of pins used in the game can be modified to accommodate the size of the group or to alter the level of difficulty, ensuring that the game remains challenging yet accessible for all players.

Safety:  Prioritize the use of soft balls to ensure safety. All throws should be made from behind the designated sideline to maintain order and fairness in the game. Players should stay aware of their surroundings to prevent collisions and avoid diving or sliding for balls. All throws should be aimed at the pins, ensuring a safe and controlled play environment.

Assessment:  Focus on observing students' technique in throwing, rolling, catching, and blocking. Evaluate students' rule adherence, teamwork, and strategic execution to assess their engagement and understanding of the game's objectives.

Sky Bowling

Sky Bowling introduces students to a unique blend of throwing, catching, blocking, and gathering skills within a game that prioritizes teamwork and strategy. Set in an indoor environment transformed into a competitive sky, the game challenges students to knock over the opposing team's hidden pins while protecting their own.

8-10 mats placed upright to form a "Sky Cloud" barrier

15-20 nerf, gator skin, or fleece balls for throwing

24-30 hula hoops scattered across each side

24-30 bowling pins or cones with whiffle balls on top, positioned within the hula hoops

A scoreboard or alternative scoring device

The gym is split into two halves, separated by upright mats linked together to form a "Wall Cloud." Around 8-10 mats are positioned upright in the center, dividing the playing area. On each side, 12-20 hula hoops are placed, each containing a bowling pin or a cone topped with a whiffle ball. Players distribute themselves across their half, ready to throw balls and defend their pins, with basketball goals set up on the wall for an additional challenge.

Instructions for Play

Players are divided into two teams, taking positions at their end line within their designated "Sky Bowling" court.

Upon the start signal, players rush to collect balls from their side and throw them over the "Wall Cloud" towards the opposing team’s pins.

Each player can only throw one ball at a time and must release it within three seconds of picking it up.

Throws must be made from the spot where the ball was picked up or stopped, with only a single step allowed for momentum.

Catching a ball cleanly allows the player a chance to score a basket; successfully doing so permits them to reset one of their knocked-down pins.

The game progresses with players catching and attempting baskets, with pins only being reset by those who score.

The match concludes after a predetermined time, with the team having the least number of pins knocked down declared the winner.

Differentiation/Modification:  To modify "Sky Bowling," you could lower the mats or use a volleyball net for better visibility. Introducing different types of balls, like beach balls, offers varied gameplay. Adjusting the playing court's size or using lines instead of mats as dividers provides flexibility in setting the game's difficulty.

Safety: Players should use soft gator skin or fleece balls to minimize injury risks. Awareness of the surroundings is crucial to avoid accidental collisions. Gathering and distributing balls should be done cautiously, and contact with the dividing mats ("Wall Cloud") is discouraged to prevent them from toppling over.

Assessment:  Observation focuses on the students' proficiency in throwing, catching, and accurately shooting balls. Additionally, adherence to the game's rules, the demonstration of fair play, and the ability to collaborate effectively within teams are key aspects of the assessment, reflecting each student's understanding and application of the game's strategies.

Stars and Strikes

Stars and Strikes   offers a dynamic experience for students, focusing on developing throwing, rolling, and guarding skills through strategic gameplay. Set in an imaginative space-themed environment, this game encourages teamwork as students work to protect their planet's command centers (bowling pins) while attempting to knock down those of the opposing team.

10 bowling pins set up on polyspots or tape dots behind each team's territory

25+ yarn, nerf, or fleece balls scattered across the play area for use as ammunition

2 red vests and 2 blue vests for the "Aliens" role

Center line to divide the gym into two halves, representing different planets

The gym is divided into two halves, representing different planets. Each side has 10 bowling pins arranged behind the back line, symbolizing the planets' command centers. The play area is filled with yarn/nerf balls, serving as ammunition for the players, or "Star Troopers," who are tasked with saving their friendly alien planet and destroying the enemy one. Two "Friendly Aliens" on each team assist in the defense and supply of ammunition.

Players are divided into two teams, each defending their planet's command centers while attempting to knock down the opposing team's pins.

Crossing the middle line is prohibited to maintain the integrity of each planet's atmosphere.

Star Troopers can throw or roll only one ball at a time in an effort to hit the bowling pins on the opposing side.

The "Aliens," (usually two students per team, identified by vests), are the only ones permitted behind the bowling pin line, tasked with protecting the pins and redistributing balls to their team.

The game aims to knock down all the opponent's pins or achieve the highest number of knocked-down pins within a set time limit.

Differentiation/Modification: The game can be adapted for various skill levels by using only fleece balls for younger or less experienced players, adjusting the number of pins, or changing the distance between pins. Bringing pins closer together can make the game more accessible for younger students.

Safety: Emphasize the use of soft fleece/yarn balls to ensure safety during play. Players should remain aware of their surroundings to avoid accidental collisions and are encouraged not to dive or slide for balls. All throws should be directed towards the pins, maintaining a safe and controlled environment.

Assessment: Observation is key in assessing students' ability to apply proper techniques in throwing, rolling, catching, and blocking. Additionally, assessing students' adherence to the rules, their ability to cooperate within their team, and their strategic planning offers valuable insights into their understanding and application of the game's objectives.

Meteor Blitz

Meteor Blitz   sometimes referred to as "MonsterBall" is designed to refine precision in both

throwing and rolling, merging the elements of teamwork and strategic gameplay. Set within a galactic theme, participants are thrust into a cosmic battle, with the objective of propelling large balls—referred to as 'planets'—into the opposing team's domain. This is achieved by skillfully hurling smaller balls, dubbed 'meteors,' towards these planets to drive them across the territorial boundary."

20-40 gator skin, nerf, or yarn balls as meteors

3-6 Large balls like exercise, beach, or slo-mo balls representing planets

4 red vests for meteor retrievers, 2 for each team

A center line to divide the playing area - eight or nine hula hoops can also be used as a divider

Two back "Meteor Launching" lines for each team

A scoreboard or scoring device to keep track of points (eight or nine hula hoops)

The gym is divided into two halves with a center line, and 3 to 6 large balls are placed on this line to start the game. Each team has two or three designated meteor retrievers who position themselves within the play area, ready to assist their team. Around the gym, several yarn, nerf, or gator skin balls are scattered to serve as meteors. Teams line up behind their respective "Meteor Launching" lines, spreading out to cover the area from one end to the other, preparing to launch their meteors into space.

Teams work to move the large balls across the opponent's line by hitting them with smaller balls.

"Meteor Launchers" stay behind their line, using strategy to throw or roll meteors at the planets.

Points are scored by moving planets across the opponent's line, hitting an opponent, or hitting an opponent's meteor retriever.

Meteor retrievers gather and return meteors to their team, but cannot directly interact with the planets.

If a launcher steps over the line, they must count to 50 in a penalty area before returning.

Direct contact with the large balls by any player results in points for the opposing team.

Differentiation/Modification: The game can be tailored to the participants' needs by limiting the action to rolling for younger students or those less skilled in throwing. Adjusting the number of planets in play can increase or decrease the game's difficulty, as can altering the number of retrievers or modifying the distance between launching lines to suit the space available or the participants' abilities.

Safety: Emphasizing safety, only soft balls should be used for throwing to minimize the risk of injury. Participants are encouraged to stay alert and control their movements, avoiding any actions that could lead to collisions or falls, such as diving or sliding for a ball. When throwing, focus should be maintained on the large balls to ensure the safety of all players, particularly the retrievers moving across the play area

Assessment: Observation is key in assessing students' application of accurate throwing or rolling techniques and their ability to catch and field rolling balls effectively. Additionally, evaluators should note each student's ability to follow the game's rules, their cooperation and teamwork within their group, and their strategic thinking in navigating the game's challenges.

If you enjoyed these games, I have written another article on my website with 6 more! Click the following link to view the games: Energize Your Physical Education classes with 6 Action-Packed Large Group PE Games

Final Reflections

Navigating through these highlighted PE games, we've embarked on a journey that extends beyond mere physical activity. These games are a gateway to teaching invaluable life skills—teamwork, resilience, and the joy of movement. It's remarkable to witness how games like Battleship  and Storm the Castle  can transform a regular PE class into an exhilarating adventure, where every student, regardless of ability, finds their moment to shine. This isn't just about meeting educational standards; it's about crafting experiences that students will treasure, fostering an enduring enthusiasm for physical activity.

So, as we wrap up, remember the power you hold in shaping an inclusive, dynamic, and joyful learning environment. Through the strategic integration of these diverse games, you’re not just instructing; you’re inspiring a lifelong commitment to health and fitness. Here’s to making every PE session a highlight of your students’ day, and here's to you, the educators, who make it all possible. Keep the spirit of play alive in your teachings, and watch your students thrive in ways beyond the physical.

Passion is your power—let it shine through! Keep igniting the spark of physical education, making it a lively and meaningful adventure for every learner.

Need some FREE resources?

Do you need some large group games for your physical education program that includes detailed lesson plans and comprehensive diagrams with fun graphics? Cap'n Pete's Power PE has you covered!

Fill in the form below to download 3 FREE  Engaging Large Group PE Games:

1. Pirates-  Fast-paced, high-energy chasing, fleeing, and tagging game

2. Galaxy Quest-  Intergalactic, engaging chasing, fleeing, and tagging game

3. Survivor 1-  Defending, rolling, throwing for accuracy game

This freebie set will be sure to enhance your PE curriculum for years!

A Mega Bundle of Large Group Games

If you're looking for a way to improve your physical education curriculum, check out Cap'n Pete's Large Group PE Games - Triple Series Mega Bundle . In the mega bundle, there are 36   quality games designed to be engaging, student-friendly, and highly active.

You can download them from either of the following platforms: Cap'n Pete's Power PE Website  or Teachers Pay Teachers- Cap'n Pete's TPT Store

This comprehensive collection includes 12 ROCKIN GAMES + 12 OUT OF THIS WORLD GAMES + 12 PE GAMES FOR SUPERHEROES! That's 36 quality themed, large group games for your PE program.

Each game comes with a detailed lesson plan consisting of 1. Overview and Purpose, 2. SHAPE AMERICA Standard 3. Learning Outcomes, 4. Essential Questions, 5. Differentiation/Modification, 6. Game Setup and Procedures (Instructions for Play), 7. Materials and Resources, 8. Safety and 9. Assessment Suggestions. An easy to follow, full page graphical diagram is also included for each game in the Large Group Game Mega Bundle.

• Activities and Games
• Creative Instruction

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2 Students Saved P.E. Teacher's Life After He Suffered Cardiac Arrest: 'Medically, I Was Gone'

"I don't have too much to say other than I love you guys," Alfred Kattola said when reuniting with students Isreal DuBose, 17, and Correy Coleman, 16

Daniel Mears, The Detroit News

• Alfred Kattola suffered cardiac arrest on March 22 during a student-teacher basketball game
• Students Isreal DuBose and Correy Coleman performed CPR and restored his heart with an AED after the P.E. teacher collapsed
• Kattola is now praising them for saving his life and hoping to help them pursue medical careers

A Michigan physical education teacher is praising two students for saving his life after he went into cardiac arrest. 

On March 22, Alfred Kattola — a coach and P.E. teacher at Oak Park High School in Detroit — started feeling strange during a student-teacher basketball game before collapsing in the gym and suffering cardiac arrest.

"Medically, I was gone," he told Fox News .

Cardiac arrest — also known as sudden cardiac arrest — is the abrupt loss of heart function, resulting from a problem with the heart's electrical system, according to the Mayo Clinic . This disrupts the heart's pumping action and stops blood flow through the body.

After he collapsed, two of Kattola’s students, Isreal DuBose and Correy Coleman, quickly jumped in to help perform CPR.

"We’re sitting in the bleachers…I just knew I had to do something,"  DuBose, 17, said. "I began compressions and around two and a half rounds of compressions, the [automated external defibrillator] AED was brought and Correy placed the AED pads."

"I was like, 'Izzy if you get tired let me take over compressions,'" added Coleman, 16.

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Just a few months ago, DuBose and Coleman — both juniors at Oak Park High School — learned CPR and first aid during a health sciences class from staff at Oakland Schools Technical Campus. 

"I feel so proud that they not only learned the skill, they felt confident in the skill to perform it in an emergency situation," Angie Shaw, a registered nurse and instructor at Oakland Schools Technical Campus, told the outlet.

"We thought we might use it at some point in our lives, but not that soon," Coleman added.

DuBose was able to restore Kattola’s heartbeat after using the AED. Paramedics then arrived at the gym and transported him to a local hospital. He was back in school the following week.

Kattola reunited with the girls to thank them for saving his life.

"I don't have too much to say other than I love you guys," he said. "What more can a teacher say?"

Kattola also noted that both DuBose and Coleman want to pursue medical careers and he’s hoping to support them in funding their upcoming journeys to college.

“You’ve always been strong minded…some kids just talk, and you put that into effect. And I know the rest of your life it’s going to be that way. Keep that confidence and don’t let nobody question you,” he told DuBose and Coleman. “If you’ve got a backbone like that and you’ve got skill to back it up, nobody can stop you. I love you. Thank you so much.”

Cardiac arrest can be fatal if proper steps aren't taken immediately. CPR can improve the chances of survival until emergency medical assistance arrives. More than 356,000 cardiac arrests occur outside a hospital in the United States each year, according to the American Heart Association .

A person suffering a cardiac arrest can experience immediate and drastic symptoms like sudden collapse, no pulse, no breathing, and a loss of consciousness. Warning signs can include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, weakness and a heart palpitations.

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‘We’re Built Physical!’ Mavs Flex Muscle in Game 3 Playoff Win

D ALLAS - The Dallas Mavs - as the Oklahoma City Thunder just learned on Saturday afternoon at the ACC - are no longer a “finesse” team.

The Mavericks’ 105-101 victory in Game 3 of this playoff series lands them a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference semifinals. …

And maybe lands them a new reputation as a “physical” team.

“Since March, we’ve enjoyed the physical play and we’re built to be a physical team,” coach Jason Kidd said.

In this one, Luka Dončić (22 points, 15 rebounds and five assists) fought through injury. Kyrie Irving (22 points, seven assists) fought through the Thunder defense.

And maybe most of all … 

P.J. Washington? He’s seems ready to fight, period … but for the second game in a row he shocked as he scored team-best 27 points.

Related: Mavs Put On Defensive Clinic in Game 3 Win Over Thunder; Take 2-1 Series Lead

And as for the rough-and-tumble nature of the game?

“It’s a physical game. We’re playing for everything,” said Washington said, who will be asked to muscle up again in Monday night’s Game 4 at the AAC. Everybody’s trying their hardest.

And Kidd says the Mavs can win either way.

“If it’s going to be physical, we’re up for it,” he said. “Maybe in the past, we weren’t but this is a different team. This team is built to be physical. If we have to pivot and be finesse, we can do that, too.”