21 is a classic shooting game that teaches pressure. You shoot from different spots at different ranges. Make it from one spot, move to the next. First to 21 points wins.
What you need: Basketball. Two kids per game. Half-court. Five shooting spots marked.
Setup: Spot 1 is the left corner (3 feet). Spot 2 is left wing (12 feet). Spot 3 is top of key (15 feet). Spot 4 is right wing (12 feet). Spot 5 is right corner (3 feet).
How to run it:
- Player A shoots from Spot 1. Make = 1 point and move to Spot 2. Miss = stay at Spot 1.
- First to 21 points wins.
- Play one full game. Track the winner.
What to watch: Are they making high-percentage shots at the corners or missing? Corner threes are high-percentage.
If they’re struggling: Reduce winning score to 15 points. Move all spots closer. Give 2 points for makes instead of 1.
If they’ve got it: Play for 25 points. Increase spot distances to three-point line.