Paper Ball Knock Out

Paper Ball Knock Out is a perfect game to play with the whole family. You can even play if you don't have anybody to play against by racing the clock or racing me.

Want to play outside? Check out Fun Size Knock Out

You need 2 paper balls and a cup for your Goal. Put a blanket (or a couple towels) under your goal to be The Box. Then you'll need something to be your free throw line. The space between the free throw line and the box is The Lane (only important in Regular Knock Out).

If you know the rules of Knock Out (rules below), it's the same except you cannot shoot from inside The Box or The Lane (if you choose to use it. It's a good way to keep players out of the way of the next shooter). The official rule is that your feet and shoulders cannot be in The Box or The Lane. If they're inside those areas and they make the shot, it doesn't count and they'll need to shoot again.

The only other rule is that you can't touch the other player's ball.

Regular Knock Out is a blast but some younger players might not like getting out and the rules can be pretty complicated. No Out Knock Out is perfect for them. It's also great if you only have a player or two.

Imagine a race around a track where players line up at the starting line. Player 1 starts running around the track Then Player 2 takes off after them, trying to catch them. When Player 1 gets back to the starting line, Player 3 can go, trying to catch Player 2. If Player 3 passes Player 2, then Player 2 is out. The game continues until only one player remains.

Knockout is like this, except instead of running around a track, they're shooting baskets. The starting line is the free throw line. Player 1 shoots from the free throw line, then shoots from anywhere until they make it (then they pass to next player and go to the end of the line). As soon as Player 1 takes their first shot, Player 2 tries to catch up and make the basket as quickly as possible. If they pass the player in front of them, that player is out. If not, they keep shooting until they make it or the person behind them makes it and gets them out.

All players form a line behind the free throw line. The first two players shoot at the same time and then it's a race to see who makes the basket first. Once the first person makes it, they are both done and go back to the line. Whoever made it in first gets to be in front of the other person in line. Then the next two players shoot.

Both players start with their first shot at the Free Throw Line. After that first shot, every other shot can be from anywhere outside of The Box and The Lane.

You cannot shoot from inside The Box or The Lane (if you choose to use the Lane. It's a good way to keep players out of the way of the next shooter). The official rule is that your feet and shoulders cannot be in The Box or The Lane, but younger players just worry about their feet. If they're inside those areas and they make the shot, it doesn't count and they'll need to shoot again.

Set a timer for 2 minutes. How many baskets can you make in that time? Work for your personal high score.

Check out this free web-based app I made that counts your score over two minutes. It runs in your browser on any device: computer, tablet, or phone. And you don't need to download anything.

Get on Zoom or FaceTime with a friend. Shout out GO and when you make the basket. Whoever makes it first gets the point.

Play this video and race against me. Can you make 10 baskets before I do?

PE teachers, classroom teachers, and coaches - Make your own video and challenge your students to beat you. If you post on social, use the hashtag #paperballknockout

Lastly, parents may be wondering what their kids are actually learning when they play these fun games. I highly recommend sharing this video or this post so they can see it's so much more than a good time.

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