One Bounce Ball

One Bounce Ball is a basketball-inspired game where each player competes individually. It can be played with two or more players, making it flexible and inclusive for different group sizes.

The game was invented in the early 1990s in Fort Wayne, Indiana, by two friends who wanted to play basketball while including their younger siblings who struggled to make traditional basketball shots. The result was a fun, fast-paced game that allows players of all skill levels to compete on a more even playing field.

Equipment Needed

Basketball
Basketball hoop with backboard

Rules

The goal is to be the first player to reach seven points.
Each player is on their own team, and there is no limit to the number of players.
The order of play is set at the beginning of the game and rotates throughout.

How to Score

Points are earned when another player commits a foul.
When a foul occurs, the player who went immediately before the fouling player is awarded one point.

Fouls

A foul occurs when a player:

Catches the ball before it has bounced once (unless the shot went through the hoop, see below).
Fails to catch the ball before the second bounce (on any play).
Fails to catch the ball before the first bounce after a successful shot.
Takes a step while holding the ball.
Misses the backboard, rim, or net entirely and fails to make the shot.

Additional Notes

The ball must bounce once before possession, unless the shot goes through the hoop.
After a point is scored, the player who earned the point initiates the next round.
Play begins when a player bounces the ball so that it rises higher than the tallest player. The next player must then catch it before a second bounce.

Example of Play

There are three players named Fred, Bill, and Mark, and that is the order they determine to play in.

Fred starts with the ball and must bounce the ball higher than the tallest player to initiate play.
Bill must catch and hold onto the ball before it hits the ground.
Bill must throw the ball and either:
- Make a shot through the hoop, or
- Hit the backboard or the rim.
If Bill makes the shot Mark must catch the ball before it hits the ground. Failing to do so gives one point to Bill.
If Bill hits the backboard or rim Mark must allow the ball to bounce, and then catch it before it bounces a second time. Failing to do so gives one point to Bill.
If Bill misses the shot completely, missing both the backboard and rim, Fred receives one point.
Whenever a point is granted, the player who received the point initiates play.