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Basketball Musical Chairs: A Fun Twist on Two Classics

Take two classics—musical chairs and basketball—and combine them for a wildly fun game that keeps players moving and laughing. This energetic twist requires players to score a basket before claiming a chair, making for a perfect mix of music, movement, and momentum.

Author

Josh Barriger
April 05, 2025

Gameplay

  • 8+ Players 👥

  • 5-8 Minutes ⏱️

What You’ll Need

  • Chairs (one fewer than the number of players)

  • A music source (phone + speaker works great)

  • Basketballs (one per player)

  • A basketball hoop or large trash can

Setup

  • Arrange chairs in a circle, facing outward, with one less chair than the number of players.

  • Position the circle near a basketball hoop.

  • Give each player a basketball to hold.

How to Play

  • Start the music – Players walk around the circle while holding their basketballs.

  • Stop the music – Players must make a basket before they are allowed to sit down.

  • Claim a chair – Once a player scores, they can sit in any available chair.

  • Last one standing is out – The player who doesn’t score or doesn’t find a chair is eliminated.

  • Repeat – Remove one chair each round and keep playing until there’s one champion left.

Say Something Like
"Today we’re playing Basketball Musical Chairs! It’s just like regular musical chairs, but with an exciting twist. When the music stops, you’ll need to make a successful basket before you can sit down. No basket, no seat! Remember to keep moving while the music plays, and be ready to shoot when it stops. The last player standing wins the championship title!"

Variations

  • Distance Challenge: Require shots from increasingly difficult positions as the game progresses.

  • Team Play: Split into two teams, with eliminated players becoming cheerleaders for their team.

  • Dribble Required: Players must dribble while walking around the chairs.

  • Court Division: For large groups, split everyone into two groups on each side of the court, with each side only attempting baskets at their end.

Teaching Points
This game teaches quick thinking and perseverance under pressure—perfect for discussing spiritual discipline, focus, or the idea that preparation matters when the moment hits.

This game idea was sent in by Josh Barriger. If you want to support him, head over and buy him a coffee!

Keywords: low-prep game, basketball game, classroom games, how to play musical chairs, party games, youth group games,

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