The game of HORSE is easy and fun. The rules are straightforward, and it’s a way for kids and adults to compete without a serious handicap. You don’t even need clean courts for this game, because a backyard hoop should be enough. If you’re not too familiar with HORSE, let’s see if you could learn how to play HORSE in basketball from reading this article.
Why is the Basketball Game Called Horse?
No one knows why this game is called HORSE but a possible explanation is that players who invented and participated in the first HORSE game thought a game with five shots would be ideal. It’s likely that someone just thought of the five-letter word HORSE at the top of his head. If it was me, I would have thought of another word, for sure.
A variation of HORSE is called a game of PIG. Apparently, people who came up with PIG are those who don’t have that much time and just wanted to get it over with. So instead of five shots, they just want three. PIG follows the rules of HORSE to a tee.
How Does Horse Work in Basketball?
Because of its simplicity, playing HORSE is a favorite among basketball players regardless of age. The competitors in the game of HORSE take turns attempting shots from any spot on the court. The second, third, or fourth players will imitate the shot of the first competitor.
If you are going first, the more difficult the shot is, the better since it’s harder to replicate. Some ideas to include in your shots are behind-the-back dribbles or any form of fancy ball handling. Or let those bombs go from 30 feet out. If you’re proficient with your off-hand, you can also show some ambidexterity and attempt a left-handed free throw (if you’re right-handed).
What are the Rules of Horse in Basketball?
HORSE is like the game “Simon Says” but with a basketball. To start the game, all the participants decide who goes for the first shot. There is no definite rule on how to do this correctly, so they can do a coin toss or the classic rock-paper-scissors. In any case, a fixed sequence of who’s going first, second, third, and so on should be determined.
The first player taking the shot holds the key. He can attempt a shot from literally anywhere on the court, even from out of bounds. He can also explain what his attempt is going to be, like saying “I’m going to kiss it off the glass” or “I’m going to do it with eyes closed.”
What if he makes the shot but did not satisfy the rules he stated? Uh-uh! That shot does not count. The next player then is allowed to shoot wherever and however he wants. Now, if he does make the shot while satisfying all the rules he said beforehand, then he gets to dictate the next shot. The next player in the sequence attempts the shot that the first player took, and if he misses, he will accumulate letters from the word HORSE. If a player has all the five letters, he gets the L.
The beauty of the game of HORSE is that it’s free-flowing, leisurely but exciting, and brings out your creativity. You never know what you’re capable of unless you try something crazy out there. You can also tweak the rules to keep things interesting– the possibilities are endless.
Is It Allowed to Dunk in Horse?
It depends on your rules. The participants may or may not include dunking.
5 Tips on How to Play Horse and Developing Trickshots
It’s not rocket science to know that the better shotmaker and shooter will probably win in the game of HORSE. It is also not a bad idea to practice layups and free throws with your off-hand. Those skills should also translate easily into a real basketball game.
With excellent shooting and ambidexterity, you can probably be fine at HORSE with anyone. However, if you don’t like losing, we suggest you include some trick shots in your HORSE repertoire.
- Sit and Shoot. The key to this shot is upper body and wrist strength. You can include this as a drill because it’s an excellent workout to strengthen the flick of the wrists. If you’d like to do this trick, aim for a bit more arc on your shot than usual. Once you get that, you’ll have a pretty good chance of making this shot. You know, kinda like this.
- The Behind-the-back. The behind-the-back is not your garden-variety trick shot, so it needs a lot of practice to perfect. The trick here is to get enough lift from your legs so the ball aimed from your back will have a chance to reach the hoop. Also, try to approximate if you can use the glass to your advantage. Yes, it isn’t elementary, but it’s also satisfying!
- Always mix it up with some fancy dribbling. Playing basketball HORSE is not just about shots. All the action before the actual attempt counts too. Integrate everything in your dribbling repertoire before every shot, and it’s not going to be easy to beat you. This is the reason why streetballers are always so tough to beat on HORSE.
- Under the leg. One guy from YouTube did it, and while he made it look easy, this still needs a ton of practice. The key is flexibility and wrist strength, so you won’t fall short every time.
- From behind the backboard. Doing this trick shot requires practice and approximation. The skill needed for this trick shot translates into real basketball because it forces you to develop a beautiful arc on your shot.
The Bottom Line: How to Play Horse in Basketball
Sometimes, ballers get bored with the usual basketball once in a while. The game of HORSE is an excellent alternative to that. Skillset and level do not always matter in playing HORSE, although it is an advantage. One way to look at it is it’s a unique way to warm up, develop trick shots, and improve basketball skills.
No one exactly knows the name origin of HORSE in basketball, but frankly, I don’t care? It does what it’s supposed to, and that’s to bring enjoyment and fun to basketball. Additionally, the rules are elementary and straightforward, so even kids can join in the riot. (Just don’t beat them up all that bad, okay?)
All in all, it’s pretty easy to know the basics of how to play HORSE in basketball. Just don’t forget to continue building your shot-making skills and be tenacious in developing your shot-making skills when playing basketball HORSE.
