The Origin of Basketball 2000
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In 2021, when my family moved into a new house with a basketball hoop, my 7-year-old was so excited. He asked me, “What basketball games can we play?”. I thought about it, and then taught him how to play Horse and Around the World, but we quickly got bored. He asked me “What other basketball games are there?”. We wanted something that both of us could enjoy playing together, despite our wildly different ability to make shots.
That’s when I created Basketball 2000. If you don’t already know how to play, you can find a description of the rules for Basketball 2000 on our How to Play page.
I wanted to create a game that we could play both at home and on a basketball court at the local YCMA. While the first Basketball 2000 games that we played were with chalk, the starter kit available on our web store allows you to play over and over again, anywhere there is a basketball hoop.
What Makes Basketball 2000 Special?
Fun for All Skill Levels
One of the best things about Basketball 2000 is that it allows people with wildly different skill levels to play together and have a blast. Each player gets to put at least 3 of the 12 point pads anywhere they want. This means there will always be at least 3 shots with whatever point values you chose.
Strategic Gameplay
The varying point values add a strategic twist to the game. We often find ourselves deciding whether to take an easy shot for fewer points or risk a harder one for more points. Each game is different, and this element of choice makes each turn exciting and keeps us engaged.
Everyone Stays Involved
Unlike traditional games where players get eliminated early, Basketball 2000 keeps everyone in the game until someone reaches 2000 points. This means more playing time and fun for everyone, without anyone feeling left out.
Encourages Skill Development
Since you can only score from each point pad once, the game never digresses into something repetitive and boring. Taking shots from different spots on the court helps you get better without feeling like a grind.
Exciting Scoring and Winning Moment
Racing to reach 2000 points adds an extra layer of excitement. Who doesn’t want to shout, “BASKETBALL 2000!” and win? It can happen any time with point pads going up to 1500 points for a single shot.
Basketball 2000 vs. Traditional Basketball Games
Here’s how Basketball 2000 compares to other popular basketball games that can be played in the driveway or on the court:
| Feature | Basketball 2000 | Horse | Around the World | Knockout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New setup every game | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| All skill levels play together | Yes | No | Limited | No |
| Strategic game | Yes | No | No | No |
| Everyone plays the whole game | Yes | No | No | No |
| Repetitiveness | Low | Medium | High | High |
Final Thoughts
Turning Basketball 2000 into something that we can share with the world has been so much fun for our whole family. Years later, it has not gotten old, and we still have fun playing together or with friends.
It’s not just a game; it’s a way for us to connect, spend time together, and have fun, regardless of our skill level. If you’re looking for a gift for someone who likes basketball, or fun way to spend time outside that everyone can enjoy, Basketball 2000 is perfect for you. Buy your starter kit today!
Not convinced? You can test it out for free at home using chalk to mark your point pads and keep score. Learn more here. While it’s not quite the same and might be tricky to play indoors, it’s a great way to get a feel for the game.
We hope you like it as much as we do!