Let’s learn about the rules and regulations of HORSE and how to play.
Here’s what you’ll need to play HORSE:
A basketball
A hoop
At least two players (or more)
In order to set up the game, there are a few things you need to do. You first need to decide who goes first by flipping a coin and calling Heads or Tails. You should also make sure the rim is at least 10ft above the ground and that the basketball is at a pressure of 7. 5-8.5 PSI. Once you’ve done all these things, you’re ready to start playing!
HORSE Competitions In The NBA
The game of HORSE has had a history within the NBA. It is a fun way for players to be competitive with one another while staying connected. The NBA has held three HORSE tournaments over the years: in 1978, 2009, and 2010. Paul Westphal took home the first and Kevin Durant the most recent two.
Number of Players
HORSE can be played with as many players as you want. The one requirement is that there are at least two. However, the game becomes slower and less exciting the more players it has. You do not want too many players to a point where it takes several minutes in between shots. A good number of players to have in one game is between three and six.
Deciding Who Goes First
Whoever goes first in HORSE gets the first opportunity to put the other players on the defensive. It is a coveted spot, which is why there has to be a fair way to choose who gets to go first.
A popular way to decide who goes first is by seeing who can hit a jump shot first, with the successful player getting to go first. Another method is by flipping a coin. The player who gets to shoot first picks out their first shot and attempts it.
Taking Turns Shooting
At the start of the match, players decide the order in which they will shoot. Determining the order is usually done the same way as deciding who goes first.
During the game, players alternate shooting following that order. If a player misses a shot, the person after them shoots from wherever they want on the court.
If a player makes a shot, the person after them must make the same exact shot. If they miss the shot then they will receive a letter, H for the first miss, O for the second, R for the third, and so on until the word HORSE is spelled. A player loses if they earn every letter in the word HORSE.
In a three-person HORSE game, if there are two consecutive shots made, then player 3 must make that same shot or get a letter.
Horse With Multiple Players
There are two common ways of playing HORSE. In one version, the remaining players DO NOT have to shoot if the person before them misses. In the other version, all players have to shoot the same shot that was made. Neither is considered the "official" way, although some people are more preferential to a particular version. Therefore, it just depends what version of HORSE you are playing. These are important rules that should be discussed before playing so everyone is on the same page.
Boundary Rules
Unlike the sport of basketball, there are no boundaries in HORSE. You can shoot from anywhere and a ball that bounces away is simply picked back up and play resumes.
Creativity is encouraged in the game of HORSE, so long shots outside the traditional boundaries are allowed.
Types of Shots in HORSE
As touched on earlier, creativity is key in the game of HORSE. When you’re shooting you do not need to stick to basic jump shots. Some popular shots that are used in HORSE are as follows:
Bank Shot: the ball must hit the backboard before going in.
Swish: the ball is not allowed to touch the rim.
Opposite Hand Shot: the player shooting must use their nondominant hand.
No Look: the shot is attempted without looking at the hoop.
Sitting Down: the player sits down while shooting.
Style and Trick Shots
Trick shots are an excellent way to trip up your opponents and give you a better shot to win the game. Below is a list of a few trick shots to try the next time you’re playing a game of HORSE.
Behind The Back Shot: The player shoots with their back to the rim, and throws the ball backwards.
Bounce: The ball must take a bounce off of the ground before going in.
Swish or no Swish: The ball must go through the hoop cleanly, touching only the net on its way down.
The Referee
Recreational HORSE games do not require a referee, as players can keep track of the score and determine who goes first on their own. On the occasional instance where a ruling is needed, the players talk it out and make their own rulings. Part of this is because the game of HORSE has different rules depending on where you are playing.
In official NBA HORSE games, a referee is responsible for the following:
Determining the order of players.
Deciding if a shot is legal.
Keeping track of which letters each player has.
Strategy in HORSE
In HORSE there are specific strategies used to gain an advantage over the opponent.
Opponent Weaknesses
The number one strategy is to find your opponent's weakness. For example, if they aren’t a good long range shooter, take more long range shots. If they struggle with a certain trick shot like one handed, keep doing those.
Order of Shooting
The order of who goes first in HORSE is a critical advantage. If you have the chance to go first, you can dictate what happens in the game until you miss your first shot.
Variations of HORSE
The game does not always have to be played using the HORSE acronym. Players looking for a shorter game will often play to P.I.G. while players that desire a longer game can make up their own acronym with more than five letters. Another set of differences within the game are the rules themselves.
Creative Add-On Rules
As mentioned, the game of HORSE has many variations. It can be fun to make your own rules. Below are some examples of additional rules that can be added.
Tip-ins: When the shooter misses the shot you can tip the ball in and the shooter gets a letter if the ball goes into the basket.
Restrictions: If a player has more skills than you on the court, it is possible to add restrictions such as no dunking in the game.
Shooter Gets a Letter: If all players make the same shot in the basket the original shooter gets a letter.
Championship Shot: On the final shot (the E) you get two tries to make it.
FAQ
Are you allowed to do the same shot/trick twice?
The game of HORSE is one with several variations. There is no one set of official rules that one can follow from. However, some iterations of the game state that you cannot perform the same exact shot twice. Other versions state you can do the same shot/trick as long as you didn’t previously make it. It's your decision as to which version you would like to play by.
Are you allowed to bounce the ball of objects?
Bouncing the ball off of objects or the ground is a great way to win a game of HORSE. Not only is it allowed, but it is encouraged. Throw the ball off the fence, the roof, or a tree, whatever works. It’s a tough act to follow, and with a make, the person after you will have a hard time making it themselves.
How do styles work in HORSE?
Style shots are another way to say trick shots. Style shots are an excellent way to give your opponents letters. Shots such as one handed, backwards, and no-look shots are an alternative to the traditional jump shot. They add to the fun of the game of HORSE, keeping it from being the same as the sport of basketball. It is what makes HORSE its own unique game.
How many players can play HORSE?
HORSE can be played with as many players as you want. If you had 20 people who all wanted to play, they all could. However, generally when there’s more people the game becomes less fun. That’s because it takes much longer in between your shots. If you have more than 8 players you might want to consider breaking it up into two smaller games.
What are the rules of HORSE for multiple players?
The game of horse is relatively simple. A shooting order is chosen at the beginning of the game. Players follow that order taking turns shooting. If the player in front of you makes their shot, you have to take the same exact shot. If you miss you get a letter. If you spell HORSE you lose the game. The last player without HORSE wins the game.
What happens when the first player makes the shot?
After it is decided which player gets to go first, they attempt the first shot of the game. They have free range to shoot from wherever they want. If they are to make the shot then the player after them in the order must make that same exact shot.
What happens when the first player misses the shot?
Alternatively, the first player may miss their shot. If that happens then the next player in the order still shoots, but they do not have to take the same shot that player 1 took. There is a reset of sorts and the second player can shoot whatever shot they choose to.
What happens when the second player makes the shot?
There are two different situations where the second player could make their shot. The difference is based on how many players are in the game. If there are more than two players, the third player would have to take the same shot that player two just made. If there are only two players there is a small catch. If player two makes the same shot that player one had just made, then that shot is over and player one can shoot from anywhere.
What happens when the second player misses the shot?
If the first player makes their shot, then the second player must take that same exact shot. If the second player misses then they receive a letter H for their first miss. The second player must make the same shot only if the player before them made their shot. Otherwise, they can take a shot from anywhere on the court.
Who gets to shoot first in HORSE?
Shooting first in the game of HORSE has its advantages. It allows you to put the pressure on the other players right away with a make. Due to the advantage that it holds it isn’t fair for the same person to start every game. There are two common ways to distinguish who gets to go first: a coin flip or a shootout. A coin flip works well in a two player game. A shootout is good for a game with more people, where the first to make a shot gets to go first.
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How to Play HORSE | PRO TIPS by DICK'S Sporting Goods
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Get a rein on the rules of this popular basketball driveway game and show off your shooting prowess with each shot.
A longtime staple of gym class and driveways, HORSE offers a fun and competitive reprieve from conventional basketball practice routines. Players get to invent new shot challenges and match those designed by opponents. While this game may be a classic, there are plenty of opportunities to get creative with your shots. Prove yourself to be the GOAT with the help of this HORSE guide.
HORSE EQUIPMENT
One of the great things about HORSE is that you don’t need a full court to play. Here is what you do need to saddle up:
Basketball Hoop: Unlike a traditional game of basketball, only one hoop is needed to play HORSE. This makes it easy to play in your driveway at home or on neighborhood courts. If the game is being used as an alternative practice technique, using only one hoop frees up the rest of the court for running other drills.
Need help finding the right hoop for your setup? Learn how to buy a basketball hoop for your home with our Pro Tips guide.
Basketball: While some classic games like knockout require two basketballs, you only need one to play HORSE. However, it is important to keep in mind the surface area that you are playing on. If you are playing outside, be sure that you have a rubber or synthetic ball. Leather balls can be damaged by gravel and concrete and are best used indoors.
Two or More Players: Trick shots can be practiced on your own, but in order to play HORSE, you need at least two participants. The more players you have, the longer the game will last.
RULES OF HORSE
Jockey for Position: Before the game begins, players must decide on the order in which they are going to shoot. This can be decided among the group in many ways, from a brief free-throw competition to rock, paper, scissors.
Fire Away: Whichever player was chosen to go first will choose a shot challenge. It can be as simple as a layup or as complex as spinning three times and shooting a behind-the-back shot from the foul line. As the player demonstrates their shot, they must say exactly what they are doing so the other players can accurately imitate their steps.
Replicate or Create: The next step is determined by player one’s success. If their shot makes it in the net, all of the remaining participants must attempt the exact same shot. If any of the players fail to score or follow all of the rules laid out by the shooting player, they will receive a letter of the word “horse,” starting with “H.” However, if the first player misses, the next shooter gets a chance to create a new challenge and the cycle repeats.
Spell It Out: When a player misses five shots and acquires each letter of HORSE, they are eliminated. The winner is determined when there is only one player left standing.
MORE HORSE VARIATIONS
The game of HORSE is easily customizable for whatever your needs may be, and there are a few ways to extend or shorten the game.
Race to the Finish: If you are playing with a larger group and want to speed the game up, one variation allows for players to earn a letter when they make a shot rather than when they miss one. In this gameplay, the player who spells out HORSE the quickest is the winner.
Think Outside the Stable: Another common way to extend or shorten the game is to use different words. One of the more popular variations to shorten gameplay is to use the word “P-I-G,” but longer versions like “G-I-R-A-F-F-E” can also work if you are playing with a smaller group and want to increase playing time.
DON’T BE A ONE-TRICK PONY
Part of the fun of HORSE is inventing and trying new shots that would be impossible (or impractical) in a normal basketball game. You may have a go-to move that beats the competition, but in case you want to mix it up, here are some HORSE shot ideas:
Take a Seat: Test your aim and your strength by attempting a shot from a seated position. (This can also double as a way to get a bit of rest in.)
Bounce Around: Put your dribbling skills to the test and throw in some between-the-legs moves before taking a shot.
One-Handed: If your grip strength is an asset, attempting a one-handed toss may give you an advantage over the competition. It may also help you get more velocity on long-distance shots.
No-Look: Have you ever thought to yourself, “I can do that with my eyes closed!” Well, now is your chance to prove it. Close your eyes or face backward while attempting a no-look shot.
Bring some friendly competition to your driveway with these tips on how to play HORSE. Looking for more ways to play? Work on your shooting skills with the star drill or try Knockout.
Related Articles
Horse games: description, photo
Horse games are very exciting, contribute to psychological relief, serve as an alternative to the somewhat boring learning to ride in the arena.
Horse game: polo
Polo is a horse game, very ancient, it appeared about two thousand years ago in Persia, later it was played in all Asian countries. In Europe, this game took root only in the 19th century after the British saw it in India (they played according to rules that differed little from the ancient game). The British revised and greatly tightened the rules of the new equestrian game in order to protect its participants from possible injuries. For example, it is forbidden to cut players, move in front of them in zigzags, such violations are monitored by two equestrian judges. The game takes place not only on the grass, in winter, amateurs also play on the snow.
The dimensions of the polo field are quite impressive: length 227 - 275 m, width - about 140 m. Two teams compete on this field, four players each. The main goal of the player is to drive the ball into the opponents' goal with a wooden hammer on a long handle. The game consists of five or eight periods (called "shukka" in polo) lasting seven and a half minutes. Each polo participant uses two or more ponies to be able to change them during the game, because they get tired quickly.
The winning team is determined by a peculiar system of offsets (handicaps). At the same time, each player is evaluated on a ten-point scale, and then the team's handicaps are summed up. If teams of different skill compete, then the weaker one gets a handicap in the number of goals equal to the difference in the teams' handicaps.
Polo horses are selected to be very hardy, because during the game they move a lot and intensively, sometimes at full gallop they perform commands of riders. They must have a good reaction, be able to stop quickly so that the rider can hit the ball with a mallet. In India, polo is played with ponies from Manipur less than 130 cm tall. In other countries, polo is mostly played with Argentine ponies, which are bred by crossing the local Criollo horse with the Welsh. To protect the legs and tail of the horse from hammer blows, they are bandaged for the duration of the game.
Due to the fact that polo is a rather expensive hobby, it has become the "game of kings" and is available only to the elite, although it is developing in the USA and Great Britain. In addition, only a very good rider can get involved in the game of polo.
Since polo is an expensive pastime, fans of this game adapted it for "mere mortals" and called it "paddock polo". The game follows the same rules, but on a much smaller field. The playground for children's polo (junior polo) is even smaller (40 × 20 m).
In addition, the larger paddock polo ball is made of rubber (for polo it is made of twigs or bamboo) and the teams consist of three players. Paddock polo is a game no less exciting than polo, but it is less tiring for the animals (shetland ponies are used for paddock polo).
Horseball game: horseball
In the 70s of the last century, horseball appeared in France - a very spectacular and gambling equestrian game. By now, horseball has spread throughout Europe, and in France this game is especially popular, there are horseball tournaments, the best teams meet in the first league, competing for the title of national champion.
The popularity of horsball may be due to the fact that it has both the excitement of playing with a ball and the pleasure of contact with a horse. Simple, almost unchanged from antiquity, easy to remember rules of the game also attract both players and spectators.
This equestrian team game is similar to polo and basketball. Two teams of four compete in the ability to throw the ball into a basket hanging at a height of 3 meters. Horseball is an equestrian game, in order to participate in which a pair of horses and riders must merge into a single whole, become a single organism (a sort of centaur), in which mutual understanding and trust will be established.
Horseball horses are used that are taller than polo ponies, because the high growth of the horse gives a significant advantage in the game (as in basketball), because the higher the centaur, the easier it is for him to throw the ball into the basket. But high growth is not the main quality of a horsball horse, it must be bold, hardy, obedient, superbly trained.
A horseball court is made 50 m long and 25 m wide, sometimes a dressage parade ground is adapted under it.
For this equestrian game, an ordinary leather ball was slightly modified - eight wide arms appeared on it. This was done to make it more convenient for the rider to grab it, and so that he could bend over the ball and not fall out of the saddle, the stirrups under the belly of the horse were connected with a belt.
Other horse games
Equestrian clubs also offer other games for riders. One of the most popular is the shoelace game, which is reminiscent of jousting tournaments: the gallop rider must remove the rings hanging from the pole with a spear.
The game of roses is also known: three horsemen chase the fourth and try to take possession of the rose in his boutonniere. In the equestrian game of pushball, two teams of 8 riders each try to drive a huge ball (1.5 m in diameter) into the opponent's goal, while the pony pushes the ball with his chest, and the riders do not have the right to move it in any way.
In relation to horses, the game was changed into a musical chair. The meaning of the game is this: music plays, when it stops, riders must jump off the saddle and sit on a sheaf of straw. The number of sheaves is one less than the number of participants. The player who did not have time to climb the sheaf is out of the game and takes one of the sheaves.
Horseball. Equestrian Quidditch
In the late 70s of the twentieth century, two friends from Bordeaux came up with a new sport, which immediately began to be practiced by the whole of France. Based on rugby and basketball, they created an incredibly dynamic and exciting game called horseball. Twenty years later she appeared in England. Horseball is now played in more than fifteen countries and is being considered as a potential Olympic sport.
Founding Fathers
Horsball, despite the English name, was born in Castillion near Bordeaux. A few decades ago, the French Equestrian Federation seriously thought about something that could be a fun and technically uncomplicated alternative to the usual riding. Then Jean-Paul Depont, a riding instructor and rugby player, and Philippe Tebaud, a young professional who worked in the federation, proposed the creation of horseball. Since then, horsball has become an integral part of riding in France: the country now boasts 450 clubs competing in national and regional leagues, and France continues to be the unrivaled host of all kinds of championships.
What do they eat it with?
What is horsball? Isn't it an explosive mixture of Argentine pato, polo, rugby and basketball? It looks like it. Two teams of four people each take part in the game, it is allowed to make two substitutions. Horsball uses a soccer ball, but not easy, but with six leather handles, for which it is convenient to grab and lift it from the ground. In order to win, you need to throw the ball into the ring (meter in diameter), located at a height of four and a half meters. The game takes place on a court of about 25x65 meters and usually lasts ten minutes - this is enough for both the players and the horses.
Rules of the game
Despite the outward lightness and even some confusion of the game, it has clear rules. So, before making a throw into the ring, the players must make at least three passes, while the player cannot hold the ball for more than ten seconds. If the ball leaves the field, the losing side passes it to the opponent. If the ball falls to the ground, the player must pick it up exclusively at a gallop (trotting is only allowed in competitions for children), and in order for the rider not to fall off the horse, the stirrups are interconnected by a belt. Finally, when all the passes have been made, the player can try his luck to score a goal. At the same time, he stands in the stirrups and throws the ball into the ring from a distance of about five to ten meters. Of course, no one bothers to make a throw from a longer distance, but only professionals can boast of such accuracy. On average, in a normal game, members of both teams manage to score up to fifteen goals; three forms of penalties are also provided.
Greeted by clothes
Horseball players need to be even more experienced than polo players, as in polo the reins have some control, while in horseball the main load is on the legs. The equipment, on the contrary, is very similar - boots, helmet, knee pads and a T-shirt. The exception is gloves, or rather their absence, as they interfere with grabbing the ball. Separately, it is worth mentioning about horses - they must be well ridden, be able to perform leg changes at a gallop, reins, half-passes and pirouettes.
Some popular shots that are used in HORSE are as follows:
On the occasional instance where a ruling is needed, the players talk it out and make their own rulings. Part of this is because the game of HORSE has different rules depending on where you are playing. 
They add to the fun of the game of HORSE, keeping it from being the same as the sport of basketball. It is what makes HORSE its own unique game.
They have free range to shoot from wherever they want. If they are to make the shot then the player after them in the order must make that same exact shot. 
If the second player misses then they receive a letter H for their first miss. The second player must make the same shot only if the player before them made their shot. Otherwise, they can take a shot from anywhere on the court.
As the player demonstrates their shot, they must say exactly what they are doing so the other players can accurately imitate their steps.
(This can also double as a way to get a bit of rest in.)
Each polo participant uses two or more ponies to be able to change them during the game, because they get tired quickly. 
By now, horseball has spread throughout Europe, and in France this game is especially popular, there are horseball tournaments, the best teams meet in the first league, competing for the title of national champion. 
But high growth is not the main quality of a horsball horse, it must be bold, hardy, obedient, superbly trained. 
Twenty years later she appeared in England. Horseball is now played in more than fifteen countries and is being considered as a potential Olympic sport. 
Two teams of four people each take part in the game, it is allowed to make two substitutions. Horsball uses a soccer ball, but not easy, but with six leather handles, for which it is convenient to grab and lift it from the ground. In order to win, you need to throw the ball into the ring (meter in diameter), located at a height of four and a half meters. The game takes place on a court of about 25x65 meters and usually lasts ten minutes - this is enough for both the players and the horses. 
Finally, when all the passes have been made, the player can try his luck to score a goal. At the same time, he stands in the stirrups and throws the ball into the ring from a distance of about five to ten meters. Of course, no one bothers to make a throw from a longer distance, but only professionals can boast of such accuracy. On average, in a normal game, members of both teams manage to score up to fifteen goals; three forms of penalties are also provided. 
