How To Play HORSE Basketball
If you've ever had a basketball hoop and more than one person who wanted to use it, you've probably played HORSE. It's one of the oldest and most popular basketball games ever invented — no teams required, no referee needed, and it works just as well on a mini indoor hoop as it does on a full-size court.
Here's everything you need to know to play it right.
What Is HORSE?
HORSE is a shooting game where players take turns attempting shots. If you make a shot, every other player has to make the exact same shot from the exact same spot. Miss it and you get a letter. Collect all five letters — H-O-R-S-E — and you're out. Last player standing wins.
The beauty of HORSE is that it rewards creativity as much as skill. The best shot-caller isn't always the best shooter — and a well-chosen shot can put even a stronger player in trouble.
Determining Who Goes First
Before the game starts, every player takes a shot from the free throw line. The first player to miss goes last. The second player to miss goes second to last. This continues until only one player hasn't missed — that player goes first.
It's a fair way to set the order because every player shoots from the same spot under the same conditions. The best free throw shooter earns the advantage of setting the first shot.
How to Keep Score
Scoring in HORSE is simple — you want to avoid letters, not collect them.
When the player ahead of you makes a shot and you miss the same shot from the same spot, you receive the next letter in H-O-R-S-E. Once you've received all five letters, you're eliminated. The remaining players continue until only one is left — that player wins.
Optional second chance rule: When a player reaches the letter E, you can allow them two attempts before elimination. This keeps games competitive longer and gives younger or less experienced players a fighting chance. It's a good rule to add when playing with mixed ages.
Playing the Game
The player going first chooses any spot on the court and takes a shot.
- If the shot goes in: Every other player must make the exact same shot from the exact same spot. Anyone who misses gets a letter. After everyone has attempted the shot, the next player in rotation chooses the next shot.
- If the shot misses: No letters are given. The next player gets to choose their own spot and their own shot.
Play moves through the order until only one player remains.
Call Your Shot
This is the rule that separates a casual game from a real one. Before attempting a shot, the shooting player must announce anything special about it. Calling a bank shot, a swish, a hook shot — whatever you intend, you have to say it before you shoot.
If the shot goes in the way you called it, the next player must replicate it exactly — same spot, same style, same call. If it doesn't go in the way you called it, the shot doesn't count and the next player chooses their own shot.
No calling shots after the fact. Call it before the ball leaves your hands.
Shots You Can Use
Part of what makes HORSE endlessly replayable is that the shot selection is limited only by imagination. Here are some classic shots to get started — and remember, you can call left hand or right hand on most of them to add an extra layer of difficulty:
- Set Shot — feet planted, two hands, no jump
- Jump Shot — the standard
- Bank Shot — off the backboard intentionally
- Hook Shot — one-handed, sweeping release
- Layup — call left or right hand for added challenge
- Slam Dunk — on a mini hoop, this opens up: 360 jam, behind the back, off the wall — if you can get it in, you can call it
On a JustInTymeSports mini hoop, the slam dunk category becomes its own creative competition. The proximity of the rim to the players opens up shots that would be impossible on a regulation court — which is part of what makes indoor HORSE so entertaining for all ages.
Variations of the Game
One of the best things about HORSE is how easy it is to adjust the length and difficulty by simply changing the word you're spelling.
- PIG — three letters, faster game, great for younger kids or when time is short
- DONKEY — six letters, longer game, more competitive
- ELEPHANT — eight letters, marathon sessions, serious players only
For a first game with young kids, PIG is the right call. For a group of competitive players with time on their hands, ELEPHANT will settle the argument once and for all.
How to Keep Score With JustScore
Keeping track of letters in your head works — until it doesn't. When you have four players deep into a game, someone always loses count.
JustScore is a free digital basketball scoreboard built by JustInTymeSports that now includes a dedicated HORSE game mode as part of the v4.20 update. It tracks letters automatically for every player, handles eliminations, and keeps the game moving without anyone having to remember who has H-O and who has H-O-R.
No download. No account. Open it on any phone, tablet, or Chromebook and you're ready to play.
If you don't have a hoop yet, JustInTymeSports has been making high-quality indoor mini basketball hoops since 1996. A hoop on the wall turns any room into a court — and HORSE into a game your family will play for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play HORSE?
HORSE works with any number of players — two is the classic head-to-head, but three to six players makes for a longer, more unpredictable game. With more players, letters come slower since each person only gets a letter when they miss a shot the previous player made.
What happens if the first player misses their shot in HORSE?
If the player who chose the shot misses it, no letters are given to anyone. The next player in the order then gets to choose their own shot from their own spot.
Do you have to call bank shots in HORSE?
Yes — any intentional technique must be called before the shot. If you intend to bank it off the backboard, call it first. If it goes in without being called, it doesn't count as a made shot for HORSE purposes.
What is PIG vs HORSE?
PIG and HORSE are the same game — the only difference is the word you're spelling. PIG ends after three letters, making it a faster game ideal for younger kids or quick sessions. HORSE takes five letters and runs longer. You can use any word you like to adjust the game length.
Can you play HORSE on a mini basketball hoop?
Absolutely — HORSE is one of the best games for indoor mini hoops. The smaller court actually adds creativity to shot selection, especially for slam dunk variations that wouldn't be possible on a regulation hoop. A JustInTymeSports mini hoop is designed specifically for this kind of competitive home play.
Is there a free scoreboard app for HORSE?
JustScore by JustInTymeSports includes a dedicated HORSE game mode that tracks letters for every player automatically. It runs in any browser with no download or account required — free at justscore.justintymesports.net.
JustInTymeSports has been making high-quality indoor mini basketball hoops since 1996. JustScore is free at justscore.justintymesports.net. Dream Big. Play Hard.™