Grammar: General Game Parts of Learning: S L Time: 35~50 min.
Inaka Basketball
Submitted by: Patrick Bickford Borrowed or inspired from: The recesses of his shallow mind Edited by: Fiona Steele
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Brief Outline: Students answer English questions to earn points and the right to play...Inaka Basketball!
Materials Needed:
Detailed Explanation:
- Divide the class into 3-4 member teams.
- The object of the game is to score the most points by shooting a basket, a.k.a. – crumpled piece of paper into the trashcan.
- To prepare for the game, unsurprisingly enough, crumple some scratch paper into paper balls. Also, set the trashcan in front of a flat and high object to act as backboard for the basket. Last, chalk three lines in front of the trashcan and mark them one, two and three points: 1-point being the free-throw line, 2-points being a jump shot and 3-points being the 3-point line.
- Explain to the students that rural (inaka) places tend to have less money, so instead of using a real basketball and rim, you had to improvise. Inaka Basketball uses garbage balls and garbage bin.
- One member from each team stands up to answer a question. His/Her teammates may assist in answering questions, but they cannot say the actual answer or use any Japanese. In addition, if they assist their teammate in answering a question, it must be in English. Otherwise, the team is disqualified from that particular round.
- The ALT/JTE take turns asking various English questions. The team that answers the question receives a point.
- When a team accrues 3-5 points, the entire team has one chance to play Inaka Basketball. They can shoot take a shot from any of the lines. If they shoot the scratch paper into the trashcan, their team receives that line’s points.
Variations and Options:
- Insert a shot clock into the game. When a team answers the final question to allow them access to play Inaka Basketball, start counting down from 20 seconds. No explanation is needed, just start counting. Students tend to catch on extremely quickly.
- Adding a 10-point line near the end of the game creates an added pressure to the game.
- Apply the Mistakes Are Good idea.
Tips or Cautions:
- Chances are not every team will have the same number of students. If a team has less students, make sure they still receive the same number of shots when they play Inaka Basketball.