What is around the world in basketball
Around the world is a type of basketball game that typically consists of two or more players who attempt multiple shots from different spots around the basket until one of the players makes the final shot at the designated last spot to win the game.
Why is around the world potentially beneficial
Around the world could be potentially beneficial for a variety of reasons but arguably, the most important factor is that it could help players develop consistent skills in terms of shooting the basketball.
In other words, when players shoot the ball from multiple spots, this could possibly increase their overall level of consistency.
Moreover, basketball positions such as the point guard, shooting guard, or small forward could greatly profit from a steady jump shot near the perimeter areas of the court. Therefore, around the world could be very practical in that regard.
Besides that, around the world could also improve players’ mental focus and general awareness. Essentially, players would have to concentrate on making shots when they are competing against one another.
Put another way, if a player is not paying attention to the task at hand, then this could potentially be detrimental as that same player could miss shots and eventually lose the game.
Furthermore, as a side benefit, when players are able to see the ball go into the basket, especially if it is a swish that only hits the net, then that could possibly increase their overall confidence.
As a result, when players have more confidence, this could be helpful in relation to a more standard basketball game.
In other words, if players are able to make shots consistently while shooting around the world, then that same confidence could possibly get translated to a traditional 5-on-5 full court game.
Around the world could also be favorable in terms of general exercise because it is a simple and easy method of implementing basic physical conditioning.
That is to say, around the world could be a good physical activity to consider, particularly for beginners as opposed to 2-on-2, 3-on-3, 4-on-4, or 5-on-5 play.
What are the general instructions to play around the world
Select the shooting spots on the court
Prior to playing the game, the players will select the designated shooting spots on the court. Also, these spots are generally equidistant from each other and commonly spaced around the perimeter areas of the court.
Additionally, all of the shooting spots would normally be within the three-point line or outside of the three-point line.
The typical spots within the three-point line would be the short corners near the baseline, the extended high post elbow areas that are just inside of the three-point arc near the wings of the court, as well as the high post area itself near the free throw line.
Similarly, the usual spots outside of the three-point line would be the corner areas adjacent to the sideline and baseline, the wing areas, and the top area.
It should also be noted that in some variations of around the world, players might decide to select certain spots near the low post blocks in addition to the previously mentioned spots.
Moreover, in uncommon variations of around the world, players could even designate shooting spots that are in the lane, which would require participants to shoot layups or floaters as well as various types of jump shots.
Determine the order of players
After selecting the spots on the court, the order of players that would shoot around the world first, second, third, etc. could then be determined.
Generally speaking, to decide this order, players could take jump shots, either from the mid-range or as a three-pointer. Also, players will usually shoot in front of the basket near the high post or at the top behind the three-point line.
From that point, each player can take shots and each time someone makes a shot, that could determine the order.
For example, let’s say that the around the world competition comprises three people, which are denoted as player 1, player 2, and player 3.
Next, let’s say that player 1 shoots the ball first and makes the shot. As a result of that, player 1 would be the first on the list to shoot around the world.
Afterwards, let’s say that player 2 shoots the ball but misses a shot. Once that occurs, then player 3 would have an opportunity to shoot the ball following the missed shot of player 2.
From there, let’s say that player 3 is able to make the shot. Therefore, in terms of player order that would take turns shooting around the world, player 1 would go first, then player 3 would go second, and finally, player 2 would go third by default.
Alternatively, if all three participants possess excellent shooting skills, then it is possible for the players to decide the order with a higher degree of difficulty.
Hence, instead of making one shot to select the order, each player could take consecutive shots.
As a result, when a player makes two or more shots in a row, that could be the first selection and when another player makes two or more in a row, that could the second selection, and so forth.
Begin at the first shooting spot
Once the order gets determined, the next step is for the participants to begin at the first shooting spot.
In most cases of traditional around the world competition, this initial spot could be the left side or right short corner area in terms of a mid-range game or the left side or right side corner as it relates to a three-point shootout.
However, to keep things simple, let’s say that players, again indicated as players 1, 2, and 3 decide to begin with the left side corner behind the three-point line.
So, if player 1 is the first selection, then that same player would begin near the left side corner and take the first three-point jump shot.
Upon making a shot, move to the next spot
After a player makes a shot, that same player would then move to the next adjacent spot.
Continuing with the example, this means that if player 1 makes the left side corner three-pointer, then player 1 would move to the adjacent left side wing area.
From there, if player 1 continues to take and make shots, then that same player would move to the top area, right side wing, and finally the right side corner.
Upon missing a shot, stay in place or revert
If a player misses a shot, then typically that same player would either have to stay in the spot where they missed the shot or revert back to a previous area.
Essentially, around the world is generally flexible in regards to its overall rules, or more specifically, for this case, the ‘penalty’ of missing a shot.
So, if all players only possess an average ability in terms of shooting the basketball, it would probably be best if those players stay in place at the same spot upon missing a shot as opposed to moving back to a previous location.
Conversely though, if all the players involved in the around the world competition possess an above average shooting ability, then it would probably not be an issue if they all agreed to revert backwards upon missing shots.
It should also be stated as well that in another variation of around the world, players could get a second chance upon missing a shot.
Yet, the catch is that if they miss the shot again, then they would be required to move back to the first spot.
Regardless of the situation or variation, once a player misses one or two shots, the next player would have an opportunity to shoot the ball.
So, continuing with the example, if player 1 missed a shot near the left side wing (which could also include a second chance opportunity that was also missed), then player 3 could begin to shoot the ball at the first spot near the left side corner.
Afterwards, if player 3 misses a shot, then player 2 would have an opportunity to take jump shots.
Continue making shots until the last spot
In general, players will continue to make shots around the world until someone makes the final shot at the last designated spot.
In the simplest form of the around the world competition, the last spot would typically be in the opposite area of the first spot.
So, in reference to the example, if the first spot is the left side corner, then the last spot could be the right side corner.
Once a player reaches the right side corner and makes a shot there, then that same player would win the game.
This means that a player would usually have to make a minimum of five shots from five spots.
Nevertheless, in a slightly more advanced form of the game, players would be required to make a shot in the last spot, which would be the right side corner as it relates to the example.
However, after that, players would also have to go back around the world again to reach the first spot.
Following that, once a player makes a shot at the first spot the second time, which would be the left side corner in the example, that same player would win the game.
In this version of around the world, a player would have to make a minimum of nine shots from five spots to win the game.
Implement playoff variation if necessary or desired
In the more common forms of around the world, one particular player could easily win the game by making multiple shots in a row.
Unfortunately, when that happens, it essentially means that the other players would have no choice but to accept the loss, regardless if those players received multiple turns or no turns at all.
However, to get around this little issue and to promote high-level competition, it is possible to institute a playoff series.
Consequently, when one player makes multiple shots to technically win the game under common circumstances, the next available player would have the opportunity to make multiple shots.
From there, if that player is able to do so, that same player would then be in the playoffs with the first player.
Subsequent to that, the third player would also have an opportunity to make multiple shots to be in the playoffs with the other players as well.
Afterwards, during the playoffs, the various players can make shots in a row until they miss and whoever made the most consecutive shots in total would win the game.
Play around the world as a solo game
Although around the world generally involves two or more players who compete against each other to determine an ultimate winner, it is possible to play it as a solo player.
In that instance, a player could still have fun by simply shooting around the world casually or by implementing one or more various challenges to make the solo game potentially more interesting.
For example, a player could try to move around the world and make the last shot in a certain amount of time, which could be somewhat taxing, especially if the timer does not allow for many missed shots.
Also, as another basic challenge, a player could try to make three shots in a row before moving to the next spot.