The trashketball game is a classroom favorite—and for good reason. It’s engaging, student-led, and gets everyone involved in solving problems and shooting for points. It’s also a simple way to run an interactive math review without boring worksheets or dull prep sessions.
If you’ve tried it already, you know how fun it can be. If you haven’t yet, here are a few easy tips to keep things structured, inclusive, and just the right amount of rowdy.
1. Keep the Noise Levels in Check
Let’s be real—trashketball can get loud. The excitement is great, but sometimes you need to keep the volume in check.
Here are two easy ways to manage it:
- Deduct points from teams that get too noisy
- Reward quiet teams with bonus points for staying on task
- Or, a combination of both
Just go with what works for your students and fits your classroom style.
2. Use What You’ve Got
I get it. You might want everything to be just so.
But, you don’t need special equipment to run a trashketball game. Use what’s already in your room:
- Wadded-up paper
- Balled-up socks as balls
- A trash can, basket, or storage bin as the goal
The interactive math review game is what students love—not the gear.
3. Add Shooting Lines for Extra Challenge
Create three shooting lines at different distances to mix in a little strategy:
- Closest = 1 point
- Middle = 2 points
- Furthest = 3 points
Students can choose where to shoot based on their confidence. This keeps it fun and gives them more control over their points. This will change the dynamic of the game and allow teams to make up for missed shots and incorrect answers.
Depending on what type of floor you have, consider marking your lines with painter’s tape, especially if you plan to play repeatedly over the course of a few days.
4. Let Students Get Creative with Their Shots
Not every shot has to be a typical basketball throw. Try mixing it up with:
- Granny shots (underhand)
- Bouncy shots (let the ball bounce first)
- Trick shots (behind the back, off the wall, spin moves)
Of course, this isn’t appropriate for all situations or even all classrooms. Unfortunately, sometimes they just can’t handle it. 😢
However, when they can, it’s another great way to add another layer of engagement!
Let teams cheer each other on or vote for the best shot of the round. It’s a great way to make the trashketball game feel fresh each time you play.
5. Make It Inclusive for All Learners
Some students don’t feel comfortable taking shots—and that’s okay.
Let them choose a teammate to shoot for them. Everyone still works together to solve the problems, so every student stays involved in the interactive math review.
6. Assign Team Roles to Keep Things Moving
Add a little structure to the game by adding simple team roles:
- Reader – reads the question
- Recorder – writes the answer
- Reporter – answers on behalf of the group
- Shooter – takes the shot
Rotate roles between rounds so students stay engaged and everyone gets a chance to contribute.
Wrap-Up: Interactive Math Review That Actually Works
A trashketball game makes math review exciting without a ton of prep. With a few simple tweaks—like clear roles, flexible rules, and creative shots—you’ll have an interactive math review activity your class begs to play again and again.
Grab a Ready-to-Go Trashketball Game
Want to try trashketball without writing your own questions? I’ve got a free sample game ready for you—just display and play.
👉 Click here to get the free Addition & Subtraction Trashketball Mini Game (3rd grade skills)
