Fun Time Basketball Game

It was hard for me to think up something unique to make out of cardboard. There are different things that I already have in my house that I can use and we always have plenty of cardboard boxes from deliveries. I chose to use a cardboard shoe box as the main part of my Instructable. I added a few more items, some paint and a ping pong ball and I had my project! I am proud to show you how to easily make a working basketball game! I know my grand children are going to love playing with it!

cardboard shoe box

small scissors

glue

plastic spoon

ping pong ball

a plastic disposable cup

paint brushes

acrylic paint set

ruler

large scissors

Cut the plastic cup about 2-inch from the top to form the basketball hoop.

Draw a line on each side of the box from the back to the front, diagonally, ending about 2-inches above the front corners. Cut across the front of the box from the end point of each side diagonal cut.

If the box bottom has parts that are no longer attached, glue them to stay in place.

Using the scrap cardboard, cut pieces to form a 3-inch square. Paint it white.

Using the small scissors cut a 1/2 inch hole on the front end of the box. Push the end of the spoon through to make sure it fits through the hole. Remove the spoon and set aside.

Paint the inside of the top of the shoe box yellow or any color you choose. Allow to dry. Carefully paint a red square about 1/2-inch inside the white square or cut a square of red paper. If using paper, carefully center it and glue it to the white square. Position and glue the white square about 1/4 of the way down from the top of the shoe box top.

Put a generous amount of glue on the back of the cup. Press it onto the white square, forming the basket. Allow to dry thoroughly.

Paint the rest of the box any color you choose. I decided to paint it black. Allow it to dry well.

Press the top of the shoe box with the basket attached into the bottom box. You can glue it together if you would like. I chose not to glue it so I can take it apart to store it. Push the spoon through the slot.

Now the game is finished and ready to be played with. To play, place the ping pong ball on the rounded part of the spoon. Hold the other end of the spoon with one hand. Aim the spoon at the basket. Use your finger to flick on the spoon so the ball takes off! If you don't make a basket, keep on trying. It does take some skill to get the ball to go into the basket! You can make up rules to declare a winner! I think it is really fun and I am happy with my results. I can't wait watch my grand kids play with it. I just know they will enjoy it as much as I am!!!