The sport and experience of ShotClub Shootout is unlike anything else. It can be played by anyone over the age of 10; can be tailored to skill/fitness level; is the perfect balance of fun and competitive; and offers an exceptional cardiovascular workout with a low risk of injury. Since it’s a brand new concept, peoples’ perceptions of the game are often very different from reality.

Influenced by classic youth games such as “Knock Out”, “HORSE”, and “Hot Shot”, first-timers often show up for the Shootout ready to simply “get some shots up”. Soon enough, however, they find themselves in the heat of battle, driven by a competitive spirit that just can’t help itself. For youth athletes and current basketball players, the competition is familiar, but the chance to prevail under pressure is frequent and opportunistic. For former athletes and basketball players, it’s reminiscent of the playing days – the glory years – of team camaraderie and personal achievement, laced with some friendly trash-talk. Even for non-athletes and those who’ve never touched a basketball, the fun of the game masks the intensity of the workout while allowing ample opportunities to impact the game with some big shots.

Unlike most sports, you don’t need to bring a team to participate in a Shootout – you simply sign up for an existing Shootout as an individual. However, If you do prefer to shoot with specific friends or family, each individual can sign up for the same time slot. Upon arrival, the ShotClub Pro will divide participants into two teams based on shooting ability and previous shooting stats, if available. Once teams are created, all players will put on ShotClub Jerseys, the Pro will briefly explain the rules, then it’s time to start. 

Although the game always begins and ends with the same format, the challenges in-between are dictated and can be modified by the ShotClub Pro (referee). Shootouts open up with a seemingly simple task – mid-range jumpers. Each made shot is worth 1 point, game is to 5 points (as a team) from each of the ShotSpots (corner, wing, elbow, top). Switch sides & repeat. Team points are accumulated after each spot and added to the scoreboard. The game continues with a series of challenges determined by the Pro that differ in difficulty, physical intensity, point value, and shooting range. Just when you get comfortable with a catch & shoot structure, the intensity gets raised with a half court running variation. After you’ve found a rhythm from long-range ShotSpots, you’re back to mid-rangers and must make the adjustment in order to thrive. These variations add to the novelty and competition of the game. What other sport is different in structure each time you play?

At approximately the 55-minute mark, the scoreboard reflects the deficit of the trailing team (except in the case of a tie game). The Bonus Round is up next, and last. As any ShotClub-loyalist will tell you, this is where magic can happen –  if you’re locked in. The Bonus Round differs from the preceding challenges in a few ways: 1. It’s based on time – the bonus round is 3 minutes long; 2. points are awarded for each shot made (as opposed to winning the overall challenge); 3. Players can shoot from any mid or long-range shot they prefer, as long as they stay in the same shooting order. Mid-range shots are worth 1 point, whereas long-range shots are worth 2, and the Game-Changer is worth 4 points but can only be used once per team. Since points can be accumulated so quickly, the Bonus Round is ripe with come-back opportunities. Those who respect the Bonus Round know that despite a deficit, there is still hope for a win. Those who sleep on the Bonus Round…will likely regret it. Once the final buzzer sounds, the team with the most points is the Winner of the Shootout. 

Regardless of the outcome, the effect of Shootouts is always the same. If you win, you can’t wait to play again. If you lose, you also just want to play again. On top of that, getting the Win as a team is just one way to succeed at ShotClub. Shooters receive their individual shooting statistics, following the game, which are added to their Career Shooting Profile. In addition, people are often impressed by the cardio workout they receive while not even realizing it, due to the fun, competitive nature of the sport. Lastly, ShotClub provides an opportunity to connect with new people and develop your network. 

Interested in trying ShotClub Shootout? Get your first Shootout free by downloading the ShotClub App now! Shootouts are currently available in the South Jersey and Washington DC area, with more locations coming soon. Follow us on Social Media to stay connected!