Basketball Drinking Games

Watching basketball live is an electrifying experience. The cheers, anticipation, athleticism and fast-paced nature of the game create an euphoric atmosphere. Every play and dunk sparks contagious energy that unites fans. However, watching the games from home, although still very enjoyable, could benefit from a touch of enhancement.

You can elevate the enjoyment of basketball games through various methods, but one of the most enjoyable practices revolves around adding a dash of socializing and a sprinkle of responsible alcohol consumption.

Basketball drinking games are all the rage. They add a splash of fun to the game, making each hoop and play a reason to cheer with a sip. They are a fun way to turn up the excitement and add a playful spin on hanging out during the basketball season. So, let’s dive right in and discover everything there is to know about them.

How Basketball Drinking Games Work

There are plenty of basketball-related drinking games, each having its own unique twist. Most involve a group of friends that must take a shot of an alcoholic drink depending on particular events that might happen during a basketball game. Naturally, people need to avoid overindulging, so to keep things responsible and enjoyable, they must lean on their basketball expertise and a pinch of luck.

All basketball-related drinking games come with their own rules. Some might involve taking a sip or downing a half-shot of an alcoholic drink whenever a team scores, while others could have more specific triggers, like when a player from your team gets blocked at the rim or when LeBron James attempts a flop. Regardless, these games promise heaps of enjoyment, and we will ensure you become well-versed in most of them.

NCAA Basketball Drinking Games

Every passionate hoops enthusiast knows the anticipation NCAA basketball brings to the table. While the main thrill unfolds during March Madness, devoted college basketball fans know that the real NCAA basketball drinking game extravaganza lasts almost five months, reaching its peak in late March or early April.

While the rules of NCAA drinking games are constantly undergoing various changes, we pinpoint a set of rules that seems to be the most widely accepted.

So, before we dive into the details of the unofficial NCAA basketball drinking game rulebook, call your friends and agree on the type of alcohol you will drink. Then, find the coziest spot on the sofa, and make sure the fridge is loaded with beer or any other drink of your choice.

Before we get to some of the most common rules, as the finishing touch, remember to choose your team wisely – unless you want to be battling the aftermath of a beverage bonanza the morning after.

Here are the most frequent rules of the NCAA Basketball drinking game.

Take one sip:

• When the opposing team scores;
• When a player fouls;
• When a player on the team you bet misses a free throw;
• When a player on your team gets blocked at the rim;
• When one of the teams calls a time out;
• When there is a commercial break;
• When a player on the opposing team grabs an offensive rebound.

Take two sips:

• When a player on the opposing team hits a three-pointer;
• When a player on the opposing team makes a slam dunk;
• When a player on your team misses a fast break lay up;
• When one play occurs;
• Every time an announcer brings up the term Cinderella;
• Every time an announcer says Upset;
• Every time an announcer brings up the terms True Freshman or True Sophomore.

Take three sips:

• If a player on your team fouls out;
• If a coach of at least one team gets a technical foul;
• If a 4-point play occurs.

Finish your drink:

• If your team is down ten or more points by the time the quarter ends;
• If any of the two teams hit a buzzer-beating shot;
• For every inaccurate pick in your bracket;
• If a player from any of the two teams gets a double-double.

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NBA Drinking Games

Considering the length of the NBA regular season and its thrilling matchups, making a thoughtful alcohol selection should be your initial move toward an enjoyable experience while indulging in NBA basketball-drinking games.

Just as with NCAA basketball drinking games, every NBA drinking game takes the excitement up a notch, riding on the performance of your chosen team or the rivals. So, to ensure you are not accidentally turning your fun dial to the max, a good move would be to play it cool and think carefully about which NBA team you want to back.

Just like in many other drinking games related to other professional sports, the rules for NBA drinking games can differ. However, we will stick with some of the most commonly embraced ones. Let the games begin!

Take one sip:

• When the other team scores a three-pointer;
• When a player on your team misses a free throw attempt;
• When a player on your team misses a layup;
• When a player on your team commits a foul;
• When the camera shows a celebrity in the stands.

Take two sips:

• When a player from the rival team performs a slam dunk;
• When a player on your team gets blocked at the rim;
• When a player on your team gets 3 fouls;
• When a player on your team receives a technical foul;
• When a player from the rival team scores an and-one;
• If LeBron attempts a flop;
• If Steph Curry busts out the shimmy.

Take three sips:

• When a player on your team commits a turnover;
• If a technical foul is called on a coach;
• If a 4-point play occurs;
• If any player misses both free throws.

Finish your drink:

• If your team is down ten or more points by the end of the quarter;
• If the opposing team hits a buzzer-beater;
• If a player scores a triple-double;
• If a player on your team fouls out;
• If the other team wins the NBA game;
• If a fight breaks out.

With a handful of rules like those mentioned earlier, you have the freedom to create your own drinking games that contribute to the enjoyment of watching NBA games. This is particularly true when there are enough players, allowing you to divide your friends into teams based on their chosen sides.

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Drinking Games for All Basketball Events

Particular drinking games tailored for NCAA or NBA matches can be an absolute blast, offering a fantastic avenue to enhance your game-watching experience while socializing with your buddies. However, sticking to the general drinking rules that can apply to any basketball game can be just as enjoyable.

Once you choose a basketball game to watch and split with your friends into two groups divided by the team you support, the only things left to do would be to load up the fridge with either beer or other drink of choice and follow the general drinking rules for basketball games. Here are some of the most common ones that you can apply every time you watch basketball.

Take one sip:

• When the opposing team makes a free throw;
• When the opposing team makes a steal or blocks a shot;
• Whenever the game goes into a timeout; (Take an extra sip if your team calls a timeout)
• When a player on your team makes a foul.

Take two sips:

• Every time a player from the opposing team makes a slam dunk;
• Every time a player from the opposing team hits a three-point shot;
• Every time a player on your team misses a free throw;
• Every time a player on your team commits a turnover.

Take three sips:

• If a player on your team fouls out;
• Every time a player on the team you backed misses both free throws;
• Every time a player on the team you backed misses a slam dunk;
• Every time there is a video review;
• If a coach gets a technical foul.

Finish your drink:

• If your basketball team is losing by 10 points at the end of any quarter;
• If your basketball team loses by 15 points when the game ends;
• If any of the teams hit buzzer-beater (Drink a double if it is a game winning buzzer beater);
• If your team ends up being the losing team.

These are some of the most common basketball drinking game rules embraced by basketball fans all over the globe. But don’t let that hold you back – feel free to unleash your creativity and invent exciting twists that will add even more enjoyment to the game.

 

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