Widjiitiwin Basketball

Name and Purpose

Widjiitiwin Basketball is a high-energy, multi-ball field game built around the Ojibwe word for friendship and togetherness.
Multiple balls in play at once means everyone is involved, and the human hoop goal creates a unique and memorable scoring moment.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 16-40 players | 20-35 minutes | Large open field, approximately 30m x 40m; two elevated scoring stations at opposite ends

Materials

6 or more soft playing balls (mix of soccer and volleyball sizes)
2 sturdy chairs or low raised platforms (one at each end, for staff to stand on safely)
Pinnies or bibs in 2 colours for teams
Rope or cones to mark a 2.4m square (approximately 8 feet) around each chair goal

Quick-Run Card

Place a chair at each end; a staff member stands on each chair and forms an arm hoop.
Mark a 2.4m no-entry square around each chair with rope or cones.
Split into two teams; distribute multiple balls at the centre.
Teams carry or pass balls toward the opposing goal.
Score by throwing a ball through the standing staff member’s arm hoop from outside the square.

Setup and Boundaries

Place chairs at opposite ends of the field, at least 30m apart.
Mark the no-entry square clearly with rope or 4 cones around each chair.
Field boundaries marked with cones or use natural edges.
Signal: 1 short whistle = stoppage; 2 whistles = full stop and gather.
Inspect chairs for stability before play. Staff member on the chair must have a clear line of sight across the field.
Check field for uneven ground, holes, or debris.

How to Play

Divide players into two equal teams. Each team defends the goal (staff hoop) at one end.
Distribute all 6 or more balls across the centre of the field.
On the start signal, both teams move to collect balls and advance them toward the opposing goal.
Players may carry a ball while running or pass to a teammate.
No player from either team may enter the 2.4m square around either chair.
A goal is scored when a ball passes through the arm hoop of the opposing team’s staff member. The ball must be thrown from outside the no-entry square.
Both teams may attack and defend simultaneously. There is no turn-taking.
Continue play until a set score is reached or time runs out.
Players who need a break step to the sideline as a ball retriever (returning out-of-bounds balls quickly). They rejoin the field whenever ready.

I-OPt Options

Start: A Sprint to the centre and collect a ball immediately. S Hang back and receive passes from teammates advancing the ball. Q Take a defensive position near your own goal area. O Watch the first minute to understand ball flow, then choose a role.
Mid: A Drive a ball toward the opposing goal and attempt a shot. S Move balls through the team with quick short passes. Q Defend the no-entry zone around your own goal. O Retrieve out-of-bounds balls and return them to active players.
Late: A Make a final push with multiple balls toward the opposing goal. S Coordinate teammates to overload one side of the opposing goal. Q Slow the pace and focus on safe ball transport. O Track and announce the score to both teams in the final minutes.
End: A Take a last shot attempt if a ball is available. S Help collect all balls from across the field. Q Note one moment where your team worked especially well together. O Share one thing you noticed from your sideline or retriever role.

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who use a wheelchair can participate fully in passing, carrying, and shooting; the no-entry zone around the goal applies equally to all players.
Players who prefer less contact with multiple fast balls can choose a ball-retrieval or out-of-bounds-return role.

Stewardship Moment

After play, collect all balls and check for damage. Store inflated balls in a dry, shaded location.
Brief reflection: “This game was designed around the idea of friendship. How did having so many balls in play change the way your team worked together?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game has lots of movement and multiple balls in play at once. For those not comfortable with fast or high-traffic play, a retriever or defender role keeps you involved at a pace that works for you.”
Mid-game check: After 5 minutes, pause. “Quick check: thumbs up, sideways, or down. Is the pace working?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Step to the sideline and take a retriever role at any time. Return to the field at the next stoppage.

Risks and Mitigation

Players colliding near the no-entry square where traffic concentrates: remind players the square is a no-entry zone for everyone, which naturally spaces players out.
Chair tipping if bumped: staff member must not step down during play; no player may enter or approach the chair; inspect chair stability again at halftime.
Multiple balls creating confusion and frustration: start with 2 balls and add more after the first round once players know the flow.

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Multi-Ball Dribble”: staff rolls several balls into the field; each player finds one and dribbles it around for 90 seconds.
“Freeze Pass”: partners pass a ball back and forth; on the whistle, both freeze; helps practise passing under a sudden stop.

Debrief Questions

What? “What happened when there were more balls than people knew what to do with?”
So What? “How did your team decide who went where when there was no single ball to follow?”
Now What? “When does having more options make a problem easier, and when does it make it harder?”

Cleanup and Reset