Our infamous basketball game Hoopzz is BACK!

To celebrate, we have collated our top five basketball movies that help teach your students about leadership:

1. The Last Dance (2020)

Image not available - this image was not archived — (Image: Netflix)

This one may be a 10-part documentary and not a movie per say, but as it charts the rise of the 1990s Chicago Bulls, led by the inimitable Michael Jordan, we just had to include it in our list.

Michael Jordan led one of the most notable dynasties in sports history, making a name for himself as a true leader along the way. Jordan was famous for his never-fading perseverance, and his teammates and associates have spoken out multiple times to praise Jordan’s approach of encouraging and inspiring others to never stop trying even when faced with obstacles.

Grit and determination are two important qualities in a leader – and two qualities students can learn firsthand when looking back on Michael Jordan’s incredible career and achievements.

Currently available to watch on Netflix.

2. Coach Carter (2005)

This 2005 movie starring Samuel L. Jackson is based on the true story of Richmond High School basketball coach Ken Carter (played by Jackson), who made headlines in 1999 for suspending his undefeated high school basketball team due to poor academic results.

When Coach Carter joins as the team’s Coach the team is rowdy, rude, and disrespectful. Carter gives the team contracts to sign and obey, requiring them to sit in the front rows of all their classes and maintain a C+ grade point average in order to play on the team.

In spite of a lot of drama, loss, and heartache in the players’ lives, Coach Carter never gives up on his team. He demonstrates unconditional belief, resulting in the players, after a movie full of tribulations, returning to play in the State Quarterfinals.

Even though the team loses the game, Carter expresses his pride in the team’s choices and perseverance. The movie ends with the team celebrating with the community, and the power of a true leader and the impact they can have on people’s lives and value systems sings loud and proud.

Students can learn many powerful lessons from Coach Carter, particularly witnessing how leading with love and care can inspire even those who – it may seem – have stopped loving and caring for themselves.

Currently available to watch on Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and other streaming platforms.

3. Space Jam (1996)

This is the second feature for Michael Jordan in our top five list, but this time he is accompanied by the cast of The Looney Tunes.

This cult classic provides so many lessons for not just a student audience, but all of us. From standing up to bullies to showing determination even when faced with adversity and challenging situations, Space Jam is a joyous movie that doesn’t just entertain – it truly teaches lesson after lesson.

And specifically, related to leadership? This one we have to credit to Bugs Bunny: when you have your very own ‘Michael’s Secret Sauce’ – and share it with others – your power as a collective is unstoppable.

Currently available to watch on Amazon Prime.

4. Hustle (2022)

Movie and comedy legend Adam Sandler stars in this drama-comedy, playing an ex-NBA player-turned-scout who meets an exception (but troubled) talent when on a scouting mission in Spain.

No spoilers here for this new release, but the key lessons of never giving up and being brave in the face of adversity are strong in this movie. Students watching this movie will leave with a renewed sense of self-worth and determination, and a promoted awareness of never truly knowing what other people are going through.

Currently available to watch on Netflix.

5. Hoosiers (1986)

Hoosiers tells the story of a small-town Indiana high school basketball team that enters the State Championship.

Coach Dale leads with a very disciplined approach of basketball – you don’t try and shoot before you have passed four times. His players are frustrated and do not understand his reasoning, with some disobeying him – and being forced to face the consequences.

As the movie progresses we learn more about Coach Dale’s past and the reasons for his disciplined style of coaching. Lessons can be gleaned around never second-guessing someone and their experiences, and ultimately never giving up on others OR yourself.

Students can learn from Coach Dale many strong qualities, but also that it is okay to be vulnerable – and that communication is key to understanding others.

Currently available to watch on Amazon Prime.

Feeling the basketball spirit? Play Hoopzz in your classroom today!

Simply assign a quiz and select ‘Hoopzz’ before playing in class. Be sure to let us know how much fun you and your students have playing Hoopzz in the comments below!

Play Hoopzz Now!

Coming soon: Quizalize Games!

Go to games.quizalize.com

Quizalize Games are launching August 2022, bringing a catalogue of exceptional and elevated games to the Quizalize platform we know you already love!

Hoopzz is just a taster of what’s to come – get ready for Quizalize Games and take student engagement to the next level. From epic battles in far-away fantasy lands with Battlerzz to throwing tomatoes at each other in Bearzz, we truly have you – and your students – covered.

Read all about Quizalize Games!

We hope you love playing Hoopzz as much as we do! And with the Quizalize Games launch just around the corner…get ready for even more gamified – and fun! – learning in your classroom.

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