Ultimate Hoops Showdown: Basketball Arena

Sports games here are quick, stylised takes on real games. Football, basketball, golf, tennis, pool and others, each stripped to its core action. Kick, shoot, swing, serve. A match or round lasts a few minutes. There is often a tournament structure, so a session might carry you through several opponents with a trophy at the end. The rules are familiar even when the physics are cartoonish.

• Start by pressing the left button anywhere on the screen While holding down the button slide it to increase the power of your ball throw Release the button to throw the ball

1. 1Check the control hint, which usually shows a single action key or a tap and drag for aiming and power.
2. 2Aim by moving the mouse or dragging on screen, and release or tap to execute the shot or kick.
3. 3Watch the power meter if there is one and release just before the top for maximum effect without overshooting.
4. 4Read your opponent's position before acting; most sports games reward placement over raw power.

• Free to play, nothing to install, no account needed
• Loads in the browser tab and opens full screen when you press Play
• Plays best with the phone turned sideways or on a wider screen
• Mouse and keyboard controls, with touch support on most devices
• Listed under Sports

Ultimate Hoops Showdown: Basketball Arena is a sport you can play in two minutes without changing your shoes. It runs free in a browser tab with nothing to download, and a match is short enough to fit anywhere. The scoring gives every session a winner, which is more than most breaks offer.

Suits fans of the real sport and anyone who likes a short, competitive round. Children who follow a sport will enjoy it, and adults will appreciate the quick matches. No prior gaming experience is needed.

What controls does Ultimate Hoops Showdown: Basketball Arena use?

Most sports games here use a mouse drag or finger swipe to aim and set power, with a click or tap to execute. Some use arrow keys for movement. The start screen will show.

Can I play against a friend?

Some sports games offer two players on one keyboard or screen. Most are single player against the computer. Check the start screen for a mode selection.

How long is a match?

Usually two to five minutes. Tournament modes string several matches together, so a full run may take fifteen or twenty.