How Fraction Ball Works

  • Form teams of 4-5 students. Every player gets a specific, active role to start the game: a shooter, a shot caller (directing strategy), a counter (tallying points), and a tracker (recording on the number line).

  • Teams take turns shooting from labeled fraction zones on the mat or court. The shot caller selects the zone based on strategy—aiming for a higher fraction (like 3/8) means a harder shot, but a bigger boost to the score.

  • Every made basket goes straight to the number line. The tracking team adds the fractions, compares values, and converts denominators to keep a running total. The math isn't an added lesson—it is the scoring.

  • Shift positions. The shooter steps back to track, the counter takes the court, and every student gets hands-on practice with both the physical game and the math calculations.

Every Student Has a Role

No one sits out. No one watches. Every player is essential.

Shooter

Aims for the fraction zone called by the shot caller. Builds spatial reasoning and fraction identification.

Shot Caller

Directs strategy by choosing which fraction zone to target. Builds fraction comparison and strategic thinking.

Counter

Tracks the running score by adding fractions. Builds fraction addition and mental math fluency.

Tracker

Records scores on the number line. Builds number line fluency and fraction-to-decimal conversion.

FOR TEACHERS

Fraction Ball Mat

A durable, classroom-sized mat that turns fractions into a game. Unroll it. Play. Roll it back up.

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Transform your basketball court into a math learning space. 35+ schools already playing.

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Fraction Ball Court

FOR ADMINISTRATORS

What Students Learn — While They Play

Skills: fraction comparison, addition, subtraction, decimal conversion, number line fluency.

4.NF.A.1 4.NF.A.2 4.NF.B.3 4.NF.C.5 4.NF.C.6 5.NF.A.1 5.NF.A.2

"All of this happens DURING the game. There's no 'now let's do the math part.' The math is the game."