San Diego Elks Lodge #168 · 2026 Hoop Shoot
Want your kid’s name in the Basketball Hall of Fame?
Join the San Diego Elks Hoop Shoot, the free basketball free throw contest for boys and girls ages 8 to 13. National champions have their names displayed in the Elks Hoop Shoot exhibit at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and the road there starts right here in San Diego.
- WhenSaturday, Dec. 5
- TimeCheck-in 8:45am, contest 9am
- WherePatrick Henry High School gym
- CostFree, ages 8 to 13
See what the National Finals in Chicago look like (2026 highlights).
What’s the Hoop Shoot?
Twenty-five free throws could take your kid all the way to Chicago
The Elks Hoop Shoot is a national free throw contest run by the Elks. Each kid shoots 25 free throws for score against others in their own age group and gender, and the winners move on to the next round. Our San Diego contest is the first step.
- LocalDec. 5, 2026
San Diego - DistrictDec. 12, 2026
Lakeside - StateJan. 23, 2027
Southern California - West RegionalFeb. 27, 2027
Las Vegas - National FinalsApr. 17, 2027
Chicago
Completely free
There is no cost to enter at any level. The Elks sponsor contestants all the way through, including travel expenses for kids who advance.
Every kid can play
You don’t need to be on a team or a star player. If your child can shoot a free throw, they can compete. Our 8 and 9 year olds even shoot from 4 feet closer.
Fair age groups
Boys and girls compete separately in three age groups: 8 to 9, 10 to 11, and 12 to 13. The group is based on your child’s age on April 1, 2027.
How to Participate
Three easy steps
Signing up takes about a minute.
Check your email
We’ll email you to confirm your spot and send the registration form. You can fill it out ahead of time and bring it with you, or fill one out at the contest.
Come shoot!
Meet us at the Patrick Henry High School gym on Saturday, December 5. Check-in starts at 8:45am and the contest begins at 9am.
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Patrick Henry High School gym, 6702 Wandermere Drive, San Diego, CA 92120. Check-in starts at 8:45am and the contest begins at 9am.
Saturday, December 5 · Patrick Henry High School
Sign up for the 2026 Hoop Shoot
Reserve your spot below. We’ll email you a confirmation and the registration form.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Who can enter?
Boys and girls who will be 8 to 13 years old on April 1, 2027. Kids compete only against others of the same gender in their age group (8 to 9, 10 to 11, or 12 to 13).
How much does it cost?
Nothing. The Hoop Shoot is free at every level, and the Elks cover travel expenses for kids who advance.
Does my child need to play on a team?
No. Any kid who can shoot a free throw is welcome, whether they play every day or are just getting started.
What should my child wear?
Gym shoes are required. A T-shirt with pants or gym shorts is perfect, and a basketball uniform is fine too but not required. We provide the basketballs.
What happens if my child wins?
The winner in each division moves on to the South Coast District contest just one week later, on Saturday, December 12 at Tierra Del Sol Middle School in Lakeside, so please keep that date open. From there, winners advance to the California State contest on January 23 (in Southern California, location to be announced), the West Regional on February 27 in Las Vegas, and the National Finals on April 17 in Chicago. We’ll give winners all the details at our contest.
Where can I find the rules?
The full contest rules are on our Rules page.
I still have a question.
We’re happy to help. Send us a message and we’ll get back to you.
Want to help out on contest day?
We need volunteers to rebound, keep score, and help with check-in. It’s a fun morning and a great way to support local kids.
VolunteerNot in San Diego?
Elks Lodges across the country host their own Hoop Shoot contests. Find the one closest to you on the official Elks site.
Find Your Local Contest