Pop-A-Shot Blog

Games

Ever notice how arcade basketballs feel perfectly sized in your hands, while regulation basketballs can feel unwieldy for younger players? The reason why we play with smaller balls on basketball games versus the standard size basketball isn't about cutting corners—it's smart engineering.

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By Mr. Pop
Feb 05, 2026
Games

Swap chocolates for cheers—family games strengthen communication and create lasting memories better than any candy box. 

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By Mr. Pop
Feb 04, 2026
Virtual League

Meet Rec Center Royalty, a bi-coastal Pop-A-Shot Virtual League team driven by energy, improvement, and an unshakable belief they’re just getting started.

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By Bryce Smith
Feb 02, 2026
Virtual League

Captain Ryan G breaks down the origins of Buzzer Beater Anonymous, their basement “home court” in Owatonna, MN, and how energy, teamwork, and weekly goals are shaping their journey in the Pop-A-Shot Virtual League.

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By Bryce Smith
Feb 02, 2026
Virtual League

Meet the Hyphy Hoopers, led by Pop-A-Shot finalist Jarrod Shappell and Skee-Ball legend Joey the Cat, bringing elite arcade talent to the Virtual League.

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By Bryce Smith
Jan 27, 2026
Virtual League

From record-setting scores to Toggle Tuesdays, Skyline Swishers captain Bobby Derian breaks down Season 1 success and why Denver is a Pop-A-Shot hotspot.

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By Bryce Smith
Jan 26, 2026
General

Girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys by age 14, but what if there was a simple way to change this at home? When boys and girls can play basketball together in a supportive environment, they build confidence faster and stay engaged longer. 

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By Mr. Pop
Jan 23, 2026
Events, Games

Custom basketball games transform conference spaces into interactive hubs that boost attendee participation and create lasting brand connections.

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By Mr. Pop
Jan 23, 2026
Games

Saturday morning arrives, the kids are bouncing off the walls, and that arcade basketball game box is still sitting in your garage. You're wondering if tackling assembly solo means missing the entire weekend. Here's the exciting news: most families can absolutely handle this project flying solo!

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By Mr. Pop
Jan 22, 2026
Games, General

It's Friday night, the kids are excited, and your new arcade basketball game arrives with a missing part. One quick email later, a replacement shows up in two days with a friendly note. That's the distinction between a family meltdown and an epic weekend of friendly competition. When customer service responds fast, setup stays simple and the fun keeps flowing.

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By Mr. Pop
Jan 22, 2026
Events, Virtual League

Meet a new team joining season 2 of the Pop-A-Shot Virtual League. Pop It Like It's Hot has championship pedigree in their blood and are coming out swinging this season.

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By Bryce Smith
Jan 20, 2026
Events, Virtual League

Meet one of the teams from the Pop-A-Shot Virtual League. The Motor City Sharpshooters return from their 2nd place finish in the inaugural season.

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By Bryce Smith
Jan 19, 2026
General, How To

Kids spend over seven hours daily staring at screens, but what if January fitness goals could spark something far more engaging? But here's the game-changer: research shows that, family exercise boosts happiness by 5% and mental vitality by 11% compared to solo workouts. The secret lies in turning movement into friendly competition through quick game nights that everyone actually wants to join.

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By Mr. Pop
Jan 13, 2026
Events

We all love qualifiers. We all love a National Championship. There’s nothing quite like the pressure of a single run when everything’s on the line. But leagues? Leagues are different. Leagues are where rivalries form. Where habits are built. Where players of all abilities can compete, improve, and have a reason to show up week after week.

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By Bryce Smith
Jan 09, 2026
Games, How To

The average child spends 4-6 hours daily using screens, but what if midnight could spark something more exciting? When the ball drops at Times Square, your family can watch buckets drop too with a high-energy basketball shootout that gets everyone moving.

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By Mr. Pop
Dec 30, 2025
Games

Picture your little one bouncing around the living room while older siblings play games nearby. That natural energy becomes the perfect foundation for holiday basketball adventures that welcome everyone to join the action. Research confirms that modified basketball activities significantly improve gross motor skills in preschoolers, building balance, coordination, and confidence through play.

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By Mr. Pop
Dec 24, 2025
Games

Your kids are glued to screens again, and you're scrolling through your phone too. We've all been there. But here's the good news: A Pop-A-Shot game can flip that script in minutes, transforming quiet living rooms into buzzing arenas where everyone cheers, competes, and high-fives together.

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By Mr. Pop
Dec 23, 2025
Events

The road to the 2026 Pop-A-Shot National Championship rolled through Atlanta on November 20, 2025 and once again proved why Pop-A-Shot tournaments continue to raise the bar for competitive arcade basketball.

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By Bryce Smith
Dec 22, 2025
Championship

Scott Setzke was practicing at his local arcade until he watched the 2024 championship on ESPN. Fast-forward one year, and he's holding the 2025 national title after beating seven other qualifiers with a clutch 92% shooting performance versus his opponent's 89%. 

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By Mr. Pop
Dec 19, 2025
Games

Discover arcade basketball, tabletop games, and interactive gifts under $500 that create unforgettable family fun and friendly competition.

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By Mr. Pop
Dec 17, 2025
How To

That moment when you nail a perfect rhythm and watch your score climb past triple digits—pure magic. Whether you're chasing the Century Club or eyeing the official Pop-A-Shot Leaderboards, these Pop-A-Shot high score tips and tricks transform casual games into personal records worth sharing.

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By Mr. Pop
Dec 16, 2025
Games, How To

That dusty garage storing holiday decorations could become your family's new headquarters for fun and connection. Most families spend less than 30 minutes of screen-free time together daily, but a garage game room conversion with arcade machines changes that instantly.

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By Mr. Pop
Dec 11, 2025
Games

What are the best games for small apartments with limited space? The answer lies in smart choices that maximize fun while respecting your living situation. Great apartment games share three winning qualities: they pack away quickly, play gently on floors and walls, and welcome everyone from energetic kids to competitive adults.

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By Mr. Pop
Dec 08, 2025
Games

The average family spends over seven hours daily staring at screens, but what if this holiday season brought squeals, swishes, and friendly rivalries instead? The right basketball gifts for the holidays can transform any living room into an arcade where beginners and pros compete side-by-side.

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By Mr. Pop
Dec 08, 2025
Games

Holiday shopping just got a slam dunk easier! Lil' Pop by Pop-A-Shot brings authentic arcade thrills right into your home, creating instant excitement that gets everyone off the couch and into the game. This game-changing gift delivers all the buzzer-beating fun kids crave while fitting perfectly into real homes where space matters and spontaneous play sessions happen daily.

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By Mr. Pop
Dec 08, 2025
Games, General

Picture Christmas morning: the kids have torn through their presents, and now you need something that'll keep them moving and engaged for months to come. Finding what is the best Pop-A-Shot games for kids this holiday season comes down to matching the right features to your family's needs.

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By Mr. Pop
Nov 28, 2025
Games

A single arcade game can generate $200-800 per week while increasing guest stay time by nearly 30%. That's what happens when you add interactive, branded experiences that invite everyone to shoot, cheer, and connect.

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By Mr. Pop
Nov 26, 2025
Games

Discover why Pop-A-Shot's dual hoop arcade basketball games have been bringing families together since 1981.

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By Mr. Pop
Nov 24, 2025
Games

With the holidays approaching, discover basketball family games that bring kids, teens, and adults together for screen-free fun and friendly competition at home.

The average family spends over seven hours a day on screens, but what if you could create something even more engaging in just five minutes? Basketball family games spark instant energy that draws everyone into the same space for shared laughter and friendly competition.

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By Mr. Pop
Nov 11, 2025
Championship, Events

The 2026 Pop-A-Shot season is off to a hot start, with thrilling qualifiers in St. Louis and Indianapolis. High scores, big crowds, and two new champions on the road to Orlando.

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By Bryce Smith
Oct 31, 2025
Championship, Events

The 2025 Pop-A-Shot National Championship brought epic matchups, underdog stories, and record-breaking moments in Orlando. Here's everything that went down on the road to crowning a new champion.

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By Bryce Smith
Aug 06, 2025
Events

The bright lights of Las Vegas were the perfect setting for our most electric Pop-A-Shot National Championship Qualifier yet. Held during NBA Summer League at the iconic Thomas & Mack Arena at UNLV, the Las Vegas Qualifier was more than just another competition; it was a full-blown Pop-A-Shot takeover.

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By Bryce Smith
Jul 17, 2025
Events

Get the full recap of the 2025 Pop-A-Shot National Championship Qualifier in Chicago. From standout performances to dramatic finals matchups, see who earned their spot in the National Championship.

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By Bryce Smith
Jun 20, 2025
Games

Curious how the Pop-A-Shot Elite Arcade Game compares to home models? This guide breaks down rim heights, ramp depths, and game styles across our Elite, Pro Series, Home Series, and portable games so you know exactly what you're shooting on.

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By Bryce Smith
Jun 06, 2025
Events

Relive the action from the 2025 Pop-A-Shot National Championship Qualifier in St. Louis! 122 contestants, fierce competition, and a thrilling finals showdown — see who earned their spot in the National Championship and how to register for future Pop-A-Shot tournaments.

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By Bryce Smith
May 30, 2025
General

As a business owner, manager, or anyone overseeing employees, you’re constantly thinking about ways to improve your workplace environment. You might have already tried the usual strategies—team lunches, happy hours, and maybe even the occasional “Casual Friday.” 

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By Bryce Smith
Oct 15, 2024
Games

Parenting in today’s world comes with its fair share of challenges. From screen time battles to finding activities that are both fun and productive for them and you, it can feel like an uphill climb. Maybe you’re tired of hearing “I’m bored” for the hundredth time, or perhaps you’re struggling to find something that can hold their attention long enough to give you a moment’s peace. Whatever the case, every parent knows that keeping kids entertained while also encouraging positive growth isn’t always easy.

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By Bryce Smith
Sep 30, 2024
How To
Looking to build the ultimate game room? From choosing the right Pop-A-Shot game to customizing the layout and adding your own personality, learn how to create a unique, fun-filled space that’s perfect for friends, family, and endless competition.
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By Bryce Smith
Sep 23, 2024
Events
It's been over a month since Pop-A-Shot held its first National Championship live on ESPN2: The Ocho. Mr.Pop (our beloved spokespuppet) lets you know all has happened since, the future of Pop-A-Shot tournaments, and how you can prepared for a shot to be crowned champ.
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By Mr. Pop
Sep 17, 2024
General

As we approach the end of the year, it’s fun to reminisce about all of the great times we’ve had in the past 12 months. From new games and product enhancements to new partners and fun events, this year has flown by. You know what they say – “Time flies when you’re playing Pop-A-Shot!” That’s the saying, right?

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By Ryan Cox
Sep 16, 2024
Events

The Pop-A-Shot team set out to Las Vegas from July 7th through 9th, where the first ever NBA Con took place.  There, Pop-A-Shot showcased many of our current (and future) game models!

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By Ryan Cox
Jul 19, 2023

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