Precision Spots
Standardized shots attempted from designated court spots so every score is measured on the exact same footprint.
The Contest
What Is The Shootout Challenge?
A data-driven, skill-based competitive basketball shooting experience built for accuracy, speed, and measurable improvement.
Contest overview
The Shootout Challenge runs two formats across the Midwest: 1-day showcase contests that crown a champion in a single session, and 6-to-8 week leagues where shooters return weekly, log standardized attempts, and watch their accuracy curve climb on the national leaderboard.
Every event is non-contact and coed, structured for efficient flow so a full field completes in under two hours, and designed for players of all ages — from third graders to adult league regulars. Scores are recorded frame by frame by a rebounder, verified by staff, and published online.
“To increase overall interest and participation in basketball — and to assess and improve individual shot making in a competitive environment.”
Core Mission
The business generates revenue from entry fees, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
- Two formats: 1-day showcases and 6–8 week leagues
- Non-contact and coed at every venue
- Full events wrap in under 2 hours
- All ages — youth through adult divisions
- Standardized scoring for regional comparison
4 Pillars of Competition
Timed Intensity
Fast-paced frames with strict time caps that test clutch accuracy under a running clock.
Real-Time Metrics
Live online leaderboards let players compare scores regionally and track measurable improvement.
Family & Community
Coed divisions for all ages with spectator-friendly showcases that keep gyms loud and moving.
Divisions & prizes
Entry Fee
$30
Youth
Two separate divisions: Elementary 3–5 and Middle School 6–8.
Grades 3–8 · two separate divisions
Youth is split into two age-appropriate divisions so a 3rd grader never shoots against an 8th grader. Elementary (grades 3–5) shoots a shortened sheet from closer spots to reward clean mechanics, while Middle School (grades 6–8) shoots the full perimeter sheet. Both divisions are rebounder-assisted, so kids never chase their own ball and every attempt gets logged.
- Elementary 3–5 and Middle School 6–8 ranked separately
- Shortened sheet and closer spots for Elementary
- Coaching pointers from staff after every run
- Parents welcome on the floor as the rebounder
Gift Card Purse
Top three youth shooters receive gift cards ($100 / $50 / $25) plus a champion medal.
* Boys and Girls (and Men and Women) compete in these same divisions — gender is collected at registration so the leaderboard can be filtered, not to split brackets or prizes.
Seasonal timeline
1
October / November
Fall Season
Season openers across the Midwest. Youth and high school divisions fill fastest.
2
March / April
Spring Season
Post-season tune-up events with college and adult divisions added at select venues.
3
June / July
Summer Season
Camp-week shootouts and family divisions, capped by regional championship scoring.
Leadership
Coach Jim Seward
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Coach Jim Seward brings decades of high-level basketball coaching experience rooted in a fast-paced, high-scoring, and fundamental-driven philosophy. As the former head coach at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), Coach Seward built an NCAA Division II powerhouse, leading his teams to five National Scoring Titles (averaging up to 113.6 points per game), six Lone Star Conference Championships, and five NCAA National Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight run in 1992. Over his tenure, he compiled 261 career wins and coached 11 All-Americans and 2 National Scoring Champions.
Coach Seward created The Shootout Challenge to bring that same culture of precision, competitive shot-making, and high-energy basketball to players of all ages in a safe, non-contact environment.
5 NCAA National Scoring Titles (up to 113.6 ppg)
6 Lone Star Conference Championships
5 NCAA National Tournament appearances (Elite Eight, 1992)
261 career wins · 11 All-Americans coached
Facility Guarantee
$1,000,000 General Liability
Every host facility — schools, YMCAs, church gyms, and college campuses — is named on our $1 Million General Liability Insurance policy for the full duration of the event, with a Certificate of Insurance delivered before doors open.
Coed, non-contact, all ages welcome.
Sam Schwartz
Assistant Director
Sam Schwartz is a marketing student at the University of Kansas and a sports-experience professional supporting The Shootout Challenge as Assistant Director. Growing up in a basketball family and playing through high school, he brings a lifelong love of the game to the event's marketing, social media, registration, and day-of operations.
His background includes gameday operations with the Omaha Storm Chasers, donor hospitality with Kansas Athletics, and global event activations at the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival with Octagon — experience in fan engagement, logistics, and brand activations that helps The Shootout Challenge connect with players, families, and host venues.
Marketing · Social Media · Registration · Operations
Frequently asked questions
Still stuck? Ask Rimmy in the corner of your screen, or email info@shootoutchallenge.com.