From the Toysit archive
ESPN Shot Block Basketball
Explore ESPN Shot Block Basketball’s moving defense rings, door-mounted hoop and electronic games, then draw an original three-panel shot story.
The play at a glance
A basket with a moving defense
An orange ball approaches the hoop while orange rings rise into its path. The original ESPN Shot Block Basketball photograph catches the central idea: choose a moment to shoot as the toy’s defense moves around the basket. A scoreboard, lights and commentary give the little court an arcade atmosphere.Watch, aim and follow the result
The H4685 manual shows the backboard hanging on a door, with a fabric chute returning the supplied basketballs. It describes four games with beginner and advanced settings. Freeplay at the beginner setting offers a straightforward way to count baskets; advanced play introduces defense rings. Beat the “D” makes the moving defense part of a timed challenge.
Another mode uses a shot clock, while One on One alternates players’ attempts. Mattel’s product description identifies Dick Vitale’s voice as part of the scoring, light and sound presentation. Imagine each turn as a short scene: a player looks toward the hoop, makes an attempt, then watches for the result.
An adult should assemble and position the station using its manual. The guide specifies indoor use away from direct sunlight and use of the supplied basketballs.
Try a shot-block comic strip
Turn one completed attempt into three pictures with this original Toysit activity. Make the comic during a pause, with paper and pencils away from the station.
- Waiting: draw the player before the attempt. Add a thought bubble such as “Here comes my chance.”
- The shot: show the ball in the air and the hoop ahead. If the chosen game used the defense rings, include their position as you remember it.
- The result: draw the ending. A basket, a block or a surprising miss can all make a good final panel.
Let a second player read the strip aloud in an invented announcer’s voice. The next comic could follow the same attempt from the ball’s imaginary point of view, with a new caption in every panel.
Use observation and drawing to tell the story. Keep hands clear of the moving defense and leave the mechanism in its normal configuration. The comic can be funny, dramatic or quietly pleased about an ordinary turn.
The historical record
Original Toysit coverage
The original product account and commentary are preserved below as historical coverage.
Sport station with electronic scoring, lights, sounds, and commentary
The ESPN Shot Block Basketball station has automatic shot-block defense. The more you score, the more you'll feel like an all-star with electronic scoring, lights, and sounds-plus the voice of celebrity Dick Vitale. You can add to the fun by lowering the ball chute and playing one-on-one. Includes two balls and folds compact for behind-the-door storage.
A basketball game that hangs on the back of a door offers a convenient and entertaining way to enjoy basketball without the need for a full court. Whether you're in a dorm room, office, or at home, this mini basketball setup provides an instant dose of fun. It's a versatile game that can be played solo, perfect for practicing your shooting skills, or in a competitive setting with friends and family. These games often come with a mini basketball and a spring-loaded rim, giving you the satisfying "swish" or "slam dunk" experience right in your own room. It's a great way to take short breaks, lighten the atmosphere, and even engage in some friendly competition. Best of all, it's an excellent way for kids to develop hand-eye coordination and for adults to relieve stress without having to step outside.
Sources and editorial notes
Mattel’s H4685 record and 36-page manual match the pictured hoop and defense rings. The full manual text and selected setup/play diagrams were reviewed. It explicitly documents door mounting. The archived generic hoop paragraph is preserved; its spring-loaded-rim and developmental claims are not established for this model. The comic activity is original; no physical testing was performed.
- Original Toysit image — Existing same-site photograph reviewed and retained unchanged.
- Mattel H4685 product description — Primary identification, included balls, automatic defense and Dick Vitale commentary.
- ESPN Shot Block Basketball H4685 owner’s manual — 36-page manufacturer PDF; complete text read and selected diagrams reviewed, including door mounting on page 21 and game options on pages 25–27.
- Original Toysit coverage — Complete original product account and historical commentary preserved.
Images and descriptions are retained as historical material. How Toysit covers toys.
Created for Toysit by Tabbloza — the artwork in our header.