Pickup basketball can be fun, competitive, and beneficial to your overall health. It can also be intimidating and overwhelming if you’re not familiar with how to play. In this article, I will help you with the basics and etiquette of playing pickup basketball. That way next time you play or if you’re asked to play, you’ll have some confidence going in. Here is the ultimate guide to playing pickup basketball.
I have been playing pickup basketball now for 10 years, once per week on average. We play with pretty much the same group of guys. Most of us are in our mid 30’s, married, with children. Sometimes we have younger players show up, and sometimes older players. The main thing to remember is we are all there to have fun.
But how to do you have fun but also be competitive, but not too competitive? This is part of the beauty of pickup basketball.
To play pickup basketball, you should try hard, be competitive, hustle, and not be overly serious. Remember to have fun!
The best thing you can do when playing pickup basketball is give effort and be a team player. Nobody wants to play with a ball hog. At the same time, nobody wants to play with someone who is lazy and isn’t trying. You won’t get asked to play or be picked if you are either of those types of players.
I didn’t grow up playing a lot of basketball at a competitive level. Most of my games were in recreational leagues and pickup games at the park with friends. Some of the guys I play with have played at the Division 1 college level. So how do I keep getting asked to play? It’s because I try hard and am a team player. Later in this article, we will go over specifics on etiquette and effort for pickup basketball.
Contents
What is a pickup game in basketball?
A pickup basketball game is simple. It’s a game of basketball where there is a hoop to play on but not any type of league. It’s having enough players to play a game, either full court or half court. Again, not part of a competitive league.
Basically, a pickup basketball game is a random game with random players, typically at a park or public place. It could be a set group of friend or acquaintances or strangers. What pickup basketball really is, is just a game of basketball with a hodgepodge of players.
Most pickup basketball games are played at a public park. Some, including myself, have a reserved spot at a school indoor basketball court. This is rare but possible if you have the right connections.
Growing up, if you played basketball outside with your friends or a game of “21”, that’s pickup basketball. Pickup basketball is not a formal game with a league, with stats, with referees. Pickup basketball is free, no refs, randomly selected teams, and without stats.
Basketball in a pickup style of play has no specific set of rules, no shot clock, or quarters. It’s very freestyle, and most rules are preapproved by all players. For example, in my pickup games we don’t have a backcourt rule. We also play games to 11, where points are 1 point or 2 points. 2 pointers are given to shots made from the 3-point line and beyond.
There are many tips out there on what a pickup basketball game is, how to play, and why. Rookie Road is a good site to get the basics beyond this article.
How do you join a pickup game in basketball?
Joining pickup basketball can be easy if you know enough people that are willing to play. You can start the process on your own. As long as you have a basketball hoop, typically a public access one at a park, you can play.
For example, my group of pickup basketball players and friends do so via e-vite each week. That way we can know a few days ahead of time how many people are interested. That helps so you don’t show up to a pickup game and only have a handful of players to play with. You would want to have somewhere between 8-12 players for a solid pickup game. You can play 4 on 4 or 5 on 5 and if there are extra players, you can create a third team or subs.
The best way to join a pickup game is to ask people you know to see who might be interested. If you don’t want to create the game on your own, show up at a park where you see other players playing. If you are confident in your skill level, simply ask to join their game. Most people will say yes to someone who wants to join!
Another thing you can try is go to a basketball court with a few friends and just start shooting around. If you do that enough times, others will see you and possibly ask to join you. As time goes on, the amount of interest will grow.
When I first started playing with this group I play with, we had maybe 10 players. Now the group is close to 25 players where we have to limit it each week to 12. We play with 3 teams, 4 on 4. One team sits and rest, winner stays on the court.
How to be a good pickup basketball player
Being a good pickup basketball player doesn’t just mean being good at basketball. Yes, being good at basketball will get you on teams and get you invited. However, if you are not a team player, people won’t want to play with you. That’s because pickup basketball isn’t just about winning.
Playing pickup basketball is more than just basketball. It’s about getting your competitiveness juices out. Getting incredible exercise. Meeting new people. Working hard towards something. And most of all, it’s about having fun.
Like I said, I’ve been playing pickup basketball for 5 years straight and have seen all types of different players. Some great, some okay, some bad, but in the end, we all have fun. We all still try hard, but we don’t take it too seriously. We don’t fight. The most you’ll see is a small argument over a foul, that’s it.
To be a good pickup basketball player requires effort. Not being lazy. Going hard for rebounds. Taking open shots. Passing the ball! Hustling. Call your own fouls when you’ve fouled someone. Be honest about fouls. And NEVER take a charge in pickup basketball.
I’m not a big guy, so I don’t try and play down low. I also don’t shoot as well as others. But what I can do is play great defense, hustle for rebounds, pass the ball, and not turn it over. I know my role and it fits well with the guys I play with. I’ve learned my role and I strongly suggest that if you play, play to your strengths.
Other guys are great at shooting but not at defense. Some are big and can play down low in the paint but not outside near the arc. Know what type of player you are and use that to your benefit.
What do you wear to a pickup basketball game?
The number one thing to wear to a pickup basketball game is basketball shoes. You will look like you don’t play basketball and don’t belong there if you show up in non-basketball shoes. You will also risk injury because other shoes are not meant for basketball.
You also should wear shorts, just like you see all basketball players wearing. It’s easier to run in basketball shorts or athletic shorts compared to casual shorts, pants, or sweats. You should also wear a t-shirt or sleeveless shirt, not a collared shirt or button up shirt of any kind. Look the part.
Also, if you are playing indoor basketball, wear regular shoes when you show up and put your basketball shoes on when you get inside the gym. Basketball shoes are made for basketball courts. Wearing them outside of a basketball court shortens the lifespan of the shoe.
Another tip is to bring extra clothes, mainly extra shirt. You get sweaty playing basketball. Sometimes to the point where it’s a distraction to yourself or the defender. Feel free to change shirts in between games if it makes you more comfortable. And always bring water, lots of water!
What are the benefits of pickup basketball?
The benefits of playing pickup basketball are enormous. Number 1, it’s incredible exercise and so good for your health. If you haven’t played basketball in a long time, I can guarantee you’ll be sore the next time you play. It’s a full body workout on top of it being an outstanding cardio workout. You run several miles during a pickup basketball game and burn a ton of calories. Have you seen how incredible college and pro basketball players body are? They are in some of the best shape of any humans.
Other benefits are meeting new people and gaining new friends. Plus, it helps your mental state but getting your competitive nature out. On top of that, it’s fun, and having fun is good for the soul.
Another benefit is that if you play more often, you will surely get better at basketball. And being good at basketball is fun, especially if you meet new people who like it too.
As you play more and more pickup basketball, you’ll start to learn more about the game itself. You’ll understand why players do what they do when you’re watching basketball games. You’ll also get more interested in basketball since you understand it more.
Overall, the top benefits are playing pickup basketball are: exercise, competitiveness, socializing, and fun.
How to play pickup basketball conclusion
To be a good player and be asked to play more often in pickup basketball, means being a good teammate. Like we discussed, try hard when you are playing. Pass the ball to others. Don’t be afraid to take open shots. And give good effort by not being lazy. Also, don’t be a ball hog.
Something that isn’t discussed as often as it should is fouls in pickup basketball. Nobody likes playing with someone who calls a lot of fouls. Likewise, nobody wants to play with someone who commits a lot of fouls. Also, never take a charge in pickup basketball, it’s lame and unnecessary.
Playing pickup basketball has a ton of physical and mental benefits along with social benefits. You meet new people or become closer with your friends because you’re working hard together.
Make sure when you play that you dress the part, bring proper basketball shoes, a give maximum effort. Also be sure to stretch before you play because it requires a lot of physicality. Be prepared to be sore and tired if you haven’t played in a while.
When you play and play often, you will feel the rewards both mentally and physically. You will like it so much that you will want to play more and more. By playing more and enjoying it, you will want to get better, and you will get better.
Pickup basketball is fun, especially if you are competitive and social. Make sure that you have fun more than anything else and not take it too seriously.
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