What is pickup basketball

Only a dozen or so people use the rule we played with in college where you can get the ball back if you call "and-one" and hit the shot. Obviously, you'd have to be playing full-court or "loser's ball" for that rule to apply.

Everyone else either plays "no blood, no foul" or eschews foul calls entirely. I call these people the Super Tough Seven Percent. They will rule the world one day. Some fancy people play with a game clock! Just over 18 percent alternate who gets the benefit of the doubt in a dispute, essentially using a possession arrow.

Eleven and a half percent of people said "other," when asked how they solve call disputes, and "other" was usually somewhere on the spectrum from talking it out like adults to an all-out brawl:. It was make-it take-it on halfcourt, but you would inbound the ball under the basket immediately after the shot went in.

So essentially, if you were lazy on defense, the other team could rack up multiple layups in a row. One of the Captains volunteers to take a three-point shot from the top of the key. If he makes it then his team gets first possession.

If he misses it then other team gets first possession. One thing I forgot to ask about was the "check" rule to start a possession and whether the offensive player checking the ball has to pass before his team is allowed to score.

Please tell us about that and whatever else I missed in the comments. We are here to share with you seven proven tips on pickup basketball strategy. You can tweak this and make it your own, but these concepts will undoubtedly improve your chances of winning a pickup basketball game:.

Be observant. Keep it simple. Remember, almost everything in a pickup basketball game is random, so keep everything simple. Play hard. In pickup games, whoever hustles will probably win. Fear for the opponents and love from your teammates, and in basketball, inciting these two emotions from the players you share the court with is already a success. Wear it to win it. Contrary to what others may think, the right basketball gear does make you play better.

You feel good, you play well. Gear up with solid basketball shoes , wear kneepads for protection and insulation, suit up that old Jordan Laney High school jersey, etc. Have a go-to move. See to it that you exude a sense of ease in your movements.

In pickup games, you usually call your own fouls. Man up and, on occasion, dish out some punishment in return. Be a good teammate. Running up and down the floor with a little resistance training from all that banging is the definition of a great workout.

Helps in skills development. There are always older guys in there that would get up on your face and throw some trash talk your way. The playground is one of those times when a basketball can be so innocent and pure. There are no referees to bail you out with a call. Making new friends. One of the most underrated aspects of pickup basketball is its social benefits. After a great run of a couple of games, hang around a little bit for a bottle or two of Gatorade or beer and widen your social network.

This ensures that the game can't end in only a few shots, and makes it much more competitive. Most games will employ a 'win by 2' rule, meaning a team must be winning by 2 or more points to actually end the game.

Previous Next. Table of Contents. Basketball Pickup Game A pickup game in basketball is a non-professional or league game that is mainly for fun or practice. You'll finally stop your pushing, which will throw him off balance when he goes to push back. You got him! Then late in the third quarter, Malone leaned his big butt in on Rambis with the ball at the low post. But Kurt wasn't there. He just stepped to the side, Karl lost his balance, and he fell on his butt.

The crowd laughed loudly. The Mailman was thinking about him too much. Traveling, turnover, Lakers ball. It's the little things. Find your spots on the floor and be able to drain those shots in your sleep. Mine was 15 feet out on the baseline coming off the screen and receiving a pass. Turn, jump, and shoot so fast that you hardly need to look at the basket. In fact, eventually practice your shots with your eyes closed.

No, really, it's just muscle memory. Another spot of mine is the elbow on either side of the free throw line. I also do a hook shot from halfway down the right side foul line like Kareem used to do.

I could bank it right off the high corner with a little backspin. I'll be able to do that one until I'm years old. I'll always secure a spot on a team as long as I keep making those shots. You should never ever call a foul. Even if you're bleeding, don't call a foul! Don't be a wimp. If there is an obvious foul committed on you DON'T call a foul! Let someone else call it for you. I've had guys on downtown L. Never flinched, just drained it.

Oh, I tripped that bastard as he ran back down the court though. He'll look bad if he complains and you just stare at him. When some guy IS calling fouls, I'll be sure to thump him real hard to the floor or whack him on the melon when he shoots to show him what a real foul feels like. He'll take the "subtle hint. Louise Park in the east side of the San Fernando Valley was a good spot to find competition after 5 p.

The author vamping for the camera as Dennis Rodman. See the resemblance? On court I'm a vampire because I might draw blood. Here's an example of being on both sides of the talent spectrum. I rode the bench in high school basketball while our star player was league MVP twice.