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Step 1
Establish who has claimed the next few games. Impress these players while shooting around as the other game is going on or between games is crucial. Be sure to ask each person if his or her teams are full. Also volunteer to take anyone's place if a player is injured, changes teams or has to leave the court.
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Step 2
Study the style of play. Each court develops its own style of play. Some courts are very physical. Some are fast paced and others have a slower pace to their games. If the player does not play within a style, they can quickly find themselves on the sideline.
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Step 3
Play the game the right way. What that means is do not be a ball hog. If a player shoots every time the ball is touched, the other players will become frustrated. Also take smart shots. When a player takes wild and crazy shots that have no chance of going in, they will quickly become a basketball pariah.
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Step 4
Call fouls very judiciously. In pickup hoops, there is no referee to control the action. Therefore, each person is responsible for calling his or her own fouls. If a player calls a foul every time they are touched, they will soon draw the ire of the other players. There is however a fine line to walk because if not enough fouls are called, a player's own teammates will be upset.
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Step 5
Do not be intimidated. Take the shots when open and do not back down when another player challenges a player on a pickup hoops court. A player can develop a reputation for being easily intimidated. This can lead to long stretches on the sideline.
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Step 6
Dress appropriately. Wearing outdated attire is a sure signal to other players that this player is not good. A pickup hoops player must look the part until they can prove themselves on the court.
