How to Practice Pickup Basketball Etiquette

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

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Pickup hoops is a far cry from organized basketball, with much more emphasis on physical play, one-on-one moves and trash talking. Here's what to do when you're ready to lace up and step on the court.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1
Find a game - specifically one that suits your skill level and doesn't draw huge crowds, if possible.
Step2
Reserve your spot. Find out who's in line for the next game ("Who's got next?") and put yourself at the end of the line ("Who's got last? OK, I've got last now").
Step3
Learn the court's rules. Usually, pickup games are played to 11 points, with each basket worth one point. However, winning scores and point value for baskets can vary at different courts.
Step4
Warm up before playing. Stretch to avoid injury, and practice your dribbling and shooting to avoid embarrassment.
Step5
Make consistent calls during the game. All players are responsible for making their own calls; do so promptly, accurately and loudly.
Step6
Be a good sport. Shake hands with your opponents after the game when you win or lose, unless, of course, you feel cheated.

Tips & Warnings

  • Aggressive play is rewarded in pickup hoops, since there are no referees or foul-outs. Play hard if you expect to win.
  • Ask players in line ahead of you if they need to add players to their squad. They may add you to their team, getting you on the court sooner.
  • You're probably better off skipping the trash talk unless the following applies: you have the skills to back up your words, or you're playing with people you know well. Problems can arise if trash talking gets out of hand.
  • When you're practicing on a court with a game in progress, always pay attention to that game. Leave the court when the ball moves to your side of the court or face the wrath of those players.

Comments

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PanWitSyr

PanWitSyr said

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on 1/26/2008 Thx a bunch guys over there at eHow!!! My manners have really improved! I got beat up the first time I tried these, but after I started calling fouls (and technical fouls. lol. ;)) they started to like me!

My new pals say my on-the-field roundball manners is off the charts. Just be sure to where all of your safety equipment, be a good sport, have fun, and make life-long B-Ball buds!!!

jsmrite

jsmrite said

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on 11/27/2006 Pickup basketball has tons of a-holes to watch out for. DO NOT entertain their hostility!

this blog has several good pickup basketball pointers:
http://joemael.blogspot.com/2006/08/chump.html

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 If you have a situation where two guys just cannot agree on the call, suggest that one of them do or die for the ball. Often, the blowhard will eagerly agree--since he has an inflated view of his abilities. And just as often, he'll miss from out there. If he makes it, c'est la vie--the basketball gods have spoken. Even then, he may make it, get the ball, and then turn it over. And in any case, at least you get back to the game.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 If you got someone, call it. Or ask him "Did I get you?" Pick-up games reveal the character in a guy. Show moral leadership by being a good sport. You never know what you're going to get in a pick-up game. Some guys are out of control. Other guys are good people. Show respect to one and all, but if someone is being a jerk, do not line up with him.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 2/16/2006 Go to the same court regularly (same day, same time) and then figure out when people usually start coming and show up early. You can get a lot more playing time as well as get to know people, especially if you are new.

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