The local YMCA is a hustle and bustle of a variety of people from multiple walks of life. But when 10 different guys and occasionally girls hit the court, you could be Barack Obama and you'll still be any average Joe. 10 people play for the love of the game, for the thrill of competition, and for the joy of having some fun. There are plenty of places in the U.S. with notoriety, but not many are as ordinary yet golden as the local gym.
But all of that is unimportant if you've never hit the court before. Sure, you've ran on the treadmill a couple of times and shot some hoops when no one was around. But how do you get on the court to play some real 5 vs. 5 basketball?
The right mentality
First off, come into the gym with confidence. When people come to the gym to the play, they're not out to win the NCAA Championship. Some people think that pickup games are only open to those who are varsity athletes. That's the case at all. In general, most people simply want to play, regardless of who is on their team. So regardless of your skill level, have the mentality that you want to play and you will play.
I'm ready. Now what?
Ok, now for logistics. When you first walk in the gym, there probably will already be a game going on. There also will be a couple of people sitting around the court. They'll most likely be watching or warming up. What you want to do first is to scan the floor for THE LIST. The list is a sign-up sheet, usually attached to a clipboard, that you want to put your name on. The system works like this: 5 vs. 5 play each other. The winning team stays on, and the next 5 people on the list play against that team. Whoever wins that game stays on, and the system continues.
If you can't find a list, have no fear. Most likely, the gym you're playing doesn't go by that system or you're playing in off-hours, when the gym isn't that crowded and a list isn't necessary. In this case, the system still works similarly. The winning team usually will stay on, and the losing team will comprise of 5 new guys. However, picking the guys is different. There's two ways that most people go by:
1) The first 5 guys to arrive and wait on the sidelines play next. If that's you, speak up. Remember, you're just as welcome to play as the other members of the gym/center.
2) The sideline players will line-up and shoot free throws. The first 5 to make it play. If this is the way, take your time and relax. Make your free throw so you can play!
To find out which system the players are going by, just ask one of the sideline players if he's got the next game. If he doesn't really know, most likely you'll be shooting free throws.
"Unofficial" Rules
Other little tidbits that might help:
-Find out what the scoring system is by asking, "What are we playing to?" The normal is the first team to score 12 points by ones and twos.
-The start of the game and resuming the game after a violation or foul starts with a check up top. A check is when you pass the ball to the opponent guarding you so that he/she can check to see if his/her teammates are ready and he/she subsequently passes it back to you.
-Make sure you pass out of check. What this means is when you check the ball, you're not allowed to dribble or shoot. You must pass to one of your teammates. New people always break this rule, and it's one that can really grind someone's gears, so make you sure you observe this rule.
-If the ball goes out-of-bounds or a foul is called, players usually don't take it from the sidelines. Most likely the ball will be checked up top.
-Don't be afraid to call your own fouls. If someone hacks you as you shoot a layup, it's up to you to call the foul. However, remember that this is pickup basketball, so if someone bumps you 50 feet from the basket, you probably won't be appreciated if you call a foul. In my personal opinion, the same logic applies if you call nit picky things such as carrying the ball or over-and-back (half-court line) unless the violation is blatantly obvious.
-There's no free throws in pick-up basketball. The ball is checked up top after a foul unless the player made the basket regardless of the foul.
The "don'ts"
There are other things that are helpful to know when playing pick-up basketball, but they all revolve around this thought. Remember when I said to be confident? That doesn't mean be cocky. Cocky players are the worst players to play pick-up basketball with and they usually do a disservice to the game.
Some ways to avoid being cocky include:
-introducing yourself to the person guarding you or a person on your team. You don't have to say hi to everyone, but if there's people close to you, don't be shy.
-not retaliating if someone fouls you. Speak your game on the court, not off.
-not whining if you're fouled. Basketball is a physical game, don't expect it coring to be easy.
-not whining if you're fouled. Basketball is a physical game, don't expect it coring to be easy.
-talking out disputes over calls or the score.
-knowing when to back away when someone else is being cocky. If there's some pushing and shoving, make sure you're aware of how you play this person. You can still be physical, but make sure you don't egg him/her on. There's some players who think pick-up basketball is life and death, and it wouldn't be worth your time to fight someone with this wrong mentality.
-telling someone if you're leaving. Make sure there is a replacement for you if you're leaving or if you're tired and don't want to play the next time. It's rude to leave the other players hanging.
-just have fun.
The final score
The main thing is just to be confident and have fun. Pickup basketball is a way to get things off your mind and enjoy the game of basketball with some friendly competition. It may seem like the presidential election to the outsider, but it's really not. Once you start playing, you'll find that it's just another joy of the gym. Respect others and respect the game, and you'll have no problem. So give it a "shot", hehe ^_^ If it's not your cup of tea, you can always go back to the treadmill tomorrow.
-Matthew
