Ayrton Oneill
Pickup basketball is an incredibly popular pastime, with thousands of games being played every day. However, there are some issues with the scoring system, which can lead to an over-inflation of the value of 3-pointers. This has resulted in an unusual amount of long-range shots and a devaluation of close-range shots. To fix pickup basketball, players should be incentivized to shoot closer to the basket and be discouraged from taking long-range shots. This can be achieved by adopting a scoring system that rewards closer shots and penalizes long-range shots. Additionally, players should be mindful of finding a group that suits their skill level and attitude towards the game, as well as being aware of basic strategies and techniques such as passing, screening, and defensive positioning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scoring | 1s and 2s |
| 2s and 3s | |
| 3s and 2s | |
| Timing window for a post pass | Very small |
| Screening | Switch all screens |
| Group | Find a casual group |
| Find a group you enjoy playing with | |
| Guarding | Don't guard the worst player |
| Hand-checks on defense | Take advantage of it |
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What You'll Learn
Find a casual group to play with
Finding a casual group to play pickup basketball with can be a great way to improve your enjoyment of the game. It can be helpful to seek out a group that is more casual and less serious, especially if you are a beginner. This way, you can avoid players who take the game too seriously and may not be as welcoming to newcomers.
When looking for a casual group, consider the skill level of the players. Pickup basketball attracts a wide range of skill levels, from beginners to collegiate-level players. If you are a beginner, look for a group with a similar skill level to avoid being overwhelmed.
Once you've found a potential group, don't be afraid to ask if you can join their next game. Most groups will be accommodating and allow you to join. It's a good idea to think in terms of the number of players needed for a game. For example, if they need a sixth player, that could be you!
After playing with a group and enjoying their company, make sure to ask about their regular playing schedule. This way, you can turn it into a regular thing and build a rapport with your teammates. It's a bit like dating in that way—you might have to try out a few groups before you find one that suits your playing style and personality.
So, when looking to fix your pickup basketball experience, finding a casual group to play with is a great place to start. Seek out less serious players, ask to join their next game, and then work on making it a regular occurrence with a group you enjoy.
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Don't guard the worst player
When playing pickup basketball, it is important to be strategic about whom you guard and how you guard them. One common strategy is to "'guard the worst player' on the opposing team. This strategy is particularly effective in pickup ball, where players often lack the "basketball IQ" to exploit openings in the defence.
The idea is not to focus your defensive efforts on the weakest player but rather to use that player as a decoy, allowing you to "'rove around in the paint'. By loosely guarding the worst player, you can quickly rotate to double-team anyone on the opposing team who drives or posts up. This shuts down their ability to score on drives or post moves, forcing them to rely on lower-percentage three-point shots. By encouraging your teammates to get in their opponents' faces and disrupt these long-range shots, you can further decrease the other team's scoring chances.
This strategy hinges on the assumption that the opposing team has at least one weak player, which is often the case in pickup ball. By ignoring this player and focusing your efforts on more skilled opponents, you can effectively disrupt their scoring opportunities and increase your chances of winning.
However, it is important to note that this strategy may raise eyebrows and is considered by some to "'break basketball codes'". Additionally, it may fail if the opposing team does not have any weak players or if they have good outside shooters who can consistently make three-point shots.
In conclusion, while guarding the worst player can be an effective strategy in pickup basketball, it requires adaptability and an understanding of your opponents' skills. By recognising their weaknesses and exploiting them, you can gain a competitive advantage and improve your chances of victory.
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Switch all screens
When it comes to pickup basketball, the general approach is to switch all screens. This means that if you are caught in a screen, you stick with your player, but in most other cases, you call it out and switch. This strategy is in line with the modern, positionless nature of the game, where players need to be versatile and capable of defending any position.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, when there are significant size differences between players, switching screens may not be the best strategy. In such cases, it may be more effective to adjust the defensive approach accordingly.
It's important to recognize that pickup basketball often involves players with varying skill levels and physical attributes. By switching screens, the game can become more balanced and competitive, as players are forced to adapt to different matchups and positions. This can also help prevent exhaustion, as players won't always be guarding quicker or more agile opponents.
Additionally, switching screens can create opportunities for teamwork and communication. Calling out screens and coordinating switches require effective communication between teammates. This can lead to better overall defense and a more cohesive team performance.
In summary, while the general rule of thumb in pickup basketball is to switch all screens, there are exceptions, especially when player sizes vary drastically. Switching screens can promote versatility, balance, and teamwork, contributing to a more enjoyable and competitive game for all involved.
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Scoring systems should be standardised
The scoring system is a crucial aspect of basketball, and standardising the scoring system in pickup basketball can bring several benefits. Firstly, it promotes fairness and consistency across different games and locations. By adopting a uniform scoring system, players can easily understand and adapt to the rules, regardless of where they are playing. This consistency can help create a level playing field, ensuring that everyone follows the same guidelines and reducing potential confusion or disputes during gameplay.
Standardising the scoring system can also enhance the overall quality of play. Currently, many pickup basketball games use a simplified scoring system, such as awarding one point for shots inside the arc and two points for shots beyond it. However, this approach significantly deviates from the traditional 2-point and 3-point denominations used in organised basketball leagues. By standardising the scoring system to align with the conventions of the sport, players can develop their skills more effectively. They can practice and refine their shot selection, understanding the true value and impact of each shot type. This encourages players to make strategic decisions that consider both the difficulty and reward of different shots.
Additionally, a standardised scoring system can help regulate the flow and balance of the game. In the traditional 2s-and-3s framework, both 2-pointers and 3-pointers have the same expected value per shot, creating a balanced incentive structure. However, in the 1s-and-2s system commonly used in pickup basketball, players are strongly incentivised to focus on long-range shots beyond the arc, leading to an excessive number of low-percentage shots and potentially hindering the development of a well-rounded offensive game. Standardising the scoring system can address this imbalance, encouraging players to utilise a variety of shot options and develop a more diverse skillset.
Furthermore, standardisation can facilitate a more accurate evaluation of player performance. With a consistent scoring system, it becomes easier to assess and compare the performance of players across different games and locations. This consistency enables players to track their progress, identify areas for improvement, and set meaningful goals. It also allows for more informed team selection and strategy development, as players can identify their strengths and weaknesses relative to a standardised scoring framework.
While standardising the scoring system in pickup basketball may require some adjustment and communication to ensure widespread adoption, the benefits are significant. Standardisation promotes fairness, enhances the quality of play by encouraging strategic shot selection, regulates the balance of incentives, and enables more accurate player evaluation. By embracing a uniform scoring system, players can improve their skills, make more informed decisions, and ultimately elevate the overall experience and competitiveness of pickup basketball.
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Use your hands to impede opponents
Using your hands to impede opponents is a tricky area in basketball, with a lot of grey areas. The general rule is that "illegal use of hands" in basketball refers to making illegal contact with an opponent using your hands, which impedes their movement and disrupts the game. This includes actions like slapping, holding, or pushing. However, simply touching an opponent is not always a foul—it becomes a foul if the contact provides an unfair advantage or impedes their progress, such as placing and maintaining a hand or arm to hinder their movement.
In the NBA, any amount of contact at the hip will be called a foul, and hand-checking is illegal. However, in other leagues, such as the Euroleague, soft contact at the hip is allowed as long as the offensive player is stationary. As soon as the offensive player starts moving forward, the hand must be removed so as not to impede them. In US high school basketball, you are allowed to touch the offensive player lightly with your hand for a short period of time, but you cannot restrict their freedom of movement or have prolonged contact.
As an intramural referee, one player said they wouldn't call a foul unless the player's hand blocked the opponent and impeded their movement. Another player noted that arm extension is technically a foul, but if it's subtle, a referee might overlook it. Ultimately, it's up to the officials to decide if the contact qualifies as a foul based on whether it restricts the opponent's movement.
To avoid using your hands to impede opponents, defenders must aim for the hand in contact with the ball, as incidental contact with this hand is not a foul. Reaching in is also not a foul unless followed by illegal contact. It's important to note that off-ball fouls occur away from the ball carrier and often involve illegal use of hands to impede movement, such as holding an opponent trying to cut to the basket or pushing a player attempting to create space. Grabbing, pushing, or hitting players not in possession of the ball are common off-ball fouls that disrupt the flow of the game and give an unfair advantage to the offending team.
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Frequently asked questions
Find a group that looks casual and ask if you can join their next game.
Don't guard the worst player and don't wait too long to make a pass. Use your hands to impede and check your opponent.
Most pickup games are scored using 1s and 2s, meaning shots made inside the arc are worth one point and shots made beyond it are worth two.
Analytics can help you understand the expected value of different types of shots and adjust your shot selection accordingly. For example, in a game scored by 1s and 2s, long-range shots become more valuable.
