Pickup Basketball (Hoops)
One of the most common recreational sports in the United States and now globally is pickup basketball (hoops). There are some misconceptions and absolute unwritten and written rules about play – which I will discuss.
* The exercise component of hoops is nearly 1000 calories of burn/hour. It is difficult to find a sport to compete with the health benefits. Endurance, stamina, coordination, athleticism, and training are constantly tested. Defense means as much as offense (a hand in the face of a jump shot can bring the percentages down 30%). Defense is burning calories due to the intensity. The exercise and stamina required of pickup hoops is tremendous – a definite cardiac stress test for middle aged men and women. The American Medical Association recommends a minimum of one hour exercise daily. Pickup hoops exercise is well beyond the AMA recommendation.
* Men and women can play together – like pickleball – but hoops is rougher. Thus, if you are a woman, you must be well skilled playing with guys. Players can develop home rules (such as no out-of-bounds). Culturally and by the National Basketball Pickup Rules, some discussion of Pickup Basketball Rules are below.
* Disputes over who touched ball last – giving possession. The ball is immediately shot by the disputer (recommended 3-point line or free throw). The ball does not lie (Rasheed Wallace Rule); and a make gives possession to the shooter’s team if he converts.
* Tik-Tac fouls are not called. Enough said.
* Less than 8 players: play half court; and half court is make it-take it. Full court with 6 or less is a track meet/not basketball – play half-court.
* Offensive player scores and calls a foul (no score and ball out-of-bounds to fouled offensive player - controversial) Uncommonly called (basket counts) due to etiquette.
* Either offense or defense may call a foul.
* Ball is checked with half court games after a made shot (Behind the 3-point line). If the first pass hits the rim or converts, it does not count and the opponent obtains ball possession.
* Jump ball is a stop – defense’s ball (No alternating possessions). You know when the ball has mutual possession. If disputed, then again disputer immediately shoots for possession (instead of lengthy argument).
* Offensive fouls and illegal screens are not called in pickup basketball. Legal screens require giving the defender a step to move and holding still with arms inside shoulders (cement block).
* Double dribble and traveling calls are called by the offender in an honest fashion. You know when you double dribble or travel. The gather step allowed off the pivot foot (allowed in NBA but not in college or HS), is allowed in pickup hoops. Euro steps (3-NBA steps) are not allowed in pickup.
* Win by 2 only if nobody waiting (15 or 21). Half court is 2 points for a 3-point shot and 1 point for inside the 3-point line scoring. Full court is valid 3 points and 2 point scored goals. France plays continuous scores until play is stopped.
* A player will NEVER meet his potential unless he plays a ton of pickup.
* Fouls are possession to the opposition; dishonest repeat offenders (tic-tac) are asked not to return. Amidst rough play, there is considerable etiquette in pickup basketball. You cannot foul-out in pickup basketball – but you can be asked not to return (worse).
* #1 and #2 pickup games in US are in A) Rucker Park (Harlem – I have played there) B) Dirt Bowl in Louisville, Ky. These are serious, but fun games. Rucker Park is where Kobe, Kareem, and many other famous ballers perfected their game. Across the street is the old Polo Grounds – site of Bobby Thompson’s home run (1951 in bottom on 9th); and where Willie May’s catch (a plaque remains) occurred. Down the street is where the Apollo theater resides – where the Motown original tour ended to blocks long waiting crowds in 1962. This is one of the most famous cultural corridors in the US - having music, hoops, and baseball history within walking distance.
Pickup hoops – the greatest game!