Best Ways to Be a Better Basketball Player for Pickup Games
A game of pickup basketball is one of the best ways to not only improve your game, but also a great way to meet other basketball players in your area and to get in some cardiovascular exercise. However, many of us may feel nervous before jumping onto the court for a pickup game.
Below, we’re going to review the absolute best ways to be a better basketball player for pickup games. These tips will help you to not only feel more confident but will also help you be a better player on the court during a pickup game.
The pickup game is inherently different than a regulation one. Whereas regulation games are a bit more restrictive, with official referees, the pickup game is typically more individualistic. In addition, the pickup game tends to be more fast-paced and less formal than a regulation game.
Before jumping in, you may also want to read our guide on how to be a good pickup basketball teammate.
What is a Pickup Basketball Game?
A pickup basketball game is a basketball game held on a basketball court amongst players at the court. It is an informal game and is typically begun when ten individual players amass on the court. Typically, in a pickup basketball game, one person will introduce the idea of playing a game, which will be followed by team selection.
While ten players are ideal, it is not necessary to begin a pickup game. In fact, many pickup games can begin with only 6 or 8 players, playing 3×3 or 4×4. However, for a proper, and more intense, pickup game 10 players are ideal.
As there aren’t too many official rules for a pickup game, team selections tend to form based on a variety of factors. One factor may be that a team of five may show-up on the court, looking to play against another team of five.
However, a popular means to forming a team of five is to simply “shoot for it”. In this situation, each player will take a shot from the free-throw line. The first five players to make the free-throw show will be on one team, while the remaining five will be on another team.
One-on-One Game
One of the best ways to be a better player for the pickup game is to practice playing one-on-one. As the one-on-one game follows many of the same unofficial rules as a full pickup game, you will be able to practice your basketball abilities on the court.
In addition, the one-on-one game forces you to play both offense and defense individually. Doing so will not only increase your offensive and defensive abilities, but you will also learn how to handle the ball and to defend a particular player against their offensive abilities.
Work on Your Strength and Conditioning
The pickup game, without a doubt, is more rough and tough than a regulation game. And with foul calls being frowned upon, many players play rougher and more aggressively. As-such, it is important to not only work on your basketball skills but to also work on your strength and conditioning.
This means that you should be hitting the gym and building muscle and strength. In addition, the pickup game is typically more fast-paced than a regulation one. You will likely be running up-and-down the court for each play and should also train your cardiovascular endurance.
Be a Team Player
As the pickup game is less formal than a regulation one, there are often deep weaknesses and vulnerabilities that can be exploited while on offense. While you may have superior ball handling and shooting abilities, you should also be a team player and make that extra pass.
Doing so will not only set the tone on the court but will also help you and your team to have better shooting opportunities. Many players don’t focus on defense during a pickup game and making that extra pass will exploit that vulnerability and will lead to easier shots for your team.
Work on Your Dribbling Skills
The pickup game is notorious for players with excellent ballhandling and dribbling skills. From quick crossovers to fake passes, you can expect it all on the court.
However, if you are looking to be a better pickup game player, then you should also focus on your ballhandling and dribbling skills. While you don’t have to have a killer crossover, you should be able to dribble the ball across the court in the face of stiff, man-to-man defense.
Be Confident and Don’t Get Frustrated
The key to being a good basketball player during a pickup game is to be confident. While definitely easier said than done, confidence will help you to understand both your strengths and weaknesses and to execute on your abilities.
In addition, being confident will help you to get over your fears of joining a pickup game and playing to your best abilities.
Similarly, during a pickup game, you should be sure to restrain yourself and to not show too much frustration. The pickup game, being informal, tends to dislike weakness and frustration. Although you may be upset about a missed shot or a poor defensive execution, you should hustle back to play and continue the game.
Don’t be a Sore Loser
Perhaps the worst thing you can do on a pickup game is to be a sore loser. Pickup games are meant to be informal and fun. While you want your team to win, you should maintain a level of maturity and professionalism. No one likes a sore loser and even more so during a pickup game.
Work for Every Shot
As pickup games are informal, many players may have an individualistic mindset. While frustrating, you should look to work for each and every shot. That means completing pick-and-rolls, hustling for the loose ball, and finding an open position for a good shot.
Though you may not get the ball on each offensive play, by being active and looking for the open shot, you will increase your chances of having the ball passed to you.