How to be a Good Pickup Basketball Teammate

While a game of pickup basketball is inherently different than a regulation one, there are still some similarities that will not only help you to be a better player but will also help your team to win the game. 

This not only includes being a good shooter, passer, dribbler, and rebounder, but also being a good overall teammate.

Below, we’re going to discuss how to be a good pickup basketball teammate and look at how being a good pickup basketball teammate can help your team on the court win the game.

NBA legend and great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar once said, “One man can be a crucial ingredient to a team, but one man cannot make a team.”  These words hold true for both a pickup game as well as a regulation one.  While you, individually, may be a great player, you cannot do it all on your own on the court.

Basketball is, inherently, a team sport.  And, as such, requires the cooperation of teammates and players to succeed.  One player’s weakness in shooting may be overcome by their rebounding abilities.  And, similarly, a player’s weakness with dribbling can be compensated by their pick-and-roll abilities.

Why It’s Important to be a Good Pickup Basketball Teammate?

Being a good teammate on the basketball court, whether in a pickup game or a regulation one, will not only help you to win more games but will also help you to garner the respect of your teammates. 

Let’s admit it, no one really likes a poor teammate and one who hogs the ball and tries to play offense on their own.

And, in addition to garnering the respect of your teammate, being a good pickup basketball teammate will help you to play a more efficient system of basketball.  As basketball is a team sport, it necessitates the need to look for the open player, to make the extra pass, and to assist on defense where a weakness exists.

Lastly, being a good pickup basketball teammate helps you, and your teammates, avoid fatigue and exhaustion on the court.  By sharing the ball and playing cohesively, you are able to lean on your teammates on both offense and defense to play better overall.

Be Accountable

One of the best ways to be a good teammate during a pickup game is to be accountable.  While no one likes admitting their mistakes or faults, doing so is a great way to show your teammates that you understand your mistakes and are attempting to learn from them.

Have a Good Attitude

No matter what happens on the court, you should have and maintain a good attitude throughout.  This means being both optimistic and playing hard on both offense and defense.  In addition, having a good attitude should help you to focus on both the game at hand and your overall gaming abilities.

Compliment Your Teammates

Nearly everyone likes to be complimented and this is especially true on the basketball court.  If your teammate in a pickup game makes a particularly difficult basket or stops a fast break with their superior defense, be sure to compliment them and let them know.

Not only is complimenting your teammate a great way to acknowledge a particularly good play, but it is also a confidence booster and can help your teammate continue to play good, proficient basketball.

Make the Extra Pass

As we stated above, no one likes a ball hog or a selfish player.  While playing a pickup game is inherently different than a regulation one, you should still look to make the extra pass to an open player or to a player with a hot hand.  This shows confidence in your teammates and also helps to breakdown the defense and preys on their inability to properly defend against a good passing team.

Help on Defense

While you don’t want to help on defense during each play, as that will leave your man open, you should assist on defense if you see a mismatch between your teammate and an opposing player.  Helping on defense will not only help you to win the game but it will also help your teammate against an imminent, and easy, bucket.

Hustle on Every Play

Another great way to be a good pickup basketball teammate is to hustle on every play.  Hustling on every play not only helps to set the tone for you and your team, but also  helps to prove your willingness to play for the team and to play hard on each set.

In addition, by hustling on every play you will be more likely to be able to exploit certain defensive weaknesses and help to force ball turnovers.  This will give your team additional opportunities to score and win the game.

Listen to Criticism

While a pickup basketball game is not coached by an official coach, you should still listen to your teammates and take their criticism where warranted.  Teammates on the pickup game generally have many years of experience playing the game and will be able to assist you to better your own.

When it comes to receiving criticism and constructive advice, don’t get defensive or frustrated by the feedback.  Although it can be difficult to listen to criticism, doing so will help you to become a better basketball player and to become a better teammate.

Lead by Example

Lastly, if you are looking for ways to be a great pickup basketball teammate, then you should lead by example.  Hustle on every play, make the extra pass, and help on defensive schemes.  Set the tone for yourself and your teammates through your own play.

Leading by example is also a great way to hold yourself accountable on the court.  You will be more confident and more in control in how you play and will be able to focus on the game at hand.  Playing unselfish, smart, focused basketball will also help you to be a better player during a regulation game.