Trash talking and basketball go hand-in-hand. Whether at a recreational, scrimmage game at the local park or a professional, championship winning game in the NBA, basketball players and trash talking will always be a part of the game.
However, learning how to trash talk in a basketball game, and knowing when to, are two important aspects that you should learn to not only avoid getting yourself into a compromising situation, but also to not look like a bully while doing so.
While trash talking is a part of a basketball game, there are a number of unwritten rules surrounding the practice. These rules will not only make the game, and the trash talking, more enjoyable, but will also be seen as generally lighthearted and playful as to mean no offense.
What is Trash Talking?
Trash talking is a form of insult used by one player against their opponent to make fun of them, their ability to play the game, and their general ineffectiveness on either offense or defense. Generally, however, trash talking in a game of basketball is meant to be lighthearted and fun.
Trash talking if taken too far, however, can quickly be seen as a form of verbal harassment. Therefore, it is important to understand what is considered playful trash talking versus actual harassment. Not only will knowing the difference help you to avoid a precarious situation but it will also help you to not be seen as a bully on the court.
Famous NBA Players Who Trash Talked
Trash talking, contrary to popular belief, exists across all leagues and levels of play in basketball. And the NBA is not immune to both playful and more serious forms of trash talking.
As the Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry stated, “Trash talking is part of the game. You have to give it. You have to be able to take it. It’s just that you don’t want to see it ever cross the line and become personal, because the game of basketball is never that serious in regards to disrespecting people. So, you have to leave it on the floor.”
And Stephen Curry’s teammate, Klay Thompson further explained the nuances of acceptable versus unacceptable trash talking, “The only time it’s really crossing the line, is bringing someone’s family into it or talking about race or gender or something. But when it’s just bad words or some cuss words, man, that’s emotions. You have to let it go and let it stay on the court.”
While many NBA players in the league trash talk, many older NBA players believe the trash talking was more significant in the 80’s and 90’s. both Tyronn Lue and Dennis Scott noted that playing against the likes of Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal would be significantly worse in terms of the trash talk they would receive.
Scott noted, “I always tease the younger generation, telling them, ‘There is no way you could have played against Gary Payton. There is no way you could’ve played against Reggie Miller. There is no way you could’ve played against Larry Bird.’ All those guys talked trash in a different kind of way. And when all of them talk trash, they tell you to look at the scoreboard and they tell you they have 30 [points].”
Unwritten Rules of Trash Talking
It is important to understand the unwritten rules of trash talking before engaging in that behavior. As you do not want to be seen as a bully nor do you want to place yourself in a precarious situation which may lead to an actual fight.
Firstly, trash talking should never include another player’s family, race, culture, or socioeconomic status. Those topics are off limits. And bringing them up can and will likely lead to a physical altercation. Many basketball players are prideful and bringing up those topics will lead to a fight.
Secondly, you should only trash talk if your team is winning the game. Trash talking while losing the game can easily be rebutted by simply glancing over to the scoreboard. If your team is losing, and losing badly, you should avoid trash talking unless you can back it up by leading your team to victory.
Lastly, trash talking should only be done if you can back up your claims on the court. If your team is winning but you have little impact on the game, then you should avoid trash talking. Trash talking is generally done by the better players on the court and you should honestly ask yourself if you had much impact on the game to warrant trash talking.
The Benefits of Not Trash Talking
While basketball players across the world will trash talk, there is something to be said for players that do not. Particularly players who can trash talk but simply choose not to. This is more in regards to players who play well and have a direct impact on the game.
By not trash talking, these players are often seen as more deadly, focused, and committed to winning. There is something to be said by simply not saying anything at all. Being able to hit a deep three and walking back to defense is more devastating than simply trash talking afterwards.
Not saying anything signifies that you inherently know that you are a better shooter than your opponent. There’s not much to say, simply let the scoreboard do the talking for you.
When to Trash Talk
When it comes to knowing how to trash talk in a basketball game, it is as important to understand when to. Firstly, you should always “read the room” and determine if trash talking is warranted. If you and your team are beating a significantly less skilled team, then trash talking is probably not warranted and will seem more like bullying.
However, if you and your team are beating a higher ranked, more skilled team, then trash talking may be an appropriate response.
In the same vein, you should also identify the situation before beginning to trash talk. If the game is close, trash talking an opposing player may actually give them a boost of confidence to attempt to win the game. Psychology is funny, while you may want to trash talk to get into your opponent’s head, doing so may lead to the opposite.
Lastly, and really most importantly, trash talking should only be done when you and your team are significantly defeating a similarly ranked or higher ranked team.
However, the one caveat to this rule is when it comes to rivalries. If you are facing off against a rival team, with a long-standing feud, then trash talking is not only warranted, but in fact expected. Just be sure that you are able to back it up on the court.
What Should You Trash Talk About?
When it comes to talking trash, there really are only a few topics you should discuss. The first, and most obvious, is your own skill level and how much better of a basketball player you are then the opposing team. Again, be sure that your actions can back up your trash talking claims.
Secondly, you can trash talk about how much more inferior an opposing team is on the court. Again, this should be in regards to their ability to play basketball and nothing else.
Lastly, you should always try to trash talk in a humorous and lighthearted manner. Keeping it lighthearted and funny will help you to avoid a precarious situation and will help you to not seem like too much of a bully.
Why You Should Trash Talk
Talking trash, especially in the younger leagues, is often seen as a form of harassment. However, there are instances where talking trash can actually be beneficial. For starters, talking trash can be a great way to boost your own confidence.
By talking trash, you are placing yourself in a mindset of being the best on the court.
Secondly, talking trash can be a helpful way to get into your opponent’s head. You may be able to successfully knock off their confidence and their ability to play efficiently, ultimately helping you and your team to win the game.
Lastly, trash talking is simply part of basketball culture. You should be able to both give and take it. However, never take it too far and know that one day you may also be on the receiving end. Trash talk playfully and may the better team win.