What is Shirts Versus Skins in Basketball?
Whether you are playing a pickup game outside in the sweltering heat or indoors with many different players, there may come a time when someone suggests playing a game of shirts versus skins. While the connotation may appear raunchy, shirts versus skins is anything but and is, in fact, a harmless, simple, and effective way to play the game.
If you’re wondering what shirts versus skins is in a basketball game, then you’ve definitely come to the right place. We’re going to discuss the nuances of the shirts versus skins game in basketball, why it is done, the surrounding controversy of the practice, and alternatives that can be implemented.
What is Shirts Versus Skins?
In the simplest terms, shirts versus skins is a common form of team affiliations in a pickup basketball game. In a shirts versus skins game, one team will play with their shirts on, while the opposing team will play the game shirtless.
A game of shirts versus skins is typically played during a pickup game. The reason that a game of shirts versus skins may be called is that, simply, it may be difficult for players on a team to identify one-another without a common jersey or piece of clothing.
As many players arrive to a court for a pickup game wearing differing levels of clothing, clothing brands, and clothing colors, it can be especially difficult to differentiate which player is on your team versus on the opposing team. As-such, some players may recommend playing shirts versus skins to better differentiate team affiliations.
Is Shirts Versus Skins Common in Regulation Games?
No, a game of shirts versus skins is practically unheard of at any regulation level. Rather, in a regulation game, players will identify members of their own team by the color of their jerseys.
In addition, in a regulation game, players will be playing with individuals they have practiced with and will know who is on their team versus who is on the opposing team.
However, there have been instances in the NBA and other regulation leagues where players will practice in a shirts versus skins manner. This is typically done due to the ease of beginning a practice game and may also be done as a means to cool off after a particularly intense practice session.
Why is Shirts Versus Skins Played in Pickup Games?
Typically, in a pickup game, many players will not know one-another on a personal or intimate level. Therefore, playing with each other can be confusing, leading to errant passes and miscues between players and teammates.
One easy, and extremely effective, way to be able to identify who is on your team is to have a common theme amongst one-another. A shirts versus skins game solves this issue. Playing with shirts or with a shirtless team quickly and easily determines teammates and removes the obstacle of identifying teammates.
In addition, playing a game of shirts versus skins is a quick and easy way to begin the game. Whereas, in other situations, players may need to become acquainted with one-another before beginning the game to ensure who is on their team versus who isn’t, by simply playing shirts versus skins, players can begin the game almost immediately and without the need of establishing acquaintances.
Who Plays Shirts Versus Skins?
Typically, shirts versus skins is played within a pickup game and is almost never done in a regulation game of any type. However, the shirts versus skins game is almost exclusively a male dominated theme. This is due to the taboo nature of female toplessness.
However, in the cases of a female present and wanting to play a game of pickup basketball, common etiquette, and basketball manners states that the females will play on the team of shirts. Pushing or coercing the females to play on the team of skins is not only considered disrespectful but is also an easy way to be kicked out of the game or court.
Is There a Controversy Surrounding Shirts Versus Skins?
In recent years, the idea of shirts versus skins has largely grown out of favor. Due to the rise in body-related image issues, both parents and players have begun to discourage the practice. Although the shirts versus skins game is still played, it is slowly fading away and being replaced through more practical means.
The reason that shirts versus skins is losing favor is due to many players being uncomfortable with being shirtless. This can be due to a variety of differing reasons and does not necessarily need to equate to being insecure of being shirtless. Whatever the reason may be, it is always important to remain understanding and encouraging of differing viewpoints and personal preferences.
Alternatives to Playing Shirts Versus Skins
As the shirts versus skins game is being slowly phased out, both parents and players are coopting the use of pinnies. Pinnies are simple, mesh-like cloth that are placed over an individual players shirt. Pinnies are generally lightweight and can come in a variety of colors.
Due to their relatively cheap cost and the fact that pinnies are sold in sets of ten or twelve, they are a great option for anyone looking to play a pickup game. Simply purchase a pack of pinnies from Amazon or your local sports store and keep them in your car or duffel bag.
If the time comes where a need to differentiate players based on team affiliation, you’ll be able to pull out your pinnies and provide to your team.