How to play basketball
Basketball is the classic pickup sport: outdoor courts are free, games start every few minutes, and one ball is enough. Full court is 5 on 5, half court games are 3 on 3 or 2 on 2.
The basics
- A basket inside the arc counts 2 points, from beyond the arc 3, and a free throw 1. In pickup, many courts count 1 and 2 instead.
- You must dribble while you move with the ball; walking with it is a travel.
- Once you stop dribbling, you pass or shoot: dribbling again is a double dribble.
- In half court, the ball must go back behind the arc ("take it back" or "clear it") after the defence gets it.
- Games usually go to 11, 15 or 21, and many need a two-point lead to win.
What you need
- Basketball shoes or any shoes with good ankle support and grip.
- A ball: size 7 for men, size 6 for women and teens.
- Light clothes, water, and a towel on hot days.
How a pickup game works
At a busy court, players call "next" to claim the next game and bring their own team of five, or join whoever is left. The winning team stays on and the next team plays them. First teams are often picked by shooting free throws: the first five to make one play together.
Pickup etiquette
- Call "next" out loud and remember who had it before you.
- Call your own fouls; the player fouled checks the ball and play restarts.
- "Check ball": hand the ball to the defender before play starts again.
- Winners stay, but rotate in a player who has waited long when the teams are uneven.
Your first games
- Learn the court rules first: points per basket and what score wins vary from court to court.
- Play defence and grab rebounds; it is the fastest way to get picked again.
- Go at quieter times (mornings, weekday afternoons) for your first games.
Questions
What does "I got next" mean?
That you claim the next game against the winners. Bring or find four others to play with you.
How is pickup basketball scored?
Often by ones and twos (1 inside the arc, 2 beyond it) up to 11 or 21, but every court has its own habits, so ask first.
Who calls fouls in pickup?
The player who was fouled calls it. Good pickup games keep calls rare and do not argue them.
The cities with the most basketball courts on JOGO.
How many calories does basketball burn?
Work it out for your weight on JOGO Fuel, free.