So, I got really into this whole outdoor basketball thing lately. It wasn’t like some big plan, you know? It just kinda happened.
Getting Started
First off, I had to actually find a decent court. You’d think they’re everywhere, but finding one that’s not got cracked pavement or bent rims takes a bit of looking. I drove around my area for a couple of afternoons. Checked out some parks. Some were empty, some were packed. Found this one spot near an old school, pretty good surface, nets were mostly there. Good enough.
Then, it was just about showing up. First few times, I just went myself. Took my ball, started shooting around. Sometimes nobody else was there. Just me, the ball, the hoop. Practiced my free throws, which, let’s be honest, needed work. Other times, a few other guys would be there, doing the same thing. You nod, maybe comment on a shot. Standard court stuff.
Joining In
Eventually, you gotta play, right? I’m not usually the guy to jump in asking for games. Bit awkward sometimes. But one Saturday, there were like 8 guys, clearly needing one or two more for a full-court run. I just kinda hung around the edge, shooting hoops. One of them finally yelled over, “Hey man, you wanna run?” So, I jogged over. That’s how it usually starts. No big ceremony.
- Picked teams. Usual playground style, shoot for captains, pick one by one.
- Played. Man, outdoor ball is different. Wind screws your shot. Sun’s in your eyes. The pavement is rougher on your knees.
- It’s way less structured than indoor leagues I used to play in. More raw. Lots of arguing about fouls, but mostly in good fun.
- Got sweaty. Got tired. Won some, lost some.
The Vibe
It reminds me of why I started liking basketball in the first place. It’s simple. No refs, no fancy uniforms. Just show up and play. You meet all sorts of people. Young guys with crazy handles, older dudes who can barely jump but somehow always score, guys who think they’re LeBron. It’s a mix.
Funny thing, this whole outdoor court thing actually started ’cause my usual indoor gym jacked up their prices like crazy last year. Just couldn’t justify it anymore, you know? Was complaining about it to my neighbour, real old timer, and he just shrugged and said, “There’s a court down the street, always been free.” Felt kinda dumb I hadn’t thought of it. Been going there ever since.
So yeah, that’s my outdoor NBA experience. Just playing ball outside. Nothing fancy, but it’s real. Gets me out of the house, gets some exercise. Can’t beat that.
