Basketball Draft
Fast five-on-five team game where you score by shooting a ball through a raised hoop. Works as a full pickup game, a half-court three-on-three, or solo shooting practice.
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How to start
What you need
- Basketball sized for your age (size 7 for most adults and teens, smaller for kids)
- Court shoes with ankle grip
- Breathable shorts and shirt
- Water bottle
Typical cost
About $0 to $30 for a ball if you use free public courts; shoes $50 to $150; gym or league fees usually $5 to $15 per drop-in visit or $60 to $150 per season (approximate, varies by city).
Where to play
Outdoor park hoops, school gyms after hours, community centers, YMCA-style gyms, and local pickup nights.
Rules
- Two teams play on a court, and each tries to put the ball through the opposing hoop.
- You must dribble to move with the ball; picking it up ends your dribble and you must pass or shoot.
- Taking too many steps without dribbling is a travel and gives the ball to the other team.
- Pushing, holding or hitting a player is a foul; fouled shooters may get free throws.
- A normal basket is worth 2 points, a shot from behind the arc is 3, a free throw is 1.
- After a made basket the other team restarts play; after a miss, whoever grabs the rebound plays on.
- Pickup games often play to 11 or 21 points, counting by ones and twos, and the winner stays on.
- Organized leagues add a shot clock and a rule against carrying the ball back over the half-court line.
Drills
Form shooting 10 min
Stand close to the hoop, one hand under the ball and the other on the side. Shoot with a smooth lift and follow through with a floppy wrist. Make 10 in a row, then step back one pace.
Stationary dribble 8 min
Dribble at waist height, then knee height, then ankle height with each hand without looking down. Add a crossover between the hands.
Wall or partner passing 8 min
Throw crisp chest and bounce passes from about 10 feet away, stepping into every pass. Keep your hands up to receive.
Layup lines 10 min
Start near the elbow of the key, take two steps and jump off the inside foot with a layup. Do 10 from each side.
Defensive slides 6 min
Stay low with your feet wide, slide side to side across the lane without crossing your feet. Do 5 rounds of 20 seconds.
Etiquette
- Call your own fouls honestly and respect calls on you.
- Wait your turn in pickup; the winners stay, the losers sit out.
- Help a stranger up and learn names before and after a game.
Safety
- Warm up your ankles and calves; most injuries are sprains from landing on someone else's foot.
- Check the court for wet spots or loose objects before you play.
- Take water breaks in hot gyms and stop if you feel dizzy.
Levels
- 1Just learning to dribble, pass and shoot from close range.
- 2Can make layups and basic jump shots; understands simple rules.
- 3Plays pickup comfortably, uses both hands, defends man to man.
- 4Strong shooter and passer; reads plays; contributes on competitive league teams.
- 5Plays at a high local, school-team or club level with advanced skills and conditioning.
Questions
How many players do I need?
Five a side is standard, but three-on-three half-court works well and you can play one-on-one or just shoot alone.
Do I need to be tall?
No. Quickness, shooting and teamwork matter as much as height, and every position has a role.
How do I find a game?
Look for community center open gym hours and park pickup runs, then ask regulars when they play.
Draft guide: written from general knowledge and not yet checked by someone who plays basketball. Costs are approximate and vary by city. Check with a coach or doctor before starting anything new.