The Art of the Pick-Up Game
One of the most important finds when moving to a new town is a basketball run. Not necessarily an organized league but a group of 15-20 guys who just show up to play once a week. Teams are picked in some random way and everyone must remember to bring a light and a dark shirt. (Grey shirts are the worst and should not be allowed.)
Personally, I have been all over the Great White North and I have been lucky enough to find a run in each place I have landed. While each league had its unique elements, The Prof and I agreed there were several player types which enhance the play:
The Tough Guys
You know you can body up on these guys and they will just give it back to you. They throw elbows, but they also love it when you plant an elbow on their chest. Rake their eyes? They will just be worried about finding their contact. Foul to hard and offer no high five, expect to be on your ass the next time you go to the hole.
The Bombers
Don't leave them open and don't forget where they are. These guys are always ready to fire and watch out if they get hot. I love attacking the key when these guys are on my team; I get myself in trouble and they bail me out with a three.
The Runners
From start to finish, these guys are always looking to push the ball. If you keep up, you know you will have a couple of lay-ups. No one can refuse their call of, "Let's go!" From the bench, you can really see their separation speed.
The Bangers (A close relative of the Tough Guys.)
Battling for rebounds can be a thankless job. They get bounced around while they look to clean up other people's misses. The neat thing is, the good ones look like they are having fun.
The Generals
They never look to shoot first, even when they should. You will get touches when they are on the floor. I love it when these guys distribute the ball and control the pace, but step up and knock down the big shots when their team needs them.
The Stopper
These guys are often limited offensively, but make up for it on the defensive end. They love working their tails off to come up with a defection, a steal, or an unexpected block. You cannot float a pass around these guys because it will be going the other way in a heartbeat.
The Youngsters
These guys are just happy to find a game. They may start with some street ball type attitude but they catch on pretty quick. Then they fall in line and bring the energy.
The Wiley Vet
Where did that pass come from? He can't hit that shot. The old guys surprise you all the time and every now and again, they remember their old game and make everyone regret not guarding them harder.
The Watering Hole
The game takes a step up when you have a place to go after. Your pitchers are always filled to the brim and there seems to be more on your wing platter. The boss makes sure there is room for everyone and the conversation is the fun ride. People make unrealistic claims and terms like significant defense are created.
