I can remember my mom saying, “Get outside and play and don’t come back in until dinner is ready.” As I got older I didn’t have to be told, I wanted to be outside and I wanted to play – whatever sport was in season. But mid-summer was for basketball. Where I grew up in Bergen County you could always find a game in town and as you grew older you could drive 5 minutes in any direction and find a game and good competition. Where there was a court there was a game. Once a week we’d drive to Jersey City or Union City to play with and against kids from our league rivals.

Neighboring towns were also school season rivals so there was always some intensity and motivation to compete. On lots of occasions you got teamed up with kids who you played against during the school season. You had to adjust to the different style of play. You learned how to play without the structure of a set offense or detailed plays. You learned the game by playing against kids that knew how to play. There was always something to learn.

The games were always played outside on asphalt, often on rims without nets, slightly bent from guys hanging on them (this was before breakaway rims). A few towns had lighted courts. You worked your way to those courts as the sun went down. You’d get there and there were often 20 -30 kids waiting to play. You had to win to stay on the court – or sit out a while waiting for another chance to play. The prospect of sitting out made you play harder. There were no referees, you called your own fouls – or didn’t. Only soft kids called fouls. Most of the time the play was physical but clean.

I don’t see a lot of pickup basketball anymore. Most courts are dormant. Organized sports have slowly replaced simple play. Kids don’t want to play unless it’s inside and structured like a league, AAU or a travel program.

We are one month into the summer. It’s time to be outside and playing – a lot. Players are made in the summer. Away from coaches and adult oversight you can experiment with your game and try new things without fear of failing or disappointing a coach or parent. Playing pickup basketball is essential to your development. When you play pick up you play with a wide range of talent. Some days you are the man (or woman). Some days you get your butt kicked. You learn how to adapt your play and your behavior. You learn to take on different roles to adjust to the team you are on. You learn to be resilient (all skills that come in handy later in life).

Yeah, I know, it’s hot outside. Imagine that – hot in the summer. Despite the heat there are lots of other reasons to play pickup basketball. It contributes to your conditioning, develops your athleticism, provides competition and requires you to improve communication skills and teamwork skills. Without the structure or organized basketball you can develop your personal style. In a less structured format you have to develop individual skills to compete. You become a more creative player. You learn to play tough, physical basketball when there is no referee.

As usual this is not only my opinion. A study at the University of Colorado found that children who spent more time in less structured activities (like pickup games) develop better self—directed executive function (the ability to achieve goals without help from adults).

In 2018 the American Academy of Pediatrics said play enhances creativity, imagination, dexterity, boldness, teamwork skills, stress management skills, confidence, conflict resolution, decision making skills, problem solving skills and learning behavior.

There is also a benefit from what some call risky play. Risky play can be defined as a thrilling and exciting activity that involves a risk of physical injury, and play that provides opportunities for challenge, testing limits, exploring boundaries and learning about injury risk (Sandseter (2007; Little & Wyver, 2008). In our youth this includes activities such as climbing, sliding, balancing, jumping from heights and hanging upside down. (Tovey, 2010, pg. 79). Kids that participate in risky play are more confident, resilient, better equipped to handle stress and anxiety. Over the years parents (me included) have become over protective. Kids rarely engage in risky play now. As a result kids can be less resilient, have trouble handling failure, struggle with real life issues and in some cases suffer with anxiety and depression. Risky play doesn’t mean playing unsafely. It means that they can learn to be aware of risks and manage risks. Kids can learn to think about their choices and use problem solving skills when met with challenges. Pickup games are a little like risky play and can serve a similar purpose, especially when we play with unfamiliar or older, more experienced kids.

Brandon Staten, Alina’s dad, sent an e-mail out to the current high school players. He offered to coordinate pickup games at the Lebanon Township Memorial Park. Take advantage of this opportunity. Get out and play – a lot. The more you play the better you’ll become.

And middle school players – do the same. Get together and play – 1 on 1, 2 on 2 – whatever you can do. The summer is flying by. Take advantage of the remaining time and play.