"Street GAMES" and it's affect on BASKETBALL

Growing up in NYC during the 70's & 80's an era that, in hindsight, enhanced young player's athletic ability which in turn affected their basketball skills.

NYC, like most urban cities, is infamous for it's ability to create or reinvent games that, prior to the social media and computer crazed world of today, built community and fostered "friendly" competition.  Games such as STICKBALL, hide & seek, and red light - green light 1-2-3 were urban America staples, however it was three games that amplified my basketball ability.

BASKETBALL SKILL DEVELOPMENT via "STREET" games

• "21" - In different parts of the country the game goes by "UTAH", but the premise is the same.  The player with the ball competes against a group of players at which point, he/she looks to score two points.  After the player scores two points, he/she is rewarded by an opportunity to earn another 3 points by making 3 consecutive free throws at that point he/she will repeat the entire process.  If foul shot is missed, whoever grabs the rebound will become the offensive player where he/she will attempt to score on the entire group.  Generally, the first player to earn 21 points will be deemed the winner.   

• "52" - The game is played with a group of players (ideally 2-3).  Players shoot from top of key (High School 3 point range) and all shots made from that spot will earn the shooter 5 points. At that point, after the 5 point shot is MADE (must make the 5 point shot to begin game) wherever the ball lands (stops) the shooter has the chance to earn another 2 points by converting they next shot. IF shooter converts both shots, he/she will repeat, but if the shooter only converts one of the two shots the next shooter will go. First shooter to reach 52 points is the winner.  

ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT via "STREET" games

• "HOPSCOTCH"

• "TAG"

 As we fast forward to today's world, we find that most of today's children are instead of playing "street games" are playing computer generated games and are NOT outside.  These games not only were fun, but they provided members of the community a sense of togetherness, enhanced player's self esteem, and the above (and other) "street games" created tougher and competitive players. In addition, via "athletic development" games players developed fast twitch muscles and learned movements that aided in the creation of an athletic player.