2-on-2 Pickup Strategy

The following are some strategies for 2x2 pickup games:

Find the mismatch. Usually, the two teams won't be even. If one of their guys can't guard you or your teammate, find some way to get matched up onto them. Use screens to make them switch.

Double-team to avoid a mismatch. If you have the mismatch on your team, use strategic double-teams to limit the damage. Don't double too early, especially against good passers.

Be methodical. There's no shot clock, so take your time. Use screens, post ups, and work the ball inside-out to get the shot you want. The longer you make your opponent play defense, the greater chance they'll make a mistake.

Sag off bad shooters and protect the rim. Whoever is guarding a weak shooter should sag off the three point line and protect the rim. This allows the other defender to guard the perimeter more tightly, because they know they have help at the rim.

Use post ups to set up motion. There's not a lot of opportunity for off ball motion in 2x2, but you can create a little faux screen by having one player post up near the block while the other player uses him and the defender as a screen. The off ball player can just run a tight curl around the player posting up and then receive a pass, which will be good for a jump shot.

These are just a few strategies. Leave yours in the comments.

Make It, Take It

If you are playing half court basketball at the park or the gym, there is only one way to play:

Make it, take it.

I don't know where this way to play came from, or when it started, but it's the only appropriate way to play basketball  in pickup. Alternating possession after scores is weird and awkward, much like your buddy who plays basketball three times a year but for some reason has a shooting sleeve and a knee brace.

The only scenario in which not using Make it, Take it is acceptable is if you're playing full court basketball. Make it, Take it would interrupt the flow of the game.

If you're worried about never getting the ball on offense, suck it up. That might happen. Play better defense. Get a different squad. Do something. But don't be the schmuck that insists on getting the ball after another team scores. It's lame. If you want the ball, go get the ball. Then keep it.

It's how pickup basketball is played. If you're a father, teach your kids. If you're an older sibling, teach it to your younger brother or sister. Pass this down among our generations.

On the playground, in the gym, on the street, we play Make it, Take it.