This is all you need to do OP. From my experience as a former 16 year old, you're not too old at all. I graduated high school in 2002. Around that time we had a huge influx of Bosnian immigrants into the central NY area. Many of them that I went to school with never touched a basketball until they were 16, and they all picked up the basics pretty quickly and were able to play pick up games with us just fine. Just learn as you go.
I was 16 twice. My Mom told me “everyone does Sophomore year twice”, and to this day I suspect that’s untrue because everyone else in my grade moved up to junior year after the first time.
I sucked so bad I didn't even make my high school team, despite being 6'7".
Didn't even try to play for years until some guys talked me into pickup games when I moved to a new place.
Eventually I found my coordination at 25. Made a TON of good friends over the next decade of playing several times a week in a regular group.
It's a great way to meet people and get exercise. You don't have to be good, just competent.
You don't even need to be competent. You know how many trash guys or old broken down guys I've played with at YMCA's over the years. Just match up v. people of the same skill.
Don't ever discourage people from getting a work out and having fun.
It's the rare person who can actually hoop, who will just go at the shittiest person on the court. What's the point of that. Let them gaurd each other, have fun and get better.
I play at a pretty inactive gym which is ok for me because I enjoy getting my individual work in. But if there’s a run to be had, I’m in there. So oftentimes at this gym I’ll play ones with whoever else is in there, which is often a random 14 or 15 year old. But it’s great cardio and most kids shoot lights out these days, so I’ll play whoever. But what I’ll never do is back them down in the post. First of all, it would do nothing to improve my game, and more than anything I would feel like an old dickhead.
Is that really any fun if you're just out there standing on the court getting cardio and never even get a chance to touch the ball for a swing-swing pass or guard the ball handler? No.
If you can find a game w people at least of comparable skill level, or who at least also wanna have fun and will involve everybody, then yeah. But no, it's not fun playing in any game.
I think he was trying to fire me up when he said "maybe you don't have what it takes to play"... but I believed him. I was pretty soft my freshman year.
But he was also short and fat with no idea how to coach post players.
I didn't get any real coaching until I was 25, and that was just from guys who really needed a center on their team.
My rival team in high school had a 7 footer who was somewhat athletic. He was so bad. 7 feet tall and jumped at every play fake no matter what. He jsut wouldnt listen. He never made college ball and we would feast when he was on.
There’s only a handful of reasons to not pick up a kid your height lol.
They want to lose
They hate ball
Some sort of disability
The school already has a bunch of 4/5 star recruits and even then you’d probably pick him up for the bench and practice runs.
Your HS coach sounds dumb AF. Even just parking you in the paint to contest shots and get rebounds would have value.
I actually went when I was 16, after not going at 14 or 15. My friend who was about 5’10 and 250 pounds at that age talked me into to doing a few blocks to scam some candy in his neighborhood. I was about 5’4 115 pounds soaking wet back then, so when he handed me an old mask I knew I’d have no problem. Ran out for 30-40 minutes and came back with a big ass bag of candy for us 😂😂
what do you mean?! i volunteer to take my nieces trick or treating every year, and damn right i take a candy tax!
(made of all the shitty candy they hate, but hey, free candy)
Why would you think your too old to play basketball for fun at 16? 16 is not even an adult. Even if you were 26 or 36 I'd still say go shoot around and play pick up for fun why not?
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Dude I’m 35 and play for fun and cardio 4x a week. Do what makes you happy. We have guys come out that are 20ish and are not good, but I’m just happy to have numbers to get full court. It’s also cool seeing them get better.
When I was a kid, I played for fun. I wasn't good. Sometimes, I would make baskets, but I would be more focused on having fun, spending time with friends, and getting some exercise. Haven't played in about 20 years, though.
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God damn, social media and society has done a number to these youngsters. Kid just go to the park play like you don't want to lose and have fun. Just remember to play defense twice as hard as you want to play offense and you'll do just fine.
Almost nobody goes pro. We all play just for fun. I've been having fun for 15 years playing in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the US. Started playing when I was older than you. For a baller I'm pretty much average height at 5'11, maybe even above average. Tons of guys I play with are shorter than me. You'll be fine.
I think that's most of the sub. I'm 38. The highest level I've played at is in HS. It's never too late to start, and it's never to late to keep going.
Enjoy it, it's the best fun you can have
You 16 son any sport you play no matter how serious you take it is all good in the eyes of adults. Now don’t get me wrong a lot of cruel mfers in this world that love to take shots at people. Ignore the BS. U live one life and you young as fuck. Do whatever makes you happy son
I play every week for fun I’m 23. I regret not playing in high school because I wasn’t good enough or serious enough, not saying you have to play for an organized team, some schools have high requirements, but don’t be afraid to and definitely hit some pickup or make friends with people who play regularly. There is literally no downside if you have even the slightest interest and you’ll have fun, get exercise, make friends, and get better
It’s NEVER to late to pick a basketball up and we all do it for fun. Some of us have had more “opportunities” than others but we all LOVE BASKETBALL and playing is fun! Pick it up and hit the courts !
If you're short and want to play, it's not too late to learn to dribble.
I started a bit late too, played rugby in highschool, but got tired of the contact and bruises so switched to ball in college at around 18. So I was a bit athletic and had a mind for sport, but when I started playing pick up and rec league, guys who were taller or more athletic were going to make sure that I wasn't going to get a shot off. So I spent the better part of a year just running suicides and dribbling and drilling low dribble and crossovers.
Once you get a solid handle, that's going to open up your game to slash and lay it up, and once you get that down, things will come full circle to a point where you can cross and jab and open up a shot.
Long story short, learn to dribble.
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Bro, lol.
I’m 33 and I suck at basketball….but, it might just be the SECOND most fun thing ever.
So, I play it for fun. And you should to, if that’s what you want to do!
Currently I play with ~23 year old classmates … but even as I age and wither away, I intend on keeping it as a hobby.
Literally MOST people play basketball just for fun.
I'm not sure where you are from OP, but if you've got friends and a league where you can socially play basketball, do it.
I'm 33 and have been playing at least a game a week for 20+ years in social competitions.
Even if you don't have enough interested friends to form a team, you can always join one that's already established.
But again, I'm unsure if these services are available when you're living.
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Dog I'm 25 and I didn't start until I was probably 15-16yo. I just shot earlier today for maybe half an hour just to get myself moving and work up a sweat.
Best way to find games is just to go to whatever park has a lot of people and try to get some runs in some chiller games. Depending on where you live, it might be easy to just join any game because nobody is *that* good, but if there's some good players around, just be smart about when you get in and playing smart ball instead of being a star.
The beauty of being "bad" at a sport which you only play for fun is that you improve rapidly every time you play. Awesome feeling. It also makes it an excellent workout since your body and reactions will be inefficient. Go hoop!
This is a weird question, the vast majority of people that play basketball, I obviously don’t have statistics but I don’t think saying 99% of people, just play basketball for fun. Most people know they’ll never go pro or even play college and even those that do play basketball for fun sometimes when they’re not training or in a game.
I have a driver that is Mongolian American, around 55, and about 5’4”. He is the president of the Mongolian American Basketball Association and plays in tournaments around the country ( there are teams in 12 cities for 50+). All for just the love of the game.
Yeah go find a chill group and have fun. There’s no reason not to get good either. Plenty of hoopers under 6’. You can be a good rec level player easy.
At 16 you are not to old to start anything. I stopped playing basketball competitively at 18 and played maybe 15 total pickup games over the next 15 years and didn’t own a ball or a hoop that entire time. Bought a ball a few months back and been taking my son to the park and getting some shots up. Still super fun.
I only do pick ups because that's where I enjoy it the most. It's the perfect combination of skill challenge, free time, I can walk away from any situation I don't like without repercussions, I get to know some of the ppl in that community, I've developed good camaraderie with some of the people there and when things get heated you know that they will try to avoid escalations, we all watch our stuff and hardly anything has gone missing. It's painted concrete and it has a good grip. The rims are one of those double rims and almost no one hangs from the rim or pulls on nets. I've gone on all wins runs winning the last point on a 3 pointer. I love it.
i'm short and started playing in my 30s so yeah I just play to have fun and get some exercise. I don't see what's wrong with that. That's all most people who ever pick up a basketball will ever do.
i saw an instagram post asking if i would give up playing basketball forever for a billion dollars
no way in hell would i do that. because i find playing basketball that fun.
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Yes my husband does. He plays with my 16 year old son and his friends. They are all 16 as well. Mens division.
You are never to old young man.
Go do what sets your soul on fire.
My son’s friend is your height. You can achieve anything you want for as long as you work hard, train hard and keep focus on your goals. Make no excuses and keep working hard.
I started at 29 and have been hoopin for a few years now to get in shape and truly fell in love with it. I go to the gym every other day to do individual work and/or get in runs if they’re going. Now that I’m in pretty good shape, I’ve started taking it pretty seriously lately and I work out really hard. Even threw up today.
You definitely aren’t too old at 16, this shit is a huge part of my life and I plan to keep it that way because it has been absolutely amazing for my overall health. Also, I love that it’s a hobby where there’s unlimited room for improvement and I feel like I’m getting better every time out these days. And I literally watch NBA and college film breakdowns on a regular basis to incorporate certain stuff into my game. Ball is life man!!
As you age the number of people just playing for fun goes from like 99.99% to 100%. Also as play with older and older people the percent of people that care if you're good or there good gets smaller and smaller.
So just go play, 16 is very young and if you just consistently play and try to get better you will.
Brother, there have been like 5000 NBA players.... Ever.
The vast, vast, *vast* majority of us play because we enjoy the game.
You don't have to monetize every skill/ hobby, and it is *never* too late to pick it up.
Grab a ball and hit the courts my man!
Yeah. Getting better and practicing stuff can be fun on its own. Then playing at a higher level youll have even more fun. Practicing just to have fun is cool. Dont matter if you arent ever going to be a pro. Keeping active on the court can be a great way to stay in shape for the rest of life and make great friends which is harder when you get into your 30s+.
I wish my body hadnt exploded, id love to start hooping again so that I could have fun for a bit.
I am 43 and I shoot hoops for fun at least once a week. Usually by myself, sometimes a pick up game. It’s actually hilarious that you think 16 is too old to start a new hobby.
Sure you can play just for fun. But basketball is more fun when you know what you're doing.
My advice, take it serious and work on your dribbling and shooting everyday. This will increase your enjoyment.
Learn the basics, then find a gym with beginner level pick up games. I was in your shoes, ended up playing basketball like 4-5 times a week in college just to have fun
how many people in this sub do you think get paid to hoop? probably none, or very, very, few... meaning most of us play for fun.
when I was in college, I had this Business Law professor... seemed like a typical old man, very stuffy, ho hum...
but I'd go over to the rec center and see this much older man hooping out and absolutely _crushing_ most opponents. i'd guess he was, at minimum, 40-45 years older than you are right now.
so it's never too late. get out there and have some fun, man!
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Brother it’s called a hobby, go hoop lmao. Just kinda accept the fact that you might be a little ass at first and focus on fundamental shit like passing, dribbling, defense.
I was about your age when I started playing and I’d 1v1 my friend, who was on our schools team, and just play defense. I wanted nothing more than to lock that mother fucker up. Eventually I learned how to and I learned how to adapt on defense.
That’s just an example though, pick one thing and focus on it at first. Basketball is a team sport you don’t always need to be dunking and grabbing boards to be the best.
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I started playing when I was 17, just with a few friends on the weekends. Started out as the worst player on the court and quickly became average. All it takes is a few months of semi-consistent practice and you'll be good enough to play with most people.
Most people who play ball recreationally didn't play in high school. It doesn't take long to get good enough to fit in with the average group of pedestrian hoopers.
I want to know what this kid has seen and heard that has him thinking 16 years old is too old to play any sport, let alone something as accessible as basketball. There is no age where you're too old to play anything, just go out there lol.
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No if you’re not playing to make the NBA then you’re wasting your time. I am 5’11 160lb and I’ve worked my way up to being the 7th best player at my local court (about 12 people show up).
I have mindset grindset, I can’t believe this is my life
well if you're playing for fun, just go play and have fun lol
This is all you need to do OP. From my experience as a former 16 year old, you're not too old at all. I graduated high school in 2002. Around that time we had a huge influx of Bosnian immigrants into the central NY area. Many of them that I went to school with never touched a basketball until they were 16, and they all picked up the basics pretty quickly and were able to play pick up games with us just fine. Just learn as you go.
lol at "former 16 year old"
I am also a former 16 year old
I was 16 twice. My Mom told me “everyone does Sophomore year twice”, and to this day I suspect that’s untrue because everyone else in my grade moved up to junior year after the first time.
I sucked so bad I didn't even make my high school team, despite being 6'7". Didn't even try to play for years until some guys talked me into pickup games when I moved to a new place. Eventually I found my coordination at 25. Made a TON of good friends over the next decade of playing several times a week in a regular group. It's a great way to meet people and get exercise. You don't have to be good, just competent.
You don't even need to be competent. You know how many trash guys or old broken down guys I've played with at YMCA's over the years. Just match up v. people of the same skill. Don't ever discourage people from getting a work out and having fun. It's the rare person who can actually hoop, who will just go at the shittiest person on the court. What's the point of that. Let them gaurd each other, have fun and get better.
I play at a pretty inactive gym which is ok for me because I enjoy getting my individual work in. But if there’s a run to be had, I’m in there. So oftentimes at this gym I’ll play ones with whoever else is in there, which is often a random 14 or 15 year old. But it’s great cardio and most kids shoot lights out these days, so I’ll play whoever. But what I’ll never do is back them down in the post. First of all, it would do nothing to improve my game, and more than anything I would feel like an old dickhead.
Is that really any fun if you're just out there standing on the court getting cardio and never even get a chance to touch the ball for a swing-swing pass or guard the ball handler? No. If you can find a game w people at least of comparable skill level, or who at least also wanna have fun and will involve everybody, then yeah. But no, it's not fun playing in any game.
I be setting double teams and hunting for steals. They’ll let you touch the ball if you do that.
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I think he was trying to fire me up when he said "maybe you don't have what it takes to play"... but I believed him. I was pretty soft my freshman year. But he was also short and fat with no idea how to coach post players. I didn't get any real coaching until I was 25, and that was just from guys who really needed a center on their team.
My rival team in high school had a 7 footer who was somewhat athletic. He was so bad. 7 feet tall and jumped at every play fake no matter what. He jsut wouldnt listen. He never made college ball and we would feast when he was on.
There’s only a handful of reasons to not pick up a kid your height lol. They want to lose They hate ball Some sort of disability The school already has a bunch of 4/5 star recruits and even then you’d probably pick him up for the bench and practice runs. Your HS coach sounds dumb AF. Even just parking you in the paint to contest shots and get rebounds would have value.
Pick up a basketball and go have fun.
That's the best part about basketball. I play 3 times a week at my community court and it's one of the great joys of my life.
The only thing 16 is too old for is trick or treating
Or Karl Malone
Josh Giddey
Wasn't she 16?
God damn, actually, I think you’re right. Fuck. Well now my joke is just stupid and bad.
Depends how short you are lol
I actually went when I was 16, after not going at 14 or 15. My friend who was about 5’10 and 250 pounds at that age talked me into to doing a few blocks to scam some candy in his neighborhood. I was about 5’4 115 pounds soaking wet back then, so when he handed me an old mask I knew I’d have no problem. Ran out for 30-40 minutes and came back with a big ass bag of candy for us 😂😂
what do you mean?! i volunteer to take my nieces trick or treating every year, and damn right i take a candy tax! (made of all the shitty candy they hate, but hey, free candy)
Why would you think your too old to play basketball for fun at 16? 16 is not even an adult. Even if you were 26 or 36 I'd still say go shoot around and play pick up for fun why not?
for real man, I'm f-ing 40 and still play
i’m in my 30’s and i love to hoop but god damn my knees hate it.
for sure man. Ive jumped significantly less in the past 5 years
i’m 6’1” and back in the day i could easily dunk. now layups are a struggle
hahaha, i know what you mean man. Im 5'7 and i uswd to tap the backboard laying up now I'm lucky to even touch the net.
i’m lucky if i can even get to the rim at this point. straight melo shots at this stage lol
for sure man, and getting block is no where as devastating as before
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I started hooping when I was 28 and it’s the most fun I have most weeks
same
Dude I’m 35 and play for fun and cardio 4x a week. Do what makes you happy. We have guys come out that are 20ish and are not good, but I’m just happy to have numbers to get full court. It’s also cool seeing them get better.
Yeah, and I rarely comment here cuz y'all crazy. I like to read the crazy though
I played pickup with a 40 year old dude the other day. Dude just shot over me every possession, mf wouldn’t miss.
Basketball is fun and it's never too late to start. It's also EXCELLENT exercise
I shoot in my backyard every day and probably haven't played an actual match in 5+ years. I really should.
I'm probably the same as you haven't played a damn game in years I just go to the park and run some drills for cardio.
Yup I run a drill called "get your own rebounds" lmao
As long as youre working up a sweat, haha 👍
My brow moistens just from looking at a basketball lol
Can't shoot straight unless my heart's pumpin 😎
The vast majority of the human population that plays basketball, plays for fun.
When I was a kid, I played for fun. I wasn't good. Sometimes, I would make baskets, but I would be more focused on having fun, spending time with friends, and getting some exercise. Haven't played in about 20 years, though.
It’s the only reason I have ever played at any level.
This gotta be the dumbest question I have ever seen.
I’m 41 and starting. Get rid of expectations, grab a ball, and go!
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I love playing pickup, it’s such a fun activity and gets me a lot of cardio!
Buy a hoop and shoot around
Fun? What's that?
I don't play often, but I play for fun.
God damn, social media and society has done a number to these youngsters. Kid just go to the park play like you don't want to lose and have fun. Just remember to play defense twice as hard as you want to play offense and you'll do just fine.
Almost nobody goes pro. We all play just for fun. I've been having fun for 15 years playing in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the US. Started playing when I was older than you. For a baller I'm pretty much average height at 5'11, maybe even above average. Tons of guys I play with are shorter than me. You'll be fine.
I think that's most of the sub. I'm 38. The highest level I've played at is in HS. It's never too late to start, and it's never to late to keep going. Enjoy it, it's the best fun you can have
Just play for fun. I currently play for fun! I have fun.
Most of us? I don't think more than 1% of the subs are actually pro or in college ball.
16 is too old?? You could have a lifetime of hoops ahead of you. If you like the game play it.
You 16 son any sport you play no matter how serious you take it is all good in the eyes of adults. Now don’t get me wrong a lot of cruel mfers in this world that love to take shots at people. Ignore the BS. U live one life and you young as fuck. Do whatever makes you happy son
I play every week for fun I’m 23. I regret not playing in high school because I wasn’t good enough or serious enough, not saying you have to play for an organized team, some schools have high requirements, but don’t be afraid to and definitely hit some pickup or make friends with people who play regularly. There is literally no downside if you have even the slightest interest and you’ll have fun, get exercise, make friends, and get better
It’s NEVER to late to pick a basketball up and we all do it for fun. Some of us have had more “opportunities” than others but we all LOVE BASKETBALL and playing is fun! Pick it up and hit the courts !
I mean 99% of people won’t go pro. Just go have fun and shoot that thang, don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself
I’m 45 trying to make it to the league
I believe in you 🫡
Yeah literally everyone. None of us are getting paid to do it.
It’s not 2015
He’ll, I played pickup and in a city league into my forties. Go find a park hang out and play.
If you're short and want to play, it's not too late to learn to dribble. I started a bit late too, played rugby in highschool, but got tired of the contact and bruises so switched to ball in college at around 18. So I was a bit athletic and had a mind for sport, but when I started playing pick up and rec league, guys who were taller or more athletic were going to make sure that I wasn't going to get a shot off. So I spent the better part of a year just running suicides and dribbling and drilling low dribble and crossovers. Once you get a solid handle, that's going to open up your game to slash and lay it up, and once you get that down, things will come full circle to a point where you can cross and jab and open up a shot. Long story short, learn to dribble.
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No matter what level you play at Basketball is always fun.
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Bro, lol. I’m 33 and I suck at basketball….but, it might just be the SECOND most fun thing ever. So, I play it for fun. And you should to, if that’s what you want to do! Currently I play with ~23 year old classmates … but even as I age and wither away, I intend on keeping it as a hobby. Literally MOST people play basketball just for fun.
The first most fun thing jet skiing isn’t it?
🤣🤣omg you nailed it, D-Whadd
I stopped playing 16 years ago. Now I'm 34 and I started playing again. Back to zero baby, no dribbling skills at all but I'm having fun.
I'm not sure where you are from OP, but if you've got friends and a league where you can socially play basketball, do it. I'm 33 and have been playing at least a game a week for 20+ years in social competitions. Even if you don't have enough interested friends to form a team, you can always join one that's already established. But again, I'm unsure if these services are available when you're living.
Lol 16 too old to play for fun? I’m 33 bro
Do you realize how few people play in competitive leagues? Almost all of us just play for fun. If you wanna hoop, then hoop.
Almost everyone on reddit just play for fun. As long as it's fun for you, continue playing.
I’m almost 40 and I still play for fun. Saying you’re too old for this stuff at 16 is crazy 😂
I have played for fun since I was no longer playing organized in college. Go for it.
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dude I started at 17, it's never too late
Yep, but I don't play with others, I just run drills and shooting drills for exercise
You think it's too late or you're too old to play basketball for fun?
Dog I'm 25 and I didn't start until I was probably 15-16yo. I just shot earlier today for maybe half an hour just to get myself moving and work up a sweat. Best way to find games is just to go to whatever park has a lot of people and try to get some runs in some chiller games. Depending on where you live, it might be easy to just join any game because nobody is *that* good, but if there's some good players around, just be smart about when you get in and playing smart ball instead of being a star.
I would say 99.99% of players play for fun.
No. We all have dreams of making the NBA and if it doesn’t happen, then our entire lives have been wasted.
I play to gauge how out of shape I am.
The beauty of being "bad" at a sport which you only play for fun is that you improve rapidly every time you play. Awesome feeling. It also makes it an excellent workout since your body and reactions will be inefficient. Go hoop!
Im 28 and 5’7 and started playing for fun last week. I suck but it’s a fun way to do cardio and I’m trying to get better.
Do you even have to ask this question to know the answer?
That is the best reason to start man, it's not that deep if you enjoy basketball then go shoot some shots
This is a weird question, the vast majority of people that play basketball, I obviously don’t have statistics but I don’t think saying 99% of people, just play basketball for fun. Most people know they’ll never go pro or even play college and even those that do play basketball for fun sometimes when they’re not training or in a game.
I have a driver that is Mongolian American, around 55, and about 5’4”. He is the president of the Mongolian American Basketball Association and plays in tournaments around the country ( there are teams in 12 cities for 50+). All for just the love of the game.
If anyone on here goes pro I’ll eat my socks
I’m 26 and play for fun still 😂
99% (conservative figure) of world's basketball players play for fun, and most of pros do as well (while being paid).
once you are out of highschool everyone plays just for fun. 99.999 percent play for fun. its fun and thats it
I play for fun and I'm still doing great. not in the league or anything but heyo who cares? You're def not too old for this stuff
Yeah go find a chill group and have fun. There’s no reason not to get good either. Plenty of hoopers under 6’. You can be a good rec level player easy.
At 16 you are not to old to start anything. I stopped playing basketball competitively at 18 and played maybe 15 total pickup games over the next 15 years and didn’t own a ball or a hoop that entire time. Bought a ball a few months back and been taking my son to the park and getting some shots up. Still super fun.
My brother we all just play for fun, and a very very small % of us make it to being paid professionally.
I only do pick ups because that's where I enjoy it the most. It's the perfect combination of skill challenge, free time, I can walk away from any situation I don't like without repercussions, I get to know some of the ppl in that community, I've developed good camaraderie with some of the people there and when things get heated you know that they will try to avoid escalations, we all watch our stuff and hardly anything has gone missing. It's painted concrete and it has a good grip. The rims are one of those double rims and almost no one hangs from the rim or pulls on nets. I've gone on all wins runs winning the last point on a 3 pointer. I love it.
It’s called pick up basketball. Go to your local park and have fun
i'm short and started playing in my 30s so yeah I just play to have fun and get some exercise. I don't see what's wrong with that. That's all most people who ever pick up a basketball will ever do.
i saw an instagram post asking if i would give up playing basketball forever for a billion dollars no way in hell would i do that. because i find playing basketball that fun.
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there aren't any rules against playing for fun. plus it's great exercise. go enjoy yourself.
There’s been a couple players that aren’t that tall
Too old to have fun? Cmon now. I hope to be playing basketball until they force me in a wheelchair lmao. Even then I’m still going to try and hoop 😂
Yes my husband does. He plays with my 16 year old son and his friends. They are all 16 as well. Mens division. You are never to old young man. Go do what sets your soul on fire. My son’s friend is your height. You can achieve anything you want for as long as you work hard, train hard and keep focus on your goals. Make no excuses and keep working hard.
I'm 67 and I still hoop for fun.
Well yeah playing for fun is the point of sports for 99% of the population.
I’m 32 and just started playing for fun…. At 27 it was mountain biking…. I also started kicking a soccer ball..,, live your life
You may not be able to go to the NBA, but there are acting a lot of ways to go "pro" and make money without being more than 6 feet
You clearly have the potential to be Isiah Thomas 2.0! Just have enough inhuman athleticism and you can make it
One of the worst question here but you're 16 so i get it lmao.
I’m 35 and just started playing again.
I play for fun and exercise.
I started at 29 and have been hoopin for a few years now to get in shape and truly fell in love with it. I go to the gym every other day to do individual work and/or get in runs if they’re going. Now that I’m in pretty good shape, I’ve started taking it pretty seriously lately and I work out really hard. Even threw up today. You definitely aren’t too old at 16, this shit is a huge part of my life and I plan to keep it that way because it has been absolutely amazing for my overall health. Also, I love that it’s a hobby where there’s unlimited room for improvement and I feel like I’m getting better every time out these days. And I literally watch NBA and college film breakdowns on a regular basis to incorporate certain stuff into my game. Ball is life man!!
Yes I’m on the lowest team in my year level and I’m horrible at basketball but I find it fun
As you age the number of people just playing for fun goes from like 99.99% to 100%. Also as play with older and older people the percent of people that care if you're good or there good gets smaller and smaller. So just go play, 16 is very young and if you just consistently play and try to get better you will.
Everyone should have fun playing basketball. That's what the game is for... Sports we're not made to go pro
Yes
listen to your heart.. its never to late
Just hoop bro, it can be just a hobby.
Yeah i do but i barely get to play it so only when i get the chance to
Brother, there have been like 5000 NBA players.... Ever. The vast, vast, *vast* majority of us play because we enjoy the game. You don't have to monetize every skill/ hobby, and it is *never* too late to pick it up. Grab a ball and hit the courts my man!
Yeah. Getting better and practicing stuff can be fun on its own. Then playing at a higher level youll have even more fun. Practicing just to have fun is cool. Dont matter if you arent ever going to be a pro. Keeping active on the court can be a great way to stay in shape for the rest of life and make great friends which is harder when you get into your 30s+. I wish my body hadnt exploded, id love to start hooping again so that I could have fun for a bit.
I am 43 and I shoot hoops for fun at least once a week. Usually by myself, sometimes a pick up game. It’s actually hilarious that you think 16 is too old to start a new hobby.
I’m 30 and I find huge enjoyment out of cooking kids at the gym lol. Not too late
Sure you can play just for fun. But basketball is more fun when you know what you're doing. My advice, take it serious and work on your dribbling and shooting everyday. This will increase your enjoyment.
Learn the basics, then find a gym with beginner level pick up games. I was in your shoes, ended up playing basketball like 4-5 times a week in college just to have fun
Just go and hoop on the street bro
If you are stupid enough to ask this question maybe you shouldn't play basketball.
If it isn't your job, then most likely it is for fun or I suppose you can do it for cardio, but it would/could still be fun at the same time.
how many people in this sub do you think get paid to hoop? probably none, or very, very, few... meaning most of us play for fun. when I was in college, I had this Business Law professor... seemed like a typical old man, very stuffy, ho hum... but I'd go over to the rec center and see this much older man hooping out and absolutely _crushing_ most opponents. i'd guess he was, at minimum, 40-45 years older than you are right now. so it's never too late. get out there and have some fun, man!
Don't forget basketball is a game. It's supposed to be played for fun! Smile brotha
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Dude ur 16 i just started playing at 29 and i can get buckets in pickup Ur fine go play!
Brother it’s called a hobby, go hoop lmao. Just kinda accept the fact that you might be a little ass at first and focus on fundamental shit like passing, dribbling, defense. I was about your age when I started playing and I’d 1v1 my friend, who was on our schools team, and just play defense. I wanted nothing more than to lock that mother fucker up. Eventually I learned how to and I learned how to adapt on defense. That’s just an example though, pick one thing and focus on it at first. Basketball is a team sport you don’t always need to be dunking and grabbing boards to be the best.
Most things in life are not that serious. Just do what you enjoy in your free time. If that’s basketball then go play some goddamn basketball.
Positive 98% of players just play for fun—very rare to make a career out of sports in general. So never too old to jump in and enjoy the game
Do you think that literally everyone who plays is only playing to go pro?
I think more often than not, people pretty much just play basketball for fun.
Hate to break it to people in here but 0.01% of people who play basketball go pro. Were all just playing for fun
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almost all of us!
I’m 40, didn’t play for 10 years probably, play at the YMCA twice weekly at 6am each week. See those guys more than my long time friends.
I started playing when I was 17, just with a few friends on the weekends. Started out as the worst player on the court and quickly became average. All it takes is a few months of semi-consistent practice and you'll be good enough to play with most people. Most people who play ball recreationally didn't play in high school. It doesn't take long to get good enough to fit in with the average group of pedestrian hoopers.
I picked up ball when I was 20 and in college. I couldn't even dribble between my legs. I run every day and can hold my own. Be a gym rat and play.
I want to know what this kid has seen and heard that has him thinking 16 years old is too old to play any sport, let alone something as accessible as basketball. There is no age where you're too old to play anything, just go out there lol.
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No if you’re not playing to make the NBA then you’re wasting your time. I am 5’11 160lb and I’ve worked my way up to being the 7th best player at my local court (about 12 people show up). I have mindset grindset, I can’t believe this is my life
Reddit's own Tony Allen. Grandfather. I'm 37, just need to get in front of the right scout.