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New York City Basketball Rules
I grew up in a concrete jungle, with buildings everywhere and playgrounds of cement. There are always rules regarding playgrounds: no jumping from slides or see-saws, etc. Beyond those rules, there are street, unspoken rules that must be followed. The inner city game is basketball. I’ve played on many teams and coached my son through elementary school and into high school. We had park rules and home court rules. I was never that good a basketball player; I had white man’s disease; and I can’t jump. On a good day, I could touch the rim. The first rule was that whoever was on the court first had to play in every game until they lost. I’d get there early to call “home court,” hoping the guys that should be up were good and I could continue my possession of the court. Even if you played in the South Bronx or Harlem, these rules were adhered to.
Greenwich Village has a main subway stop: West 4th Street. The cross street is 6th Avenue.
One block south is West 3rd Street, where there is a basketball court. Guys, professional players would travel downtown to play ball. I remember Dick Barnet of the Knicks, and Kareem Abdul Jabar was a local boy named Lew Alcindor. He went to Power Memorial Academy High School.
I tried my strategy early one Saturday morning on the West 3rd Street courts. Everything went fine the first few games; our team won the first two games, and that was it. When the big boys arrived, we were wiped off the court. To this day, the Saturday basketball games are a tourist attraction. They have also formed a league, “West 3rd Street Basketball League.” Teams have sponsors: Nike and Pepsi. I would have to wake up pretty early to play in that league.
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4 Replies
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Thank you for sharing this vivid and personal account of basketball culture in New York City. Your description paints a rich picture of urban life and the unwritten rules that govern street basketball. Here’s a summary of the key points from your story:
Setting: New York City, described as a “concrete jungle” with cement playgrounds.
Basketball is the dominant inner-city game.
Unspoken rules of street basketball:
- The first team on the court plays until they lose (“home court” advantage).
- These rules were consistent across neighborhoods (South Bronx, Harlem, Greenwich Village).
Personal experience:
- You describe yourself as not being an exceptional player (“white man’s disease,” limited jumping ability).
- You coached your son from elementary through high school.
Specific locations mentioned:
- West 4th Street subway stop in Greenwich Village.
- West 3rd Street basketball court, one block south.
Notable players:
- Dick Barnett of the Knicks.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then known as Lew Alcindor) attended Power Memorial Academy High School.
Your strategy: Arriving early to claim a “home court” advantage.
Evolution of the West 3rd Street courts:
- Became a tourist attraction.
- The “West 3rd Street Basketball League” was formed with corporate sponsors like Nike and Pepsi.
Your story effectively illustrates how basketball is more than just a sport in urban environments—it’s a cultural institution with its own rules, traditions, and community dynamics. It also shows how these grassroots games can evolve into more organized and commercialized events.
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Your narrative about playing basketball in New York City provides a vivid picture of the culture and community around the sport. Here are some of the unspoken and spoken rules that you might have encountered or adhered to in your experiences:
Unspoken Rules of Street Basketball in New York City:
Home Court Rule: Whoever arrives first and calls “home court” gets to play every game until they lose. This rule ensures that the early birds have the advantage but also puts pressure on them to defend their spot.
Winner Stays: The winning team stays on the court and plays the next challengers. This cycle continues until the winning team is defeated.
Calling Next: New teams or players can call “next” to reserve the right to challenge the current winners. This must be done verbally and clearly to avoid disputes.
Respect the Game: Players are expected to respect the game and the court. This means no unnecessary roughness, fair play, and respect for all players regardless of skill level.
No Blood, No Foul: This rule means that fouls are often not called unless they are particularly egregious (causing physical harm), encouraging a tougher style of play.
No Arguing Calls: Arguing over fouls and violations is frowned upon. Decisions are usually made quickly, and the game moves on.
Respect the Regulars: Long-time players or local legends get a certain level of respect. This may mean giving them a bit more leeway on calls or letting them play through minor infractions.
Play Hard, Play Fair: Effort and hustle are highly valued, but cheating or taking unfair advantage of rules is unacceptable.
Spoken Rules and Etiquette:
Team Composition: Teams are often composed of whoever is available, but skills and positions are considered to create balanced teams.
Game to 11 or 21: Games are typically played to 11 or 21 points, depending on the number of players and available time.
One and Two-Point Scoring: Baskets made from inside the arc are worth one point, while those made from beyond the arc are worth two points.
Check Ball: After a basket is made, the ball is checked at the top of the key to the opposing team to start the next possession.
Clear the Ball: On a change of possession, the ball must be taken back beyond the three-point line before a team can attempt to score again.
Foul Calling: Players call their own fouls, but they are expected to do so honestly and not excessively.
Subs and Rotations: If there are more players than can fit on two teams, a rotation system is used where losing teams rotate out for the next group of challengers.
Cultural Elements:
Historical Courts: Courts like West 4th Street (The Cage) and the West 3rd Street courts have historical significance and attract a higher level of play, sometimes including former and current professional players.
Legendary Players: Local legends and professional players, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (formerly Lew Alcindor), are part of the rich history and culture of NYC basketball.
Community and Networking: Playing on these courts is as much about community and networking as basketball. Friendships and rivalries are forged, and the court can serve as a social hub.
Tourist Attraction: Some courts have become tourist attractions, drawing spectators and enhancing the reputation of the games played there.
Your experiences reflect the essence of street basketball in New York City—a blend of competitiveness, respect, and community that has made these courts famous worldwide. Whether you’re playing in Harlem, the South Bronx, or Greenwich Village, the spirit and rules of the game remain constant.
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Love those stories, Peter. I remember growing up in Buenos Aeries, Argentina. When I was between four and ten years old, my grandmother used to tell us mini-stories every day or every other day. Those short stories still linger in my memories.
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I love the rule, “no blood, no foul,” that’s not a rule however. If you called “foul” you would be laughed off the court, no fouls, no ref, seldom called traveling.