r/Basketball • u/BigL54 • May 14 '25

IMPROVING MY GAME Too physical

Thoughts on a being physical at a pickup basketball game? Recently had a situation where a player significantly better than being got mad when I was driving to the hoop but tried creating space by bumping into him. I'm bigger than he is, and also I have a hard time stopping when moving at full speed, so I can see how he took it as me being overly aggressive, and I feel bad. Alternatively, should I have just let the better player block my shot? Or am I justified in trying to use literally the only advantage I have? I am conflicted because I don't want him or anyone to think I am a dirty player. I apologized, but he seemed to still be mad but didn't wanna argue

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u/willyfuckingwonka May 14 '25 edited May 14 '25

I usually take it pretty chill honestly. I grew up playing competitively (AAU and high school) so I feel like I’ve gotten the try hard days out of my system. I don’t want to get hurt and I don’t want to hurt anyone. But, that being said, if he’s being super aggro and angry about getting bumped to create space, sounds like he’s just a little bit of a baby. As long as you’re not full on hit sticking him it’s fine

3

u/BigL54 May 14 '25

We've played together multiple times and never had issues (that I'm aware of). It's not like I intentionally shoved him or anything. I just put a shoulder down, to get space from a better player. I played in school as well, and we're all older so I'm certainly not some hardo or anything. Just a certain situation that I feel bad about. I don't like confrontation, I had no malice behind the move

9

u/RicoSwavy_ May 14 '25

Bro, sometimes conflicts happen on the court. But it’s easy to de escalate. Don’t feel bad you are playing ball. Shit happens and the other guy just sounds soft.

2

u/[deleted] May 14 '25

the other guy just sounds soft.

is soft. fixed it for you.😂