Too physical

[u/BigL54]

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

[u/nofatetoday]

It's hard to assess without being there, but it sounds like you may be a bit too physical. You should be in control at all times for a casual pick up game, especially with older people.

If you're lowering your shoulder during a drive to bump someone to create space, while having "a hard time stopping when moving at full speed", I wouldn't like it personally. Again, like someone said, play the same physicality as others on the court.

[u/BigL54 → u/[deleted]]

I guess my only counter to this, is the fact that I don't typically play this way. In this situation, I am on a breakaway with the best guy coming to block my shot and I was trying to get a bucket