Something weird happens at pick-up basketball. I’ve watched it for nearly 30 years, and it goes like this.
Two teams are formed, and everyone else gets “next.” If players don’t know each other, they usually don’t introduce themselves. The gym is quiet, like a library.
Players focus on themselves as the game starts.
I don’t care if we win, as long as I look good.
Did he just look me off?? He looked me off! I’ll show him.
I haven’t shot the ball yet. I am shooting the ball next time I touch it. No. Matter. What.
One team wins. Not necessarily because they are good, but because someone has to. They face a new team in Game 2.
They play a little better in Game 2. They realize they can’t win by playing just for themselves. A loss means you have to sit and wait, and waiting is the worst. And because nobody wants to sit and wait, the ball starts to move a little faster. High-fives appear. Open shots are taken…and made. They win again.
Game 3 is the best.
The ball moves quickly, like a hot potato. Team defense improves. More talking, more helping, more cheering. The gym comes alive with noise and positivity. There is no posturing. There is far less ego. Everyone has a role. Everyone is a good teammate.
They win again.
Teams that win three in a row in pick-up basketball are called “dynasties.” After three in a row, the winning team has to sit…to break up the dynasty. After three wins in a row, nobody minds sitting. They are ready to rest, and they are proud that today, they were part of a dynasty. They have bonded. They are glowing.
Hey, what’s your name?
What days do you come here?
Want to grab lunch?
Want to join my travel team?
Want to come to my daughter’s graduation party?
Fun hoopin’ with you!
What if we could always show up in life as the Game 3 versions of ourselves, who just won everything through effort, positivity, and by lifting others up?