You can’t truly love something 100% without learning to dislike certain aspects of it. For me, basketball has always been a love, but over time, certain elements of the game have become little annoyances. From minor inconveniences during gameplay to aspects of basketball culture that just rub me the wrong way, I’ve noticed these irritants more and more as I’ve spent countless hours on the court.
So, let’s delve into some of the things that basketball players like me might find aggravating in this post. Trust me, if you’ve spent any significant time playing basketball, you’ll probably find yourself nodding along
Double Rims: The Shooter’s Worst Nightmare
Alright, let’s start with one of the most notorious nuisances in basketball: the double rim. Ever experienced shooting hoops on a double rim court? If you have, you probably know how annoying it is.
While they’re a great asset for park departments since they’re more durable (the main reason they are used), for basketball players, they’re a whole different story. Double rims are unforgiving, to say the least. A shot that is not a perfect swish has a high chance of bouncing off, unlike the more common single rims that often help guide slightly off shots into the net.
So, as a player, no matter how well you’ve perfected your shot, double rims can make it seem like you’re having the worst shooting day of your life. It’s almost as if they were designed to test your patience, right? Trust me, you’re not the only one who thinks so. Many players share the sentiment and wouldn’t choose a double rim if given the choice.
I personally had double rims at my elementary school growing up and everyone else hated it just as much as I did.
Bad Backboards: Where Physics Goes to Die
Another thing that gets under the skin of basketball players are bad backboards. You may have noticed that not all backboards are created equal, and some can leave a lot to be desired.
When you’re playing on a court with a subpar backboard, it can feel like the normal rules of physics have been suspended. Your carefully calibrated bank shots, that usually swish into the net, are suddenly bouncing off at all the wrong angles. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you’re in the middle of a serious game.
When looking to play you should look for backboards that are flat, rigid, and responsive, providing a predictable bounce that players can use to their advantage. The best backboards, often found in indoor courts, are made of tempered glass. They offer the best rebound effect, making it easier for you to predict and plan your shots.
Unfortunately, a lot of outdoor courts are fitted with metal or plastic backboards that can be warped or weathered over time. These backboards can ruin the integrity of your shots and really throw off your game. So remember, it’s not you – it’s the backboard!
Ripped Nets
Another pet peeve that many basketball players, including myself, share is dealing with ripped nets. Ripped nets are a common sight on public courts, and they were a particular annoyance for me growing up.
It wasn’t just about aesthetics, although a beautifully maintained net does add to the ambiance of the court. The real frustration came from the unpredictability that a ripped net introduced to the game. When a shot would go through, you’d never be quite sure where the ball would end up. Instead of a gentle drop straight down, a ball going through a ripped net could end up bouncing off in an unexpected direction.
This unpredictability could disrupt the flow of the game, especially if it meant chasing after a ball that should have dropped neatly below the basket. A good game of basketball requires rhythm, and every second chasing after a wayward ball is a second that disrupts that rhythm.
Dribbling The Ball Off Of Your Foot
One of the most frustrating experiences I faced while playing basketball, was dribbling the ball off my foot. When you’re in the heat of the game, in the middle of a carefully planned dribble, and suddenly, the ball ricochets off your foot and goes hurtling away. It’s not only embarrassing but also disruptive to the flow of the game.
It’s one thing to get guarded by a good defender and have the ball stolen, that’s a challenge you can respect. It pushes you to improve your skills and outsmart your opponent. But dribbling off your own foot? That feels like you’ve just been your own worst enemy. It’s the equivalent of tripping over your own shoelaces in basketball, and it’s an instant reminder to pay closer attention to your ball handling skills.
People Who Joke Around Too Much While Playing: Distraction from the Game
There’s always that one person that can’t take things seriously. I’m sure you have one of those people in your friend group. It’s the player who steps on the court, not to improve their game or participate in some friendly competition, but to be the class clown.
I found these individuals to be some of the most irritating to play with a I grew up. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate a good laugh and enjoy having fun just as much as the next guy. But when I step foot on the court, my primary focus is honing my skills and elevating my game.
It was particularly bothersome when these jokesters would disrupt the flow of the game with their antics. There’s a time and a place for jokes, but in the midst of a serious scrimmage or an intense game, it’s not the time.
The court is a place where I, and many other players, go to escape, compete, and strive for greatness. When someone consistently makes light of that, it can be pretty frustrating.
Long Rebounds While Shooting Around: The Solo Player’s Plight
Shooting around by yourself is a relaxing, often therapeutic endeavor. You find your rhythm, focus on your form, and just enjoy the sound of the ball swishing through the net. But then it happens: you’re a bit short on a shot, it hits the rim and takes a long bounce, sending the ball bouncing far from the court. Suddenly, you’re forced to sprint after the ball.
This becomes particularly irritating if there’s water around the court, and you have to be careful to stop the ball before it lands in a puddle or, worse, a body of water. Not only does this interrupt your rhythm, but it also adds an unnecessary element of stress to what should have been a calm, enjoyable practice session.
This scenario is a regular occurrence for those who practice solo, and most players can empathize with the frustration of having to chase down a stray ball. It’s one of those annoying realities of basketball that players come to accept, but it doesn’t make it any less irritating when you’re in the middle of a great shooting rhythm, only to have to pause, chase, and retrieve.
When the Ball Bounces Into a Puddle: The Soggy Surprise
If there’s one thing that absolutely irritated me growing up, and I know irks other basketball players too, it’s when the ball takes an unexpected bounce into a puddle. You could be having the perfect game or a flawless solo shooting session, then all of a sudden, the ball is headed straight for that leftover rainwater from last night’s shower.
Once the ball gets wet, it’s no longer just a basketball. The ball becomes hard to shoot and dribble due to the wetness, and it also gets you and potentially your teammates wet.
Conclusion
Above are some things I know annoyed me growing up as a basketball player (that I know also annoyed others). Do you play basketball? If so, what are the things that have annoyed you as a player over the years.