Community and Basketball

Every day we walk by hundreds of people ranging from various ages, cultures, and backgrounds with very little sense of community. Yet when you place that diverse group on to a basketball court it seems community just naturaly springs up. People coming to play as individuals instead become part of a team.

Everyone starts to introduce themselves to get to know each other. Then everyone figures out where they are most comfortable and strongest in working as a team. The tallest guy usually knows his role is to play center and the shortest guys go to play up front as guards. If the team see’s they are lacking compared to the other team they can easily switch their strategy. When someone shoots a good shot they are automatically complimented. When someone shoots a really bad shot they are not shot down or told to stop playing but they are encouraged to continue and its okay for failing but just keep trying.

Community even exists apart from the two teams that are playing on the court. If the basketball starts rolling away from the court the team simply yells out “Help, a little help here!” And automitcally anyone near the ball will run up and grab it and throw it back to the team.

Of course there are also disagreements and agressive playing but it is all for the love of the game. Once the game ends everyone shakes each others hand with compliments and apologies for any fouls and then a new game starts.

I bring this up because many people describe it hard to create community in our world today. Or if there is community it is hard to invite new people into it. I think there is a lot we can learn with what goes on in street court pick up basketball game.

Just my thoughts, would love to hear what you think!