Heading Out
So, I just decided the other day, felt like I needed to move. You know how it gets? Stuck inside, looking at screens. The weather wasn’t bad, actually kinda nice, so I thought, yeah, let’s hit the blacktop court. Haven’t played there for a good while.
First thing, had to find my gear. Dug through the closet, found my old basketball kicks. Wow, they needed some air. Seriously. Grabbed some shorts, a worn-out tee. The ball needed pumping up too, felt a bit soft. Spent a few minutes with the pump, getting it back to shape. Felt good just holding it again.
Then I just walked over there. It’s not far, maybe a 15-minute walk. The court looked pretty much the same as always. Same cracks in the pavement, same slightly crooked hoop on one side. The nets were chain, made that clink sound when the ball goes through. Always liked that sound.
Getting into the Game
Got there, few people already playing. Some younger guys, a couple older dudes. Looked like a pickup game was maybe starting soon. I just went to an empty hoop on the side, started shooting around. Felt rusty. Like, really rusty. Shots were hitting the rim, bouncing off funny. Needed to warm up for sure.
After maybe ten minutes, one of the guys playing half-court waved me over. Asked if I wanted to run next. I said yeah, sure. That’s the cool thing about blacktop, usually pretty easy to join in.
- Got teamed up with two other guys I didn’t know.
- Game was quick. Lots of back and forth.
- Had to remember how unforgiving asphalt is. Different bounce, harder on the legs.
We played for maybe 45 minutes straight. Lost the first game, won the second. Felt good to actually run, sweat, you know? Made a couple of okay plays, missed a bunch too. Didn’t really care about winning or losing, honestly. It was just fun to be out there, playing ball again. Those younger guys had energy, man. Kept me moving.
Wrapping Up
My legs started feeling it though. Decided to call it quits after that second game. Said thanks to the guys I played with. Started the walk back home. Felt tired, but it was that good kind of tired. The kind you get after actually doing something physical.
Hands were kinda gritty from the ball and the court surface. Knees felt a bit sore already. Yeah, gonna feel this tomorrow probably. But totally worth it. Sometimes you just gotta get back to basics, do something simple like shooting hoops on an outdoor court. Clears the head. Definitely gotta remember to bring water next time though. Got pretty thirsty out there.
