General
pickup game
What does pickup game mean?
An informal, unorganized basketball game formed from whoever is available at the court.
"We got a five-on-five pickup game going at the gym."
Origin
'Pickup' meaning improvised/ad hoc teams.
Frequently asked questions
What is a pickup game?
It's an informal, unorganized game formed on the spot from whoever happens to be at the court.
Why is it called a pickup game?
Because the teams are 'picked up' ad hoc from available players rather than being pre-arranged.
How are teams chosen in a pickup game?
Usually players are picked on the spot, often by captains choosing sides or by whoever calls next.
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