Brisbane pickup basketball
You just stayed up to watch the NBA and your ball is looking at you from the corner of the room.
You are keen to play some Basketball but need to find the best place to play.
This guide highlights the top 5 places to play Pickup Basketball in Brisbane.
What is pickup basketball?
- A pickup game in basketball is a social game that is mainly for fun or practice. You may also hear them called scrimmages.
- Teams are typically made up randomly and the first team to score a specified amount of points wins.
- There aren’t any universally written rules or regulations whatsoever. Each country, province, state, city, neighborhood, etc. have their own unique set of rules.
- These rules can be learnt as you play on the court.
What makes it unique from more organised full court basketball games?
- Most people are going out to play pickup basketball for the social aspect, to work on their cardio, or to get some extra practice in. For the most part, everyone is there to have fun!
- There’s no referees or scorekeeper present, so everyone is working on the honor system. You’ll usually have someone who decides to keep track of score. If you feel like a foul has been committed, you call foul and the game resets at the top of the key.
- The only rule that does seem to be applicable in pickup basketball in most games. Whenever there is a disagreement on a call, shoot for it. A player from either team shoots a 3 pointer - you make it, the ball is yours. If you miss, the other team gets the ball.
If you have just moved to Brisbane, here are some of the best local spots.
Or if you play regularly, here are some new courts that might be worth checking out.
We will be ranking the courts based on these key factors: Typical players, Fences around the court to keep the ball in, Lights to play in the evenings and court surface quality.
1. Raymond Park
Raymond Park Basketball Courts are in a great location at Kangaroo Point. On the South of the river about 1km South of the Brisbane CBD and Fortitude Valley.
There is a small car park for about 20 cars next to the dog park but this can get busy at peak dog park times in the late afternoons.
+ Directions: 184 Wellington Rd, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169
+ Players: Mix of young to veterans - has a solid core of players who play on any given day around 5pm.
+ Fenced in? Yep but for some reason the fence is only half height so still pretty easy for balls to go over.
+ Lights? No. Most public courts around Brisbane do not have lights. But if you can only play evenings then we included some below that do have lights.
+ Court surface? Usually quite good for a public outdoor court. Find photos here of what the court surface looks like in person.
2. Brisbane Grammar School - Outdoor Courts
If you live in the city or anywhere near Spring Hill, these are great central courts.
The courts are shared with the tennis courts so if people are playing tennis then you can't use that court but there are 2 tennis courts so even if one is busy there are usually two free courts on the other side.
+ Directions: 74 Gregory Terrace, Spring Hill QLD 4000
+ Players: Depends on the day - some days are filled with younger, college aged players. Other days you’ll have players shooting hoops after work.
+ Fenced in? Yes
+ Lights? No
+ Court Surface? Varies a lot based on when it was last resurfaced. When it rains there can be some puddles on some courts. I believe it is due to be resurfaced at the end of 2022 so might be an even better place to play in 2023.
3. UQ Outdoor Basketball Courts
One of the OG best basketball courts for pickup in Brisbane. Not only does the university resurface the courts regularly but there are so many local students that there is usually always someone playing.
Make sure you check the parking signs carefully as it is paid parking around the university campus.
+ Directions: UQ Outdoor Basketball Courts, St Lucia QLD 4067
+ Players: 4 courts to choose from, especially popular with students and younger players and for night time pickup basketball games under the lights.
+ Fenced in? Yes for most courts
+ Lights? Yes!
+ Court Surface: Usually good, as gets resurfaced quite regularly.
4. Shand Street Park
This court is a hidden gem on the North side. It is not obvious from the road where it is so most people don't know its there but those that do have a loyal following.
One of the best things about this court is that it is council run and has lighting every night and free parking so perfect for evening pickup games.
+ Directions: 100 Shand St, Stafford QLD 4053
+ Players: Wide range of young players to more veteran players - it all depends on the time you go to play.
+ Fenced in? No
+ Lights? Yes! These courts have lights so going at dusk is a great time to check this court out.
5. Shailer Pioneer Park Outdoor Court
+ Directions: 6-12 Harley St, Shailer Park QLD 4128
+ Players: Wide range of young players to more veteran players,It depends on the time you go to play.
+ Fenced in? No
Want to play in a social Basketball competition??
If you ever want to take your pickup basketball skills to a social competition but without the seriousness of a club.
SportUP has got you covered.
Who’s playing? This social competition is open to anyone over the age of 18. Players can register as a team or as an individual - making it great for those who are new to Brisbane.
How much does it cost? There is a $12-$15 per player game fee.
Competition length: 12 weeks.
Level of competition: Social
& Intermediate comps.
Men's or Mixed: There are men’s and mixed competitions, and all games are played in the evenings on Monday to Thursday nights.
Where? SportUP holds competitions at multiple premium venues across Brisbane. Find your nearest competition below:
Brisbane CBD Basketball
Brisbane City
Kedron Basketball
8km North of Brisbane City
South Bank Basketball
1km South of Brisbane CBD
West End Basketball
1km South of Brisbane City
Yeronga Basketball
1km South of Brisbane CBD
