OUTSIDE COURTS - One thing to remember while toughing it on the outside courts is pick-up etiquette. This is not organized basketball you would see on television. This can be a more intense game with plenty of showing off and trash talking. Players call their own fouls and police themselves. Game roughness depends on the court. Big key here is to know the etiquette and court before you play. The movie "White Men Can't Jump" is a pretty good tutorial.

"21" - The game of "21" is very popular on outside courts or in back gyms. The object is to score 21 points before your opponent. Works best with three players (it's every player for themselves) but can be a free-for-all. Think "500" on the basketball court. Can have lots of quirky game-show style rules - have to hit 21 on the nose and there are penalties for hitting certain numbers along the way.

YMCA PICK-UP - Many "Y" members enjoy pick-up games for exercising and socializing during lunch hours or after work. These games are usually competitive and fast-paced, and because of the added indoor structure and membership aspect, a tad more docile than the full-court outside game. Most players keep their peace on the court. You also tend to see the same players each week, which can be a good or bad thing.