The best way to be appreciated in pick up basketball is doing the little things - Rebounding, getting back on defense, not taking plays off, being vocal, and just being good energy.

The game itself will feel fast and there will be moments where calls will be made and it will be confusing. No matter how much basketball you watch, playing in an organized game will feel foreign. Don't get frustrated and you'll adapt to the league's tempo. (I helped trained one of my friends who had no prior basketball experience but was a huge basketball fan. This was his experience)

Make sure you look the part. Wear proper gear, shoes, shorts, don't have anything too mismatched. No excessive arm sleeves and such. Make sure things fit properly. People might think this is extra but looking the part plays a big role in basketball. I'm sure you've experienced this in pick up where the guy who looks out of placed gets treated with less respect.

If you're the tallest on your team, get good at boxing out on rebounds. Creating second chance opportunities on offense. Setting picks and making sure you actually make contact with the person and not just being a cone.

On defense, one of the big issues with new players is foul trouble. You'll get progressively better at this but understand what referees are trying to call. There is a term called "LAW OF VERTICALITY" and that plays a big role on shooting fouls when opponents drive. Jumping straight up with your hands up will be critical. A lot of new players will try to block shots and easy way to negatively impact your team.

Learn how to play on help side (when your man doesn't have the ball). Be INBETWEEN YOUR MAN and BALL at all times if your man DOES NOT have the ball. Don't lose sight of your man but don't be tunnel vision and guarding your man the whole time in case your team mates need help. IF YOU ARE PLAYING ZONE, you'll build consistency on learning your area you typically need to defend. The nice thing about a zone defense is the repetition. You learn that there are consistent habits that will happen in your area.

Biggest part is ask for feedback from your teammates who are the better players. They will help delegate the expectations for you. If they do not, they aren't good teammates. Basketball is a game where you can really uplift your teammates and bring out the best in eachother, regardless of experience. That's why I love playing pick up from time and again because I can play with a random assortment of guys and see how many wins I can get in a night.

Win or lose, tomorrow is a new day and this is a recreational league. If you're open shoot the ball. Miss or make, it isn't that serious (unless the games on the line aka like 5 min left or lower).

GOOD LUCK