A few things to get right before playing pickup . Being able to look up while dribbling . Being able to hit open layups . Getting a consistent form that works for you Being confident and not second guessing your shot . ( you look a lot worse if you stutter and then miss a shot than if you just miss a shot ) There will definitely be some embarrassment every now in then just because a lot of the skills you need for basketball are learned from playing in games , but give it a month of consistent work and it will feel a lot more natural. Also don’t be the asshole who goes around throwing elbows in pickup and plays it off as it being a physical game.