If you’ve ever played basketball in a recreational setting, whether at the YMCA or the local city park outdoor court, you have probably experienced the inexplicable, near magical quality that old men often display when running the court.
Some old guys have that unstoppable post game, anchored by an unfailing hook shot. Some have that mid-range jumper that never misses. Still, others school young guys in the lost skill of abusing the backboard with that timeless bank shot.
In continuing his part in promoting Pepsi Max, Denver Nuggets guard Nate Robinson—who plays the role of point guard “Lights” in the most recent “Uncle Drew” video alongside Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving—took to twitter to discuss the magical qualities of old men who still play pick-up basketball with his followers.
Y’all have any stories about older ballers taking over your pick up games? I want to hear em. Send em to me and @PepsiMAX. #OldManMagic
— Nate Robinson (@nate_robinson) December 20, 2013
What’s the go to move for most old guys at pick up runs? #OldManMagic
— Nate Robinson (@nate_robinson) December 20, 2013
Some of his followers had some great stories to tell.
@nate_robinson there’s this 65 y/o preacher who goes to this gym i play at and he makes everyone else look silly. he makes every bank shot
— Harris (@harris__shafiq) December 20, 2013
The hamstring pull. RT @nate_robinson What’s the go to move for most old guys at pick up runs? #OldManMagic
— FOX Sports Live (@FOXSportsLive) December 20, 2013
@nate_robinson in Chicago it’s a guy we call “old school” he’s automatic from 3 he can probably shoot with you #OldManMagic
— Mike Smith (@Mike_iavelli92) December 20, 2013
@nate_robinson Been playing against my pops since I can remember and still can’t figure out how to guard him or his left hook. #OldManMagic
— Andy Wright (@Andy_Wright22) December 20, 2013
@nate_robinson pops hits ya with a shimmy to the right followed by a crisp sneaky elbow to the chest and turnaround hook. #OldManMagic
— Rick Sible (@SighBell) December 20, 2013
@nate_robinson the old guys are always dishin out no look dimes to each other. Its all about that #OldManMagic awareness!
— Kyle Phalen (@KylePhalen) December 20, 2013
Im 30 & I get called old RT @nate_robinson: What age is old in pick up? #Youngbloods call some guys in late 30s old lol #OldManMagic
— dami (@unluckynumber_7) December 21, 2013
Some guys are just timeless on the basketball court, though some might be dirty—throwing elbows and faking injuries.
Given that Robinson’s full-time job requires him to be on the road playing basketball professionally, one can only guess how much recent exposure he has had to #OldManMagic.
Even so, the subject is rather entertaining.
Comment below with some of your funniest or most entertaining Old Man experiences.
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Here’s some Old Man Magic lessons in playing against younger players.
1) Run at a shooter with both hands extended, aim one hand for the face (or ball, if you can jump) and with the other poke the shooter in the solar plexus. The referee won’t watch the hand away from the face/ball and it’s harmless, but it causes a reflex response, like a knee tap, and the memory of that will take them off their shot the next time you run at them with both hands up.
2) If you’re playing competent shooters, almost all ungathered rebounds land within a few feet of the basket. Don’t bother jumping for rebounds if your vertical has gone with your hairline – just box out with maximum arm and leg room about arm’s length from the rim. Most rebounds will simply fall here, especially since younger players usually don’t box out, or even know what it is. Adjust for far-side rebounding at the start of the game, near-side rebounding at the end of the game.
3) Step on shoelaces, tug on jerseys.
4) Hip-check cutters – they usually put their arms up, push off or flail a little, moving their hands away from the catch position, leading to turnovers. Also, referees rarely watch cutters, they usually watch the ball-handler or shooter. (Do this especially if you have a little extra padding on the hips.)
5) Staggered screens. If you don’t know what this is, look it up, and watch Ray Allen in his Celtics days. If you’re a sure shot but slow footed, one screen is not enough.
6) And up-and-under layup (cutting or driving baseline and throwing a reverse lay-up on the opposite side of the hoop you’re coming from) is extremely hard to block, as touching the net is a violation and nobody likes smashing their knuckles on the underside of the backboard. With time, you can make this into an unblockable shot. It’s also a hard shot to hit, so practice it.
7) A variant on the up-and-under is coming under the backboard and simply stepping away from the basket to throw in a very close-range bankshot. Few defenders expect this, and you can use your behind to bump them out of the way.
8) Practice.
Great list of “Old Man Magic” lessons.