Why I Detest Playing Basketball at Public Gyms and Parks

As someone who has always enjoyed the thrill of basketball, I often find myself faced with a frustrating reality—playing at public gyms and parks can be more of a hassle than a joy. The core issue? Overcrowding. In this post, I want to explore why the relentless throngs of players can ruin what should be an exhilarating experience on the court.

The Overcrowding Dilemma

There's something exhilarating about the sound of a basketball bouncing on the court, the swish of a perfect shot, and the competitive energy that comes with a good game. However, this excitement quickly dissipates when you're competing not just against players, but against the sheer number of them. 

Public gyms and parks often attract anyone from casual shooters to hardcore players. When the courts are packed, you're not just sharing space with a few people—you're battling for your turn with an entire sea of players. Waiting in line just to get a few minutes of play can be frustrating enough to make anyone rethink their love for the game.

Quality of Play

Overcrowding doesn't just affect how long you have to wait; it can also drastically alter the quality of the game. When there are too many players, the atmosphere can become chaotic. With everyone vying for space, the flow of the game often turns messy and disjointed. It's nearly impossible to focus on teamwork or strategy when the court is filled with a constant rotation of players. 

And let’s not forget the safety concerns. With so many people moving around, the risk of injuries increases significantly. It’s challenging to make that perfect cut or drive to the basket when there’s a high likelihood of colliding with someone else. 

Lack of Comfort and Enjoyment

The last time I played at a public park, I spent more time waiting than actually shooting hoops. The experience was less about enjoying the game and more about frustration. With the sweltering heat, limited court space, and endless waiting times, what was supposed to be a fun way to spend the afternoon became an exercise in patience. 

Besides, playing in such congested environments can make you feel self-conscious about your skills. With so many eyes on you, missing a shot or making a bad play feels magnified. It's hard to relax and enjoy the game when you know there are a dozen others waiting to take your spot.

I Threw My Life and Future Away A Long Time Ago

While I often dream of the luxury of having my own custom-made basketball court, the reality is that my budget will only allow me to afford a custom basketball, not a whole court. 

Looking back, I can’t help but feel a twinge of regret and disgust for not pursuing a career in basketball. It feels like I threw away my chance at success, distracted by relationships with downlow abusive men who didn’t care about my dreams, always leading me away from what I truly wanted. I know I had the potential to make it to a women's pro team, but instead, I spent my time chasing after the wrong men, losing sight of my goals along the way. It’s disappointing to think about what might have been. I could've been wealthy but I threw it all away for bogus people that wanted to see me fail.

I'm just searching for a basketball court where I can play alone. Maybe the women's team wasn't for me anyway. I hate women. I have no love for them. Had I made it to the big leagues, it would have been all about the money, not the love of the game.

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