Pickup Basketball (Marietta/Smryna/Mableton) - locations? (Atlanta, Smyrna: YMCA, schools)

[enTERPRising]

Just moved to the area. Looking for full court pickup basketball games in Marietta/Smryna/Mableton - indoor/outdoor doesn't matter. Prefer an older crowd 25-40 yrs of age. Also don't want to wait 5 games, or have people not pick me up because I'm new. But, beggers can't be choosers, if the pickings are slim.

I found the YMCA in Buckhead has pickup MWF early am and T/TH evening. Anything else? (parks, community centers, churches). Thanks, Atlanta!

[netdragon]

Hmmm. Good question. Been in Smyrna for 10 years and have no clue. Would love to hear an answer.

I used to play games at Peachtree Center Athletic Club before it closed down, sadly. Haven't looked for anything since.

There's a YMCA in Marietta. Have you checked it out?

[Fubarbundy]

Sunday mornings outside at Fair Oaks Park, the courts (2) are all the way at the back, surrounded by a high chain link fence. There is also an indoor court but I've always been content with the outside venue. The hours should be posted online somewhere.

Have shot around outside at Hurt Rd Park (just one court, no fence), but not sure if they do pick up games like at Fair Oaks. There were a couple gray beards like me at Fair Oaks, but Hurt Rd seemed like a younger crowd.

Might be other places (Rhyne or Tolleson?) in Smyrna, but pretty sure those are just swim/tennis and ball fields. As far as Mableton, have no idea. Oh, and welcome to S Cobb.

[enTERPRising]

Thanks for the responses. I went to the LA Fitness on Cobb Rd, by Cumberland Mall. It was what I was looking for, except I hate LA Fitness.

But, to describe the run, I got there at 6pm. They had a sign in sheet. I had to wait 2-3 games on avg after a loss, so about 25 guys. I did like that they were pretty fair about including everyone. The only time they went out of order was when someone got hurt, the team got to pick who they wanted as a replacement, rather than the next player on the list. But, otherwise, they honored the list.

I talked to a couple guys there. One said he's been in the Smyrna area for 8 yrs and has found LA Fitness to have the best runs. Another said the outdoor courts can be bad - too much talking and fighting. Another person said that ATL only has one outdoor court with lighting that he knows about; but didn't have much more to say about how popular it is.

No one really knew of any community centers, churches or schools. Sounds like a lot of the players sign up for county or city leagues than play pickup. But, that's just my impression.

[AfternoonCoffee]

Originally Posted by enTERPRising

Thanks for the responses. I went to the LA Fitness on Cobb Rd, by Cumberland Mall. It was what I was looking for, except I hate LA Fitness.

But, to describe the run, I got there at 6pm. They had a sign in sheet. I had to wait 2-3 games on avg after a loss, so about 25 guys. I did like that they were pretty fair about including everyone. The only time they went out of order was when someone got hurt, the team got to pick who they wanted as a replacement, rather than the next player on the list. But, otherwise, they honored the list.

I talked to a couple guys there. One said he's been in the Smyrna area for 8 yrs and has found LA Fitness to have the best runs. Another said the outdoor courts can be bad - too much talking and fighting. Another person said that ATL only has one outdoor court with lighting that he knows about; but didn't have much more to say about how popular it is.

No one really knew of any community centers, churches or schools. Sounds like a lot of the players sign up for county or city leagues than play pickup. But, that's just my impression.

I am not a 25-40 year old man, but those^^ have been my impressions also. Most guys I know play through leagues (like men's over 40 league, etc.) We are a family that loves basketball, and there is a shortage of outdoor basketball courts in NW metro Atlanta, for sure.

I know the Y in Marietta has pick up basketball hours, and I saw some youngish athletic looking guys playing one day...but that's all I know.

Good luck! Post back here what you find!