A basketball challenge in progress in GTA San Andreas; CJ is seen shooting a basketball to a basketball hoop.
Basketball is a sport in the Grand Theft Auto series, most prominently available as an interactive game in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
Description
While many basketball courts can be seen through the series, only Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas allows the player to actually play basketball. The player can score points by shooting the ball into a basketball hoop — the farther the distance, the more points the player gets — but has little to benefit from it other than having bragging rights. The player can also do tricks like spinning the ball with CJ's finger, or executing slam dunks by moving closer towards the hoop.
Although the player can't play with others and can only play with him/herself in GTA San Andreas, they can activate a mini-challenge to attain the most number of scores within an allocated time. The ability to play basketball is unlocked after completing the mission "Tagging Up Turf", when basketballs may appear in basketball courts. In the original PS2 version, it is available from the beginning.
Locations
This is a list of locations of basketball courts.
GTA III
Little China Park, Chinatown, Portland
Belleville Park, Staunton Island
GTA Vice City
Washington Beach
Vice Point
Little Havana
GTA San Andreas
Ganton, Los Santos - At Sweet's House
Behind the barber shop in Playa Del Seville
East Los Santos, Los Santos
In the private gym at Madd Dogg's Crib, once you have access to it.
In front of several houses in Las Venturas
East of The Camel's Toe
Basketball court in Ganton, Los Santos
Basketball court in Playa del Seville, Los Santos
Basketball court in East Los Santos
A basketball court in Starfish Island Vice City, like all the other games except GTA San Andreas basketball is unaccessible.
Sweet and Big Smoke playing basketball during the cutscene for Tagging Up Turf.
GTA IV
On Yorktown Avenue between Morris Street and Harrison Street , Steinway, Dukes
Between Dukes Boulevard and Inchon Avenue, Cerveza Heights, Dukes
Between Pancho Street and Carson Street in Beechwood City, Broker
At the intersection of Onondaga Avenue and Cody Street, Firefly Projects, Broker
Off Franklin Street in Steinway Park, Steinway, Dukes
Behind some houses west of Tinconderoga Avenue just north of the East Borough Bridge, Steinway, Dukes
There is two on the north side of Morris Street underneath the closed subway station in Steinway, Dukes
Caterpillar Street, Northern Gardens, Bohan
A couple between Butterfly Street and Uprock Street in Boulevard, Bohan
Spin Street, Chase Point
Two opposite the Burger Shot on San Quentin Avenue at the South Bohan Projects, Fortside, Bohan
Behind some housing projects north of Frankfort Avenue, Northwood, Algonquin
There's two courts at the corner of Exeter Ave and Wardite Street, Northwood, Algonquin (also known as the Rubin Swinger Basketball Courts)
Next to the Burger Shot, Golden Pier, Westminster, Algonquin
Two courts by the Governor Greg R. Smith Houses, Presidents City, Algonquin
At the Corner of Barsac Avenue and Latchkey Avenue, Tudor, Alderney
Acter Park, Acter, Alderney
One just off Hardtack Avenue, next to the Tudor Fire Station, in western Tudor, Alderney
GTA V
At BJ Smith Recreational Center in Chamberlain Hills, South Los Santos
At Decker Park in Little Seoul
Next to the LSPD station in Vespucci Beach
Glitches
Saving at Madd Dogg's Crib sometimes indefinitely disables the option to play basketball or pool.
If the player tries to play basketball while using a Jetpack, CJ will be stuck there until either he starves or the player reloads/resets the game.
10 Best Side Activities In The GTA Series, Ranked
The Grand Theft Auto series is full of things to do between missions. From hobbies and interests to pastimes and random events, fans of GTA have been treated to a range of entertaining side activities. These endeavors enhance the gameplay and further immerse players in the GTA universe.
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In some cases, side activities look like separate games within a GTA title, such as detailed minigames based on sports. For certain GTA releases, these activities are necessary to achieve 100% completion. However, some side activities are valued for their entertainment factor, and the best stand out in the franchise for providing endless hours of additional fun.
10/10 Air Hockey Was Only Featured In GTA IV Expansion Packs
Air hockey can be played in GTA IV's expansion packs, The Lost and Damned, and The Ballad Of Gay Tony. Players must hit the hockey puck into their opponent's goal while defending their own goal with a mallet, and the first to reach seven points is the winner.
The minigame can be found in either of the Memory Lanes bowling alleys in Liberty City. When starting, players can choose to compete against a pedestrian or one of the protagonist's friends. GTA IV's Air Hockey is addictive, as is the real tabletop sport, and the exclusive side activity is one of the best pastimes in the game.
9/10 Pool Has Been Featured In Two GTA Games
Pool is an activity that can be enjoyed in two titles in the Grand Theft Auto series. In GTA: San Andreas, CJ will be able to play against NPCs holding a pool cue in the bar. A wager will need to be agreed on before playing with a minimum of $50. In GTA IV, no wager is needed and gamers can challenge their AI associates if they wish.
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GTA IV has a couple of extra rules for the 8-ball, but other than that, the two versions are the same. The best pool table in the series is in Playboy X's Penthouse, which has a better surface quality and pink felt. Pool is widely liked, and its inclusion in two of the series' most popular games means it's also one of the best activities in the franchise.
8/10 Basketball Came To The Series In GTA: San Andreas
Basketball made its debut in GTA: San Andreas. Even though it's a team sport, Rockstar included a solo activity for gamers on the basketball court. Players begin with one minute and have to shoot hoops to obtain points and extra time. When the time is up, there will be a final score, and players can try to beat it.
The hardest part is shooting at the peak of CJ's jump and obtaining the ball after each shot. Nonetheless, it's an activity that amusingly meets the aesthetic demands of the game. Fans are hoping there will be real gameplay with opponents if the sport is to be featured in the next Grand Theft Auto title.
7/10 Triathlons First Appeared In GTA: San Andreas
Triathlon events first appeared in GTA: San Andreas. However, most fans are more familiar with the triathlons in GTA V, arguably the best Grand Theft Auto game. Any of the protagonists can participate in each of the three races involving swimming, running, and cycling against several AI opponents.
Gamers must find a balance between exerting energy and preserving stamina in order to finish in first place. The final triathlon event takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Although punishing, the triathlons are a lot of fun and one of the most iconic side activities in the series.
6/10 There Is Only One BMX Challenge In The Series
In GTA: San Andreas, there is a unique side mission located in Glen Park Skate Park. The BMX Challenge tests players' virtual cycling ability as they have to collect all the checkpoints before the time runs out. Each checkpoint awards an extra 10 seconds, and there are 19 in total.
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Some checkpoints are hard to obtain and require players to bunny hop in order to reach them. There is only one BMX Challenge in the game, which can be replayed so players can beat their scores. It's a fun and addictive side activity, and although there is only one, the BMX Challenge is highly rated among GTA fans.
5/10 Yoga Is A Unique Side Activity
The latest title in the GTA series is one of the best video games of all time. GTA V introduced players to Yoga, and after completing the mission "Did Somebody Say Yoga?," Michael can initiate the relaxing activity at his home or on Mount Gordo. Practicing Yoga can also assist in increasing the protagonist's lung capacity.
As well as being one of the best minigames in the series, some players find the activity challenging and gamers will retry until they complete each Yoga pose. It is among the best activities Rockstar has included in the franchise and a fan favorite due to its distinctive mechanics.
4/10 Bowling Is One Of The Most Iconic Activities In The GTA Series
Bowling is a fan favorite activity that made its debut in GTA IV. The protagonist can compete against friends or girlfriends, and the game rules are identical to the real-life sport. In the Memory Lanes bowling alleys, players must speak to the clerk and choose a lane to begin the activity.
Once the player has positioned themselves, they can ready their shot. After bowling the ball, they can angle it left or right toward the desired target. It's a simple activity, but it's one of the most enjoyable in the GTA series. It's so popular that Niko famously receives many invitations from his cousin, Roman, to go bowling throughout the campaign.
3/10 Split Sides Comedy Club Features Real-Life Comedians
In GTA IV, players can visit the Split Sides Comedy Club located in Star Junction and watch some stand-up from real-life comedians. Performances from Ricky Gervais, Frankie Boyle, and Katt Williams can be seen in the virtual establishment, with routines written by the comedians themselves.
Experiencing stand-up is an exclusive activity to GTA IV. AlthoughSplit Sides Comedy Clubs exist in GTA V and GTA Online, players are unable to enter and watch the show. It's a fantastic way to take a break from all the shooting and reckless driving. The activity can be enjoyed with friends and dates in the single-player campaign and will leave gamers and NPCs laughing.
2/10 Tennis Is One Of The Most Detailed Activities in GTA V
In GTA V and GTA Online, gamers can play Tennis against AI or online challengers. There are several places in Los Santos where players can engage in the fast-paced racket sport. There are also four different shot types available to players and lots of space to position oneself.
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When playing against AI, winners are rewarded with a cash prize while victors online receive Reputation points. GTA's tennis has surprisingly fluid mechanics and impressive overall gameplay. The GTA minigame even competes against some of the best sports games centered around tennis.
1/10 GTA V Finally Gave Gamers A 9-Hole Course
While driving ranges have been included in previous titles, gamers finally got to experience a 9-hole round of golf in GTA V. The side activity takes place at the Los Santos Golf Club in the heart of the city. Fans can also play golf in GTA Online against other people in the same session.
After driving the ball down the fairway, players will enter putting mode when they reach the green. You can even manually change clubs and put a spin on the ball to guide it towards the target. It's an elaborate endeavor that provides hours of entertainment with a dash of competition. Golf is an amazing side activity and is considered by many to be the best in the GTA series.
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How to get the Hoopin' It Up achievement
GTA San Andreas players need to go to the playground if they want to complete the Hoopin' It Up achievement.
Basketball is an exclusive feature of this game. GTA San Andreas players can always score as many points as possible. The game tracks their progress, especially in challenge mode. If the player reaches 30 points, they will unlock the Hoopin' it Up achievement.
This can be one of the most difficult trophies for some players. Basketball is a completely optional game with a simplified control scheme. However, reaching 30 points can be tricky due to the strict time limit. GTA San Andreas players need to practice throwing if they want to get Hoopin' it Up.
one GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition: Hoopin' It Up achievement
1.1 How to play basketball in GTA San Andreas
1.2 Getting the Hoopin' It Up achievement
1.3 Players are now one step closer to all achievements
1.4 ALSO READ Article continues below
1.4 complete the Tagging Up Turf mission. They also need to find a basketball court, which is very common in Los Santos. GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition offers a tough challenge with their Hoopin' It Up achievement, but it can be done.
How to play basketball in GTA San Andreas
It is important for players to learn the rules before attempting this task. When a player picks up a basketball, the game will point the player in the direction using text blocks. This is a very simplified game in GTA San Andreas.
CJ will automatically pick up a basketball if it stands next to it. Players can shoot and try to earn points. Distance is a very important factor in framing each frame. More importantly, accuracy can be determined by how the player holds the buttons.
Hoopin' It Up requires players to complete challenge mode. They will need to score 30 points before the time limit expires. GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition gives them one minute to complete the task. Players must also shoot from marked spots on the basketball court.
Obtaining the achievement Hoopin' It Up
GTA San Andreas has a very useful trick with basketball kicks, as evidenced by the video above. When players press the shoot button, they must release it immediately after CJ jumps. This will greatly improve the accuracy of every basketball shot.
After the player throws the ball, he must immediately pick it up. The next red marker will appear on the court. Players must be mindful of their position when playing basketball. These red markers will change their position after each point.
The Hoopin' It Up achievement only requires 30 points. There isn't much time in this challenge, but players can add a few extra seconds if they fire their shots. Once a player reaches 30 points, they can either leave the game or continue playing. The Hoopin' It Up achievement is complete.
Players are now one step closer to all achievements
GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition has a long list of available achievements. Hoopin' It Up turned out to be one of the hardest. With a little practice, the player can finally earn this achievement.
Note: This article reflects the personal opinion of the author.
Basketball practice hacks: how to score goals for beginners
Even if you are a novice basketball player, we will not give you a training plan, but we will tell you why the ball flies anywhere but into the ring and into your hands. It's all about technique: even with regular training and perseverance, novice adults and children often make simple mistakes. It's a shame, let's fix it. Below are 11 life hacks on how to hone your technique to increase the likelihood of a goal for your team.
Basketball Shot Rules for Beginners
1. Hands up
In pursuit of the attacker, raise your hands, even if you are standing with your back to the pass, and even more so if the ring is in front of you. Your raised hands will increase the chance of intercepting the ball from the opponent by 2 times. Don't overlook this little thing!
2.
Throw from the shield
Even Tim Duncan did not neglect them! A square is drawn on the basketball backboard. If you are standing opposite the ring, then aim at the middle of the upper part of the square, if you are standing on the side, then at the corner. If you hit this square, then the ball is at 90% of cases will fall into the ring. The law of physics and no cheating!
3. Look at the ring, not at the ball
Practice driving the ball with your hand, not your eyes, develop tactile control. Your eyes should be on the hoop while dribbling and be aware of the position of your body in relation to the hoop. Then you will be able to take the correct posture, and the throw will be effective.
4. Dribble with the balls of your fingers only
The palm should not touch the ball, only the pads of the fingers. Dribbling should become familiar to you, like an extension of your hand. Then you can change its trajectory at any time and you will have more chances to score goals. Practice with the ball constantly.
5. Throw with one hand
If you throw the ball with two hands, you reduce the chance of hitting the basket. All the efforts of the throw are in one hand (in the right for right-handers, in the left for left-handers). The other hand only holds the ball, the leading one holds it with the fingers, not the palm.
6. Do not jump when protecting the ring
Jumping is the main mistake of rookie defenders. To intercept the ball and block the shot, simply stick out your hands. When you are in a jump, the attacker will easily bypass you.
7. Don't look back
When you dribble, don't look back, but dribble and aim for the ring, focus on shooting (or passing to another player on your team).
8. Bring the throw to automatism
Incorporate the most basic basketball techniques into your training plan and bring the shot to automatism. Throw first from a distance of half a meter from the ring, gradually increasing it. Learn to throw the ball so that it hits the hoop without touching the edge.
Throw the ball with all fives and jump
Throwing Rules:
Head in the center of the body - if tilted, accuracy is lost.
Look at the ring: mentally build a trajectory. If you are far away, the ball flies in a curved curve with a maximum height of 2 meters above the hoop.
A strong hand is in front and throws, a weak hand is on the side and directs, only holding the ball. The elbow of the throwing hand must be in line with the ring.
The ball must rest on the fingers without touching the palm. The fingers are as far apart as possible and grab the ball.
Throwing arm bent 90 degrees, forearm perpendicular to the floor. If you bend less, then you get not a throw, but a throwing of the ball horizontally.
The main thing in the throw is the position of the body and its balance. Place your feet apart and parallel to each other: it is important to orient them in the middle of the basket. Then the direction of the body during the jump will coincide with the direction of the throw, and the ball will fly straight into the ring. When the feet are uneven, the ball flies in the wrong direction or does not reach (although the throw was normal).
Take a deep breath and release as you exhale.
How to hold the ball and shoot in basketball
How to throw correctly: straighten your arm, point your wrist up, and with your hand set the ball to rotate in the opposite direction from the flight. The ball should seem to "roll" off your fingers.
9. Copy masters and play as a team
Watch professional basketball games and try to copy the movements of your favorite players in training. And be sure to conduct game sparring - this will allow you to develop more techniques.
10. Do not throw in a straight line
The higher the arc of the ball, the greater the chance of a goal and the less chance of blocking by the opponent.
Smith Houses, Presidents City, Algonquin
These endeavors enhance the gameplay and further immerse players in the GTA universe.
When starting, players can choose to compete against a pedestrian or one of the protagonist's friends. GTA IV's Air Hockey is addictive, as is the real tabletop sport, and the exclusive side activity is one of the best pastimes in the game.
The activity can be enjoyed with friends and dates in the single-player campaign and will leave gamers and NPCs laughing.
The side activity takes place at the Los Santos Golf Club in the heart of the city. Fans can also play golf in GTA Online against other people in the same session.
GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition offers a tough challenge with their Hoopin' It Up achievement, but it can be done. 
Players must be mindful of their position when playing basketball. These red markers will change their position after each point. 
Throw from the shield 
Practice with the ball constantly. 
Learn to throw the ball so that it hits the hoop without touching the edge. 
Then the direction of the body during the jump will coincide with the direction of the throw, and the ball will fly straight into the ring. When the feet are uneven, the ball flies in the wrong direction or does not reach (although the throw was normal). 
