Want to play basketball but not sure where to start? Sydney Social Basketball offers organised adult competitions for beginners, returning players and social teams. You can enter with friends or look for a team that suits your experience.
Start with your team’s overall experience, rather than just its strongest player. Our grades describe the general standard of play:
Grades and combined divisions vary by location and season. Tell us about your experience when nominating. We assess teams to help create competitive games, but a particular grade cannot be guaranteed. Check the Locations comparison and grade guide for current options.
Learners & Friends is a mixed competition for people playing organised basketball for the first time, rusty players and groups with a mixture of newer and experienced friends. These are organised games with referees, rather than a coached training course.
Experienced players are welcome. To keep games balanced, each player can contribute a maximum of 10 points to their team’s score per game. They can keep playing after reaching 10 points, but further points they score do not count towards the team total. These competitions do not have finals.
Marrickville Learners & Friends plays at Marrickville High School on a short court. Games have two 17-minute running-clock halves and generally take about 40 minutes. This is a useful starting point for a new mixed team or friends returning to the game.
Leichhardt’s Monday Learners & Friends competition plays at Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt on a short court. The venue lists two 17-minute running-clock halves, with games taking about 45 minutes. The 10-point limit applies to Monday; Wednesday and Thursday are standard mixed competitions without that limit.
If your team wants a regular graded competition, compare the lower grades at Redfern, Parramatta and Leichhardt for mixed basketball. For men’s teams, check Glebe, Crows Nest and Surry Hills for lower-grade options. Women’s teams can explore the Sunday competition at Glebe. Match your team to the grade listed for the specific night, as standards differ within the same venue.
All players must be at least 18. SSB aims to provide two referees and a dedicated bench staff member for each game, and teams never have to do bench duty. Points, rebounds, steals, assists and blocks are recorded on player profiles. Every player needs an active Annual Player Registration.
Have a team? Choose a competition and complete Team Registration. Give us an honest picture of your team’s experience and preferred grade. Teams can nominate for a waitlist where offered; a place is not guaranteed.
Joining on your own? Use the Team & Player Finder to look for teams seeking players and share your interest. Mention that you are new or returning to basketball and the nights you can play. Joining depends on a suitable team having room; submitting an enquiry does not guarantee placement.
See current competition details and Fees & Competition Info before registering. If you are unsure which level to choose, contact us for help.