The 8 ballers you play at the rec

Whether you're in an intermural league at college, play every weekend with some buddies or head down to the park to take on strangers, playing pick-up basketball is the highest form of sports competition most of us will see.

And no matter how many times you play, you will always see these players, the eights rec ballers.

The Stiff

At first, the Stiff seems like a valuable asset because he's got size, a hot commodity in rec ball. But within a few minutes of play, the Stiff earns his moniker. He's uncoordinated, can't jump, doesn't run the floor well and isn't even very good at rebounding. He also has no post moves to speak of and can't play defense. He most likely plays for his high school or college team only because he's tall.

Signature move: A laser beam hook shot off the front rim.

The General

Not lacking in personal problems, the General sees rec ball as a chance to grab life by the balls and never let go. The General takes it upon himself to play coach in a game where there are no plays, defense is lackadaisical, and the most complex offense is pick-and-roll. Still, the General feels the need to yell "shooter!" anytime an opponent is open for a three, "board" in an obvious rebound situation and get on you for not switching on D. He's one of the more annoying teammates as his primary skill is talking loudly.

Signature move: Holding the ball at the point while gesturing teammates to move.

The Hustler

The Hustler knows rec ball is about one thing: running. If you run more than the other guy, you'll probably get easy buckets. The Hustler may not be very skilled, but he sets picks, moves without the ball and runs on fast breaks. Making up more than 50% of most rec ballers, they are a good teammate to have.

Signature move: Running off multiple screens for an open jumper.

The Veteran

While rec ball is a young man's game, The Veteran plays to recapture a sliver of youthful glory while staving of the effects of aging just a little longer. He's probably a former high school/college star, with memories of past game-winners faded grey with time. Clearly over 50, the Veteran has some skills and is not at all useless. From a propensity to pass the ball, to beautiful old school shooting form, to knee pads and a slow gait, the Veteran can be the glue that hold a good rec squad together.

Signature move: A 15-foot set jump shot with both feet touching.

The Wannabe

The Wannabe has seen far too many And-1 tapes for his own good. He's realized long ago that he cannot drive, can't shoot very well and isn't athletic. So he's practiced dribbling and three point shooting and isn't afraid to show off either. He'll jack up NBA-distance threes, even when you're just playing ones and is an awful teammate due to his illusions of grandeur.

Signature move: A series of fancy dribbling followed by a turnover at the three point line.

The Stud

The rarest of rec ballers, the Stud is far better than anyone else on the court and he knows it. He starts for his high school/college team and probably shouldn't be playing pick-up games at 2 on a Saturday, but he is. They can come in the form a highly skilled shooter, dominant center or even shot-blocking defender. They are so much faster, stronger and better than you, it's like you're not even playing the same game.

Signature move: A reverse layup past two defenders, created off a crossover.

The Blackhole

A variation on the Wannabe, the Blackhole actually has some hoops skill, but not nearly as much as he likes to think. Rec ball has become the Blackhole's stage, a vehicle for him to make himself feel better about his life. He will jack up threes, scream for the ball, yell at teammates for no reason and generally take shit way too seriously. If you pass him the ball, get ready to box out, because it's going up.

Signature move: A three with a hand in face, followed by sour looks at teammates for not getting the rebound.

The Godsend

There are some rec ballers who realize what rec basketball is about -- passing, moving and having a good time. The Godsend will hustle after loose balls, set picks, pass first, run the break, make open shots, gives you the heads up on picks, double teams at the perfect time and is always ready with a high five after good plays. They may not be the best, but they are the most fun to play with.

Signature move: A perfect pass off a drive that leads to an easy lay-in for someone else.

Now go forth and ball. And don't be a Blackhole.