Basketball
6 top outdoor basketball courts in D.C.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been at it a while, the top basketball courts in D.C. offer everything you need.
There’s a reason why Washington, D.C. has the 13th-highest number of basketball courts per capita in the United States. Between the capital’s well-connected city landscape and its bustling, pristine streets, no wonder people are eager to shoot hoops in D.C.
13 min
Washington DC
Chris Matthews, aka Lethal Shooter, and Chloe Pavlech explore Washington DC’s hoop culture vibe.
When it comes to strengthening your shooting skills, practice — and more practice — on the courts makes perfect. Few know this better than Chris Matthews, better known as Lethal Shooter, who attributes his success on the court to patience.
“Some people try to shoot from too far out too early. That’s not good, because you’ll have bad form. You want to master each step before you step back,” he says. “To warm up, I’ll go to the free-throw line and try to make 40 to 60 shots in a row. Then I’ll step back.”
To achieve this kind of mastery, you’ll need a reliable court for practicing your shots. Or maybe you’re just eager to learn more about the sport before the D.C. stop of Red Bull Half Court USA. In any case, you’ll need to find the right outdoor courts for getting started. Below is a list of the best outdoor basketball courts in D.C.
01
Barry Farm Recreation Center Basketball Court
Red Bull Reign 2017 at Barry Farm Goodman League Courts in Washington, D.C.
© Greg Mionske / Red Bull Content Pool
One of D.C.’s most lively outdoor basketball courts is housed within Barry Farm Recreation Center. This court is unmistakable, with its trademark, colorful ground and rows of bleachers. You can visit the court during the Center’s operating hours Monday through Saturday or watch one of the center’s scheduled games. If you come at night, the tall street lights bordering and illuminating the court will aid your visibility. Besides this must-see court, Barry Farm Recreation Center is home to several other amenities, from an indoor pool to a fitness room.
02
Randall Recreation Center Basketball Courts
Sponsored by the Washington Wizards and distinctive with its vibrant, blue ground, the Randall Recreation Center Basketball Courts are conveniently located right on Capitol Street. With six hoops and frequent pickup games, these courts bring even more buzz to the already-popular Randall Recreation Center. Stop by to practice some solo shooting or for an impromptu pickup game with one of the rec center’s many visitors.
It’s important to note that these courts aren’t lit at night, so it’s best to visit them Monday through Friday during operating hours. If you’re interested in cross-training, you can also stop by the rec center’s tennis courts or outdoor pool.
03
Lansburgh Park Basketball Courts
If you’re a beginner looking for a quiet place to practice your shots, the Lansburgh Park Basketball Courts might be the right fit. Although these courts offer four NBA-height hoops, they usually don’t get much foot traffic — don’t expect to find a pickup game during your first visit. Even if they do get packed, they still provide plenty of room for you to hone your craft. Head to this court midday for ample time and space to practice your jumping drills.
04
Turkey Thicket Recreation Center Basketball Courts
Located in Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, these four-hoop basketball courts offer everything you need for solo practice — or, space permitting, a pickup game. While they might get busy once the nearby schools let out, these outdoor courts are a great option for early morning hoops. The rec center’s walking track and fitness center add to a full workout.
05
Kennedy Recreation Center Basketball Courts
The Kennedy Recreation Center Basketball Courts are a great choice for someone looking to shoot hoops near Logan Circle. The court’s central location, with four hoops, means you’re likely to find a pickup game day or night. The local community also gathers outside the courts in the rec center’s outdoor grilling areas, horseshoe pit, and splash park. Given the center’s large draw and variety of offerings, you’re bound to find someone there willing to shoot some hoops.
06
Sherwood Recreation Center Basketball Court
A mere 20-minute walk from D.C.’s Union Station, Sherwood Recreation Center is home to a traditional two-hoop court suitable for quick practice. While it might be harder to secure this single court, the ends justify the means — the court’s spaciousness and convenient location are worth the wait. In the meantime, if someone is using the court, you can admire the center’s community garden or take a quick jog on its small track.
Find your next slam dunk in D.C.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been at it a while, the top basketball courts in D.C. offer everything you need. If you shake up your usual practice and explore some of these courts, you might just find your next favorite. Plus, with Red Bull Half Court USA in full swing, there’s no time like now to survey the city’s impressive lineup of outdoor courts.