Pickup basketball

After spending ungodly hours watching the NBA this playoff season, it's time to get off your ass, lace up your sneakers, and get on the court. But don't settle for driveway hoops when you can get three-on-three and full-court pickup at outdoor courts around SA. Columbus Park (500 Columbus) has a wide court suitable for five-on-five and the unmistakable sound of chain nets. Trinity University just put up a new outdoor court with soft, single-wide rims. For our readers in uniform, visit the SGM Center at Fort Sam Houston for noon-ball, and play where Shaq once dominated in his high school days.  San Antonio's real outdoor gem is the court at Lockwood Park (801 N. Olive), with a full overhang providing shade, lights for night-ball, and a downtown view. Lockwood's lights are set on timers from dusk to dawn providing a rare opportunity to play outdoor midnight hoops. No matter where you play, aim for late evening to avoid the sun and get in with the after-work pickup crowd. And if you're a big, hairy, sweaty dude, please — for everyone's sake, don't insist on shirts and skins. For a full list of outdoor courts in San Antonio, visit courtsoftheworld.com.