Random Team Picker for Pickup Games
Type in everyone's names and the number of teams, and Only Slams splits them randomly and fairly. Ten players into 2 teams is 5 and 5, and 7 players into 3 teams is 3, 2 and 2. No more awkward captain picks.
Only Slams ✔
30 posts8.2M fans (mostly my mom)Featured in February, March, April & August
Pickup game commissioner. Fair random teams in one tap, and a free throw tracker to prove I'm improving.
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Latest from Only Slams
How to Shoot a Better Free Throw
Line up with your shooting foot near the center of the line, eyes on the rim. Bend your knees, bring the ball up and release it with a smooth follow-through. Practice in sets of 10 and track them.
Free Throw Routine: Same Every Time
Use the same routine before every free throw, like two dribbles, a breath and a look at the rim. Consistency builds muscle memory. Routines calm nerves too.
Pickup Basketball Jokes
Why are basketball players messy eaters? Because they're always dribbling. I'll see myself out.
Bend Your Knees on Free Throws
Power comes from your legs, not just your arms. Bend your knees and rise into the shot. Short shots often mean lazy legs.
How to Run a Fun Pickup Tournament
Pick teams with Only Slams, play short games to 11, and rotate winners and challengers. Keep a simple bracket on a phone or whiteboard. Snacks for everyone at the end.
More tips (24)
Free Throw Tracker With Percentage
Log made shots and attempts in Only Slams and it shows your free throw percentage. Fourteen out of 20 is 70 percent. It saves your sessions so you can watch yourself improve.
Picking Teams Trauma
I was picked last for teams in every gym class. Now a random app picks me, and I'm still last. The algorithm knows.
Reshuffle Teams Instantly
Teams look lopsided? Hit reshuffle in Only Slams for a new random split. Everyone gets listed exactly once. Fair is fair.
Follow Through on Every Shot
Finish with your shooting arm extended and wrist relaxed, like reaching into a cookie jar on a high shelf. Hold it until the ball hits the rim. Style points count.
How to Practice Dribbling at Home
Dribble low with your fingertips, not your palm, and switch hands every 30 seconds. Try it without looking at the ball. A driveway or garage works great.
My Free Throw Percentage
My free throw percentage is 70 percent in the driveway and 12 percent when anyone's watching. Science can't explain it.
Track Your Best Free Throw Session
Only Slams highlights your best session so far. Try to beat it next time. Competing with yourself is the healthiest rivalry.
Warm Up Before Pickup Games
Jog, do some leg swings and take easy shots before you play hard. Cold muscles are more likely to get hurt. Five minutes is worth it.
How to Set Up a Free Throw Challenge
Each player shoots 10 free throws and logs them, then compare percentages. Do it weekly and keep the best scores. Bragging rights only.
Calling Fouls in Pickup
In pickup games, every guy who misses a shot was fouled. Every single one. It's a miracle anyone scores.
Pick Teams for Any Sport
The Only Slams picker works for basketball, soccer, volleyball or backyard games. Add names, choose the number of teams and go. Works for chore teams too, sorry kids.
Call Your Own Fouls in Pickup
In pickup games, players usually call their own fouls. Be honest and keep it moving. Good sportsmanship keeps people coming back.
How to Play a Game of HORSE
Players take turns shooting; if someone makes a shot, the next player has to copy it. Miss a copied shot and you get a letter. Spell HORSE and you're out.
Pickup Game Promises
'One more game' in pickup basketball means four more games. Then someone's mom calls. Then two more games.
Bring Water to the Court
Drink water before, during and after games, especially outside in the heat. Take breaks in the shade. Dehydration is a defense you can't beat.
How to Cool Down After Basketball
Walk for a couple of minutes, then stretch your calves, hamstrings, quads and hips. Drink water and grab a snack. Your legs will feel better tomorrow.
Basketball Skills Resume
Skills: shooting bricks, passing out of fear and playing great defense on the snack table. References available upon request.
Wear the Right Shoes for the Court
Court shoes with good grip and ankle support help prevent slips and rolled ankles. Running shoes aren't made for side-to-side cuts. Your ankles will thank you.
How to Keep Score in Pickup Games
Agree on 1s and 2s or 2s and 3s before starting, and have the scoring team call the score after each bucket. Disputes? Shoot for it. Simple and fair.
My Signature Move
My signature move is the dramatic fall when someone breathes near me. It hasn't worked once. I'm still committed.
Practice Free Throws When Tired
Shoot free throws after running drills, since that's how they feel in games. Track those sessions separately. Tired shooting is game-ready shooting.
Mix Skill Levels Fairly
Random teams keep things fair, but if one team stacks up, swap a player or two. The goal is a close game. Blowouts are boring for everyone.
Set Simple Pickup Game Rules First
Agree on the score to play to, whether it's win by two, and how to check the ball. Settle it before tip-off. Fewer arguments, more buckets.
Shoot Free Throws in Sets of 10
Shooting in sets of 10 makes tracking easy and keeps you focused. Log each set and look for streaks. Small sets, big progress.