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BallersNetwork.com - this is where players live. Come to the Courts section of the site for everything you need to know about the hoop world’s best places to play. Learn about the history of each featured court, famous alums, who plays there today, and the best times to play.

Court Name: Turnpike Lane

Court Address: Turnpike Lane, Green Lanes, London N8

Level of Competition: Mixed, but always busy. If you come on a weekend, be prepared to play hard as the game can get very competitive, as winners stay on and the courts get busy (nobody is trying to lose anytime soon). The regulars are mostly recreational players but players from the Hackney White Heat program have been known to run fulls when out of season. Most days you’re guaranteed at least a game of 21.

Court Status: The outdoor courts at Turnpike Lane have been around since the early 90’s and are well-known across London. A solid destination point for players from all sides of North and East London. From Wood Green through to Walthamstow, Holloway to Hackney - Turnpike Lane draws numbers. One of the best features about the court is that games are always well watched, as it is right next to a main road and draws in a fair number of people just passing by on the high street (similar to West 4th in NYC).

Court specs: 3 full courts marked only for basketball mean you can pretty much get a guaranteed run when you come. The courts are big, with plenty of space across all 3 courts.

Surface: Concrete

Backboard: Iron, vandal proof (bank is not usually open on these joints)

Rims: Iron, vandal proof

Nets: Some (depending on which court you play on)

Lights: Yes. One of the few basketball only multi court sites in London that have good lighting through bright flood lights on all courts.

Hoop Support Structure: Heavy duty Iron

Hours of Operation: Park opens at 7am and closes after 10pm

Pay to Play: No - 100% free

League Play: No organized leagues, but you can always find open run

Best time to Play: Saturday/Sunday afternoons, or any early evening in the height of summer

The Deal: Turnpike Lane draws the widest selection of ballers more than any court in London. Guys who finish work come across the way to get in a couple of runs before heading home, older kids after school and a number of recreational ballers all make Turnpike Lane one of the more busy outdoor balling spots in London. On a Sunday afternoon you’ll find the best competition comes out to entertain a lively crowd and often features a few National League level players soaking up one of the better atmospheres in London outdoor basketball. Most weekends you’ll find local coach and youth worker Garnett roaming the sidelines, making sure everything rolls smoothly and keeping track of players both old and new. Everybody respects the courts and respects the game at Turnpike Lane and take great care in keeping the courts in good condition. A definite on your balling schedule if you’re in London, especially during the summer.

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