Basketball players at West 4th Street

West 4th Street basketball courts in Greenwich Village, also known as "the Cage", represent apparently a great place to watch amateur basketball; on nice spring or summer days, the two courts fill with players of all ages and nationality, mostly coming from the Bronx, showing up their talent to the largely curious audience eager for a good show.

 

 
I passed by last week on a sunny and warm day and the ambiance was great, probably because these people had been waiting to play all winter. I found it particularly interesting to observe the blazing disputes between some players. Also, because the courts are non-regulation size - they are a lot smaller -, more emphasis is given to "banging inside" or tough physical play.