User: If you were going to learn how to play basketball, how would you do it?
Assistant: 1. Learn the basic rules. Start by understanding how the game is played, either by watching local pickup games or watching professional basketball online.

2. Practice on your own. Find a basketball and go to a local basketball court. Practice taking various shots including layups, free throws, jump shots, and three-pointers. Find videos online to help improve your shooting form. This will help prepare you for playing basketball games with others.

3. Play pickup games. Find a group to play basketball with at a local gym or at an outdoor court. If you don't have enough people to play with, you can play 1-1 or half-court 3 on 3. This will help you learn facets of the game that cannot be learned when practicing on your own such as passing and defense.