If you were going to learn how to play basketball, how would you do it?
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.