Basketball

Basketball or Bball is a popular gameplay mod for Team Fortress 2. It is played on maps that have been purposely created or altered for the game mode. Players may enjoy the mod because it allows individuals to practice their Rocket Jumping and Airshotting skills.

Gameplay

In Basketball, everyone plays as a Soldier although other classes are allowed. The map looks like a standard basketball court with two baskets on either end and Fencing surrounding the court. The game is played like a typical Capture the Flag game however there is only one neutral Intelligence briefcase and the capture points are the basketball hoops. Since you cannot jump into the hoop, players must rocket jump in order to score. The team with the most captures wins the game.

The teams are limited to a size of 3, but standard Basketball play is 2 on 2. As for weapons, players are free to choose whichever weapons they like. For primary weapons, players can use the Rocket Launcher, Direct Hit, or the Black Box; the Rocket Jumper, however is not allowed as the inability to take damage ruins the game. For secondary weapons, players can use either a Shotgun or Gunboats, however both teams typically decide which weapons will be allowed before the game starts. Note that use of the Equalizer is perfectly acceptable.

One important aspect of Basketball is the use of server mods. Sourcemod and Metamod are essential as the game features instant respawn and no deathcam. Servers often run a specific Basketball config in order to limit the teams to playing just Soldier as well as setting time limits and using other features like Tournament Mode.

The design of Basketball maps can differ greatly in theme, but they are all generally the game. The biggest difference from map to map is the surrounding area in which the basketball court is located. Basketball maps include ctf_bball2, ctf_ballin, and ctf_bball_alpine_b4.

Strategy

Offense

• When attempting to capture the intelligence, airstrafe to dodge the enemy rockets.
• Don't always try to score with just one jump. Use multiple jumps to confuse the enemy.
• The fence makes for a great surface to rocket jump off of and allows for more interesting and creative ways to score.
• If you are the player not holding the intelligence, rocket jump and dive bomb the enemy soldiers. Use the Shotgun to finish them off.
• Instead of trying to capture the intelligence with low health, pass it off to your teammate or drop it next to your spawn point.

Defense

• Use your rockets to land Air Shots on players in order to prevent them from rocket jumping into your basket.
• The Shotgun is a powerful weapon that can stop enemies in their place or finish them off if they are hurt.

Notable TF2 Basketball Tournaments

There has only been one notable Basketball Tournament. It was sponsored by Novint using Frag Fest Servers and offered the Novint Falcon as the grand prize. 69 players signed up to play in the tournament which was eventually won by the team called "Beauty and the Beast" with team members Wonderland and Beef. For more information visit Gotfrag.

Gallery

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  ctf_bball2

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  ctf_ballin

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  ctf_bball_alpine_b4