The West Fourth Street Courts, also known as "The Cage", are a notable public athletic venue for amateur basketball in New York City's Greenwich Village. "The Cage" has become one of the most important tournament sites for the citywide "Streetball" amateur basketball tournament, and is noted for its non-regulation size. Because it is so small, more emphasis is given to "banging inside," or tough physical play. Usually the sidelines are simply ignored during play. Due to the large number of players who come to play here competition for playing time is stiff, and losing players rarely get to play twice.The courts are located over the West Fourth Street – Washington Square subway station and have an entrance to it adjacent to the courts.Numerous national commercials have been shot at The Cage. Former NBA players Anthony Mason and Smush Parker are some of the nationally recognized players to learn their tough style of play from The Cage.
"This neighborhood park is home to "The Cage," a basketball mecca and one of the most famous streetball destinations in the world. A little smaller than regulation size, the court draws locals and NBA stars alike to its annual tournament and its high-quality pickup games. In addition to The Cage, the park also features handball courts and the Golden Swan Garden, an ornamental garden that stands at the former site of a saloon that was part of the basis of The Iceman Cometh."
