So... if you are not playing basketball competitively but just pick up games.... is that not a sport? I am not sure how that statement makes sense really. If you are timing yourself on a stroke then it is a sport. Just as much as any other sport that people can play even when not competitive except swim you can do longer and get way more out of it than any other sport options are upper ages.
Now you are starting to get into the definition of sport. This is a hot topic as I have had this discussion with many people over the years.
As far as competition and swimming as you described "racing" the guy next to you as competition.....that is in your own mind. Especially since the other guy doesn't even know you are doing it. It's great for you so that it keeps your interest. Nothing wrong with that and it's awesome you can do that.
My point is that you are only as fast as you are. You are not affected by your opponent. They are as fast as they are. Nothing you can do changes that. You can't block them...although there is some drafting near lanes etc but for me that is minimal in the grand scheme of things. In the end you can only go as fast as you can go. They can only go as fast as they can go. You don't block them or challenge them as you have to stay out of their lane. It's really a competition against yourself. Your time is your time. I will put it this way. If you are in a race and you lose by 10 seconds but get your PR aren't you considering that a success and a win? You did better than you have ever done but you still lost by 10 seconds. You have no shot at every beating that guy no matter what you do. To me that is not a great competition.
The basketball example of pickup games vs other games. There is still a game. You are playing to 10 and are affecting your opponent playing defense etc. You can prevent him from doing his best there is a competition directly affect your opponent. Equating this to swimming would be if you are by yourself shooting baskets and trying to get your PR for shots made in a row. Different than competing against an opponent.
