To shoot some hoops

 

Context  #1: 

I just want to relax this weekend. I don't want to study. I don't want to clean or do laundry. I just want to relax. Maybe I'll watch something on Netflix or take a long nap. I might call up some friends and shoot some hoops if the weather is nice. 

Context #2:

We just returned from the LA Lakers NBA game in Downtown Los Angeles. It was so exciting! Basketball is my favorite sport and I can't wait to join a team so I can shoot some hoops with my friends!

Explanation:

To shoot some hoops means to play basketball. The sport of basketball is played with a ball and the object of the game is to get the ball through a hoop by throwing the ball. The verb shoot  is used the same as throw. 

http://languagesystems.edu/

Shoot the Breeze!!

Context #1: 

Mark: Hey Rob! How was your date last night with Mary? 

Rob: Hi Mark. It was OK. I'm not sure we're a good match.

Mark: Why not?

Rob: Well, we met for coffee and only spent about 30 minutes together before she left. We were pretty uncomfortable, just shooting the breeze. She didn't really tell me anything about herself which is disappointing because I really wanted to get to know her. From what you said, she seemed really interesting. But this was not the case yesterday.

Mark: Oh man! That's too bad. Will you have another date with her?

Rob: I don't know. She said she would text me, but I'm not sure if she will!

Context #2

Tom: Hey Bill! How was your date with Jane yesterday?

Bill: Oh it was great! She is really easy to talk to. I really like her.

Tom: That's great!

Bill: Yeah, we had a great time. We went for coffee and spent at least 2 hours just shooting the breeze. We're going to get together next week, too!

Explanation:

To shoot the breeze is to spend time chatting casually about nothing in particular and with no purpose.

In context #1, Rob wanted to have deep conversation and get to know Mary, but they only had casual, light conversation. 

In context #2, Bill and Jane spent hours shooting the breeze  and enjoyed their time together.

This expression is often used with -ing form 

http://languagesystems.edu/