When he’s not flashing his claws as Wolverine, Hugh Jackman has some sharp moves on the basketball court – much to the downfall of his unlucky opponents, who happened to be his children.

The mammoth X-Men star dominated a pick-up game on Saturday in New York City, where he used his weight and skill to shoot baskets in the outdoor hoop.

Wearing a sleeveless shirt that showcased his massive rippling muscles and vein-popping arms, the action man had an aggressive expression that showed he was serious about his sport, whoever the competition.

 

Ball skills: Hugh Jackman added basketball to his gruelling workout regime in New York City on Saturday

Grey shorts and turquoise New Balance trainers completed his active look, while a sweatshirt jacket tied around his waist was ready to ward off any post workout chills.

At one point the 44-year-old sweetly lifted daughter Ava into the air to help her score a basket, while his son Oscar was seen tackling a friend.

Whether running with his daughter or pumping iron at the gym, Jackman has regularly been spotted working out in the Big Apple this summer, and his dedication is enhancing his already impressive rock hard physique.

 

Aggressive player: Hugh looked just as imposing on the court as he does in his Wolverine costume

 

 

Game time: At 6ft 2in, Jackman looks like a giant on the street but is shorter than the average NBA player

While basketball isn’t a huge sport in his native Australia, the Les Miserables actor has lived in America long enough to become a big fan.

In March, he tweeted his support for the University of Michigan men’s college basketball team, when they faced off against Syracuse in the NCAA Final Four semi-finals.

‘This is Wolverine saying ‘c’mon univ. of mich wolverines!!! This is your year. Trey…crush it BUB!’ he wrote, referring to Michigan point guard Trey Burke.

 

He shoots, he scores: Hugh was seen lifting daughter Ava into the air to help her score a basket

 

 

Dribbling dad: Hugh regularly takes his son Oscar to watch New York Knicks games with him

The dedicated dad often takes son, Oscar, to see the New York Knicks play, although he did once reveal that the boy cheered for wrong team the first time they went.

‘He said, ‘Dad, who’s everyone going for?’ I said…”Everyone here will traditionally go for [the Knicks].” He goes, “Right…Go Nuggets! Go Denver!”‘ the embarrassed father told Jimmy Kimmel Live!

‘We were given swag by the Knicks to kind of shut him up,’ Hugh laughed.

 

Young opponents: Hugh was joined by Ava, his son Oscar, and a friend of the little boy

 

 

Game face: Jackman takes no prisoners, even when his rival is his own son

 

 

When it comes to his own rigorous training, Jackman is going from strength to strength thanks to 4am starts and an endless diet of chicken.

‘The one joy I’m allowed each week is after I do squats. I’m allowed a piece of toast with peanut butter,’ he dished to Empire magazine about his strict diet.

Another strict diet rule is no carbohydrates in the afternoon, he revealed to Men’s Fitness. ‘I have oatmeal for breakfast, and brown rice or yams for lunch,’ he told the workout magazine.

Speed skills: Even his huge bulk doesn’t slow fit Hugh down

‘There are never any carbs after 3pm. If you just made that one change and did nothing else, you’d lose 11 pounds in the first month.’

Despite his intense filming schedule, the Golden Globe and Tony award winning actor says the key is to never quit.

’It is hard to build up from scratch,’ he explained. ‘Staying in the ballpark makes it a lot easier.

‘At my age losing fat becomes much harder. I’m fit and lean, and I’m using that as a base to build muscle.’

 

Farmers market: Health conscious Hugh knows the importance of post workout nutrition