Archive for January, 2008
Six Keys to Success for Basketball Players
by admin on January 31st, 2008
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I’m often asked this question: what are the keys to becoming a great basketball player? I give them a two-word response: hard work. All joking aside though, hard work is a key component of success in basketball (or any other area of life for that matter). But a more detailed, useful answer is really in order. I have broken down success as a basketball player into 6 broad categories: 1. Basketball skill 2. Physical ability 3. Confidence 4. Aggressiveness 5. Thinking big 6. Being in the moment Let me go into detail on each of these items. Basketball Skill First and foremost, you have to be able to play the game. From shooting, to dribbling and passing, to rebounding and defense, you’ve got to know the game, and be a good player. This is, it goes without saying, the foundation on which every successful basketball career is built. Physical Ability In addition to being able to play the game, great players are usually exceptional athletes. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to be the fastest, strongest, highest jumping player on the team. But it does mean that you have to be very mobile, very agile, have good hand-eye coordination, and have good endurance (among other things). Being a good all-around athlete allows your basketball skills to flourish and grow. Confidence Having basketball ability and physical skills takes you only so far. Taking your game to the next level requires massive confidence, the belief in yourself that you can go out on the floor and dominate, each and every game. Look at the great players (Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Kobe, et al)…these guys think one thing when they play: that they are the best player on the floor, and they are going to dominate the opponent. Aggressiveness In addition to believing in yourself, you have to be extremely aggressive every time play the game. You may be a nice, quiet person off the court, but once you put on a uniform and get into a game, you have to be fierce and determined, passionate and competitive. Thinking Big I coach a lot of players that doubt themselves and what they can do on the floor. Get rid of that kind of thinking. Don’t be satisfied with what you were able to do last season, or last month, or yesterday. Set high goals for yourself, and think big…and you’ll be amazed at how you are able to achieve more than you did before, just by picturing yourself playing better than you did in the past (picturing it, and expecting it). For example: if you scored 10 or 12 points a game last season, plan on increasing that by at least 2 or 3 baskets a game. If you grabbed 4 or 5 rebounds a game, plan on upping that number to 6 or 7. Now, remember that scoring more points doesn’t necessarily mean you are playing better than before, but you get the idea. The point is to expect more of yourself, set higher goals for yourself, and set firmly in your mind the belief that you will play better than you have in the past. Believe it, and it’ll happen. Being in the Moment Lots of players over-think the game. Whether it’s psyching yourself out at the free throw line, letting a bad play compound itself and negatively impact the next play, or being hesitant to take the ball to the basket for fear of getting blocked, you can’t allow these types of negative thoughts, or over-thinking to keep you from playing at your best. The key is to be in the moment, be in the flow of the action, and let your physical abilities, and all the practice you’ve done take over. Don’t think or worry, just play. These are the 6 main areas of success in basketball. Think through each of these, and really figure out a way that you can get better in each one. What can you do today, tomorrow, or next week that will help you improve in these areas? Come up with some answers…then go out and make it happen!
About the Author
Patrick Chylinski is a former college and professional basketball player. He is now a private coach based in Los Angeles.
Visit www.basketballsuccess.com for playing tips, articles, newsletters, DVDs, and e-books.
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
Enjoy College Basketball with Online College Basketball Betting
by admin on January 31st, 2008
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Basketball is the all-time favorite sport. It is played by all age groups, at all levels. Due to this popularity, now basketball season continues throughout the year either in the form of NBA or NCAA. But college basketball has captured the market. People can’t wait for the basketball season to start. With college basketball, they enjoy basketball round the year. And similarly college basketball betting. College basketball betting is the most popular form of sportsbetting. Because college Basketball is the most exhilarating sport to bet on. It gives more betting opportunities because of shear number of games played. With more than 200 Division I-A schools, you can be assured of being able to find some action any night you want throughout the year.
Description of college basketball betting is incomplete without online betting. Online college basketball betting is no longer a thing of the future but something of the present. It’s safe, reliable, easy, and can be done by anyone with a computer and an Internet connection. A large number of online sportsbooks are available on the internet which provides online college basketball betting services 24*7. With greatest online basketball betting lines, live bet odds, Las Vegas point spreads and fastest payouts, online college basketball betting is simply jubilant. Affordable betting lines with all types of bets are also available online. Select an online college basketball betting lines either with point spread or money lines, and bet on college basketball online.
Don’t rate online college basketball betting for convenience and security. It is more than that! Online sportsbook are complete sports betting guides and perfect sports betting place. If you think that what should you do and what should you know for intelligent betting then you can get all this for free from online sportsbook. College basketball betting odds, college basketball betting lines, college basketball betting picks and NCAA basketball Betting, ATS standings - Every thing to give you a perfect and unforgettable basketball betting experience. With online college basketball betting, you start earning money even before starting the betting. Different promotional bonuses like free sign up bonuses, 1/2 prices, reloads give real college basketball betting fun and excitement.
Online college basketball betting is really amazing if you are on the winning side. And is terrible if you are on the other side. The best way to increase your earnings from basketball betting is to develop a basketball betting guide. Contrary to the usual belief that betting solely depends on chance and luck, a little mathematics and some proven game strategies can turn the game in one’s favor. In fact, it can guarantee a good payout. Good handicapping/ picking winner, money management and line value is the base of wise college basketball betting.
NCAA basketball gives basketball fun and basketball betting throughout the year. With internet, you can bet on all NCAA tournaments. And it is quite easy and simple also. So select an online college basketball line and bet online.
About the Author
TPC is a sport fanatic. She also have been follow up on the industry of Basketball both NBA and Pro Basketball for over 3 years now. Her favourite team is Sacramento King.
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
Basketball Fundamentals - Coaching Layups
by admin on January 31st, 2008
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The lay-up is the most basic shot in basketball. Unfortunately, it does not get a lot of attention when people work on improving their overall game. In a time now where fundamentals are slowly being forgotten and replaced with fancy show-boating moves, players need to remind themselves of the basic techniques of shooting lay-ups to make themselves better scorers. In this article we will discuss just a few things associated with lay-ups that will help improve your overall game.
When Practicing Lay-ups Take It Serious
In an actual game you will rarely have the opportunity to lazily run to the basket and shoot an uncontested lay-up. Most lay-ups are shot while you are fast breaking with a defender on your hip harassing you all the way to the basket. If you practice lay-ups nonchalantly then in a game type situation you are more likely to miss the lay-up because you might jump off the wrong foot, or shoot the lay-up too hard because your timing is off. It’s not logical at all for you to make even the simplest of shots in a game if you are not practicing the shots the same way you would shoot them in a game. Make sure you are using correct technique and that you are moving at game speed when you shoot lay-ups during your warm-ups.
Be Able To Use Both Hands
You should be able to shoot lay-ups effectively with both the right and left hand. If you are driving to the basket on the left hand side of the floor and shoot a lay-up using your right hand you are likely to get the shot blocked. Make sure that whatever side of the basket you are driving towards you use that hand to shoot the lay-up. This will ensure that your body will be in between you and your defender and it’s likely that you will draw a foul if your defender tries to block your shot.
Be Selective
If you try to shoot the same type of lay-up in every situation you will lack the advantage. It’s important that you are use to shooting different types of lay-ups so that you will be harder to defend in certain situations. For example a defender may be over aggressively challenging every shot you take, as you get to the basket you may want to head fake and shoot what is referred to as a power lay-up where you go off two feet and try to draw a foul or shoot over your defender as you time it perfect. Or sometimes on a break you would want to actually shoot a lay-up with the opposite hand of the side of the basket you are driving towards. Sometimes when you are pressured to get a shot off you can get the ball to the basket quicker if you were to use the right hand when going up on the left hand side of the basket or vice versa. The bottom line is that you need to have a selection of lay-ups that you feel comfortable shooting so that during games you can use every advantage you possibly can.
HoopSkills.com - Basketball coaching videos with drills & tips.
About the Author
Andy Louder runs http://www.hoopskills.com a basketball coaching and training website.
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
Basketball and Jesus
by admin on January 30th, 2008
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Our church has an organized basketball program managed and coached by Doug White (not to be confused by our pastor who also has the same name). Recently, I asked Doug why he was so passionate about the sport of basketball, and what does basketball have to do with Christianity. I thought his philosophy may be helpful to others who desire to build a church sports program. He expounded that organized basketball can be a great Christian training ground. Doug believed it starts with the right goal in mind: building up believers for their Christian walk. Coach White adheres to the following eight principles:
1. The program leader and coaches must remember the program goal in every activity they undertake. The core to a successful basketball program is conditioning and fundamentals. Those are two things most kids will like the least because they’re infected by television sports; where the focus is on the individual player to look as good as possible. By focusing on conditioning and fundamentals, coaches can begin to wean their kids off of the glory-seeking mentality inherent in today’s professional sports and develop a TEAM.
2. Every practice must begin and end with a prayer and those prayers should be led by players as soon as possible. The last 15 minutes of every practice should be a Bible study lesson where the players MUST bring a lesson or verse and be prepared to give its meaning and an application to basketball or their daily lives. Every player is required to have their Bible in hand and a lesson written down inside.
3. The Bible study lesson will be one of the most emotionally challenging tasks the players will face. Not only do they have to read and understand, but they also have to speak in front of their peers. To demonstrate how simple the task really is, Coach White will lead the first 2 or 3 by turning to a chapter in Proverbs. Proverbs is an easy book to use because it’s built around life lessons. The challenges faced on the court boil down to challenges in life: anger management, cooperation, physical effort, pain, disappointment, and joy. The requirement to have a lesson on a piece of paper can be answered simply by writing a Proverb on a piece of paper with the point the player is trying to make. Those without a Bible or lesson earn a martyr (what the secular world calls a “suicide”) for each infraction. The penalized player will run while we prepare the lesson.
4. Coaches need to remind their players that all the heavy conditioning will be lifelong examples the players can use when basketball becomes just a fond memory. Working hard and hammering their bodies into fit vessels will make their brains more alert and able to accomplish seemingly impossible physical tasks for years into the future. And if some of the players actually choose to become missionaries, their physical training will form a great basis to endure the hardships in third world countries.
5. To successfully reach the primary goal of improving our Christian walk, basketball games become framed in the context of physical contests and opportunities to demonstrate a Christ-like attitude. Christian players do NOT challenge or complain about a referee’s call. The Christian player appreciates the referee’s difficult position of managing chaos and understands the thankless job they’ve undertaken. Complaining about a call, rolling their eyes, or hot-dogging earns them an immediate spot on the bench where they can see the cost to their teammates of their absence.
6. The other team is not “the enemy” but are brothers that challenge us. If the other team is secular, then we become a team of witnesses of how Jesus would behave and how He makes us different. The goal as a Christian team is put out an effort level Jesus would be pleased with, and an attitude that makes fans and players both wonder how it can be in today’s world. As Christians playing basketball, we should be victorious whether we’re winning or losing the game.
7. When the game is over, win or lose, the players must understand that God is in control. God is a “details kind of guy” who has numbered the cattle on a thousand hills, so he knows exactly what went on during the game. And He watches what happens AFTER the game. Win or lose, the Christian team is the envy of every fan and every coach because of how they behave AND how they play. As the coach for a Christian team, you model that same attitude. No team is ever “blown out” by your team, no matter how poor their skills. Every team gets the same level of respect you want for your team — even if that means you put a lid on your best players, denying them the opportunity to score at will. We still play hard and give our best effort, but we can always stop short of running up the score.
8. The real measure of success for the coach isn’t the won-loss record, but the activities his players become involved in once basketball is over. A successful coach will have successful PEOPLE graduating from his program, and they, in turn, can positively affect the people they come in contact with as they go through life.
Coach White’s basketball link can be found at www.ebiblechurch.net.
About the Author
Johnny Kicklilghter is a member of Edgemont Bible Church located in Fairview Hts, Illinois.
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
Sturdy and Durable Basketball Home Hoops
by admin on January 29th, 2008
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Basketball hoops play an important role in the game. This article will highlight the difference between home hoops and tournament regulation hoops used in official game play.
Regulation hoops are hoops used in NBA and NBCAA tournaments. They are designed to be sturdy and durable, especially to bear the weight of a player slam dunking. The measurements of size and dimension of a regulation basketball hoop is determined by the tournament committee. Any changed to these measurements should be conveyed to all the teams.
A regulation basket should ideally be 18 inches in diameter, and at least 5/8 inches thick, clamped to the backboard with steel clamps painted orange. The backboard is made of transparent material, glass for example, with a red light to signal the end of the playing period. This red light must be visible to all. The backboard measurements are 72 inches across, 42 inches high and 1/2-inch thick. This is by comparison much larger compared to home backboards which range from 40 to 60 inches across, with a thickness that varies from 5/16-inch to 1/2-inch. The surface of the backboard should be smooth and firm with some bounce in it. Regulation poles that connect to the back board should be 6 inches in diameter. Home poles are of course much shorter.
In summary, regulation and home hoops differ in terms of material, size and price as they cater for different needs. Home hoops are used primarily for leisure activities while regulation hoops are used for professional play.
About the Author
Find more about Basketball and Basketball hoops
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
American Basketball Scholarships - 10 Tips on How To Get One!
by admin on January 29th, 2008
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American Basketball Scholarships -10 Tips on How To Get One!
What do you think about March Madness? Exciting, isn’t it? Do you dream about playing college basketball? Can you imagine what it feel like to actually be a March Madness Player? Take a second, think about your team gathering around for the tournament bracket annoucements, wonder which region your team will be chosen to play in, what will that arena be like, will the rims be loose or tight, will you have your best game ever, will you be so nervous that the sweat from your fingers doesn’t allow a good grip of the ball?
Is this something that would interest you? Is this something that you want to be a part of? There are many steps you can take to dramatically increase your chances of playing collegiate basketball and getting a basketball recruiting scholarship. To be successful, you must take control of this process and you must learn how to maximize your chances of obtaining the athletic scholarship you are seeking.
Today, the recruiting process is highly sophisticated; and, in most cases, demands that student/athletes know how to market themselves. Many well-intentioned coaches, parents, and high school guidance counselors, who are advising student-athletes today, do not understand the steps in the recruiting process.
Experts agree that the most prized commodity in the “game” of athletic recruiting is information. College coaches and prospective college athletes both succeed or fail by information or the lack of information. Athletes need to know where they can receive a scholarship, and how to go about getting one; college coaches need to know about athletes who will best fit their programs.
As a student athlete, you can help your chances of “winning” an athletic scholarship by following the Top 10 Tips listed below.
1) Demonstrate superior athletic ability—-You don’t have to be an absolute superstar, but you must have talent.
2) Get in the best physical condition you possibly can. Obtain a great conditioning program and STICK WITH IT. Playing at your optimal potential is only possible when you are in top physical form.
3) Become a student of the game. Know your position inside and out.
4) Become fundamentally sound. Work on your shooting hand mechanics, free throws, jump shots, dribbling, etc.. as often as possible.
5) In the off-season stay focused on your strength training and vertical jump and you will see drastic improvement.
6) Learn about the mental game of basketball and how it impacts your success.
7) Play pick-up games as often as possible and vary your pick-up game competition as much as possible.
Get and keep yourself eligible by passing the required academic courses with a satisfactory GPA. Score the required entrance score on the SAT or ACT.
9) Conduct yourself in a manner that calls positive attention to yourself. Coaches shy away from possible problem athletes who might bring negative attention and disgrace to their programs.
10) Undoubtedly, it is imperative to learn how to promote yourself to college coaches. The sooner a college coach knows about you, the better your chances are of getting a scholarship.
Would you like more to know more about “How To Get An Athletic Scholarship”? Check out our FREE 90+ page ebook @http://www.college-athletic-scholarship.com. Why Pay For Your Education, When You Can Play For Your Education!
? Athletic Scholarship Info - All Rights Reserved
About the Author
Lynn West Why Pay For Your Education, When You Can Play For Your Education! http://www.College-Athletic-Scholarship.com
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
NBA Basketball
by admin on January 29th, 2008
Basketballs rich history.
Basketball has a rich history of superstar players. Although the game continues to evolve, the talents of yesterday’s stars are seen in today’s NBA basketball.
Russell and Chamberlain
The greatest rivalry in pro sports during the 1950s and 1960s in NBA basketball may have been that between Bill Russell’s Celtics and Wilt Chamberlain’s 76ers and Lakers squads. Russell and Chamberlain defined the role of the dominant big man in different ways. Chamberlain was the better offensive player, providing his team with low-post scoring while passing out of double-teams to open teammates. Russell was the greater defender, providing an intimidating presence for his team by blocking shots and rebounding. This started the fast break for his teammates, allowing them easy baskets in transition. The interior presence of Russell and Chamberlain has been seen in later generations of NBA players, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson.
Chamberlain had the statistical edge, averaging 30.1 points and 22.9 rebounds for his career. Russell, though not the scorer Wilt was, led in another impressive category: NBA titles. Over the course of their careers, Russell won an astounding 11 championships, while Chamberlain won two. Russell’s ability to raise the level of his teammates’ play contributed to the Celtics’ championship dynasty. By making the players around him better, Russell created a model for future championship players like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
About the author:
http://www.a1-nba-basketball-4u.info/
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
College Basketball picks - NCAAB bets to win money
by admin on January 29th, 2008
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Pick: AVOID MARCH SADNESS PLACE YOUR PARLAYS WITH bet365!
It’s a big weekend for college basketball, as a number of crucial games take place that will likely decide conference titles. Top ranked Duke has already wrapped up the ACC conference, and George Washington seems unstoppable in the Atlantic 10. But things are much closer elsewhere - none more so than in the Big 12. Kansas and Texas aim for Big 12 title. bet it live, livebetting basketball
For all you college basketball aficionado’s out there, it will soon be time to fill out your bracket sheets for the NCAA tournament, but serious bettors will be getting excited at the prospect of picking point spread winners.
bet365 have lines on all the games as soon as the final 65 teams and match ups are known. At this moment in time, the newly realigned 16-team Big East looks likely to have seven or eight teams involved, while the The Big 10 (which appears to be one of the strongest conferences this season), might get as many as seven. However, it’s the presence of the smaller - local - teams that make March Madness the exciting (and unpredictable!) spectacle that it is.
If you’re looking for some value during March Madness season (aren’t we all!), it may pay to steer clear of the public teams - like Duke and Kentucky - as they’re always likely to be well-backed, and that will be factored into the point spread. Hence, the other team is going to be a value price, in order to attract equal money on both sides.
For example, supporters of last year’s North Carolina squad were asked to lay a heavy price to back their team, and they only covered one spread on their run to the Final Four. Meanwhile lesser-known schools provide great value for their backers - who will forget the great run by Wisconsin-Milwaukee last year! Another piece of advice is to check which teams will be playing on close proximity to their home venue and thus have a “home” crowd advantage. Also, don’t ignore teams that have had a poor season. They will generally be up for this final chance to make the Big Dance, and will be capable of pulling off an upset or two!
While be backing our picks in singles (as every serious bettor should), it will be hard to resist a speculative parlay wager along the way, especially as we re assured of getting more back with the bet365 Parlay Bonus. Each week, pay out up to 50% more on successful NBA & NCAAB parlays on the following 6 markets:
Point Spread, Game Total, First Half Point Spread, Second Half Point Spread, First Half Total, Second Half Total. What wait more? It’s a big weekend for college basketball, bet live basketball
About the Author
It’s a big weekend for college basketball, bet live basketball
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
Who Does Ron Artest Think He Is Without Basketball?
by admin on January 29th, 2008
You have to hand it to Ron Artest. This guy really just gets under the skins of many NBA fans. Mr. Artest, exactly who do you think you were prior to your basketball career and when you throw it all away, exactly who do you think you?ll be after basketball? It?s time to grow up and make your fans, what few of them you have left, proud again. Don?t you think?
He?s graced the covers of some of the biggest magazines on the newsstands today. Don?t you know that the executives of Penthouse, Sports Illustrated and GQ all sold large amounts of magazines just because Artest doesn?t know how to behave? When you think about it, it really is disturbing, especially when you visit his website. He boasts about providing the funds for 6 college scholarships and naturally, he is very active with children through his charities, summer camps and general love for children. And why wouldn?t he love children? He certainly can relate to them, right down to the temper tantrums.
In the day where celebrities act like drunkards strung out on drugs in night clubs while divorcing their parents, the general public should demand more from athletes and frankly so should the commissioners who slap them on the wrists with a fat fine and send them to the bench. As commissioner David Stern sternly impressed upon the media in 2004 after the infamous Artest incident, ?The line is drawn,? Stern said as he referred to the suspension of players for the Indiana Pacers after Artest fought his way into a suspension which carried some of the heaviest of fines. Yes, David, the line was drawn and the chaos has continued but don?t feel too bad, it?s the norm among professional sports.
In fact, professionals are making such a name for themselves acting out with little self-control that even the college players are getting in on the act. This year in College Football, baby Vick really made his big brother proud when he stomped the leg of another player. He didn?t learn this behavior from big brother but he may be under the false assumption that bad behavior is a special prerequisite for making ?a go of being a pro?. And we won?t talk about the asinine behavior of T.O. By the way, is he still around?
To add insult to injury, its people like Artest that REALLY needed the break that the NBA gave not only him but his entire family. Artest, now too big for himself has all but forgotten his most humble beginnings. He grew up with two brothers and six sisters, and from his own accounts in his auto-biography on his website, he tells of living in the projects of New York City. Less than seven years ago, he was drafted by the Bulls and a few short years later signed a multi-million dollar deal for a basketball lifestyle brand and gained the kind of money most only dream about. And yes, Artest, considering you started out in the projects, this NBA stuff has been fairly lucrative for you, wouldn?t you agree?
Still, in 2004, Artest commanded $6,158,000.00 in salary, but because he apparently has lost the need for money, he lost over 4.9 million because of suspensions. And true, he probably doesn?t need the money now but some other well deserving athlete did. Someone who would have been glad to sign autographs, shake hands, smile and do what they are paid to do which is play ball and please crowds.
What?s more, when professional players, like Artest, get by with a bad attitude once, they continue to revel in it. For instance, way before Ron Artest became a notorious bad guy, he had another scuffle. Two years prior to his fight on the courts with NBA fans, he grabbed a camera from a television station?s crew and destroyed it after a defeat to the Knicks.
Recently, his tantrum hurt only his own plans when he decided he wanted to go to Sacramento and then he didn?t want to go, and then he did and then he didn?t. In fact, Artest did go because he was made to go, just like a child is made to do something. Here?s an innovative idea for the powers that be in professional sports, if you are going to hire oversized kids to play in an adult game, why not send them to a behavioral psychologist before turning them loose on the general public?
On his website Artest says of his time with one of his teams, ?At times I felt like I had to lead more?like Michael Jordan.? Well darling, I can tell you, you are no Michael Jordan. No, Michael Jordan knew how to act like a gentleman and he knew how fortunate he was. Michael Jordan appreciated what the NBA delivered to him and his family and he never disrespected his game. I really wish Ron Artest, given your talent, were a little more like Mike. And I?m sure your fans do too.
Sadly, I was a huge Ron Artest fan and I cheered him on from my home computer and television. However, with his attitude and the mounting chips on his shoulder, I fear he is at the beginning of the end of his career. However, the housing projects of Sacramento will welcome him back to his similar humble beginnings should he decide to stay there when basketball is no longer an option.
This article was written by Leslie Sinclair sponsored by http://www.stubhub.com. If you?re looking to buy sports tickets for the next game, look no further than Stubhub where fans buy and sell the hottest sports tickets. Reproductions of this article must include a link back to http://www.stubhub.com.
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
College Basketball Picks & Odds: January 28th 2008
by admin on January 29th, 2008
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This season, they are on pace for 100 Units and promise to get there. They are rolling, cashing 7 of their last 11 CBB Cards and 17 of their last 29 Cards. On the entire season, The Pacific Star Group have already made their Dime Unit Bettors over $38,000 and this is no anomoly. Last season was HUGE for Pacific Star, as they made their customers 48 Easy Units. They are one of our Best CBB Experts groups, only having 1 losing season in the last 7 and this year they have started on fire.
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Originally Syndicated via RSS from Touthouse Free Sports Picks
Short Sided Round Robin Format for Basketball and Soccer
by admin on January 29th, 2008
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The computer age has bestowed some unforeseen blessings on the sports world. Math whizzes are now using the personal computer to track game results to a level never before possible, and sports are the better for it. The book “Moneyball” chronicled the way Billy Beane, general manager of the Oakland Athletics used obscure statistical analyses to scout and deal for talent. Now, a variation of this method has spilt over into basketball with a number of NBA teams using statistics in a similar manner. These methods were described in a recent Sports Illustrated article titled “Measure of Success.” Described as simply as possible, these statisticians track how well a team does when a player is on the floor, versus how well they do when they aren’t.
These measures disregard a player’s contribution as represented by their scoring, rebounding and assists totals, and simply asks, “Does the team do better or worse when this player is on the floor?” They also in many cases contradict the conventional wisdom concerning the relative worth of certain players. Jason Collins, a fifth-year center for the Nets of little renown gets ranked as the fourth best defensive center in the league. Conversely, high-scoring Michael Redd of the Milwaukee Bucks is such a disaster on defense that his teams tend to lose with him on the floor, and win while he is on the bench.
While amateur coaches are sure to find these analyses interesting, is there any way in which they can employ these metrics for their own use? Amateur coaches might be able to get team assistants to gather the data needed to maintain these stats, but there is a much better way these concepts can be applied.
Virtually all teams rely heavily on scrimmage play as part of their practice routine. By adopting what I call a Roster Round Robin format during scrimmage play, coaches can get a much clearer picture of how and when individual players perform better than others. The format simply requires that sides be set to 3v3, 4v4, or 5v5, depending on available players. Players are issued reversible jerseys, and score is kept for each side. Stages are set to 3 or 4 minutes, and at the end of each stage, a team score is recorded, with each player earning points for themselves on the basis of their team result. Two players are then directed to exchange sides by flipping their reversible jersey, and a new stage is played. This pattern is continued until all possible roster combinations have been used.
For a 3v3 contest, this would equate to 10 possible combinations, thus requiring a 30 to 40 minute game. Each player earns a plus/minus score across all stages. As everyone plays under all roster combinations and points can only be earned on the basis of team results, an individual’s result reflects their team contribution across all stages. In order to maintain game continuity and ensure rapid roster rotations, the roster rotations are predetermined and printed on a grid used for scoring.
Some may notice that the one thing seemingly not taken into account in this format is position play. A roster rotation schedule that disregards position play will likely result in some oddly balanced sides - think 5 guards versus 5 forwards and centers - that wouldn’t reflect anything resembling a real-game matchup. This difficulty can, however, be overcome by taking positions into account when devising the roster rotations. For a 4v4 game, with players restricted to either a center/forward or guard position, there would be 9 different roster combinations required. For a full-sided game, a center position could be added, but 18 stages would be required. With three minute stages, this would be a 54 minute scrimmage game. Coaches may wish to split this size of scrimmage across multiple practices.
Would the results from any particular scrimmage mean much? For one game, probably not, as we all know the ball can bounce funny for a time. But if this format were used on a regular basis, the results should reveal which players are contributing the most to their team. These results will either confirm or deny a coach’s sense of who his best players are, but there are two even bigger benefits that can come from the use of this format. First, as players come to understand this as the new measure of their play, they will be more receptive to a coach’s instruction on team play. As well, players will intuitively respond to the demands of the game, and adjust their play accordingly. Simply put, the ability to measure team play translates to a better ability to teach and learn it.
The second benefit may be even more important. A system that clearly and demonstrably measures a player on the basis of their team contribution fosters team chemistry better than any other. The talented offensive player who lets down on defense can be brought to the table when the impact of his lackluster defense can be shown. Players who are frustrated because they think they should be playing more can either makes their case in the round robin practice, or be shown they’re not there yet. Regardless of the case, team chemistry is advanced.
The only real barriers to this practice format are logistical. Running this practice format requires pre-numbered reversible jerseys, and scoring/rotation grid sheets. Both are available at Rejersey.com.
The format can also be adapted for tryouts and tournaments. If your team or league would like to use this format and would like help with logistics and obtaining reversible jerseys please contact customerservice@rejersey.com.
About the Author
Tom Cobb is an avid soccer player and the owner of Rejersey.com. Rejersey.com is committed to providing the best jerseys for team sports while also supporting the sports that create the need for our products. Our jerseys are perfect for practice or pick-up, as well as team and tournament play. On top of this, we go a step further, and help those who are passionate about team sports with fund-raising, and organizing their teams, schedules and facilities.
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College Basketball picks - NCAAB bets to win money
by admin on January 28th, 2008
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Pick: AVOID MARCH SADNESS PLACE YOUR PARLAYS WITH bet365!
It’s a big weekend for college basketball, as a number of crucial games take place that will likely decide conference titles. Top ranked Duke has already wrapped up the ACC conference, and George Washington seems unstoppable in the Atlantic 10. But things are much closer elsewhere - none more so than in the Big 12. Kansas and Texas aim for Big 12 title. bet it live, livebetting basketball
For all you college basketball aficionado’s out there, it will soon be time to fill out your bracket sheets for the NCAA tournament, but serious bettors will be getting excited at the prospect of picking point spread winners.
bet365 have lines on all the games as soon as the final 65 teams and match ups are known. At this moment in time, the newly realigned 16-team Big East looks likely to have seven or eight teams involved, while the The Big 10 (which appears to be one of the strongest conferences this season), might get as many as seven. However, it’s the presence of the smaller - local - teams that make March Madness the exciting (and unpredictable!) spectacle that it is.
If you’re looking for some value during March Madness season (aren’t we all!), it may pay to steer clear of the public teams - like Duke and Kentucky - as they’re always likely to be well-backed, and that will be factored into the point spread. Hence, the other team is going to be a value price, in order to attract equal money on both sides.
For example, supporters of last year’s North Carolina squad were asked to lay a heavy price to back their team, and they only covered one spread on their run to the Final Four. Meanwhile lesser-known schools provide great value for their backers - who will forget the great run by Wisconsin-Milwaukee last year! Another piece of advice is to check which teams will be playing on close proximity to their home venue and thus have a “home” crowd advantage. Also, don’t ignore teams that have had a poor season. They will generally be up for this final chance to make the Big Dance, and will be capable of pulling off an upset or two!
While be backing our picks in singles (as every serious bettor should), it will be hard to resist a speculative parlay wager along the way, especially as we re assured of getting more back with the bet365 Parlay Bonus. Each week, pay out up to 50% more on successful NBA & NCAAB parlays on the following 6 markets:
Point Spread, Game Total, First Half Point Spread, Second Half Point Spread, First Half Total, Second Half Total. What wait more? It’s a big weekend for college basketball, bet live basketball
About the Author
It’s a big weekend for college basketball, bet live basketball
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