Archive for the basketball category
3 Little Known Tips of Basketball Hoop Shopping
by admin on October 9th, 2007
I’ve got a confession to make. I play basketball. I play it very poorly and can’t make very many of the shots that I shoot at the basketball hoop. I have a feeling that I am not alone in the world at being a rather poor basketball player. However, one thing that I’m not bad at is comparison shopping. I’ve mastered the ancient art of comparing prices between merchants and can usually ferret out a fairly good deal with a little bit of leg work. Basketball hoops are no different than other items when it comes to shopping for them.
There are some tips you should know before embarking on your journey to shop for a basketball hoop.
1) New or Used. You really might consider buying a used basketball hoop if you are interested in value. However, make sure you are buying one that hasn’t been banged up too bad. Years of basketball practice can only make your rim bent and dirty. Ebay can be a great place to buy used equipment and basketball hoops are regularly for sale on Ebay.
2) Do your homework by comparing different merchant offers on different search engines and different websites. Just because something is advertised for sale on Google doesn’t mean its also advertised for sale on Yahoo. Some merchants advertise their good strictly through the Amazon partners program and don’t do any other advertising anywhere else. Price vary drastically and the only way you will know that you are getting a good deal is to examine what the different people are selling the same goods for on different websites. Basketball hoops are no exception.
3) Learn about the different types and styles of basketball hoops. Without the knowledge of what you are buying, points #1 and #2 are nearly worthless. Buy your hoop the right way and get a great deal on one by being an informed consumer. Learn how to buy a basketball hoop and you can guarantee that you got a better deal than everyone else.
| About The Author
Tim Jeffries is author of ?The Basketball Hoop Guide.? Get your copy at http://www.basketballhoopers.com. |
A Brief History Of Basketball
by admin on October 8th, 2007
Dr. James Naismith is known world-wide as the inventor of basketball. He was born in 1861 in Ramsay township, near Almonte, Ontario, Canada. The concept of basketball was born out of his early school days when he played a simple game known as duck-on-a-rock outside his schoolhouse. The game involved attempting to knock a “duck” off the top of a large rock by tossing another rock at it. This is the beginning of a brief history of basketball as we know it.
Naismith served as at the YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA in 1891, and this is where the sport of basketball was born. Naismith was faced with the challenge of finding a sport that was suitable for play inside during the winter for the students. Naismith wanted to create a game of skill that could be played indoors in a relatively small space. The very first game of basketball was played with a soccer ball and two peach baskets used as goals. The history of basketball started right here.
James Naismith devised a set rules for these early games as follows:
?? The ball may be thrown in any direction with one or both hands.
?? A player cannot run with the ball, but instead the player must throw it from the spot on which he catches it.
?? The ball must be held in or between the hands, not any other body parts.
?? No shouldering, holding, pushing, striking or tripping in any way of an opponent is permitted. The first infringement of this rule by any person shall count as a foul; the second shall disqualify him until the next goal is scored.
?? If either side make three consecutive fouls it shall count as a goal for the opponents (consecutive in these rules means without the opponents in the meantime making a foul of their own).
?? A goal is scored when the ball is thrown from the ground into the basket and stays there. If the ball rests on the edge of the basket and the opponents move the basket, it shall also count as a goal.
?? When the ball goes out of bounds, it shall be thrown into the field and played by the first person touching it.
?? The umpire shall be judge and have the power to disqualify or foul players as required.
?? The referee shall be the judge of the ball and decide when it is in play in bounds, to which side it belongs, and shall keep the time.
?? The time shall be two 15-minute halves with five minutes’ rest between.
?? The side scoring the most goals in that time shall be declared the winners.
Today basketball has grown to become one of the world’s most popular sports, all thanks to Dr Naismith.
Basketball Fundamentals - Coaching Layups
by admin on October 8th, 2007
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.
About the Author
Andy Louder runs http://www.hoopskills.com a basketball coaching and training website.
NBA Basketball
by admin on October 8th, 2007
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.
Basketball - 8 Power-Dribbling Drills
by admin on October 7th, 2007
Most children first learn to crawl, then walk, and finally to run. Basketball requires players to not only effectively move their feet, but also to maneuver a basketball. Basketball players first learn to dribble the basketball with one hand, then to alternate hands, and progressively to increase to more advanced dribbling. As a basketball player, a powerful and effective way to keep defenders on their toes and increase your threat as an offensive player is to develop an agile and quick dribbling technique. The power dribble can do this.
A basic power dribble is when you dribble the ball at a very intense rate. Maintain your normal form and posture. Use your muscles to thrust the ball forcefully down, and then expect the ball to quickly bounce back to your hand.
The drills described below will help you gain confidence and agility to handle a basketball in a power dribble. These drills will help you run a fast break, cut through the defensive, and outmaneuver your opponents.
1. Power crossovers - Power dribble in your right hand, then quickly bounce the ball to your left hand. Power dribble with your left for a few seconds before bouncing the ball back to your right hand.
2. Dribble blindfolded - Wrap a cloth around your head as a blindfold, or you could simply close your eyes…no peeking. Power dribble a ball for at least 60 seconds. This drill helps you enhance your tactile sense of the ball. You can enhance the drill by performing it in the center of a deserted basketball court, walking around while dribbling. To make the drill even more challenging, try power dribbling two balls, one in each hand, while being blindfolded and slowly walking around a deserted basketball court.
3. 10-5 repeats - This drill exercises power dribbling with one hand at a time. Choose which hand your would like to practice. Power dribble for 10 seconds, then soft dribble for 5 seconds. Repeat multiple times. This exercise teaches your arm muscles how to alternate between various dribbling speeds that occur during game play.
4. Dribble between legs while walking - In order to do this drill you will need a segment of floor, such as a basketball court floor, a street’s sidewalk, or a wide hallway that is deserted. Power dribble while walking up and down the walkway. Power dribble the ball between your legs to practice fancy dribbling skills. To enhance the drill, perform the drill at a quicker walking pace, maybe at a light jogging pace.
5. Double ball power dribbling - Power dribble two balls, one in each hand. This will increase your arm strength for dribbling and enhance your dribbling control. Since you can’t look at both hands at the same time, this drill will also practice your ability to power dribble without looking at the ball.
6. Power dribbling sprints - This drill requires you to power dribble for an extended period of time and run back and forth on the basketball court. Stand at one end of a basketball court. Dribble to the nearest foul line, then return to the baseline. Dribble to the middle of the court, then return to the baseline from which you started. Dribble to the farthest foul line, then return to the baseline from which you started. Finally, dribble the entire length of the court, and return to the baseline from which you started. This entire continuous power dribbling exercise counts as one complete cycle of the drill. Repeat multiple times to practice your dribbling, speed, and direction-changing abilities.
7. 3-chair dribbling - Set up 3 chairs or cones in a line, spacing each chair/cone 10 feet apart. Power dribble around the chairs/cones in different shapes, such as figure-eights, circles, or any shape. Use your imagination.
8. Dirt dribbling - This drill actually requires you to leave the basketball court and find a patch of dirt. Power dribble on the dirt for a minute or two. You will need to power dribble the ball even harder than usual in order to get the ball to bounce on the dirt. This drill is an extremely good arm workout with power dribbling.
Start with just a few of these exercises, and then expand your workouts to include more drills. You can also modify the drills to be more challenging by increasing the number of repetitions or slightly modifying the drill. The key is to vary your routines and have fun with them. By practicing the power dribble, you will greatly improve your dribbling.
Basketball Tips To Improve Your Game
by admin on October 7th, 2007
First, I want to discuss with you the two most important factors in all sports whether you’re in basketball or if you’re jumping rope.
These 2 factors have nothing to do with your size, your talent, or your ability but they have everything to do with how you play the game. And as a matter of fact, it’s the only two things we can control.
The first factor that I’ll discuss is your attitude. You may have heard that “attitude is everything”, well trust me it is. People hate being around others with a negative or pessimistic attitude. If that describes yourself, then stop right now and figure out where your bad attitude stems from and work to correct it.
The next factor is your effort. If you plan to do anything, you must do it one-way and one-way only: That’s ALL OUT!
Now, great basketball players all start out in the same way: with a plan.
So, tell me where is it you want to go? What are your dreams? Desires?
Now, let me ask you have you made any plans to get to where you want to go?
There was a quote that I heard that says, “If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail”
Do you have your plans in front of you tracking your results?
So, with that said, I want to give you some goal setting tips for you to improve on your game. Goal setting is the key to getting what you want out of life. Remember that Life just doesn’t happen, you have to make it happen. And you must be relentless in your pursuit of your goals. So here are my top 10 lists of goal setting tips:
1. Define exactly what you want (the clearer the better)
2. Set priorities with deadlines
3. Develop a love for your work
4. Always do more than someone ask you
5. Respect all people
6. Write notes and track your progress
7. Develop love for learning
8. Picture success (what does it look like, feel like, can you taste it?)
9. Never say quit
10. Live your life with no regrets. (Go ALL OUT!!!)
So, I’m going to leave you with something that has extremely beneficial in my basketball days as well as my days as business owner. Eliminate these three words out of your vocabulary:
Try, But, Can’t
Eliminate these words and start today setting your own goals and you’ll see magical things happen to your game as well as to your life!
About the Author
“Who Else Wants To Discover the Shortcut, Sure-Fire Secrets to Increasing Your Vertical Jump ? Go to http://www.increaseyourvertical.com
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
Fantasy Basketball League Is Worth Learning
by admin on October 7th, 2007
There is nothing that can be more exciting than being a member of a fantasy basketball league. It allows you to be the manager and owner of your own team. You can draft players, trade players or bench players, very much like professional managers and owners do in real life. You even have a commissioner who makes sure that the league is played according to rules, and no one who is part of the league cheats.
No wonder the fantasy league has become an addiction. Millions of Americans join fantasy leagues set up by different organizations before the season starts. These leagues operate very much like professional basketball leagues. You are first required to register your team. Generally, a league has 12 teams though this is not a fixed rule. Some leagues have as many as 20 teams.
The roster size of teams varies from league to league though generally this number is around 14. However, only nine players are allowed to start every week. The remaining five are in reserve, and their points are not counted.
The most exciting day is the draft day. Each team is allowed to pick its stock of players, based on their performance. This allows teams to pick up several superstars in different positions. However, the draft rules make sure that each team manager in a league has a fair chance, and that no one individual walks away with the best players.
There are two points system that are followed in deciding the winner. These are Head-to-Head and the Rotisserie. In the Head-to-Head league each team enters the points that its players have scored against a rival league team during that week. These include points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals. The team that gets more points, based on the way its players have performed on the court, wins that week. In the Rotisserie League, the player’s statistics are tallied up against the entire league.
Before each game you are required to prepare your line ups. This is where your skill and knowledge of the game is tested. You may have superstars on your team but if you do not play them in the right position you may not derive the right benefit.
Either way, the success of your team depends on how the players you have chosen are performing. Of course, you have the right to trade off the players who are not performing well, or get a rookie who has taken the tournament by storm. The trade off is done in a very just manner, and is supervised by your league commissioner.
The team that tops the fantasy league walks away with the jackpot.
About the Author
David Barnes phd. Social Sciences, UTSA http://www.ifantasy-basketball.info
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
Pro-Style Basketball Goals: How to Select the Right System
by admin on October 6th, 2007
There are many reasons for wanting to find a pro-style system when preparing to purchase a basketball goal. These reasons are important to consider when checking out the various options and features offered by each manufacturer.
The Minimum Requirements for a Professional Basketball System
One of the primary reasons that people are interested in the pro-style basketball systems is because they, or their children, aspire to become professionals in the game. Of course, it only makes sense that a proper professional basketball goal is used in practice or training. For this reason, having a pro-style goal serves a greater purpose than just providing a sense of authenticity when shooting basketball hoops. While shopping around for the right system, be sure to check that the basketball goals being considered fulfill at least the minimum criteria to be considered ‘professional’. The standard features of a pro-style basketball goal should include:
* Shatterproof tempered glass or acrylic backboard;
* Flexible, breakaway basketball hoop;
* Weather-resistant structure, including a specialized rustproof coating and nylon bushings where metal meets metal;
* Height adjustment mechanism to set the precise level of the basketball hoop;
* Thick, sturdy padding around the post of the basketball goal;
* Must meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards for safety in basketball goal design.
The Bells and Whistles of a Basketball Hoop
The various basketball goal manufacturers offer numerous additional features that can make their system an even more desirable choice. Often, consumers find they prefer basketball hoops with special conveniences or key advantages when undertaking such a considerable investment. Some of these extra special features can include:
* Motorized height adjustment;
* Portability;
* Nighttime basketball hoop lights
* Easy do-it-yourself installation;
* Guarantee of durability
Portability is a concept that many people generally do not associate with basketball goals. Most people assume that once they install their goal, it will at best add to the resale value of their home when they move because it will have to stay there. This is not always the case because some basketball goal manufacturers have designed the system to allow for portability. With many of these systems, the goal post footings are simply unbolted from the anchor installed within the concrete supporting the basketball hoop. Thereafter, the whole system, minus the old concrete and anchor, can be reinstalled at a new location. It is nothing more than a matter of pouring new concrete and laying in a new anchor for reinstallation.
Professional Basketball Hoops are not just for the Wealthy Pros
For many people looking to purchase a basketball goal, cost is often a consideration. The special features of pro basketball goals are obviously going to make them more costly than a basic portable or simplified residential system. The pro basketball hoops tend to range anywhere from around $700 to as much as $2,000 or more, with the higher-end goals including such options as motorized height adjustment and hoop lights. However, because many of them are designed for portability, an investment into a professional basketball system can be considered long-term, and worthwhile for individuals serious about their training.
The Fearless Beginning of Basketball
by admin on October 6th, 2007
Five years before Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color line… Four years before Kenny Washington took the field for the Los Angeles Rams… Sixteen years before Willie O’Ree skated onto the ice for the Boston Bruins… The National Basketball League (NBL) was already making strides against segregation in professional sports.
Instead of integrating one African American player into the game as it happened in baseball, hockey and football, 10 African American players hit the hardwood in 1942 and made history.
When World War II called the men on the field to the trenches, American sports suffered a loss. Baseball players like Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Warren Spahn and Ted Williams headed overseas. Two of the seven NBL teams folded prior to the 1942-43 season because of the national call to military service. So Sid Goldberg, owner of the Toledo Jim White Chevrolets, made a decision. He went to the league and told them he would be replacing the athletes at war with local African American players.
The United Automobile Workers at the Studebaker factory decided to front another team. Since the factory was being used as a defense plant, workers were exempt from service. The Chicago Studebakers signed six Harlem Globetrotters players (Duke Cumberland, Bernie Price, Sonnie Boswell, Roosie Hudson, Tony Peyton and Hillary Brown) to challenge Toledo.
1946 marked the 20th anniversary for the Globetrotters, and while the NBL was busy trying to make up for lost players, they were busy entertaining crowds around the world. The Globetrotters played their 3,000th game in Vancouver British Columbia, and were featured in the pages of Time LIFE Magazine in the Dec 2, issue of that year.
Other teams in the NBL began to add African Americans to their rosters, including Cleveland, Tri-Cities and Rochester. Ultimately, the two teams that pioneered integration, the Studebakers and the Chevrolets, folded and so did the NBL.
The League was replaced by the National Basketball Association, and 1950 proved to be a very good year.
Red Auerbach drafted Charles ‘Chuck’ Cooper to his Boston Celtics team, making him the first African American player to be drafted to an NBA team.
Former Harlem Globetrotter and first baseman for the Chicago American Giants, Nat ‘Sweetwater’ Clifton, followed as the first African American to sign with an NBA team when he joined the New York Knicks.
But it was Earl Lloyd who was the first African American to take to the hardwood in his inaugural game with the Washington Capitols. Lloyd later became the first African- American to serve as a bench coach for the Detroit Pistons, 12 games into the 1971 season.
In the next ten years the NBA saw the arrival of prominent African American players like Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson and Elgin Baylor.
While Bill Russell dominated the defense of Auerbach’s Boston Celtics dynasty, Chamberlain was leading the attack for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Chamberlain set records that few have broken, and remains the only player to have scored 100 points in a single game.
Robertson led the 1960 Olympic team and played in the NBA for 14 years with the Cincinnati Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks. Meanwhile, Elgin Baylor was busy taking the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA Finals eight times (Although they never won).
Basketball’s deliberate integration of more than one player to the hardwood opened doors to players who have astounded audiences for generations. Players like Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Shaquille O’ Neal, and Michael Jordan paved the way for today’s superstars like Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Lebron James and Tim Duncan.
Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Co., which specializes in authentic throwback jerseys of players past, ranks Shaq, Larry Johnson and Magic Johnson among their top selling NBA jerseys for fans looking to pay tribute to the heroes of the hardwood.
Though the fanfare didn’t come in one big rush as it did in other sports, basketball remains a sport for all ages. Fans will continue to pay tribute to some of the NBA’s finest as the 2006 NBA All-Star game approaches and spectators gear up for what should be a spectacular show.
About the Author
Nina Nocciolino is a copywriter for DMi Partners, an interactive marketing firm specializing in higher education, real estate, retail and finance.
Short Sided Round Robin Format for Basketball and Soccer
by admin on October 6th, 2007
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.
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.
Six Keys to Success for Basketball Players
by admin on October 5th, 2007
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.
Basketball Tips To Improve Your Game
by admin on October 5th, 2007
First, I want to discuss with you the two most important factors in all sports whether you’re in basketball or if you’re jumping rope.
These 2 factors have nothing to do with your size, your talent, or your ability but they have everything to do with how you play the game. And as a matter of fact, it’s the only two things we can control.
The first factor that I’ll discuss is your attitude. You may have heard that “attitude is everything”, well trust me it is. People hate being around others with a negative or pessimistic attitude. If that describes yourself, then stop right now and figure out where your bad attitude stems from and work to correct it.
The next factor is your effort. If you plan to do anything, you must do it one-way and one-way only: That’s ALL OUT!
Now, great basketball players all start out in the same way: with a plan.
So, tell me where is it you want to go? What are your dreams? Desires?
Now, let me ask you have you made any plans to get to where you want to go?
There was a quote that I heard that says, “If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail”
Do you have your plans in front of you tracking your results?
So, with that said, I want to give you some goal setting tips for you to improve on your game. Goal setting is the key to getting what you want out of life. Remember that Life just doesn’t happen, you have to make it happen. And you must be relentless in your pursuit of your goals. So here are my top 10 lists of goal setting tips:
1. Define exactly what you want (the clearer the better)
2. Set priorities with deadlines
3. Develop a love for your work
4. Always do more than someone ask you
5. Respect all people
6. Write notes and track your progress
7. Develop love for learning
8. Picture success (what does it look like, feel like, can you taste it?)
9. Never say quit
10. Live your life with no regrets. (Go ALL OUT!!!)
So, I’m going to leave you with something that has extremely beneficial in my basketball days as well as my days as business owner. Eliminate these three words out of your vocabulary:
Try, But, Can’t
Eliminate these words and start today setting your own goals and you’ll see magical things happen to your game as well as to your life!
About the Author
“Who Else Wants To Discover the Shortcut, Sure-Fire Secrets to Increasing Your Vertical Jump ? Go to http://www.increaseyourvertical.com