With so many drills and different ways to practice to improve your game, you could very easily get confused and frustrated trying to compile a perfect practice plan. Some of the main components I have always stressed with all my private basketball clients, whether they are beginners or a NBA Veteran, is to try and train smarter and just harder.

A major component you have to consider when trying to design a Basketball Improvement system is to leverage your time wisely and work on the areas that are most important to you and your game. To use an example, if you are a point guard, your main job is to be able to handle the rock under control and pressure, control the pace of the game, make sure all your teammates are doing their job correctly and be your coaches on the court general.

Why it would be great if you were a great rebounder, it is not something that you should spend alot of time practicing. You should focus the majority of your time practicing and improving the areas that are most required. Try not to get caught up in trying to work on every aspect of basketball, there just is not enough time to work on every thing in one practice.

I have outlined a Practice plan that I use to structure all of my Pro Clients workouts,they are very effective and time efficient. The practice will last approximately 1 hour and will begin with a Sports Warm-Up. Sports Warm Up ( 15 minutes) It is very essential you participate in an active warm up that will prepare you for a vigorous work out ahead. The days of static stretching as a team are long over,due to the fact that you want to prepare your self for moving, running, and explosive burst, you want to prepare your body to handle certain movements and game situations. I normally have all my players run 4 to 5 times around the court at about 50%, and then follow that up with 4 half court layups from both the right and left side.Then, we perform 3 full court layups on each side, right and left. Then we move onto two ball dribbling, full court and back 3 times, two ball alternating dribbling full court and back, 3 times, and then finish with a couple of dynamic warm up stretches that improve the mobility, stability, and flexibility of certain muscle groups.

Basketball conditioning ( 10 minutes)

I have always like jumping right into some conditioning drills as my players perform better when we get conditioning done at the beginning of practice.Many practices, the exercise or drills will change and vary, but the principles remain the same. I usually compile 6 conditioning drills that we will perform only once, but at 100% intensity. I will then give them a 30-45 second break and then move onto the next conditioning drill.We do not perform the drills for certain amount of reps, but rather for a duration of time. Usually lasting 30-45 seconds. Hers is a sample Conditioning workout:

Exercise # 1 suicide ( 30 seconds)

Rest(45seconds)

Exercise # 2 ( machine guns while dribbling a basketball) 30 seconds

Rest (45 seconds)

Exercise # 3 Basketball Pushups with a basketball( 20 seconds on each side)

Rest(45 seconds)

Exercise #4 Full court Defensive slides( 35 seconds)

Rest ( 45 seconds)

Exercise # 5 Net or rim touches ( 30 seconds)

Rest ( 45 Seconds)

Exercise # 6 Push Up Holds ( 45 seconds)

Rest Until 10 minutes is up

As you can see, if you structure your workouts and practices correctly, you can get a very effective practice in a short period of time. The next 10 minutes will solely focus on shooting. I have a simple rule when trying to improve your shooting. Think of the 5 most common shots and area that you are most likely to shoot in a game and work on those 5 shots the most. It is almost a waste of time if you are a center trying to improve your 3 point shooting. Once you have figured out your 5 most common shots, spend 2 minutes each working on them and getting up as many shots as you can in those 2 minutes from those specific spots. You will be surprised when you start working on only a couple of shoots how much more you will improve compared to trying to shoot from every where. After you finish working on your shooting, you will then dedicate the next 10 minutes on ball handling. There are millions of drills that will improve your ball handling skills and you can pick which ever ones you like, but follow these rules when you do so.

1. Try not to ever look down at the ball.

2. Try your hardest not to mess up.

3. Involve as much running and movement as you can.

4.When you have mastered a drill, do not continue to do the same drill,

move on to a more challenging drill.

5. Try to incorporate multitasking drills as much as possible, like 2 ball dribbling,

the more you can do at the same time the better.

Follow those rules and you will see a dramatic improvement in your over all game.

Now that you have gotten past those stations, it is time now to move on to the most important aspect of the practice. The last 15 minutes will solely be committed to working on your niche, the most important component of your game.

What Is Your Niche?

This is by far the most over looked aspect in basketball. A niche is what you do best, it is the one thing that you do great, the thing that separates you form the baller next to you. The One thing you can provide the team, and what the coach can count on you for.Without a Niche, you have no identity on the court. If you look at all the Kings in the NBA, you will easily discover their Niche.

Steve Nash- passing

Ben Wallace- Rebounding

Dwayne Wade- attacking the basket

Mike Miller- Shooting

Kobe - Scoring

And the list goes on….

Spend the last 15 minutes working and mastering your niche. Whatever it is, whether it be shooting, rebounding, ball handling, defense, scoring, driving to the basket, 3 point shooting, ect… Work on mastering and improving it. I guarantee you that if you take this outline and use it to structure your workouts and practices, you will have more improvement in a couple of weeks then you probably have had your whole career. Improving your game is easy when you do it the right way.

Your # 1 Fan

Rali Todd

Pro Basketball Performance Coach

Go Basketball Pro

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Jamaal Al-Din asked:


Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will be marked in history as the greatest NBA center of all-time. Not because of his innate ability to score, but also his team concept and leadership capabilities in terms of guiding teams to NBA World Championships. It’s amazing that a single basketball shot- “The Skyhook,” could be perfected in such a manner that it dominated collegiate (NCAA) and professiona (NBA) basketball competition for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s college and pro years. From game winning shots with the skyhook to developing the “Skyhook” as a “Staple” of sorts for the Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980’s, Kareem’s ”perfect” approach to establishing the “Skyhook” made his game perfect! Kareem had the knack for shooting the skyhook, almost always in rhythm. Yes, rhythym, something that all athletes, not just basketball players seek to achieve. Kareem’s rhythmic approach to the shooting of his “Skyhook” is even mimmicked by society in general, throughout the world, because rhythm is what all people seek to achieve throughout our lives. Kareem’s “Skyhook” could always be counted on, during the Lakers hal-court set-up offense and his days at UCLA and Milwaukee. Now, let’s not fail to mention Power Memorial High School. It takes all the discipline ion the world, to be so tall, at 7′4″ as Kareem is and establish such an eloquent shot that demands the touch and precision of a feather-like touch! Log onto Jamaal Al-Din’s Hoops 227- the everything basketball website!

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s “Skyhook” has been imitated but never matched, just like Kareem the person…one of a kind! Even Kareem’s website at kareemabduljabbar.com is the stuff of creativity, consistency, elegance and unparralled honesty with blogs and contributions from people who are knowledgeable of the game of basketball (NCAA & NBA).  Magic Johnson paired with the perfect basketball match, in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and their competitive spirit has fueld the entire Los Angeles Lakers franchise for decades! Magic Johnson could always count on Kareem’s “Skyhook,” even if he (”Magic”) had to shoot it himself ie. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics during the final moments of a 1980’s match-up! Log onto 227’s NBA Bounce- the online basketball magazine!   

Kareem as a coach? Well, I, Jamaal Al-Din could see Kareem Abdul-Jabbar winning a record number of games as a Head Coach in the NBA. Why he has not been a Head Coach in the NBA is astonishing, considering everything from his athletic prowess and ability as an NBA basketball player to simply his background of both NCAA (UCLA) and NBA dominance! Kareem would be an ideal fit for a Youthful team that needs veteran guidance and doesn’t have that particular veteran player on the roster. Think about it… Kareem, the “Skyhook,” Kareem the records, Kareem the winning… a perfect match of qualities that would make for an intriguing and “winning” Head Basketball coach in the NBA. To me a perfect match for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as a Head Basketball Coach in the NBA would have been this season’s 2008-09 New York Knicks. Youth and athleticism, and lots of it. Kareem would add that intangible aspect of discipline that’s needed in youthful 20-25 year old’s who are making millions ($)!

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in my estimation, mastered the art of winning through discipline, basics, and practice. It doesn’t get anymore basic than setting up on the low-post block, calling for the ball from Magic, and shooting that elegant, soft touch skyhook consistently…over and over and over again,  until years later, you’re crowned as the league’s leading scorer! Not many dunks or jump-shots but an array of “Skyhooks” that saw the bottom of the net. And the interesting fact about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s “Skyhook,” is that it was used by Magic, the greatest point-guard in NBA history! If imitation is flattery, the Magic man flattered Kareem to absolute greatness when he (Magic) would use the infamous “Skyhook” during clutch situations with the game on the line!

Kareem’s consistent, half-court game was awesome and very difficult to defend for college (NCAA) and professional (NBA) basketball opponents. At Power Memorial High School in New York, Kareem dominated with unparralled size. Later, at UCLA with John Wooden he could still dominate, at 7′4″ however, with the dunking rules and regulations at the time…the birth of the “Skyhook” and basketball dominance was inevitable! Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the “Skyhook” changed the game of basketball because it propelled an eccentric basketball player with great athletic skill, to a consistency level taht was unmatched for… not 1, 2, 3, or 4 years but an entire career. That’s absolutely amazing, and only the great ones can sustain that kind of consistency (ie.) Oscar Robertason, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Hakeem Olajuwon, Julius Erving, Larry Bird, Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, John Havlicek, Patrick Ewing, and Isiah Thomas.  Log onto Jamaal Al-Din’s Hoops 227- the everything basketball website!

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar one of the games greatest players, an NBA giant, and winner of championships and life’s challenges. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar & “The Skyhook,”- A Perfect Match!             

People often have the misconception that when they aren’t tall, they can’t make rebounds. Well, this may offer some truths behind it but this doesn’t absolutely have to mean that short people don’t have the capacity to rebound under the basket. It only takes 3 skills to do just that, whether you equal Yao Ming’s height or that of Muggsy Bogues with 5′3!

To be a good rebounder you must posses these three things: determination, positioning and aggressiveness. Even with the lack of height you can conquer the inner court. While it may be easier for taller guys to dominate the area under the basket, you can still have the chance to take the opportunity of getting the ball.

You must initially develop the skill of anticipating where the ball will land after a missed shot. This way, you can better position yourself towards the spot and take over the ball. But short players often have the difficulty of doing this since they are overwhelmed by other taller players. And the common mistake among players under the basket, even with those who are adequately gifted with height, is that they tend to watch the ball’s flight after a missed shot.

Determination You must be mentally prepared and focused on your aim to get the ball, come hell or high water. There are other players on the court but you must set your mind on getting the ball first. If you believe that you can do this then you must be willing to take the risks that accompany the action of going under the board.

There is noting more satisfying than being able to steal the ball from everybody else followed by a scored shot.

Rebounding is considered as one of the most difficult skills to learn in basketball. But with enough skills and determination matched with adequate practice, you can learn to rebound as many times as you decide under the ring.

Positioning You must always hunt for the ball under the ring. You must remember that once you get the ball in your hand, you must land with your elbows wide- protecting the ball. Make as much space as possible so other players won’t be able to steal it from you.

Aggressiveness Timid players never succeed in rebounding. Simply because the rebound area is normally the most physically demanding fields in the court. If you are afraid of getting hurt or fouled, you won’t get the ball.

sayed islam asked:


When Electronic Arts set the bar fairly high with the release of Madden 2008, they knew they had to raise it even higher in NBA Live 2008. The game is slated to be on all the major consoles such as the Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, and the Nintendo Wii. This year’s iteration seems to hearken back to the fundamentals of basketball. One new feature in the video game is an online tournament mode. This will be a 32 team tournament style playoff that plays similar to fantasy football. Electronic Arts has not corroborated if this mode will entail any e-mail support, but it looks promising. The online choices appears to have some variety to it. Gamers can play a versus mode and quick play to name a few. Versus is playing against other players online and quick play is using your own customizable team. If you choose to create a team with Shaq and Kobe as teammates, you can do that. The ESPN heavy presentation gives NBA Live 2008 a more authentic television experience. Players will also notice a scenario mode (ala Madden) where you can generate a bizarre situation any way you want. Last seasons modes such as the mini-games, dynasty mode, and NBA all star weekend will no doubt be making a return. In terms gameplay, there looks like there will be more maneuvers being performed in the paint. The low post game is a point of emphasis in this years version of NBA Live 2008. Putting your back against the defender and executing fakes/shots will be strategic. A wide variety of shot selections can be used at the touch of a button. Another new feature in the game are the various cross-over dribbles and spins that can be utilized in conjunction with each other. Since the game an NBA simulation, you cannot expect to see extravagant dribbles by Tim Duncan. You will have significantly more success if you are doing cross-overs with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. These moves will be mapped to the right analog stick (ala NBA Live 2003). A shadow button has been included for better defensive positioning. Furthermore, expect to see players like Dirk Nowitzki and Paul Pierce attempt fade away jump shots. Conversely, players like Dwayne Wade and Allen Iverson will drive towards the basket. The NBA Live series is always a step behind the critically acclaimed NBA 2k series. Will this year be different? We will have to wait and see when NBA Live 2008 is available in October.

http://wwwfunnyman.blogspot.com/

Basketball has been known to be a challenging sport to play. It has also been know to take its toll on your body. Follow these 10 tips on preventing basketball injuries and you’ll feel better about getting back on the court.

1. Proper warm up. I can’t stress enough how important it is to loosen up and stretch. So many times we are so ready to play that we neglect even a minimal warm up or stretch. I would start with a 5-10 minute jog around the court. Get the muscles warmed. Muscles that are cold and tight don’t react as quickly and can easily get strained or injured. After your jog, run some lines, from the free throw line to the half court line etc. Run at approximately 75% of your total speed, to get your heart pumping and muscles really moving.

2. Check out the court. During your warm up, check out to see if there are any items such as rocks, holes, glass, etc. on the court that could present as dangerous and remove them. As silly as this seems, there are many injuries that happen due to tripping over and falling over court debris. Inside courts should be clean, clear of water spills and the flooring should have good traction.

3. Wear proper shoes. I know this may seem basic, but most people have one pair of athletic tennis shoes that they wear for every sport, running, tennis, basketball etc. You should wear specific basketball shoes and even find out which types of basketball shoes are for you. There are high tops that offer maximum support and stabilization for your ankles. There are mid tops that offer minimal ankle support and low tops that offer no ankle support. If you’re a beginner, I would suggest either a high top or mid top shoe. This will give you ankle support and will help prevent injuries. For the more advanced basketball player, I would recommend that the guard position where a mid to low top shoe. Although this will give you less ankle support, it will give you more flexibility. For the forwards and centers I recommend high tops for more support.

4. Drink plenty of water. While playing ball, it is important to stay hydrated for optimal performance. 2 hours prior to playing, you should drink 20 oz of water and then continue to drink water during the game. Even after you’re done playing, you should replenish with fluids and even a sports drink up to a few hours after playing. Always keep water with you in your gym bag.

5. Stretch. And I mean stretch. How often do we jump straight into playing ball with only minimal (if any) stretching? I highly recommend you spend about 5 to 10 minutes stretching from the bottom of your body to the top. Start with the

a. ankles: while seated roll your ankles in a circular motion.

b. Calves: standing with your hands against a wall, bend your right leg and keep your left leg back with heels on the floor. Hold for 20 seconds

c. Knees: while standing, bend your knee and grab the ankle. Hold for 20 seconds

d. Low back: while standing upright, bend at the waist and try to touch your toes.

e. Mid back: while standing upright, side bend to the right and then to the left. Also, twist to the left and to the right.

f. Neck: slowly turn your head to the left and to the right. Bend your neck forwards and then backwards. Slowly move your neck into a circular motion.

g. Shoulders: while standing upright, grab your right arm with your left hand and pull across your chest. Repeat with the other side. Remember that basketball is not only a lower body workout. It requires you to move all parts of your body and therefore every muscle and joint should be stretched to avoid injury.

6. Strengthen your muscles. This will take time but as you are aware, the stronger the muscles, the more that they will be able to support you and propel you throughout your game. If you never worked out before in a gym, then I would highly recommend the advice of a personal trainer, and especially someone who knows about basketball. Just 20 minutes a day for strengthening your muscles and 10 minutes for cardio, is key to preventing injuries and improving your game.

7. Support braces. Let’s be honest, no matter what you do, you may not be able to avoid an injury. You roll your ankle on someone’s foot, run into a screen that knocks you on the floor. You’re not crippled, but then you’re not 100%. Invest in some support braces from your local doctor or physical therapist. They will be able to advise on what type of brace you will need to help avoid injuries.

8. Mouth pieces. An important part of preventing injuries, the mouth piece is invaluable. Although it does’t seem like basketball is a rough sport, it actually is. Remember what a hard foul is?! Many times as you are driving to the basket, you can get hit in the mouth. A mouth guard can help protect from the loss or fracture of your teeth. They are sold at sporting good stores and should be worn at all times.

9. If you’re injured see a doctor. Some injuries although minimal can actually lead to something bigger. By seeing your doctor sooner than later, you can avoid it from being a bigger problem. Don’t be a tough guy and continue to play. See a doctor who specializes in sports injuries and who will be able to give you guidance on how to fix it.

10. Have fun. By having fun, you avoid getting into trouble. You avoid playing dirty and deliberately hurting the other team. No one likes to play with someone who constantly fouls and plays out of control. Remember to have fun and you will enjoy playing the game.

Rory Wilkinson asked:


With the 2008/2009 NBA season about to begin, those fortunate enough to have tickets or those with cable are chomping at the bit at the prospect of watching the likes of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, O J Mayo and more create magic on the hardwood night in and night out.

However for most of us around the world, we are only going to get a few replays on television at obscure times. Not really the same is it? In fact during the entire 2007/2008 season I only managed to see about 7 games, none of which included my favourite team the “New Orleans Hornets” led by Chris Paul. However this season is different. This season I’ve found a way to watch NBA live online.

See, I discovered a fantastic program called Satellite TV for PC. This allows me to get full, live coverage of every game NBA game played live. Now I can watch NBA games live online. Furthermore I can watch them from all over the world (not just America), I only have to pay a small one off payment instead of over $90.00 a month like most cable companies charge, I get to watch the games in crystal clear HD and I also get 3000 other channels so I can watch other sports like Baseball and NFL as well.

The other benefits of satellite TV for PC, along with being able to watch NBA games live online, is that you can literally start using the software within 5 minutes, the interface is simple and easy to use, you can connect it to your television and you can also watch movies, television shows and world news because of the huge variety of channels that they offer.

So if you want to watch NBA live online then I recommend checking out the website below where I have done an honest, in-depth review of the best satellite TV for PC programs available. No longer will you miss your favourite stars dominating the court, spectacular dunks, blocks, buzzer beaters and everything else that the NBA offers. Watch NBA live online now, where ever you are in the world.

Morgan Dunn asked:


It’s already the biggest question being asked in NBA circles and it’s still two years away. For what team will LeBron James be playing in the 2010-2011 NBA season? James’ current deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers includes a clause in which the superstar can opt out after the 2009-2010 season and become an unrestricted free agent, an option that he’ll likely pursue for financial reasons if nothing else. At this point, it appears that there will be three potential suitors in the NBA, with a wildcard option as well. Let’s examine each potential destination for the King.

There is a good chance that when it’s all said and done, James will remain with the Cavaliers. His loyalties lie in Cleveland, as he was born and raised in nearby Akron, OH. The major knock on the Cavs has been the front office’s inability to build a solid team around James. The King has had to put the team on his back in a way that perhaps no other superstar has faced. This summer’s addition of Mo Williams could go a long way in keeping the King in Cleveland should the two players mesh on the court. Williams is a good shooter, something that complements James’ game very well, but he’s also the point guard the Cavs have been desperately lacking since James’ was drafted in 2003. Williams can also create his own shot and be the guy that can play the focal point of the offense when James hits the bench for a breather.

The Nets are a team that could swoop in and steal the King from the Cavs; at least that’s how the maligned fans in Cleveland would view it. James’ friendship with hip-hop mogul and Nets part-owner Sean Carter (a.k.a. Jay-Z) has been well documented. Should the Nets complete their move to Brooklyn by the time the summer of 2010 rolls around, there’s a good chance LeBron would genuinely consider playing for them. The young talent on the team needs to develop, though. If guys like Devin Harris and other youngsters can raise their game enough to convince James that there is a contender waiting for him, he could be the face of the first Brooklyn basketball franchise.

Just across the Brooklyn Bridge is another borough of New York, one with a little more glitz and a little more glamour, Manhattan. Waiting in that part of New York City will be the New York Knicks and Madison Square Garden, the Mecca of basketball. The Knicks have made it clear that they’re going to try to clear enough cap space to lure the King to the Garden in 2010. Whether they can do it, or if they’ll have enough talent to attract the King, remains to be seen. LeBron has expressed his desire to be the first billionaire athlete, and what bigger marketing stage is there than New York City?

The only other option I can see is for LeBron to play in Europe. The dollar amount would have to be exorbitant, but I’m not ruling it out completely. LeBron has expressed the desire to be a global icon, and what better way to become one than to span the globe throughout his playing career? Still, I don’t see it happening as LeBron is such a student of the NBA and its greats of the past. I don’t think he’d leave the greatest basketball league in the world simply for more coin.

Wherever he goes in 2010, there’s sure to be frenzy of media attention and rabid fans, as well as a huge spike in demand for NBA Tickets.

http://www.stubhub.com/nba-tickets/ is your best source for NBA Tickets.

Basketball season is around the corner and thousands of players coming back to the court need a refresher course.  Some simple training aids can make those skills come back to life fast.  This modest list of 5 training aids is easy on your wallet and does not require a steep learning curve to use effectively.

The weighted basketball trainer has been around for years.  This training aid focuses on building key muscles for the game.  Practice with the training basketball by utilizing your favorite passing drills.  Not only will players be building up key “basketball” specific muscles but those passing routines will be memorized for game time.

Weighted basketballs are made by many manufacturers but the best way to go in this writers opinion is with a rubber model around 3 pounds.  The rubber can be used indoors or out and gets the job done at a fair price.There is something to be said about composite leather models.  While they are much more expensive than rubber thy will provide a more realistic feel.  Since they feature composite leather covers much like the ball you’ll be using on game night, players will get used to the feel of composite leather during those passing drills.

Oversized Basketball Trainers much like it’s weighted cousin the oversized basketball trainer can be used for passing drills.  It’s huge size, 33 to 36 inches ( a standard men’s basketball is 29.5 inches), makes it difficult to run passing drills.  It’s true purpose is for perfecting that “nothin’ but net” shot.  The oversized basketball fits through a standard rim with plenty of room but for those who normally use a standard size basketball the need to aim true is emphasized.

It’s a simple idea but it works.  Players will hone in their shooting skills quickly and this training aid can also be bought at a bargain price.  Like the weighted ball you will have the choice of rubber or composite leather.  In this case I lean even further to the rubber end as this balls size reduces it’s usefulness as a passing trainer.  Getting a feel for the ball is not important in this case and I like to save money whenever possible.

Jump Ropes.  Ok we’ve re-learned passing and shooting but you’re feeling a little sluggish on the court.  To many hot dogs and ice cream cones over the summer I guess.  A quick way to slim down and lean up is using the age old jump rope.  Maybe a jump rope isn’t your idea of a basketball training aid so let me explain why it makes the list.First they are inexpensive so just about anyone can afford one.  Second they are easy to use for this purpose.  You don’t need to become a world champion jumper to get your heart pumpin. Third is that a jump rope provides cardiovascular exercise in a small area.  You won’t always have the court under your feet and you can jump rope almost anywhere.  The fourth reason I put jump ropes on this list is the fact that they will improve the muscle group that you use when you jump.  If you want to slam dunk or nail those layups jumping is going to be important. The fifth reason to add a jump rope to your training gear collection is their portability.  Just keep it in your gym bag.

Now there are a ton of jump ropes out there so which one would I recommend.  Well lets assume you’ll be using it frequently your going to want something durable.  We don’t want to break the banks and to be honest the most expensive jump ropes are really designed for people who are going for that world record we don’t need precision as much as we need durability here.  Weight is an important factor because a heavy weight jump rope is easier to use. And let’s not forget a durable material.  You will be using this indoors and out and pavement can be harsh on lesser quality or softer materials.All of that in mind I would buy a leather ball bearing jump rope as they have a smooth operation, enough weight to build up some nice momentum and they are durable on all surfaces.  Not to mention the affordable price tag under $10.

Having said all of that weighted training ropes also have a place in this area of exercise.  A good 2 or 3 pound weighted jump rope will provide a great upper body workout in a short time period.  These are also very popular with basketball players.

The Zipedo Rebounder.  Rebounding is a critical area that basketball players should work on regularly.  Getting control of that ball to try another shot or taking it away from the competition is what wins the game.  Rebound training can be made quicker by using a bubble style rebounder like the Zipedo Rebounder. So out of all the rebounders out there why did I pick the Zipedo for this article.  After all the Zipedo is one of the most expensive bubble style rebounders available and I like to save money right?Well the Zipedo Rebounder comes with an extension pole and a offers a system that allows you to safely install the rebounder on the rim from the ground.  That’s right, no need for a ladder, no players standing on shoulders.  The Zipedo Rebounder installs in seconds from the ground.  On top of that the rebounder promises to offer realistic rebounding situations which will train players for the real thing.

Dribble Specs are last but not least on the list has to be dribble specs.  These are one of the most popular training aids for basketball and it’s easy to see why.  Stop looking down at the ball.  You’ve heard coaches say that time and time again.  You can’t keep and eye on your opponent if you are watching your dribbling and that’s where dribble specs come in.  These half glasses keep you from seeing the floor which eventually trains you to keep your head up and watch the court.A simple skill that can improve a player by leaps and bounds.So how much does this little miracle trainer cost.  Under $5 per pair.  Can’t beat that.

So there you have it five basketball training products that will help any team make it to the finals and maybe even put a trophy in case. Find all of these products and more at the www.morleyathletic.com.

Basketball has made superstars out of Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Shacquille O’Neal and many others. In almost every country, there are breeds of basketball icons.

No wonder, basketball is continuously catching the interest of more and more people, especially the younger ones. Though, football still is considered the most popular sports event on earth, the ability of basketball games to catch and suspend breaths of sports fans around the world shouldn’t be underestimated.

The game of basketball is all about competition between two opposing teams. Each team has to accumulate points by shooting the ball into the basket. The more successful shots, the higher the points.

When looking at each game, it may seem that this sports activity could easily be handled. But experts and basketball players themselves would assert otherwise. Each player must strive harder to play the game better and help the team win the game.

Because basketball is all about shooting the ball into the basket, shooting is one of the most basic skills each basketball player must possess. Surely, there are many other aspects of the game, but so far, shooting is considered the most important because it is the way to accumulate scores for the team.

Shooting is that particular basketball act when the player is striving hard to successfully throw the basketball into the basket. There will be struggles to get hold of the ball, but in the end, each player’s goal is to shoot that ball into the basket to score.

Types of shooting

Because shooting is a complicated move within the game, there are many types of shooting. Take note that players can throw the ball from a stationary position, while walking, while running, while jumping and so on. The ultimate goal is to shoot that ball where it should be-to the basket.

One type of shooting is the easiest-the set shot. The set shot is usually observed when a player is shooting a ‘free throw’. In this type of shot, the player is left standing on the floor and throwing the ball into the basket very comfortably from a specified range.

The jump shot is more challenging than the set shot. In this shooting technique, the player jumps high into the air to be able to rise above the opponents and take a better vision and range of the basket. The opponent will try to block the shot and may end up being thrown up or being knocked down to the floor.

However, during a jump shot, traveling violations may occur. That is when the player isn’t able to release the ball immediately before his feet get back to the ground.

The layup is a shooting style when the basketball player moves along the court and throws up the ball to the basket. Layup is a shooting style wherein the player doesn’t need to take a stationary position to throw the ball. The opponents are aiming to snatch the ball from the one holding it, so there is a struggle.

And lastly, the most admired and sought-after shooting technique in every game is the slam dunk. Many stars have become icons because of their ability to perform a slam dunk during important games.

A slam dunk is a shooting technique wherein the player jumps toward the net, and directly throws the ball downward to shoot it in the hoop. When the player fails to shoot the ball into the basket during a slam dunk, it is an air ball, which isn’t a violation of game rules.

How to attain good shooting skills

Because shooting is very essential in every basketball game, players should strive harder to acquire several shooting techniques and skills. Here are some very simple tips that will help you attain optimal shooting skills.

Attain proper body balance so you can aim to shoot the ball better and do your goal well.     Calculate the force to apply by your arms to the basketball when throwing the ball into the net. By acquiring the ability to estimate the range between you and the hoop, you can adjust the force to apply to the ball. The fingertips should also be well coordinated.     Basketball is a physical game, but you should also have the mental agility. Concentrate on the game and focus well on your targets. Good focus will help you to shoot that ball into the target hoop.

Basketball wouldn’t be basketball without shooting. Train and criticize yourself so you will be able to be a better player. It may be just be a game, but it is important to the competitive side of you. Good luck!

It all started with a child’s game that the inventor, Dr. James Naismith used to play outside his schoolhouse when he was younger. This game was called duck-on-a-rock, it aimed to knock the duck off the rock by tossing another rock against it.

This then gave Dr. Naismith a concept of a game which he introduced to the students of YMCA Training School in 1891. Due to the cold weather, the trainees of the School for Christian Workers needed a game that could be played indoors and one that wouldn’t use much strength. He then conceptualized a ball game that uses two baskets as goals with both teams competing for the most number of shots.

Apart from the game itself, he also outlined the first 13 rules on playing the game which covers the guidelines, distinction of violations and fouls, and the roles of both umpires and referees, including the duration of each game.

Thus, these events led to the actual birth of the game in December 21, 1881 when it was first played after Dr. Luther Gulick, the head of physical education at the YMCA, gave a two-week allowance for his employee to create a new game.

While the game would be developed in the following years, the students of the YMCA Training School loved it initially. It was even said that Dr. Naismith had a difficult time convincing his students to leave the game after each session.

The game went on to be played in the Olympics in Berlin, Germany where the USA Team beat the Canadian team with a score of 19-8. At this time, there were 22 nations that joined the competition. By 1976, Women’s Basketball was introduced into the Olympics. 

On August 3, 1949 in New York City, the National Basketball Association was formed. But prior to that were the creations of National Basketball League (NBL) in 1937 and Basketball Association of America (BAA) in 1946. The NBA now serves as the largest group in the history of basketball. There are only two leagues left which retained their names since the formation of NBA, the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics.

The first women’s collegiate basketball was splayed on April 4, 1896 in San Francisco’s Page Street Armory where Cal and Stanford met. Unlike the physical and strenuous game we now see in WNBA, the women basketball teams back in 1896 retained their ladylike approach in the game and rules were even modified to accommodate this natural tendency. Stanford then won with a 2-1 score against Cal team.

These events led to the popularity of basketball in our time.