How to Choose Basketball Shoes

Shoes are an important part of your basketball game. Without comfortable shoes you will soon lose focus on the game and be worrying more about your aching feet. You have to get the best shoes for your playing style and your feet so that you can focus on the game and not them.

You want shoes that work with your playing style so that you can move about freely on the court. The worst thing is having shoes that hinder your game play and do not allow you to move around as you want.

There are many factors you want to consider when you are choosing basketball shoes. Here is a list of things to consider so that you can get the best shoes for your feet and your game:

- Comfort. Comfort can be explained by choosing something that feels good on your feet. You want the size to be right and you want to choose a width that is not going to constrict your feet. Keep in mind that when you are playing your feet will expand slightly due to the heat.

- Movement. You want shoes that let you move. You should try making a few of your common basketball moves with the shoes on to see if they restrict you in anyway. You do not want any rubbing on your foot because that means the shoe is restricting your movement. You should look at both high tops and lower topped shoes.

- Durability. You want a pair of shoes that are going to last. You want something that will stand up to all the movement and the work it will get on the court. Choose good materials and good constructed shoes.

- Support. Ankle injuries are prominent nit he game of basketball. You want a shoe that will offer you good ankle support. You have to find a balance here, though, between support and movement.

- Flexibility. You want shoes that will move with you and allow your feet to move naturally. The last thing you want is a shoe that is stiff and hard.

- Lightweight. You definitely do not want a shoe that will weigh you down. You want light shoes that will allow you to move and jump without feeling as if you are carrying around ten pounds on your feet.

- Sturdy sole. The sole of the shoe has to be able to handle all the jumping and moving. It should be thick enough to absorb some shock from the jumps. It also needs to be able to keep you from slipping all over the court.

Choosing a good basketball shoe can be something that will take you a few tries. You will not likely go with the first shoe you try. You have to be discriminating if you want a shoe that will compliment your game.

The bottom line is your should stand out, not your shoes. You want a shoe that will help your game at best and just not hinder your game at least. Your shoes are an important factor in just how well you play the game.


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How To Be a Girl's Basketball Leader I

Webster's dictionary defines leadership as 1: the office or position of a leader; 2: capacity to lead; 3: the act or an instance of leading. However, John C. Maxwell says leadership is influence - nothing more, nothing less.

Being a girl's basketball leader really is not about who scores the most points or who has been appointed captain. Leadership is about who has the influence.

Baseball legend, Jackie Robinson said, "A life isn't significant except for its impact on other lives." Let's change this statement to relate to girl's basketball. A girl's basketball leader isn't significant except for their impact on the other girl's basketball players.

Girl's basketball leadership is not based on a position. It is not based on who has the title of coach, assistant coach, captain, nor MVP. It is based on who the players follow. If you can't influence players to follow you, then you are not a leader.

I love the saying that leaders are readers. I've even heard that leaders are learners. So let's put this in context for girl's basketball. The average player is not willing to learn about the game outside of practice. But a girl's basketball leader will learn more about the game through books, videos, trainers, coaches and mentors. A girl's basketball leader will learn just as much about leadership through cds, books, videos, trainers, coaches and mentors.

Girl's basketball leadership does not develop in a day but over time. It is an investment in oneself which will lead to the development of the team.


By Patosha Jeffery


Check Out the Related Article : Basketball Drills for Free

Basketball Party - Make Your Party a Slam Dunk!

Whether you are celebrating a winning season, team spirit, or school pride, you can make your party a slam dunk with a basketball party of your own. If you can have your party in an outdoor basketball court or a gym, that is the perfect place, but you can really have a basketball party anywhere. If your child is playing in a Sunday basketball league or is a member of a basketball league, the most important lesson they will learn is the importance of being a member of a team.

Foster this important lesson by preparing for a year end basketball party. During the year, conduct fundraisers by having car washes, selling pennants, or refreshments or having bake sales. When the season ends, the players have one final outing to say goodbye to team members and wrap up the season.

Have team members wear their uniforms one last time, or at least have Team shirts or hats available for the team members. Have someone there to paint team mascots on everyone (example: Paw prints on cheeks) or order temporary tattoo transfers so everyone can join in the team spirit!

Consider having a cookout, if you are able to have the party outdoors. Order pizza or subs, and have an awards ceremony where each player gets a prize. Let the players vote for certain categories, and let the parents vote for others, being sure everyone gets to be a winner. Make certificates or ribbons for the winners, and enlist the aid of the other parents to be sure there are activities and supervision available so that everyone gets to enjoy the year end basketball party!

By Gail Leino


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Betting On NBA Basketball

Those of you who are not aware of this fact, should sit up and take note. NBA basketball betting can make a lot of money for the bettor. NBA basketball betting has turned losers in sports betting to winners. NBA basketball is the easiest game to make money on. The game gives sports bettors many opportunities to place bets and win. The fact that it gives bettors the ability to win till the very end has made it extremely popular amongst sports bettors.

For the skeptics out there let us take a scenario. Say you were to bet a –8 point favorite in football and the game was tied and there is six minutes left. The ball is with the opposing team. In this case do you think you would have a realistic chance of winning? Most probably not. However, in an NBA basketball this is very much possible even if the clock shows two minutes instead of six.

Let us go to another example. The team you bet on is 22 points down at half time. This should not frighten you one bit. Each season NBA has games where a team is down by 10, 15 or 22 points and has come back to win the game. Like I said in the beginning, NBA basketball betting gives you an opportunity to win till the very last second of the game and no other sport has this to offer.

The are some NBA basketball bettors who opt for betting the total points in a game. The bettors who can get a feel for totals betting are amongst the most successful sports bettors. Totals betting at an NBA basketball game is full of winning opportunities and sportsbooks do not set them as well as a spread. This will normally end up winning you more money and increasing your bankroll.

NBA basketball betting is one of the greatest opportunities available to sports bettors and every year sports bettors and handicappers look forward to the NBA season so that they go forth and increase their bankrolls still further.


By Nigel Kerry


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Origin of Basketball - Part 1

Basketball is a sport with a history that is very different from many modern sports. While many of the present day team sports evolved from variations of past sports, basketball is unique, having been invented by Dr. James Naismith, a physician and minister working for the college for YMCA professionals (later called Springfield College, in Massachusetts). Seeking a rigorous game that could be played indoors during the New England winter to occupy restless young men, Naismith sat down in December of 1891 and developed the first set of rules for the game.

Legend has it that Naismith nailed a peach basket ten foot high on an elevated track. The first game was played on January 20, 1982, in the YMCA gymnasium, with nine players and a court half the size of a present day NBA court. A student suggested calling the game “basketball”, which seemed to be popular and stuck.

The original game was played with a soccer ball, and the first designated basketballs were brown. However, due to their lack of visibility to both players and crowds of fans, Tony Hinkle developed the modern day orange basketball in the late 1950’s nnd it is still used today. The college and pro basketballs are different from one another.

By Peter Portero


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How to Teach Beginner Girls Basketball Dribbling II

In the previous article, How to Teach Beginner Girls Basketball Dribbling I, I told you that dribbling skills are one of the most lacking skills. It is also one of the most important skills needed on a team. It makes a big difference having someone bring the ball up the court effectively compared to not having someone at all. So let's continue to look at how to teach dribbling skills.

To continue developing dribbling skills start with simply dribbling the basketball. Dribble the basketball with your right hand. As you are dribbling, make sure to bend your knee and lean forward slightly were you are not standing straight up. As you are dribbling, pound the basketball against the floor or ground as hard as you can. Now put the basketball into your left hand and continue to dribble like you did with your right. Now bring the basketball back to the right hand. Spread your feet about shoulder width apart. You will need to bend down a little more than you did earlier. Now dribble the basketball around your right leg using small dribbles. Now put the basketball into your left hand and continue to dribble around your left leg using small dribbles. Now dribble around both legs in a figure 8 motion. While dribbling in this motion you will need to switch dribbling hands when you get to the appropriate leg.

Dribbling the basketball is not just for guards and for small players. I've seen players over 6 feet playing the point guard position. Do not limit yourself. Add dribbling skills to your game.


By Patosha Jeffery

Check Out the Related Article : Basketball Dribbling - 10 Keys To Success!

The Three Main Kinds of Basketball Goals

The very first decision that you will have to make before you purchase a basketball hoop is which one of the three primary types of basketball systems you will purchase.

In Ground System - Perhaps the most common and the most popular kind of basketball goal is the in ground system. This system is designed to cement straight into the ground, and as a result it is the most stable and provides the best rebound.

In ground basketball hoops are essentially permanent, so you have to make certain that you are comfortable with where you wan to put your hoop before you install it. It is also a good idea to check your homeowner's association's regulations regarding basketball hoops before you purchase an in ground unit.

Portable Basketball Hoop - With portable basketball hoops, the system is stabilized by a large plastic base that you fill up with sand or water. Portable basketball goals are perfect for areas where you are only able to play basketball outside a few months out of the year. When it gets to chilly, you can just roll the hoop into storage.

They also work well for when your homeowner's association regulations prohibit the installation of in ground basketball hoops.

When purchasing a portable basketball hoop, you should try to find a unit with the largest capacity base that you can find. The larger your base, the more stable your system is, and better rebound you will experience.

If you live in part of the country where temperatures can drop to below zero, it is important to remember to fill your portable basketball hoop base with sand instead of water. Water will expand when frozen, so it carries the risk of potentially cracking your base on chilly evenings. If you choose to use water, make sure to include some antifreeze in the base to prevent the water from freezing.

Wall Mounted Basketball Systems - If you don't want your basketball system to take up any room in your driveway, your best choice will probably be a wall mounted basketball goal. These systems don't require a pole or a base at all.

They just attach directly to your wall or roof with a bracket. On higher end wall mounted basketball hoops, the bracket is typically included with the system. However, on cheaper models, such as those that cost less than three hundred dollars, you typically have the purchase the basketball bracket separately.

Once you settle on what kind of basketball system you want, the next thing you have to decide is what kind of backboard material best suits your needs and budget.


By Logan Strain


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Gambling on College Basketball

When the time of year rolls around for gambling on college basketball the action can get fast and intense. Some people believe that it’s easier to handicap college basketball games than other sports like football because the teams are smaller and more points are scored. However, almost everyone agrees that when you’re gambling on college basketball you need to get as much information as you can in order to bet intelligently. While it may be fun to always bet on your favorite team, your odds of winning decrease unless you know everything about the team and its opponents.

When gambling on college basketball you should always rely on what the experts have to say. This is particularly true if you’re betting on multiple games every week and don’t have the time to keep up with all of the teams and players. The best experts can be found at a top rated internet sportsbook where you can place your bets, get the best odds, and get the information you want. The experts analyze all of the teams and know how they match up against each other. They also look at individual player match ups, injury reports, and a team’s history of beating the point spread. Then they’ll make solid recommendations that you can rely on when gambling on college basketball.

Don’t do your gambling on college basketball in the dark. Sign up with a sportsbook and improve your odds of winning. You can then place your bets at your convenience through a secure account and know your winnings will be paid promptly. Then sit back and enjoy the games.


By Anthony LeMaire



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Betting NCAA Basketball Playoffs

Betting on college basketball is always exciting, but when it comes to betting NCAA basketball playoffs it really gets challenging. If you’re betting NCAA basketball playoffs you know a lot of new factors come into play during March Madness. For example, a team that was a power in a small conference and was favored in most of its games may find itself an underdog when it plays in the tournament. The question is how will the team respond in that role?

When betting NCAA basketball finals you also want to look at how a team has done during the year against the point spread. If a team has won most of its games, but has a poor record of beating the spread, this can certainly influence both which teams you bet on and how much you bet. You also want to gather as much inside information as you can about how the individual players on teams match up against each other. Injuries to key players can also play an important role when betting NCAA basketball playoffs.

If you plan on betting NCAA basketball playoffs you’ll want to gather all of this information and more. You can try and find it on your own, or you can do your betting with a good sportsbook that will have experts who analyze all of the data and make solid recommendations. If you use these recommendations you’ll be able to bet with confidence and dramatically increase your chances of winning. So get the facts ad place your bets.


By Anthony LeMaire



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Girls Basketball Motivation and Inspiration II

I explained in Girls Basketball Motivation and Inspiration how girl's basketball is a "game of thought". Now, I want to explain how it is a "game of goals".

Earl Nightingale said that "People with goals succeed because they know where they are going... It's as simple as that." And Geoffry F. Abert said "The most important thing about goals is having one."

Every since I was in elementary school, I wanted to play basketball. I would go get my hair done early Saturday mornings. By that afternoon, the hairstyle was gone because I was on the court. As soon as I finished eating lunch or dinner, I was shooting basketball.

I can remember when I was in the 3rd grade and I would look down the field at recess and watch the older kids playing basketball and thinking that I can't wait until I get in the 4th grade then I will be able to go down their and play. And that's exactly what I did.

The first week of school of my 7th grade year I went searching for the basketball coach so I could find out when tryouts were. I was determined to reach my goal of making the girls basketball team. When I found the coach, he looked at me and said that I was too skinny to play basketball. I eventually got the coach to let me try out. Not only did I make the team. I started every single game, lead the team in scoring and was MVP for 3 straight years.

I believe Scott Reed said it best about goals and how basketball is a "game of goals". "This one step, choosing a goal and sticking to it, changes everything."

Determining what goals you want to achieve in any aspect of the game of basketball can change everything.

By Patosha Jeffery


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The Five Qualities of a Good Basketball Hoop

Most people have a terrible basketball hoop cemented in their driveway.

Which is unfortunate, because the truth of the matter is that there are tons of fantastic basketball hoops out there. But in order to get the right you for you, you need to learn and identify the five factors that make for a quality basketball hoop.

Rigidity - The number one factor that determines whether or not you will have a basketball hoop you will enjoy playing on for years to come or make a purchase a that you will regret is rigidity. The more rigid a basketball hoop is, the better rebound it provides.

When looking for a basketball hoop that is really rigid, be sure to check out the backboard material and the thickness of the pole. The thicker your pole, the more rigid the basketball goal is. And it is preferable to get a system that has a square pole, rather than a round one. Square, one piece poles are going to be much more stable than round, three piece poles.

Offset - If you watch NBA games, you notice that players don't spend all of their time in front of the backboard area. In the most interesting games, players actually fight for control of the ball right underneath the rim.

The reason they can do this is because of offset, or the distance from the backboard to the pole. If you have longer brackets, it gives you a lot more room to play under. On really high quality systems, the offset is four feet. This is because on a pro basketball court, the distanced form the backboard to the out of bounds line is four feet.

Backboard Size and Shape - You should ideally purchase the largest backboard that you can afford and preferably purchase a backboard that features a square backboard, rather than a fan shaped one.

Backboards can get up to six feet wide, which is the width of the basketball hoops used in the NBA. The larger your backboard, the more likely you are to hit bank shots.

Durability - You don't want your basketball hoop to fall apart a month after you get it. And you don't want to find out that your hoop is as fragile as a dry leaf until it's too late. That's why you need to understand just how durable your basketball hoop is before you actually purchase it.

A good indication of durability is the warranty. The longer and more extensive the warranty, the more confident the manufacturer is that the system will last.

Installation - A good basketball hoop also has a fairly easy installation method complete, with detailed instructions. It is important to remember, however, that generally the better quality the basketball hoop you purchase, the more work that will be required to install it.

While some expensive, higher quality hoops might take hours or even days before you can play on them, in the end you will be rewarded which a much higher quality system that a hoop that takes less than an hour to set up.


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Basketball Shoes

Playing basketball requires vigorous moves like running, jumping, side-to-side movements, blocking, and shooting. This involves a lot of wear and tear on shoes. In order to reduce wear and tear, basketball players need specially developed shoes, like basketball shoes.

Basketball shoes help in preventing lower body injuries by allowing the players to move quickly and by helping to transfer body weight. At the competitive, level you have to choose proper shoes.

Different players require different types of basketball shoes. Some players, especially power players, need shoes with high tops with maximum ankle support and comfort. Some others, like all-around players, need mid-sole shoes. Speedsters need lightweight, low-top shoes with no restriction of the ankles. Many players use tennis shoes for playing basketball, but there are risks in wearing these shoes, like the increased chance of sliding, becoming injured, and slowing down by weak grip.

Basketball shoes are made up of leather, synthetic leather, or canvas. The most frequently used material is synthetic leather, which is more durable and lightweight than natural leather. Some use only natural leather but these shoes have a tendency to stretch. Many basketball shoes have combinations of synthetic leather and natural leather or textile.

Team shoes feature a highly durable sock liner. Today, there are different styles of basketball shoes on the market. When buying a basketball shoe, the most important things to be noted are durability, support, traction, comfort, and style. There are different shoes for men and women.

Basketball shoes are more advanced than running shoes. When playing on a hardwood floor, you need shoes that provide good traction, both for forefoot and heel. The basketball shoe size must be suitable for the toes, arch, and heel. Many of these shoes have pillow-like landing pads with elastic quality. Many have heel plates for increased support. Basketball shoes are available in different colors or as team colors, and the pricing changes accordingly. These shoes can be purchased directly or online. The price of leather shoes ranges from $35 to $190 for a pair, but canvas shoes are available from as low as $17.


By Eddie Tobey


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Betting NCAA Basketball

One of the real challenges for sports betting enthusiasts is betting NCAA basketball. Everyone has their favorite teams, but just wagering on the home team is not going to make you successful at betting NCAA basketball. While in some ways there are fewer variables to consider in basketball betting, such as the number of players on a team, there are still many factors to be looked at. You need to carefully analyze the betting odds and betting lines before deciding which team to bet on and how much to bet.

You can get some of the information you need from the morning newspaper, but much of it comes from research. That is where the experts can help you with betting NCAA basketball. If you do your betting with a good sportsbook it will have experts who will make recommendations based on the latest information. These experts look at the up to date information on injuries to key players, match ups between individual players, and even internal team conflicts that might affect the way a team plays. All of this can become particularly important when betting NCAA basketball during March Madness

Of course, it is important to consider team records when betting NCAA basketball, but it can be even more important to know how teams are doing when it comes to the point spreads. If a team consistently wins its games, but doesn’t beat the point spread that often, then it is probably not a good bet. This is also the type of information you can get from a good sportsbook. So consult with the experts, find out what you need to know, and place your bets with confidence.


By Anthony LeMaire


Check Out the Related Article : Basketball: Becoming More and More Popular Worldwide

How to Fast Track Girls Basketball Success

Everybody wants to be successful at what they do. In girls basketball, you always want to be the winner. You always want to be the leading scorer. You always want people to talk about you and your game. You would want to be the player with the sweetest jump shot. Well how do you get to that point?

Know where you want to go.

The book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People says to know where you are going so that you better understand where you are now and so that the steps you take are always in the right direction. If you do not know where you want to be in girls basketball, you may end up anywhere. Determine what area of basketball you would like to be successful in. It could be in ball handling, shooting, defense, free three shooting, 3 point shooting, etc. Or you may want to be successful in any combination of things. This is something you have to decide.

Believe you will get there.

John C. Maxwell States in his book, Thinking for a Change, "The greatest detriment to many people's success tomorrow is their thinking today. If their thinking is limited, so is their potential. But if people can keep growing in their thinking, they will constantly out grow what they're doing. And their potential will always be off the charts." Now the question is do you believe you can achieve what you want. Do you think you are capable of being successful?

Do something about it.

Just knowing where you want to go and believing that you will be successful will not get you there alone. You have to put something into action. You have to go out and work on your skills. Get in a gym by yourself or with a trainer. It doesn't necessarily have to be a gym. I worked out in the driveway. I bought my own basketball goal as an 8th grader and shot for hours by myself. Attend basketball camps. Read basketball books. Look at basketball DVDs or VHS tapes. You have to put in the work in order to reap the rewards of success.


By Patosha Jeffery

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The History Of Basketball

You will be surprised to know that the basketball is a game that started about 115 years ago!

Initially, peach baskets served as the hoops. In due course of time, basketball has grown more than any other game and has evolved into a modern action-packed game.

It was Dr. James Naismith who invented this game in 1981. In the beginning, basketball was just another simple game with only 13 original rules.

However, over all these years, number of changes and modifications were made to the original game. Not only the rules but also the style of play, equipment and the court markings were modified.

Originally, the game of basketball began with only 18 men in a YMCA gymnasium in Springfield, Mass. Today, the same game is now played by more than 300 million people worldwide.

It was under the orders from Dr. Luther Gulick that Dr. James Naismith invented basketball. In those days, Dr. Luther Gulick was the head of Physical Education at the School for Christian Workers.

Dr. Naismith was required to create an indoor game that would provide an "athletic distraction" for a rowdy class during the winter season. He was given only 14 days for this work.

Initially, Naismith tried to bring outdoor games such as soccer and lacrosse indoors. Unfortunately, these games were very cumbersome and his idea did not work out well.

Finally, Naismith recalled a childhood game. This game required the players to use finesse and accuracy to become successful. After a lot of brainstorming, Naismith invented the game of basketball with the 13 original rules.

At the 1936 Olympic games held in Berlin, Naismith was sponsored by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) to witness basketball become an Olympic sport.


By Sumit Bhatnagar


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How to Choose a Basketball Hoop

A basketball hoop is an important part of your game. You want to choose a hoop that will compliment your game and that will last and be something you will be able to use over and over. Choose your goal carefully. Here we've listed 3 main criteria that you should use to find the best hoop for your needs.

You will want to look at the:

• Style of the system
• Materials used to make the hoop and the
• Features of the goal

By looking at these there factors you will be able to choose a basketball hoop that will
meet your needs.

Basketball Hoop Style

The style of hoop you choose is largely dependent upon your style of game. You need to consider if you will be using outdoors only, inside, or both.

• Do you need a hoop that can be moved or one that is stationary?
• Are you the only one using it or if there will be a variety of people using it?

All of these factors are important because hoops are often designed for specific situations.

There are hoops that are portable so they can be moved when needed. These may work when you are sharing a space and the basketball hoop needs to be taken down when others are using the area. There are hoops designed for water play and hoops that adjust to accommodate different players.

Choose a hoop style that works for your needs and you should be on the right track to the perfect basketball hoop.

Material of Basketball Goal

The materials used to make the hoop are important because you want something durable. You need the hoop to be sturdy and able to handle rough play. If the hoop is outside it needs to be made to withstand the elements of the weather so that it does not rust or wear down quickly.

Basketball System Features

There are a range of different features on basketball hoops. These different features will allow you to customize the hoop to your game. You may find that some hoops have break away rims. This special feature is a great safety feature that will work well for people who are playing a serious game with a lot of layups and jump shots. Other features may include special backboard designs and adjustable heights.

You should also look for special technology offered by the company selling the goals. Some companies may have special design features that make the hoop stronger, safer or easier to use.

Choose a basketball hoop that suits your game play, wallet, and location. Whether for fun, sport or serious athletic pursuit, your basketball hoop is an investment. Choose wisely.


Check Out the Related Article : Basic Tips For Effective Basketball Training

Girls Basketball Recruiting Evaluation Tip

If you have been playing summer basketball, either with an AAU team, summer league or just in the neighborhood gym, what are you basketball plans once school starts? What are you doing now to make sure you are on the radar or still on the radar as far as college basketball recruiting? Do women's college basketball coaches know about you and your skills?

Did you know that college coaches come out and watch players play before the school season even starts? Did you know that college coaches are probably using this time to see what high school games and events they will attend during the regular season?

Those are a lot of questions that need to be answered. However here is a tip that can help you. Attend a fall NCAA-Certified evaluation event.

An NCAA-Certified event is a basketball tournament or camp that college coaches attend to see girls play basketball. The NCAA has to approve the event in order for it to be considered certified. The event is either team based or individual based. Team based is for teams to register and compete. Individual based is for players to come on there own and be evaluated through drills and placed on teams to compete.

In the fall, right before the regular school season begins NCAA-Certified events can be held during a specific weekend. And believe me college coaches will be there. These events are held all over so I'm sure one will be in your area, if not regionally.

If you are serious about making college coaches aware of you and your basketball abilities and skills, attend a fall NCAA-certified event.


By Patosha Jeffery


Check Out the Related Article : Baseball and Basketball Origins

Basketball Shoes

Playing basketball requires vigorous moves like running, jumping, side-to-side movements, blocking, and shooting. This involves a lot of wear and tear on shoes. In order to reduce wear and tear, basketball players need specially developed shoes, like basketball shoes.

Basketball shoes help in preventing lower body injuries by allowing the players to move quickly and by helping to transfer body weight. At the competitive, level you have to choose proper shoes.

Different players require different types of basketball shoes. Some players, especially power players, need shoes with high tops with maximum ankle support and comfort. Some others, like all-around players, need mid-sole shoes. Speedsters need lightweight, low-top shoes with no restriction of the ankles. Many players use tennis shoes for playing basketball, but there are risks in wearing these shoes, like the increased chance of sliding, becoming injured, and slowing down by weak grip.

Basketball shoes are made up of leather, synthetic leather, or canvas. The most frequently used material is synthetic leather, which is more durable and lightweight than natural leather. Some use only natural leather but these shoes have a tendency to stretch. Many basketball shoes have combinations of synthetic leather and natural leather or textile.

Team shoes feature a highly durable sock liner. Today, there are different styles of basketball shoes on the market. When buying a basketball shoe, the most important things to be noted are durability, support, traction, comfort, and style. There are different shoes for men and women.

Basketball shoes are more advanced than running shoes. When playing on a hardwood floor, you need shoes that provide good traction, both for forefoot and heel. The basketball shoe size must be suitable for the toes, arch, and heel. Many of these shoes have pillow-like landing pads with elastic quality. Many have heel plates for increased support. Basketball shoes are available in different colors or as team colors, and the pricing changes accordingly. These shoes can be purchased directly or online. The price of leather shoes ranges from $35 to $190 for a pair, but canvas shoes are available from as low as $17.


Check Out the Related Article : Baseball and Basketball Origins

Online Basketball Betting

There is nothing more exciting than watching a good college or professional basketball game. This is particularly true during March Madness or the professional playoffs. Of course, it can be even more fun and exciting if you’ve got a bet riding on the game or a playoff series. Now it’s easier than ever to place your bets by going to an online basketball betting site. At a good online basketball betting site you can register and make your deposits into a secure account. This can be done in a variety of ways and can be done from any location where you have access to the Internet.

A good online basketball site will also help you make the smart bet on a game or series. Its experts look at the data behind the betting odds and betting lines and provide recommendations based on the key factors involved. For example is there an injury to a key player on a team? If the player is going to be in the game the experts will be able to tell you how it might affect his play and that of the team. If the player is going to be out for a while the experts will examine how well the back up player may perform.

The experts at an online basketball betting site know if there are players having a shooting slump and how the players at each position match up against opposing players. They’ll look at team records at home and on the road and after factoring everything in they’ll make recommendation to help you be successful with your online basketball betting. All the final decisions about which team to bet on and how much to bet is up to you so place your bets and have fun.


By Anthony LeMaire

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Basketball Injuries - How To Prevent Injuries And Win Basketball Games

Ever since Dr James Naismith invented basketball in 1891, basketball has become a worldwide phenomenon. Children from Afghanistan to Zaire has enjoyed playing basketball. Millions of people has participated in the sport at every level and aged group. It doesn't matter if you playing at elite level such as the NBA or around your neighborhood, injuries will always happen. One of the most common injuries in basketball are rotator cuff tear of the shoulder.

A rotator cuff usually happens after a traumatic injury to the shoulder like pulling your arm right above your head or falling directly onto your shoulder. It can take weeks to fully heal, or if you don't rehabilitate your shoulder, it may take months or years to improve. It is therefore essential you perform proper warm up exercises before you begin your game.

Here are the following steps you should perform before you start a basketball game.

1. Drink at least three liters of water (13 cups) a day for men and 2.2 liters of water (nine cups) a day for women. It is essential you get your body hydrated because it will help your muscle to stretch and also help remove muscle byproducts from your system.

2. Jog around the basketball court for at least three or four minutes. It is important to get you heart rate up so blood and nutrients can adequately refuel your body.

3. Stretch your major muscle groups such as your shoulder, back and legs. Stretching these part of your muscle will increase tissue extensibility and blood circulation. All of this will help prevent tearing or cramps from occurring.


By Tu Tran


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