Basketball Hoops

Make Your Standard Basketball Hoop Challenge You More

Aside from those games at the local fair, basketball hoops are the same size in diameter. For players who desire to be real sharp-shooters, there are basketball hoop accessories that are made to enhance your skills. The most effective of these tools are 'second-rims' that fit inside of your standard basketball rim. These make the basketball hoop diameter a little smaller, and therefore force you to be more accurate to sink the shot. Practicing your shooting with one of these on your hoop will provide you with more challenging drills. At first, these can be frustrating, but stick it out and you will reap the benefits.

The Basketball Hoop

Many people don't know why basketball called a 'basket'-ball. Well, the answer is simple, when basketball was invented the hoop was an actual basket. A peach basket to be precise. There was no net or even, originally, a backboard. As time went on, the basic backboard became bigger until it reached a similar proportion to what we see used today. The net was added after the rules were changed to dictate a circular rim, or hoop. The basketball hoop has seen many changes since Dr. Naismith created the game, but the game remains the same - put the ball into the 'basket'.

Basketball Hoop Accessories to Protect Your Arms & Wrists

With more players skying high these days to throw the ball down, the classic metal basketball rim can do major damage to wrists and forearms. To protect your player's when they are trying to 'be like Mike', get a basketball hoop rim softener. These accessories will make the rim on your hoop less dangerous without affecting the shots that come off the rim too greatly. The game is not gonna be played below the rim like it used to any time soon. Do what you can to make sure that the advances in the game don't lead to setbacks in player health. These are for practice only, but they can help teach your players what to avoid during real game situations.

Mini Basketball Hoops - Great Office Accessories

When you sit in an office for most of your day, what are the best ways to relieve a little stress towards the end of the day. For me, the little mini basketball hoop that hangs on my door always hits the spot. A few people in my office have the mini hoops that you can put on your garbage pail. Myself, I prefer the mini basketball hoop that I have to shoot over my head to make a goal. Even my clients can't help but take a shot or two themselves when we are in meetings. If you are looking for a great office accessory, get yourself a mini basketball hoop, you won't regret it.

Basketball Equipment

Basketball Equipment to Help Improve Your Skills with Both Hands

The most effective basketball player is the one who can go to either side of the court and lose their defender on the way. Whether dribbling, passing, or shooting, having the equal use of both hands will give you an edge on your competition. When I was a kid, my Dad taught me how to shoot a layup with my left hand by tying a string from my left wrist to my left knee. By shooting the layup with my left hand, my left leg was forced to rise off the ground. To tech players today how to use both hands, there are far more advanced versions of this important basketball practice equipment. If you want to teach your kids or players how to be ambidextrous on the floor, take a look at the many pieces of equipment designed to accomplish just that.

Basketball Training Equipment that Will Make the Difference

Too many training regimens don't provide you with a real return for your time and effort. For basketball training, this is for too often the case. The effectiveness of your training is grounded in good planning and better equipment. Basketball training equipment such as stretch bands for passing exercises can age over time. Since the best training equipment doesn't change too often, it is important to get the equipment that will last through several seasons. Quality training equipment will make the difference in your game.

Advantages of Portable Basketball Equipment

I can still remember pouring the concrete as my Dad and I put in my first basketball hoop; it took us all day. Recently, I recalled this when I was pouring water into the new portable basketball hoop I got for my son; it took us 25 minutes. Portable basketball equipment today is more than just a convenience. It has helped the game grow through providing the ability for children anywhere to learn the game of basketball. Not every kid has a park with a hoop they can shoot on, or a driveway they can get their father to dig up and plant a big metal pole in. The new portable basketball equipment is less expensive and easier to maintain than previous equipment. These are only a few of the many advantages of portable basketball equipment.

Choosing the Right Basketball Equipment

When choosing your basketball equipment, think about your needs. Are you looking for a hoop for your driveway? Do you need coaching equipment for a whole team? There are many stores and merchants who specialize in basketball equipment and supplies. Determine what your goals are and then shop around. If you need equipment for outdoor play, you will want basketball equipment that will weather better. For indoor play, wear and tear is not as much of a concern. Choosing the right basketball equipment is just a matter of figuring out your needs.

A Short Checklist of Basketball Coaches Equipment

Here are a few basketball coaching equipment essentials for any new coaches out there looking to make an impact. First, get yourself a good whistle… and use it. Conditioning is key with a basketball team and whistles start windsprints like a pistol at a track and field meet. Next, get a large markerboard. In basketball, a coach can get their visions across much easier by diagramming rather than verbally explaining. Finally, be sure to surround yourself with good assistant coaches. We cannot all be Norman Dale from Hoosiers, and even he needed 'Shooter'.

Source from : www.basketball.lifetips.com

Basketball Rebounding

Watching the Ball In the Air

You begin by lining up nine feet from the basket with two players. The offense shoots the ball and the defense must yell once they know where the ball will rebound. The defense needs to predict and then position itself at the proper distance from the basket. Long hard shots rebound farther from the basket than short soft shots. Use words such as short, right, left and center. Regular shots bounce two to four feet from the basket. Shots with bigger bounces wind up four to six feet from the basket. The offense should shoot 12 shots per drill.

Most Important Rebounding Principle

The most important rebounding principle is to play every shot as if it will be missed. Great rebounders make two or three attempts to rebound the ball. A missed shot from the wing or the corner will be rebounded on the side away from where the shot was taken approximately 70 percent of the time. Rebounding is about the desire to get the ball. You can not score without it.

Moving Toward a Rebound

You begin by having two players in the rebound-ready position. The forearms need to be bent up or back all the way. The wrists are bent back with the fingers spread apart. The knees are slightly bent with the legs about shoulder width apart. The players follow their own guess as to where the ball rebound. Players do not have to jump for the rebound. The player in the best position gets the rebound. There is no fighting for the ball. Players stay in the rebound ready position throughout the less on. Repeat this drill six times.

Fronting and Keeping Players Out of the Lane

Begin by having the offense start at the foul line and the defense stands inside the lane facing the offense. Start at medium speed with the offense trying to get past the defense into the lane. The defense blocks the offense with the arms and body. If the offense tries to charge the lane, the defense should push them off with their hands in the upper arm and shoulders of the offense. This drill lasts eight seconds and is to be repeated six times.

Rebound and Grab the Ball

You begin by having the offense hold the ball high over their head. The defense grabs the ball away from the offense, placing emphasis on using the fingertips to grab the ball. Once the defense pulls the ball away from the offense, the defense pivots away from the offense holding the ball overhead in a passing position. Repeat this drill six times.

Learning the Rebound-Ready Position

It is not easy to determine exactly when a rebound will bounce your way. After a rebound, players sometimes scramble on the floor for the ball. Players must be ready to catch or grab the ball instantly. To get into the rebound, ready position your forearms need to be bent up or back all the way. The wrists are bent back with the fingers spread apart. The knees are slightly bent with the legs about shoulder width apart.

Every missed shot is a pass to you!

Perhaps the most important key to being a good rebounder, offensive or defensive, is to assume that every shot will be missed. If you do this, you will always be willing to get in position, ready to be a rebounder.

The Outlet Pass

After you get the rebound, you need to make a good outlet pass. A good rebounder who can outlet the ball to the guard can start a fast break on the way to a score. This is a valuable asset to a team. Get the rebound, pivot away from the defense, and outlet to your guard for the fast break. It is a skill that is not much noticed by anyone but the coach knows how valuable you are.

Hands Up

Always keep your hands up at least shoulder high when getting ready to rebound. This will allow you to be ready for the rebound that comes off the rim quickly and low. Remember this: shot goes up-hands go up!

Want the Ball

Rebounding is a great skill to have as a basketball player. Those players that really WANT the ball and box out become the best rebounders. They take pride in rebounding. Lean back on your man and keep him out of rebounding position. A smaller player can be a good rebounder… make yourself become good at boxing out.

Boxing Out & Rebound

If you are real close to the basket when the shot goes up, you must "box out" and create some space to rebound. To "box out" from your defensive position: go towards your man and make contact. Pivot so you “Put your butt to their gut” and just slide with them, keeping them away from the rebound. When boxing out, keep your man from pushing you in towards the basket, so you can maintain good rebounding position. (If you let them push you under the basket, the rebound will go over your head). Then go get the rebound!

Attitude and Desire

Statistically, over ninety percent of all rebounds are taken below the rim. Therefore, rebounding is a product not of great athletic ability, but attitude and desire.

Make up your mind that you want to rebound, go after each and every one, and master box out techniques, and you can provide your team with a valuable asset--a dependable rebounder.

Watch your position

The key to rebounding is positioning and concentration on the ball. Anticipate the flight of the ball. Remember that most shots rebound to the opposite side of the basket. Next, you need to concentrate on the ball, until it is safely in your hands or rebounded by someone else.

Offensive Rebounding

In order to get an offensive rebound, you must get the inside position on your defender, who is trying to box you out. You must outquick him, or make some kind of move to get that inside position. You can try a jab step and change directions or you can develop a spin move to get to that position.

The "Perfect Rebound"

Rebounding
Most rebounds (90%) are caught below the rim. Try and think out what a perfect rebound is...
The perfect rebound is the one where everyone of your teammates and yourself box out their man so well that the rebound can be easily caught AFTER it has hit the floor.
When one thinks about this "perfect rebound" concept the team blockouts get better and better.

Source from : www.basketball.lifetips.com

Basketball Guards

Advance the ball

The great point guards can advance the ball up the court from the defensive three point line to the attacking three point line with 2-3 dribbles while under control, and they always pass ahead when a teammate is open down the court who either has an open shot, or can create a numbers advantage from which the retreating defense cannot recover

Shoot the 3

The shooting guard has to be able to play excellent defense and create shots for himself in the halfcourt offense. He needs to be a weapon from long range as well. This is true because the better a shooting guard can shoot from behind the three point line, the more it forces defenses to step farther out on the court to guard him. This in turn allows the lane to be open to both penetration, and for the post players.

Tempo

Great point guards know their own team´s optimal tempo for both offense, defense, and in transition. They know when to speed the tempo up or slow it down.

Lead in practice

Great point guards get their teams prepared psychologically for practice and for games. They know which players need to be provoked to pick up intensity or concentration and which ones are excitable and need to be calmed.

Outlet pass

On the fast break they constantly find a way to get open on the outlet pass as far up the court as possible.

Keep your teamates involved

Great point guards know how to get their best scorers the ball on a consistent basis, but are always on the lookout for how to create high percentage scoring opportunities for offensive teammates in a lesser role. They are able to keep all of their teammates involved offensively which makes the attacking team more difficult to guard.

Make something from nothing

It is also imperative that the shooting guard be able to be a spot-up shooter—to be able to catch and shoot—as well as be able to create his own shot off the dribble.
The shooting guard is often called upon to get the team a quality shot when their offense has broken down. In other words, when a play has not worked, or the opposing team's defense has thrown a team out of sync, the shooting guard must step up and be able to create something out of nothing.

Pressure the ball

Great point guards keep constant pressure on a passer or dribbler forcing them off of their desired path of attack.

Talk on defense

Great point guards talk constantly on defense helping their teammates to recognize potentially dangerous points of attack by their opponent. They keep their focus throughout the course of a game, and pay attention to details at nearly all times.

Situations

Great point guards pay attention to situational advantages such as on the free throw line, during jump balls, or in the flow of the game. For example, when an attacking team has a penetrating guard with no one getting back for defensive balance, they know to attack hard and quick on the counter fast break.

Communicate

Great point guards quickly and clearly communicate play calls or changes both in the open court and on dead ball situations. They also have the ability to quickly organize a team after an offensive pattern breakdown.

Assists

Great point guards seldom turn the ball over due to pressure, and when they deliver a pass to a teammate it is to a point closest to the best position from which their teammate can score. Not occasionally, but virtually every single time.

See the floor

Great point guards always have their head up and maintain full court vision at all times. They do not see one opponent or blocks of 2 or 3, they see all 10 players on the court, and understand the relationship of each by positioning.

Team philosophy

Great point guards understand completely a coach´s (and therefore the team´s) playing philosophy from top to bottom and every ounce of energy and effort is put forth to execute that philosophy. I have seen good guards who are great physically who constantly break out of the team philosophy creating confusion over the team´s offensive and defensive goals. Great guards understand you cannot win if all the oarsmen are not rowing in the same direction.

In the Open Floor

In the open floor, the two-guard must be able to run the lanes effectively, and be able to — after receiving the ball in a fastbreak situation — take the ball to the basket and score.

What is a Shooting Guard

A "shooting guard" is generally just what you think it means: Someone whose primary job is to shoot the ball, either as a spot up shooter, catching and releasing, or coming off screens; someone who can spot up from either in close or three-point range, and someone who defends the other team´s off-guard.

Know your scorers

Great point guards know who can score on their team, how and where

Open Shot

Great point guards do not shoot every time they are open but can knock down the shot any time they are open.

Court Vision

Every time players get the ball they should square up and look down the court before initiating transition. Poor court vision results in forced passes, offensive fouls against an unseen defender, and inability to see open teammates who might more easily advance the ball up the court with more effective results. Only after the player looks ahead should they put the ball on the floor - and then only to advance the ball up the floor, drive to the basket, or improve a passing angle. Then when advancing the ball with a dribble, you must be able to dribble without thinking about dribbling or about the opponent who is guarding you. This will free you to see the court, ready to pass to a teammate who is open.

Defensive Position

Great point guards rarely get caught out of position in defensive transition and the best have the ability to buy time, and space to force the defense into a low percentage shot in the open court even with a superior numbers advantage. They may not stop the break every time, but if they stuff it half the time, they will save you 8 or 10 free points a game.

Stop dribble penetration

Great point guards can stop dribble penetration on defense

Many Tasks

Though they do not have the same responsibilities heaped upon them that point guards do, a talented two-guard is an integral part of a successful team, given that he is called upon to perform so many varying tasks on the floor.

Why Dribble?

Only after the player looks ahead should they put the ball on the floor - and then only to advance the ball up the floor, drive to the basket, or improve a passing angle. Then when advancing the ball with a dribble, you must be able to dribble without thinking about dribbling or about the opponent who is guarding you. This will free you to see the court, ready to pass to a teammate who is open.

Only after the player looks ahead should they put the ball on the floor - and then only to advance the ball up the floor, drive to the basket, or improve a passing angle. Then when advancing the ball with a dribble, you must be able to dribble without thinking about dribbling or about the opponent who is guarding you. This will free you to see the court, ready to pass to a teammate who is open.

Source from : www.basketball.lifetips.com