Most children first learn to crawl, then walk, and finally to run. Basketball requires players to not only effectively move their feet, but also to maneuver a basketball. Basketball players first learn to dribble the basketball with one hand, then to alternate hands, and progressively to increase to more advanced dribbling. As a basketball player, a powerful and effective way to keep defenders on their toes and increase your threat as an offensive player is to develop an agile and quick dribbling technique. The power dribble can do this.

A basic power dribble is when you dribble the ball at a very intense rate. Maintain your normal form and posture. Use your muscles to thrust the ball forcefully down, and then expect the ball to quickly bounce back to your hand.

The drills described below will help you gain confidence and agility to handle a basketball in a power dribble. These drills will help you run a fast break, cut through the defensive, and outmaneuver your opponents.

1. Power crossovers - Power dribble in your right hand, then quickly bounce the ball to your left hand. Power dribble with your left for a few seconds before bouncing the ball back to your right hand.

2. Dribble blindfolded - Wrap a cloth around your head as a blindfold, or you could simply close your eyes…no peeking. Power dribble a ball for at least 60 seconds. This drill helps you enhance your tactile sense of the ball. You can enhance the drill by performing it in the center of a deserted basketball court, walking around while dribbling. To make the drill even more challenging, try power dribbling two balls, one in each hand, while being blindfolded and slowly walking around a deserted basketball court.

3. 10-5 repeats - This drill exercises power dribbling with one hand at a time. Choose which hand your would like to practice. Power dribble for 10 seconds, then soft dribble for 5 seconds. Repeat multiple times. This exercise teaches your arm muscles how to alternate between various dribbling speeds that occur during game play.

4. Dribble between legs while walking - In order to do this drill you will need a segment of floor, such as a basketball court floor, a street’s sidewalk, or a wide hallway that is deserted. Power dribble while walking up and down the walkway. Power dribble the ball between your legs to practice fancy dribbling skills. To enhance the drill, perform the drill at a quicker walking pace, maybe at a light jogging pace.

5. Double ball power dribbling - Power dribble two balls, one in each hand. This will increase your arm strength for dribbling and enhance your dribbling control. Since you can’t look at both hands at the same time, this drill will also practice your ability to power dribble without looking at the ball.

6. Power dribbling sprints - This drill requires you to power dribble for an extended period of time and run back and forth on the basketball court. Stand at one end of a basketball court. Dribble to the nearest foul line, then return to the baseline. Dribble to the middle of the court, then return to the baseline from which you started. Dribble to the farthest foul line, then return to the baseline from which you started. Finally, dribble the entire length of the court, and return to the baseline from which you started. This entire continuous power dribbling exercise counts as one complete cycle of the drill. Repeat multiple times to practice your dribbling, speed, and direction-changing abilities.

7. 3-chair dribbling - Set up 3 chairs or cones in a line, spacing each chair/cone 10 feet apart. Power dribble around the chairs/cones in different shapes, such as figure-eights, circles, or any shape. Use your imagination.

8. Dirt dribbling - This drill actually requires you to leave the basketball court and find a patch of dirt. Power dribble on the dirt for a minute or two. You will need to power dribble the ball even harder than usual in order to get the ball to bounce on the dirt. This drill is an extremely good arm workout with power dribbling.

Start with just a few of these exercises, and then expand your workouts to include more drills. You can also modify the drills to be more challenging by increasing the number of repetitions or slightly modifying the drill. The key is to vary your routines and have fun with them. By practicing the power dribble, you will greatly improve your dribbling.

About the Author: Mark S. has been participating in club basketball teams for 8 years. He writes basketball articles for - http://www.TeachMeSports.com and Basketball videos and books at http://www.teachmesports.com/basketball/

Sport news | Comments Off

>

Among the most highly prized possessions that any college basketball player can hope for is their college basketball jersey. The college basketball jersey represents a feeling of pride and belonging to the team.

But the feeling is not restricted to the team. Jerseys are also prized by fellow students, who show up at college games dressed in the same colors to cheer on their team.

Anyone who loves the game will have a favorite team and player. Wearing their jersey creates a special bond. Some Like It Hot

Due to the heat of indoor playing conditions, basketball jerseys are made of thin material, mostly of mock mesh, dazzle, tricot mesh or pro mesh materials. Jerseys are always sleeveless because long sleeved jerseys would cause the players to sweat too much, creating not only uncomfortable conditions, but unhealthy ones as well. The jerseys are also worn long and loose with large armholes for ventilation. The NCAA is very strict about the way basketball jerseys are worn on the court and requires all players to tuck in their jerseys. Color, Numbers And Styles

The tank top jerseys are worn with shorts, which are long and baggy with stretchable waistbands and drawstrings. Each jersey is embossed with the team logo, player number and team name. Every college team likes to customize its basketball jersey, and comes up with a unique color plan.

There are a number of manufacturers who produce wonders with the jersey designs and styles. Reversible jerseys use contrasting fabric on both the inside and outside surfaces, so that they can be worn either way.

The player’s number is required to be on both the back and the front of the jersey. The height of these numbers is required to be 8 inches on the back and 6 inches on the front side. The names of the players are printed in 2-inch high letters. Shortly after 9/11, the NCAA began to allow players to wear the American flag on the jerseys using a 4-inch side insert for this purpose.

Collector’s Items

The demand for replica college jerseys always goes up when the NCAA tournament season begins. There is also a big demand for jerseys worn by the top basketball stars. These replica jerseys, available at several online stores, make a great collector’s item for the avid basketball fan.

About the Author

Visit Fan Jerseys to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer, visit his website at Articles for authors

Copyright 2006 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.

Sport news | Comments Off

Basketballs rich history.

Basketball has a rich history of superstar players. Although the game continues to evolve, the talents of yesterday’s stars are seen in today’s NBA basketball.

Russell and Chamberlain
The greatest rivalry in pro sports during the 1950s and 1960s in NBA basketball may have been that between Bill Russell’s Celtics and Wilt Chamberlain’s 76ers and Lakers squads. Russell and Chamberlain defined the role of the dominant big man in different ways. Chamberlain was the better offensive player, providing his team with low-post scoring while passing out of double-teams to open teammates. Russell was the greater defender, providing an intimidating presence for his team by blocking shots and rebounding. This started the fast break for his teammates, allowing them easy baskets in transition. The interior presence of Russell and Chamberlain has been seen in later generations of NBA players, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson.

Chamberlain had the statistical edge, averaging 30.1 points and 22.9 rebounds for his career. Russell, though not the scorer Wilt was, led in another impressive category: NBA titles. Over the course of their careers, Russell won an astounding 11 championships, while Chamberlain won two. Russell’s ability to raise the level of his teammates’ play contributed to the Celtics’ championship dynasty. By making the players around him better, Russell created a model for future championship players like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.

http://www.a1-nba-basketball-4u.info/

Sport news | Comments Off

>

I’ve got a confession to make. I play basketball. I play it very poorly and can’t make very many of the shots that I shoot at the basketball hoop. I have a feeling that I am not alone in the world at being a rather poor basketball player. However, one thing that I’m not bad at is comparison shopping. I’ve mastered the ancient art of comparing prices between merchants and can usually ferret out a fairly good deal with a little bit of leg work. Basketball hoops are no different than other items when it comes to shopping for them. There are some tips you should know before embarking on your journey to shop for a basketball hoop.

1)New or Used. You really might consider buying a used basketball hoop if you are interested in value. However, make sure you are buying one that hasn’t been banged up too bad. Years of basketball practice can only make your rim bent and dirty. Ebay can be a great place to buy used equipment and basketball hoops are regularly for sale on Ebay.

2)Do your homework by comparing different merchant offers on different search engines and different websites. Just because something is advertised for sale on Google doesn’t mean its also advertised for sale on Yahoo. Some merchants advertise their good strictly through the Amazon partners program and don’t do any other advertising anywhere else. Price vary drastically and the only way you will know that you are getting a good deal is to examine what the different people are selling the same goods for on different websites. Basketball hoops are no exception.

3)Learn about the different types and styles of basketball hoops. Without the knowledge of what you are buying, points #1 and #2 are nearly worthless. Buy your hoop the right way and get a great deal on one by being an informed consumer. Learn how to buy a basketball hoop and you can guarantee that you got a better deal than everyone else.

About the Author

Tim Jeffries is author of “The Basketball Hoop Guide.” Get your copy at http://www.basketballhoopers.com.

Sport news | Comments Off

>

There is nothing that can be more exciting than being a member of a fantasy basketball league. It allows you to be the manager and owner of your own team. You can draft players, trade players or bench players, very much like professional managers and owners do in real life. You even have a commissioner who makes sure that the league is played according to rules, and no one who is part of the league cheats.

No wonder the fantasy league has become an addiction. Millions of Americans join fantasy leagues set up by different organizations before the season starts. These leagues operate very much like professional basketball leagues. You are first required to register your team. Generally, a league has 12 teams though this is not a fixed rule. Some leagues have as many as 20 teams.

The roster size of teams varies from league to league though generally this number is around 14. However, only nine players are allowed to start every week. The remaining five are in reserve, and their points are not counted.

The most exciting day is the draft day. Each team is allowed to pick its stock of players, based on their performance. This allows teams to pick up several superstars in different positions. However, the draft rules make sure that each team manager in a league has a fair chance, and that no one individual walks away with the best players.

There are two points system that are followed in deciding the winner. These are Head-to-Head and the Rotisserie. In the Head-to-Head league each team enters the points that its players have scored against a rival league team during that week. These include points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals. The team that gets more points, based on the way its players have performed on the court, wins that week. In the Rotisserie League, the player’s statistics are tallied up against the entire league.

Before each game you are required to prepare your line ups. This is where your skill and knowledge of the game is tested. You may have superstars on your team but if you do not play them in the right position you may not derive the right benefit.

Either way, the success of your team depends on how the players you have chosen are performing. Of course, you have the right to trade off the players who are not performing well, or get a rookie who has taken the tournament by storm. The trade off is done in a very just manner, and is supervised by your league commissioner.

The team that tops the fantasy league walks away with the jackpot.

About the Author

David Barnes phd. Social Sciences, UTSA http://www.ifantasy-basketball.info

Sport news | Comments Off

>

Who is Jay Wright? If you ask many in the greater Philadelphia area, you would more than likely hear the same response: He saved Villanova basketball! Rollie had a great run in the 80’s, but it was short lived. Since the glorious, magical season of 1985, Villanova basketball has been a series of ups and downs, mostly downs. From phone card scandals to coaching changes, Villanova has finally found what they needed, a coach with vision who brings discipline to back his philosophy.

Monday night’s monumental victory over #1 ranked UCONN gave the Nova Nation something to talk about. Now Jay Wright is reaping the benefits, recently inking a 7-year extension to continue on as the Wildcats leader. Can you ever remember being so excited about a Big 5 basketball team? Sure, St. Joe’s had a memorable season just two short years ago, taking the city on a March Madness ride that lasted much longer then most expected. However, this Villanova team has people whispering “national championship.” Are you serious? As an unbiased spectator, lucky enough to score some tickets in a Wachovia Suite, what I saw Monday night simply amazed me. Two heavy weight contenders slugging it out in front of a capacity crowd, playing to a draw at the half.

The second portion of the game told a different story, much like Ali’s rope-a-dope tactics in the ring, Villanova took UCONN’s best punch falling into a double-digit hole, and then ferociously clawed back into the game to pull out a close win. At least five thousand fans stormed the court, a tidal wave of white, towels being waved throughout, jumping up and down hugging Mr. Wright and his talented group of hoopsters. The scene was utopia; the Nova Nation was on top of the world for one-night, smiling down upon the rest of the college basketball world as if to say…. “We are Nova, we play with four guards, and you better recognize.”

For the reasons stated, this is why grown men, old ladies and children alike can all identify with college basketball. Monday’s game is a lot like an enormous family reunion. The bond that exists between the fan base and the university is one that is never broken, regardless of scandals and losing seasons. This is the difference between collegiate sports and professional sports. Much like the kid in gym who gets pelted during dodge ball continually, having no chance ever, eventually, he will hit you and hurt you. So for all of you kids and adults who go home with welts left from today’s physical education activity, just think of Villanova. They sent the Huskies back to Connecticut with a black eye and sore ribs. There is hope, and that hope is called March Madness.

About the Author

Phil Reggio is a staff writer for phillysportsline.com - check out all our content at http://www.PhillySportsLine.com

Sport news | Comments Off

NBA Basketball Jersey

An NBA basketball jersey comes in all sizes and textures. Every team in the NBA has a replica jersey that you can buy.

Name an NBA basketball player, and you can find an NBA basketball jersey. Do you like Mike Bibby?

You can find an NBA basketball jersey printed with Mikes name and number

100% nylon mesh body

Reebok and NBA logo on left strap

Extended split drop tail

Larger chest size and length

Do you like Yao Ming?

Authentic Jerseys are available with Yao’s number.

You can even find throwback NBA basketball jersey’s.

Whatever you’re looking in for in NBA basketball jersey’s, you can find them today on the internet.

http://www.a1-nba-basketball-4u.info/

Sport news | Comments Off

>

The father of basketball, Dr. James Naismith came up with the game in 1892 and the first game was played in Beaver Falls Pennsylvania on April 8 1893 between the New Brighton YMCA and the Geneva College. The game was very popular and by 1914 as many as 360 colleges boasted basketball teams. In 1939, the first NCAA Men’s College Basketball Championship tournament was held which was won by the University of Oregon.

The formation of Pro basketball in 1896 came about from a dispute between YMCA team members and officials and ended in the members forming a professional team that played for money. In 1898, the NBL (National Basketball League) was formed and produced the first basketball stars - Ed Wachter and Barney Sedran.

The first two professional basketball teams to achieve success were the Buffalo Germans and the Celtics but during the 1930’s favorites included the New York Renaissance and the Harlem Globetrotters. During this time, womens basketball was also popular and produced great players such as Babe Didrikson and Alline Banks Sprouse.

In 1940, the first college basketball game was shown on TV. This game was played between Pittsburgh and Fordham at Madison Square Garden, and catapulted basketball into a national sensation. Since then basketball has been one of the most watched sports and in fact the March Madness, when almost 350 American colleges compete for the NCAA basketball crown is the most watched event in the United States.

In Pro basketball during the 1940’s and 50’s the Minneapolis Lakers were a huge favorite of many winning 5 NBA championship titles and producing starts like Bob Cousy and Bob Pettit. But during the late 1950’s up until 1969, the Celtics had the court winning 11 NBA titles (8 f them right in a row). During this era favorite players included Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlin of the Philadelphia Warriors.

During 1963 to 1975 The University of California, Los Angeles was in the spotlight winning 10 national championships, including seven in a row. Some of the great players of this UCLA team include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jamaal Wilkes, Bill Walton, Gail Goodrich and Marques Johnson.

In 1967 the American Basketball Association (ABA) was formed and many will remember one of the satart players Julius Erving as well as their red white and blue basketballs. The ABA only lasted until 1976 when it broke up and many of the teams joined the NBA.

In the 1960’s, womens basketball introduced the 5 player full court format and made dribbling fully legal but it wasn’t until 1985 that the Basketball Hall of Fame began inducting woman coaches and players. Some of the first women to get this honor include Carol Blazejowski, Ann Meyers, Cheryl Miller; Nancy Lieberman-Cline and Anne Donovan.

In the late 1970’s start players like Larry Bird of Indiana State University and Michigan State Universities Magic Johnson emerged and the late 1980s saw such major players as Isiah Thomas and Dennis Rodman. But perhaps the most beloved player of all is Michael Jordan who led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships in the 1990s.

About the Author

Lee Dobbins writes for Sports Wise where you can learn more about all your favorite sports and read more great basketball articles.

Sport news | Comments Off

>

What basketball shoe you wear is a crucial part of your game, especially at the competitive level. Oh, sure you can play in any pair of tennis shoes but you risk the chance of sliding, being slowed down by weak grip or worse of all, injury. Competitive ball players take their basketball shoes very seriously. I know I do. In today’s market there are so many different styles of bball shoes. So how do you choose what’s best for your game? There are a few important things to look for in your shoes. By nature, basketball puts a lot of wear and tear on your shoes. All the constant starting, abrupt stopping, high jumps and quick side-to-side movements really take it’s toll. So what do I look for in a basketball shoe? I’m glad you asked. The most important factors are durability, support, traction, comfort and for most ballers, style. DURABILITY: Have you ever seen the movie “Like Mike”? Lil Bow Wow plays an orphan boy who finds a pair of magic shoes with “MJ” written on the tongue. He suddenly has super bball skills. Anyway, in the most important game of the season “Calvin” drives the lane and gets fouled. When he gets up his magic shoes have completely fallen apart. Magic shoes or not you want to make sure that never happens to you. Buy quality shoes. And yes, sometimes that means paying a little more. SUPPORT: Different types of players require different types of support. Power players like “Shaq” need high tops with maximum ankle support and comfort. All-around players like “Kobe” or “T-Mac” usually will wear a midsole type of shoe and speedsters like “Iverson” wear low tops for light weight and non-restriction of the ankles. TRACTION: Have you ever played on the hardwood floor of a gym that didn’t clean the floors? Your slipping, sliding away and it’s hard to cut and slice your way to the hoop. Wearing the wrong shoes can have the some results. You must be able to stop and start on a dime. Look for good traction on both the forefoot and the heel. COMFORT: The goal is to find a basketball shoe that fits like a glove. You don’t want your foot to be swimming in any area. Since the toes, arch and heel all have different needs for comfort, you want a shoe that provides comfort in each area and still provide the support you need for your type of game. STYLE: And, of course, you gotta look good on the court. Whether you’re wearing the “Jordan Retro”, the “T-Mac 5″, the “Air Zoom Kobe I” or either of the “Answer 1 - 9″ pair of shoes, style is definitely key. The bottom line is you must think of your shoes as an investment in your game. If you’re looking to excel, then don’t cheat yourself when it comes to your gear, especially your shoes. The right pair will not only help you play at top level but most importantly help prevent injury. If you’re hurt you can’t play! So go get some quality kicks and get out there and play!

About the Author

Matt & Dave run http://www.basketball-plays-and-tips.com/shoe and have written the free coaching report, “How To Fly Higher With Plyometrics”. Pick up your free copy along with one additional free report by sending a blank email to basketballtip@aweber.com We give full permission for you to use this sport coaching article in your newsletter or on your site as long as you include our Resource Box with our website link and email link included.

Sport news | Comments Off

>

Off the top of your head, give me a quick answer: When you think of Duke, would you classify the Blue Devils as a slow defensive-oriented team, or a wide-open, run-and-gun team?

The answer is easy: They run. That’s not surprising, as the program is able to stockpile McDonald’s All Americans each season, bloating their depth, not to mention the fact that Coach K always has a brilliant ball handler or two capable of running the break. Sports bettors should notice that Duke started this season 15-8 over the total. Their wide-open running offense and capacity for nailing three-pointers is key factor in this correlation.

Naturally, coaching philosophies are tied into this, as well as personnel. Certain coaches prefer the uptempo game, like Gonzaga’s Mark Few, Roy Williams and Coach K. Then that program has to balance this with the right personnel.

This season the lack of personnel and an overabundance of youth have been problems for coaches like Bobby Knight and Rick Pitino who also prefer an uptempo approach. Pitino had to endure the loss of Tarquan Dean for several weeks, and even with Dean, Pitino has admitted he has a young team that is a few years away. Louisville started 14-5 under the total, while Texas Tech is 16-8 under the total. This is where public perception comes into play. The general betting public thinks of Texas Tech and Louisville as explosive offensive teams under those coaches, and they have been in the past, yet they just don’t have the offensive personnel this season for several reasons.

Other coaches prefer a slow down, all out defensive approach. The contrast has been very noticeable in the NBA this season, as the Pistons went from defensive-oriented Larry Brown last season to coach Flip Saunders this year. Saunders has let his troops run and be more creative offensively, and the difference in Detroit’s points scored and points allowed has been stark.

It happens in college, too. Temple under Jon Chaney comes to mind as a program that plays a slow, stifling defense. Temple started 14-9 under the total. Nobody likes to play Air Force of the Mountain West Conference with its strangling defense, and notice the Falcons are 11-6 under the total. Northwestern and Wisconsin? Two Big 10 teams with defensive reputations. And what do we find when examining their over/under tendencies? Northwestern is 13-5 under the total, while Wisconsin is 9-4 under the total at home.

That last point is worth reviewing carefully. Some teams fit into their preconceived model at home but not so much on the road. Wisconsin’s defense has been sensational at home, allowing 58 ppg, but on the road they allow 74 ppg! So it is wiser to look at the Badgers under at home, but either lay off a totals play when they go on the road.

This has been the case with Dave Odom’s South Carolina squad, too. Odom likes tough defense and this season they allow 57 ppg at home (7-3 under), but 70 ppg on the road. Washington State: 9-5 under the total at home, where they slow things to a crawl. The same is true for slow-down St. Louis at 13-4 under the total overall.

Southern Illinois has been a sensational defensive team the last few years and they take great pride in defending their home turf. Southern Illinois is 15-11 under the total on the season and 9-2 under at home. Coaching strategies, personnel, home/road play and even reputations need to be examined when assessing college basketball over/under spots.

About the Author

Bryan Leonard is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of his articles at www.procappers.com/Bryan_Leonard.htm

Sport news | Comments Off