bunch of blogs: Sports

Most basketball players would definitely invest in a reliable pair of basketball shoes. After all, the game of basketball requires you to move vigorously. The movements such as jumping, running, shooting, blocking, and other side to side actions are obviously employed in the basketball game. How can one sustain all the necessary moves when his basketball shoes easily tear away?
The basketball players are nonetheless wise enough to choose a good and decent pair of basketball shoes. These pairs of basketball shoes need to be enduring so that not only wear and tear will be overcome but it will contain more of the capacity of hindering any occurrence of injuries on the player’s lower body parts. The basketball shoes should likewise be comfortable to be worn by the player as he executes the routines of the game. This is significant especially that the player needs to move swiftly and the least he requires is any difficulty in transferring his body weight from one foot to another. More so, if you are a basketball player yourself, you should always go for comfortable but reliable basketball shoes.
The Variety of Basketball Shoes
However, basketball players are different. They then opt for different kinds of basketball shoes. There are those power players who prefer basketball shoes with the high tops for the utmost ankle comfort and support. Meanwhile, the all-around basketball gamers often go for the mid-sole basketball shoes. The speedsters on the other hand most likely want the low-top and lightweight basketball shoes that provide no restriction on the ankles.
There are basketball players who utilize plain tennis shoes when they go about the game. But then there are dangers that come along with tennis shoes. Some risks include higher chances of skidding, getting injured, and being slowed down due to weakening grips.
The Makeup of Basketball Shoes
The basketball shoes are either crafted through the use of canvas, synthetic leather, or leather alone. The most popularly utilized material for the basketball shoes is the synthetic leather due to its lightweight and durability. Natural leather material is prone to stretching therefore heightening the dangers for the player. Other branded basketball shoes utilize the combined materials of natural textile or leather and the synthetic leather.
Basketball teams are oftentimes sponsored by basketball shoes manufacturers. The common requirement is the reliable sock liner therein. As of now, there are several varieties of basketball shoes sold on the market. But of course, the standards for the choice of basketball shoes are always set for traction, durability, style, comfort, and support. Both male and female basketball players can very well satisfy themselves with the wide array of basketball shoes on the market.

Scoring
Most points scored in a single game: Wilt Chamberlain March 2, 1962 (100 points) followed by Kobe Bryant Jan. 22, 2006 (81 points)
Most points scored in one half: Wilt Chamberlain March 2,1962 (59 points)
Most points scored in a quarter: George Gervin (33 points)
Most points scored in overtime: Gilbert Arenas December 17, 2006 (16 points)
Most three-point shots made in one game: Kobe Bryant, January 7, 2003 (12 shots)
Most three-point shots made in one half: Kobe Bryant, March 28, 2003 (8 shots)
Most three-point shots made in one quarter: Michael Redd, February 20, 2002 (8 shots)
Most points scored in a NBA All-Star game: Wilt Chamberlain (42 points)
Most points per game average in a NBA Season: Wilt Chamberlain, 1961-1962. (50.4 ppg.)
Most Points scored in a NBA Career: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387), followed by Karl Malone 36,928, Michael Jordan (32,292), and Wilt Chamberlain (31,419).
Most points per game in a NBA career: Michael Jordan (32.12 ppg.)
Most seasons leading scorer: Michael Jordan (10)
Steals
Most steals in a single game: Larry Kenon, Dec. 26, 1976 tied with Kendall Gill April 3, 1999 with 11 steals.
Most steals in NBA career: John Stockton (3,625)
Blocks
Most blocks in a single game: Elmore Smith, October 28, 1973 with 17 blocks.
Most blocks in NBA career: Hakeem Olajuwon (3,830)
Assists
Most assists in one game: Scott Skiles with 30 assists.
Most assists in NBA career: John Stockton (15,806), Mark Jackson (10,334), and Magic Johnson (10,141).
Rebound
Most rebounds in a NBA Career: Wilt Chamberlin (23,924)
Most rebounds in a game: Wilt Chamberlin (55)
MVPs
Most number of Regular Season MVPs: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (6)
Most number of Finals MVPs: Michael Jordan (6)
Coach
Highest Win-Loss Record by a coach on a regular season: Phil Jackson (.713) W-891 L-359
Other Records
Most games played in Career: Robert Parish (1,611)
First NBA Champion: Philadelphia Warriors (1947)
Multiple champions: Boston Celtics (15)
Highest combined final score in a NBA game: Denver Nuggets vs. Detroit Pistons on December 13, 1983 (370 points). Detroit won 186-184 in 3 OTs.
Lowest combined points in a NBA game: Boston Celtics(62) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (57) on February 27, 1955 (119 combined points)
Best record by a NBA team in one season: Chicago Bulls, 1995-1996 Season. 72 wins and 10 losses.
Worst record by a NBA Team in one season: Philadelphia 76ers, 1972-73 season. 9 wins and 73 losses.
Longest winning streak: Los Angeles Lakers (33 games)
Longest home winning streak: Boston Celtics (38 games)
Longest losing streak: Cleveland Cavaliers (24 games)
Youngest player to score 1000 points: LeBron James (20 years and 41 days)

Becoming a better basketball player doesn’t happen over night. It involves serious work, discipline, dedication, and the love of the game to become the player you want to be. So to help you out on your way to become a better basketball player in the future, here are 7 areas you need to improve:
Speed and agility – There are many exercises you can do to improve your speed and agility. One of the most effective is the “suicide”. Start at the base line and sprint towards the free throw line, touch the floor and go back. Sprint and touch the mid-court line and back. Sprint and touch to the farthest free throw line and back. Sprint and touch the opposite base line and back. Do this several times and will definitely improve your speed. You can also use other sprint training techniques.
Jumping – Improving the strength and power of your legs will improve your vertical jump. Do squats, step ups, and lunges. Jumping and hopping drills are effective as well.
Strength – Weight lifting is an effective tool to become strong and increase muscle mass. If you play the position of forward and center, you definitely need to improve in this area.
Stamina – Stamina training such as road running is effective to build up the heart to go to distance during the game.
Dribbling – This skill can be improved by using different dribbling techniques and drills. There are 3 dibbling techniques: natural dribble or relaxed dribble, control dribble or dribbling low to maintain possession under a defensive pressure, and speed dribble or dribbling at a maximum speed. Different drills include up the ladder, squeeze the bananna, ball slap, rhythm drill, drop step, pass and catch, hot potato, sit dribbling, spider, dribble 8, figure 8, one leg, ball drop, and around the world. These drills aren’t only applicable to ball-handlers. They apply to all positions to increase ball handling capability.
Shooting – Improving your shooting skills involves correct jump, body form and power. This can be improved by constant practice. Shooting the ball for several times using one form increases the chances of making the shot. Bottom line is, if you want to improve your shooting you should practice, practice, and practice some more.
Defense – Improving your defense is as important as improving your shooting and dribbling ability. There are different ways to do this: cone drills, stadium stairs, defensive slides, and jumping rope.

Violations can be committed both by the offense and the defense. Here are those:
Violations committed by the offense:
Traveling or walk violation – is committed when the ball handler takes too many steps without dribbling the ball. This usually occurs after rebounding, after receiving the ball from the pass, and when making a move to drive towards the basket.
Backcourt violation or over-and-back – is committed when the player holding the ball crosses over the mid court line then returns at the back court. This also happens when the player from the front court passes the ball to his teammate in the backcourt.
Double dribble – is a violation involving the ball handler. This violation is committed when the player dribbles with both hands or if the player dribbles, holds the ball, and starts dribbling again.
Offensive foul – is committed when the ball handler attacks to the basket and deliberately hits the defending player with an established stance.
Offensive goal tending – is called when the player attempts to interfere with the ball while it is on the rim or on the way down to the basket. If this happens, the basket won’t count.
Five-second inbound violation – happens if the inbounder isn’t able to pass the ball to his teammate after 5 seconds.
Three-second violation – is called when the offensive player stays inside the paint for 3 seconds.
Ten-second backcourt violation – is committed if the offensive team isn’t able to cross the ball to the mid-court within 10 seconds.
Violations committed by the defense:
Foul – is called against the defensive player if he makes an illegal contact with the ball handler. A foul can also be called even if the player involved is away from the ball. A foul can be caused of blocking, holding, pushing, charging, and tripping.
Intentional foul – is an intentional foul used to stop the clock or to send the opposing player to the free throw line.
Goaltending – is a violation where the defending player interferes with the ball on its way down to the basket or while it is on the rim regardless if it is going to go in or not. The ball counts if goaltending is called.
Illegal defense – is also called 3-second defensive violation. It is used to keep the defensive team from using the zone defense.

Ball…hoops…and a court…
Basketball isn’t just about these three things; the play itself requires skill, good technique, perseverance and a great deal of confidence so as to perfect basketball shots and actualize them on the court. While many people can play basketball, too few can truly play the sport to the highest degree. In this article, we have gathered some tips that could help improve your scoring average.
There is no great secret to basketball and no one was born to play basketball. Remember that even Michael Jordan poured tons of dedication and long hours of tiring practice before he was recognized on the court.
Practice…practice…practice…
Accidents don’t happen on courts and no player ever scored out of luck. Accurate shots are the products of day in and day out practice until jump shots become second nature.
Constant practice will groove your muscles so that every time you aim the ball, your muscles will retrieve the motion you have registered on it. It is like moving automatically without being conscious of the entire movement; instead you just release the ball in its most perfect motion.
Use the backboard
Have you ever considered using the backboard? If not then you might be losing more scores than you can imagine. Watch Tim Duncan play. His scores often come from using the backboard.
This drill is quite simple but too few players truly use it. Once you excel in this skill, you can set yourself apart from all other players. And there’s no question- it truly works.
The key in here? Practice. During training it is best to use a glass board as this will let you see more clearly the focal point at which you should aim your shot.
Observe good form
Form is central for a good shot. It all starts with the mechanics such as tucking the elbow in, quick movements in maneuvering the ball upward, proper handling of the ball so it doesn’t slip from your hands, shooting the ball and a practiced flick of the wrist.
Like what we have already mentioned, good form is also something that doesn’t just happen. It has to be practiced and no amount of time dedicated to practicing is wasted as this will contribute to the development of your play.
You see, it all lies in the dedication of a person to improve the skills he already has and to discover some that are yet to be seen.

A basketball player should eat healthy not just for the game but for his overall health. But since the sport burns a lot of energy, players should eat more foods that contain the right nutrients that will give him the energy to sustain his fuel requirement - but still balanced to attain optimum use.
There are 2 basic food groups that a basketball player should eat: protein and carbohydrates.
Proteins – are the building blocks of the body which is responsible for paving the increase of strength and muscle mass through exercise. Protein is found in fish, eggs, dairy products, milk, and meat. There are also kinds of vegetables that are rich in protein. These are leguminous plants or plants which grow on the vine or climbing pea or bean such as peanuts, soya, and asparagus. Protein should supply 10 percent of our energy needs.
Carbohydrates – are essential for the functioning of our brain. Carbohydrates are stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen. They are often found in foods such as rice, bread, potatoes, pasta, fruits, honey, jam, and pulses. Carbohydrates should supply 50 percent of our energy needs however, since a basketball player requires more fuel to keep him in the game, some sports nutritionists require players to have 70 percent carbo diet.
As always, fat is needed but should be minimized.
Before the game…
Eat at least 1 hour before the game. This gives the body ample time to digest the food before using it during the game. It is suggested that the player should eat lots of carbohydrates to store energy.
During the game…
Players aren’t often seen eating during the game but most people don’t know about this: eating a bananna during the game helps players to replenish lost energy quickly. Regularly drinking fluid during the game helps the player to bring back the water he has lost from the game.
After the game…
After the game, the player should eat protein, then carbohydrates. This is because protein helps facilitates carbohydrate to replenish the storage chemical of the cell of the body called glycogen. Glycogen stores glucose, an important component in metabolism. Without these two, the body won’t regain the energy that is lost from the previous game and will contribute to mental and physical fatigue.
Take note that protein and carbohydrates aren’t the only requirements of a player. He should also exercise to help keep his body healthy and fit.

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!

Learning the fundamentals of a screen play is an important skill to improve your offensive game. Screen plays can be used in different ways: to free your teammate from his defender by providing your body as a wall, to allow a few seconds of free time to make a shot off the screen, to free yourself so that you can give a pass to another player, or to switch defenders to gain a height advantage.
There are 2 important elements in executing a good screen play: the one setting the screen which is usually the bigger player and the one receiving the screen who is usually the point guard or the off guard. Both should move in right timing.
First, the player who sets the screen should assume a stance by standing in the position where the width of his body can be utilized the most. The feet should be shoulder-width apart while the hands are tucked with the body to avoid committing an illegal pick. The receiver of the screen at this point is setting up his defender parallel to the direction of the intended cut.
Then, the setter of the screen should establish a position and hold a proper angle and wait for his teammate to make a cut. The other player will then drive the defender towards the screen.
It is important to make sure that the play is timed perfectly. Too early would mean that the player giving the screen hasn’t yet established his position. He would be called for an illegal screen and will result to turning the ball over to the opponent. Too late and the defender could react on the screen and the play would be useless.
Once the cut has been made, both the setter and the receiver will be open and a switch will be likely to happen. Both players must react quickly and make a play from this situation. As was mentioned, the screen can be used to gain height advantage over the defender, make a shot from the time the cutter is free, and give off the ball easily to another teammate.
Here are the different types of screens:
1. Back Screen
2. Ball Screen
3. Cross Screen
4. Down Screen
Here are the different types of cuts
1. Fade Cut
2. Back Cut
3. Wing Cut
4. Curl Cut
When used properly, the screen play will make a good offensive play and will likely be one of your offensive strengths as a team.

There are different ways to score in a basketball game. Let us learn each of them:
Jump shot – is the most common shot made at the perimeter (or the place on the court that is relatively far from the basket), also known as set shot. This is done by getting the right height before throwing the ball to the basket. It is also essential to follow through with the ball. This is done by maintaining your form while the ball is still on its way to the basket. The following through is said to increase the chance of scoring. A jump shot is often worth 2 points.
Three-point shot – is a perimeter shot taken beyond the arc (both feet of the player must not step on the three-point line). The player should possess leg and knee power to generate enough height to release the ball 20 feet away from the basket. A three-point shot often gives the team a boost and adds excitement to the game.
Free throw – A free throw is given after the opponent has committed a personal foul or a technical foul. This is an unguarded shot taken in the free-throw lane and is worth 1 point.
Dunk – is one of the most exciting shots that can be made by a player. This is done by jumping high enough to get your hands on the rim while still holding the ball. Once you reach the right height, slam the ball and grab the rim. It adds more to the excitement.
Alley oop – is a pass and shoot sequence that involves great coordination between the passer and the receiver of the ball. The ball is thrown to a player in mid air who will also shoot the ball before he touches the ground.
Lay up – is the most common shot made inside the paint. This is also the easiest shot to make. You drive to the basket, take off to get the right elevation, and lay the ball directly to the rim or off the board with one hand. The non-shooting hand is used to protect the ball from the defender.
Hook shoot – is made popular by Kareem Abdul-Jabar. This shot is done by turning your body on the side while the head is still facing the basket. You will jump off with the non-shooting leg and toss to ball with one hand similar to laying up.
Scoring in a basketball game is important to win a game but don’t forget to play defense so that you prevent your opponent from scoring more than you do.

There are 2 occasions where you can get the ball off the bounce: when you are on the offense and when you are on the defense. Either way, you need to learn these lessons to become an overall rebounder of your team:
1. Rebounding is making the right body position.
Your coach always yells “rebound!” and you are getting sick of it because no matter how high you jump, your opponent is still able to grab the ball away from you. If this is your problem, then you might not be placing yourself in the right rebounding position. Remember this: rebounding doesn’t start when you get the ball on its way down, it starts on the ground. Thus, knowing where to place your body to get the perfect position is one key to grabbing the ball. (I say one key because you have to understand the second lesson.)
The ideal position is placing your body between your opponent and the ball. Take note that not all rebounds come from the rim or the board, so positioning your body between the opponent and the basket isn’t always possible.
2. Rebounding is anticipating where the ball will land.
You know the right position but it is useless if you don’t know how to anticipate where the ball is going to go. This requires common sense. For example, if the ball is taken in the perimeter, it is likely that the ball will bounce off strong. A short shot may yield an opposite result. What you should do is to always put your eye on the ball and the moment the player taking the shot. Predict where the ball will land and position yourself right away taking into consideration lesson number 1. Take note that you can’t always guess the position of where the ball will land but knowing this will increase your chances of placing yourself in the right position to get the rebound.
3. Rebounding is all about attitude.
As said by many, rebounding isn’t about who jumps high or who stands tall; it is about who wants the ball more. This is the third lesson you have to learn. The attitude is all it takes to become a good rebounder. You may know how to position before rebounding and you may know how to anticipate where the ball will land, but if you don’t want it, you won’t get it.
Know the right position, anticipate where the ball will land, and wanting the ball more are the 3 main factors to become a good rebounder. Learn these and you’ll be controlling the board.