Top 5 Tips For Great Basketball Footwork and Quickness

Your basketball are the starting and stopping point for everything in basketball. From the opening tip, to a flying dunk, to defending you opponents, to hitting the deep three ball; your feet are always pinnacle towards your basketball success. Too often we overlook our footwork and focus on our shot or our dunking ability, but if you want to separate from defenders and make sure no one is separating from you then follow these five tips for improving your basketball footwork and quickness.

Short sprints from the baseline to the basketball throw line and back continuing to half court and back, also known as a half suicide, is a great way to work on your quickness. The smaller steps force you to be quick with your feet, and the turns make you concentrate on your pivots. Try five sprints finishing each under ten seconds.

Jumping rope may be the single best exercise there is. Try jumping rope for consecutive minutes, non-stop. Sounds easy? Yea well try it out and once you are a rock star with the rope move up to ten and fifteen minutes. Jumping rope places stress on your explosive fast twitch muscles which are key to exploding at the rim and getting past your defender.

Lateral Sprints also known as karaoke, are fundamental to developing quick feet. Start on the baseline facing the sideline. Side shuffle from left to right by moving your left foot over your right, stepping with your right, followed by stepping your left foot behind your right. Search You Tube for great examples of this exercise.

Every major university basketball coach has his players performing dot drills. They are essential to improving your quickness and making you a better overall basketball player. Use five marks, outlining an "X". First, jump from one end, meeting in the middle, jumping to the other end. Second, jump on one leg through the series of dots, and lastly repeat the first exercise while twisting at the top. Search "dot drill" on You Tube for examples.

To really focus on the explosion movement I strongly encourage box jumps. No other exercise emulates the power and motion it takes to get above the rim more so than box jumps. Place a box roughly twelve to twenty-four inches in height ten inches in front of you. Standing still explode onto the box, jumping back to the floor as soon as you hit the box, and repeating the motion as soon as you hit the floor.

Follow these five simple steps and you will be moving quicker up and down the blacktop in no time!

Brenton Gieser is a contributing blogger to http://BlackTopHoops.com/blog, the ultimate blog for street, recreation and pick up basketball. On Blacktop Hoops you will find articles on: improving your game, the newest basketball kicks and gear, the best leagues, tournaments and courts to play at and much more!

For more tips on how to improve your basketball game for the blacktop or the hardwood visit http://BlacktopHoops.com and subscribe to our free feeds.

1966's Sting Basketball Attack

Nevil Shed basketball New York product sank a duo of free throws in 1966 to set the stage for one of sports biggest shockers, as the tiny Texas Western Minors lead by the legendary coach Don Haskins upset national powerhouse Kentucky under its leader Adolph Rupp. In 1966 the zone defense was a hybrid-somewhat visionary approach to the game, yet Rupp and his boys had set the bar for coaching basketball for years; this year deciding to show a 1-3-1 defense against the Minors. It is widely known the 1966 Minors were overrun by team speed and centered their philosophy on the principals of spacing and a backdoor attack.

Coach Mac is unquestionably removed from that historic night in Maryland, but understands and respects the genius visionaries like Rupp and Haskins brought to the game. In sports, ideas are often recycled and repackaged for sale within the target market all of the time. A glimpse into the hours of basketball practices and contests around the nation would release the underpinnings of Rupp's 1-3-1 zone defensive attack and surely lead us to championship programs that approached the game with Haskins speed and a fierce backdoor attack.

The sure brilliance of a hybrid approach to the game of basketball is more to fashion then to technique. A quick view of the 1966 championship contest would uncover a 4 man out motion attack with applicable replicas of simple patterns like those found when opening a simple Hershey's chocolate bar. The basketball Attack' approaches the game of 2009 with the same prophetic approach as Rupp's defensive approach in the final game. A 4 out motion basketball offense based on a hybrid version of traditional basketball values, the 'Sting Attack' provides today's leaders with the vision of 1966. While there is no guarantee of the luck needed to reach the championship game, a hybrid offensive attack can provide a revelation appreciated by America's greatest game, basketball.

More from the author http://www.squidoo.com/High-School-Basketball-Offenses

To find more on the Sting Attack http://www.coachmac-basketball.com

Increase Your Chances For Getting In The NBA

Getting drafted in the NBA? For some, it's basketball never ending dream. Some players only want to dream basketball it while others are striving and doing everything they can to end up in the NBA. No one can tell you, for sure, if you'll end up playing there. Not if you're regular guy. I'm assuming you're not LeBron James. We all knew he'll get drafted sooner or later.

But this is about you. Not LeBron James.

Here is what you can concentrate on and work on, to increase your chances for getting drafted in the NBA..

1.) First and foremost, don't perceive this, dream, of playing in the NBA as an opportunity to get famous or rich. If you're not doing this for the love of the game and if you're not 100% devoted to this thing called basketball, you might as well forget it. So, basketball needs to be your top priority. You should actually enjoy when you practice because that's when you're getting better. If you're not getting better, you're getting worse. You can't stay in the middle.

2.) Try to get into some other leagues like ABA, CBA, USLB. Now, I know this is not an easy thing to do, but it's relatively easier. So, once you set your ground there, you'll have more chances to bet noticed by the scouts (professional people who look for talents and players who can make it big in the NBA).

3.) Adapt to your coach. This is a must. If you think that the team you're playing for, is a good one and you think it might eventually get you to some other place, then pay attention to this. You might have your own style of playing. You have your moves and all that. But the coach might see you as a different fit for the team. He might see another potential that you can develop that will help the team even more. A lot of times that happens to be true. So do whatever to coach says. Not only will he tell (if asked) that you're disciplined and you can be coached but you'll get more playing time. More playing time means greater chance to prove how great you are.

And make sure you let your coach know that you're serious about this. Basketball is something you love. You're committed to constant and never ending improvement. That way, even if you are not that good, compared to others, he'll see that great potential you have.

4.) It's a lot better to have such a goal. People who strive for getting better, according to some psychological laws, always perform better. They out-perform other players who are satisfied with "status quo". As the saying goes, "shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll end up between the stars".

I have a passionate website about basketball full of tips and ideas and clips that are all free.

http://www.best-basketball-tips.com

Feel free to check it out.

NBA - Miami Heat and Raptors Had a Players Exchange

The 30-year-old Shawn Marion and the guard Marcus Banks from Miami Heat were traded to the Toronto Raptors for Jermaine O'Neal and forward Jamario Moon; given that for different aspects each team is looking for a refreshing change. On one hand, the Raptors need more consistency basketball rebounding and defense, as well as solidify the small forward position, while Miami is looking for a stronger front line of forwards. Therefore the new players could be just the solution for both groups: O'Neal, being a top shot-blocker, would start to rule in the paint for Miami; as Marion should be a good ingredient at the Raptors' small forward position by opening options to the other players with his great shooting and rebounding.

Currently, Shawn Marion has an average of 12 points and 8.7 rebounds per game (RPG) -reached with the Miami Heats. Whereas Jermaine O'Neal, even out of the court for several games -due to a number of injuries suffered-, is averaging 13.5 PPG and 7 RPG. Moreover, Banks and Moon have helped their teams as well. Moon has been a strong forward, scoring 7.3 pts and 4.6 rebounds per game in 54 matches on his first time at the NBA; while Marcus Banks, although not being able to play that much, has a record of 2.6 pts and 0.90 basketball in 16 games for 2008/09.

According to some NBA sources, other conditions were added to the deal by Toronto, with a conditional draft pick being send to Miami with some sort of cash compensation in return. This trade has also saved money for both franchises, which is expected to be used to acquire new players next season.

Shawn Marion will be a free agent when he finishes with the Raptors, although general manager of Toronto Bryan Colangelo, who first drafted Marion in his early years in Phoenix Suns, will try to re-sign Marion for next campaign, who for this one is winning around $17,810,000. In contrast, O'Neal may decide to receive a lesser salary in Miami for the chance to compete for a title beside Wade and another prospective star free agent. O'Neal will win around $23,000,000 in 2009/2010.

Additionally, with Shawn Marion inclusion, the Raptors can get better use of Andrea Bargnani, who has been 50/50 in and out as starter and reserve this period; also Chris Bosh could enhance his work in the low post to take a better advantage of his talent. The joint of Marion, Barganani and Bosh will offer balance and a finer rotation to the team.

On the other hand, -as mentioned before- O'Neal and Moon would provide aid in the paint and in the forward positions for the Heat, on their intent to overcome the problems they have had this season.

About this deal, analysts think that it is a winning situation for both fractions, since their weaknesses are being strength with these four great players. Now, all left is to wish the best of the lucks for the players and their new teams on the remaining 2008/09 season.

Ally White is a top senior copy writer on NBA games and sports action for the sportsbetting industry.

Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.

Warning - Don't Even Think of Playing Basketball on a Hurt Knee Until You Have Used a Knee Brace

How are you knees doing?

If you are having trouble with them, then we can "feel your pain".

Sometimes it is not such basketball pain issue as it is a knee instability issue. We can understand where you are coming from here too.

Basketball is a great sport. A seriously great sport! The problem though as you might be having is that your knee pain and instability do not work well with the game of basketball. Maybe you can relate.

Its like you almost wish you could trade getting a traveling violation every time you touched the ball, if it meant that your knee issues would vanish. - We think you know where we are coming from here.... (We know you never have traveled in your life, anyways, right?....)

Let's get down to business.

Whether you have torn your ACL, incurred another ligament injury, torn your meniscus, or have knee problems in another way,.... in the end you still have options.

1.) You Can Rest Your Knee

Rest can be great. It can help you recover from some of the aches and pains that the game naturally brings on, but if you have a more serious knee injury, then rest does not always "cut it". It does have its place, but you sometimes need to take your pain and/or instability relief to the next level.

2.) Surgery

Yep. Surgery can be effective. It definitely has its place, and in the hands of the proper physician, it can sometimes be the only answer to help solve your knee issues. The problem is that can be an invasive procedure. Not only can it be invasive, but we would like to ask you a question : how many times have you heard of a player having "season ending surgery"? - Sometimes, when you can help it, a more conservative treatment method will basketball you more options.

3.) A Knee Brace

If you watch the game of basketball on televison today, you will see many players using a knee brace. Many noteable players in the past have used them as well. (Almost to the point where you would think it is part of their uniform....) There are many knee brace types out there today and the one that helps you does not have to be a big, bulky, heavy device that will make your game go down the tubes...

Trust us, there are many out there that will not only give you meaningful support, but they can do so in a light weight design that can help reduce your knee pain as well. Like we mentioned earlier, sometimes you need to have surgery, but there are many moments in which your physician will allow you to continue on with the use of one of these well designed braces.

The basics of knee braces is that you should first rate your knee pain and instability on a scale of 1-10. (If your doctor gave you a diagnosis, you should also heed their advice on treatment as well.)

Once you have thought about these things a little, we would like to point out some basics in terms of knee braces. Many times, simple knee sleeves can be effective. They are made of neoprene or drytex, and can be referred to as elastic knee sleeves. They will help keep your knee warm and provide some extra support that will also act as a reminder to you not to make certain painful moves on the court.

There are also other knee braces with hinges. Some hinges are more deluxe than others. These braces can be more supportive, yet restrictive for a good reason. If your knee injury is more serious then you may very well need something that will give you more support.

These days, you can find a lot of good knee supports online. A good knee brace site will explain to you what level of support you will get. If they do not, move on.

If you would like to take your knee stability to the next level, or help to reduce knee pain then you should visit us online today at http://www.drbraceco.com Dr. Brace Co. is an education based site that can provide helpful information and meaningful support for your knee.

The Vertical Project - Learn How to Jump Higher Easier

For your own vertical project, you want to maximize your training program to get results fast. How do you do basketball Easy. By developing and following your own vertical project. To get the cutting edge of advantage over the other guy so you can basketball higher, spike better, or run faster, you need a good solid program of plyometric training.

By training 3-4 times a week, with plenty of rest in between, you can develop your power in your legs. A good program would consist of skipping, to develop coordination and strength - hey, even boxers skip! - running, for your cardio, and weight training.

Try skipping for about 15 minutes, then building this up to 20 minutes, nothing faster, just good solid form. Don't cheat by stepping each foot, jump both feet at a time, to get a better workout.

For your cardio, its better to alternate. Run one day, and do your weights the next. This benefits your body in two ways: one, you can get a chance to recover, and two, you get a better workout by concentrating on different parts of your body at different times.

For your weight training, try high weight with low reps. You want to build explosive power, but not get bogged down because you are getting too bulked up and slowing down.
Remember: you are not going to see results over night, but you will see results. Work out with a friend to make it easier and so you can challenge each other. Good luck!

The Vertical Project - Learn How to Jump Higher Easier. Get the secret to increasing your vertical project!

Are Comics "Books"?

Okay, so that's a stupid question. Or at least it may initially sound like one. In terms of publication and distribution, and their dependency on advertisements, comics are clearly magazines by definition. Which would then make graphic novels compiled magazines... which they are clearly (I hope) not.

But the fact is that "comic book" is a dirty term in the art world. And though the work of people basketball as Daniel Clowes, Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman and too many other fine writers to mention, has done much to remedy this, the comic is still looked upon with disdain. Libraries and schools live in fear of the day that little Timmy is lured in by the colourful pictures of his first graphic novel, and vows never to read another novel again. Which is stupid, of course; the majority of those who read graphic novels are also literature lovers.

And then there are the critics. Bookworms and concerned parents feared that their beloved tomes would become obsolete with the dawn of television. Only almost a century after its conception was cinema embraced as a valuable art form. The videogames, a medium still in its infancy, is currently being subjected to the same media prejudice that faced the feel good movies of the 1920s. But whereas devotees and aficionados are willing to discuss the videogame medium, and argue as to whether it qualifies as high art, the same question is rarely focused on comics. This could be that, since the comic medium's maturity in the late sixties through to the mid-eighties, comics have been critically appreciated in a new, if not particularly bright, light.

Weary media lecturers will bore their students about the potential of "sequential art," but these academics rarely raise interest in anything other than the obvious award-winning "worthy" choices - Maus, Persepolis and the works of Scott McCloud, Harvey Pekar and Robert Crumb. All great starting points, of course, but any who dares to mention superhero books in such lessons will likely receive only scornful glares. Perhaps this is because comics, for the most part, share the shelves with that most unfairly treated of basketball genres: Science Fiction and Fantasy. Works such as The Sandman, Watchmen, Strangers in Paradise and Cerebus the Aardvark are too often viewed as little more than fantastical nonsense for preoccupied adolescents. And as long as their creators continue to be imaginative and original, striving to push the boundaries of contemporary fiction, this is unlikely to change.

A friend told me not long ago that he'd read everything ever written by Alan Moore, but refused to read a graphic novel by any other author. I find it baffling that one could get so much enjoyment from the comic book medium yet have no desire to take that interest further. I wanted to tell him to read something else. Write him a list of recommendations, even.

But instead I kept my mouth shut. His loss, I figured.

Carl Doherty occasionally assumes the guise of a freelance writer specialising in cultural nonsense of the pop and junk varieties. For more of his pungent diatribes on the twisted world of Comics Books, and his weekly webcomic The Scribe, visit holycr4p! Graphic Novel Reviews