One of the most common sights in the US is an outdoor basketball hoop mounted on a wall next to a paved driveway, on the sidewall of a house or over the garage door. These outdoor hoops are easy to install, require little maintenance and are not in the way of people or vehicles. In contrast, portable or in-ground systems have to be set up more carefully.
Most professional quality basketball hoop, goal and flooring, everything you need to bring excitement to your gymnasium or backyard basketball court is what many people want. Every basketball hoop, goal, court flooring should be durable all weather, colorful, low maintenance and built for recreational use or aggressive basketball hoop professionals.
Most manufacturers sell wall-mounted hoops as packages that comprise a backboard, rim, net, and mounting kit. Some of these outdoor hoops also have an extension arm that allows the rim and net to extend outwards.
The portable hoops are equally easy to use. They need no formal installation because they come with a wheel-mounted base that can be filled with water or sand for stability What's more they can be wheeled back into a garage after a game is over. These outdoor hoops are especially suitable for those players who play once in a while, and don't want to block there drive ins or backyards with a basketball hoop.
Those who prefer permanent structures have the option of installing in-ground systems. These outdoor hoops require more effort and time to set up, because a hole has to be dug to install the pole. According to installation kits, six 90-pound bags of cement need to be used to secure the pole. Otherwise, there is the danger of the pole coming unstuck when a player holds onto a basket during a dunk.
A disadvantage of an in-ground system is that the ground has to be dug up whenever the basketball pole is to be moved. To reduce the damage, a few equipment makers sell bolt on systems. These systems bolt the basketball pole to an anchor that has been set in concrete.
There are two other points that need be kept in mind while using outdoor hoops. The first is the shape the backboard. Fan-shaped backboards may look pretty but they should be avoided because it is difficult to play bank shots against such a background. The second is the backboard color. It should be opaque so that the player is able to make out the basket when playing in an outdoor environment.
By: William Smith
William Smith lives in Florida with his wife and three cats.Download a 100% FREE $89 value SEO eBook and discover all the joys and secrets of Basketball at Basketball's Holy Grail
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
NBA Fantasy Basketball A Fan Favorite
Fantasy basketball is highly exciting, and has millions glued to their fantasy score sheets than on the actual games. The greatest glamour is associated with NBA fantasy basketball that has kept basketball fans obsessed since the late eighties. The start of each season witnesses millions of Americans becoming members of NBA leagues. They then behave like owners of their own NBA teams, deciding which players to draft, trade off or bench.
NBA itself promotes these leagues in a big way. Its site provides extensive information about each player, teams and coaches. Not only this, it hosts incisive analyses and commentaries on each game to help its fantasy league players.
The league players need to take several key decisions before joining a league. The first one is: Should they go head-to-head or play roto? Most prefer to join head-to-head leagues because everyone loves to strategize. They want to plan and beat their rival league team. This excitement is missing in playing roto, where all that you do is to note down player stats.
The second question that confronts newcomers is: Should they draft or auction players? The draft is easier, and is decided in a more gentlemanly manner with a commissioner supervising the selection process. Auction brings in more excitement, and every team manager can hope to bag his favorite player.
The third question is no less tricky: Should you involve three, five, or eight categories? Each has its own advantages. The five-category leagues take into account offense and defense; the three category leagues deal in points, rebounds, and assists and are most suited for beginners; while the eight-category leagues have great educational value. You get to know much more about the game than you otherwise would.
There are some points that must be kept in mind while playing fantasy basketball, especially the NBA one. These are: your league size should be between 8-14 teams; you should not have more than three to four reserves on your roster; and you must learn to ignore the last three days of the regular season in head-to-head leagues. This is because the best players use that time to rest for the playoffs.
In selecting players, you must avoid going for those who are nursing injuries; you should not be too carried away by rookie performances in one or two matches; and you should not put too much faith in stars based on their performance in the last season. Every fantasy league is a new game. It needs careful thought, and considerable research. You have to work hard if you want to win.
By: William Smith
William Smith lives in Florida with his wife and three cats.Download a 100% FREE $89 value SEO eBook and discover all the joys and secrets of Basketball at Basketball's Holy Grail
NBA itself promotes these leagues in a big way. Its site provides extensive information about each player, teams and coaches. Not only this, it hosts incisive analyses and commentaries on each game to help its fantasy league players.
The league players need to take several key decisions before joining a league. The first one is: Should they go head-to-head or play roto? Most prefer to join head-to-head leagues because everyone loves to strategize. They want to plan and beat their rival league team. This excitement is missing in playing roto, where all that you do is to note down player stats.
The second question that confronts newcomers is: Should they draft or auction players? The draft is easier, and is decided in a more gentlemanly manner with a commissioner supervising the selection process. Auction brings in more excitement, and every team manager can hope to bag his favorite player.
The third question is no less tricky: Should you involve three, five, or eight categories? Each has its own advantages. The five-category leagues take into account offense and defense; the three category leagues deal in points, rebounds, and assists and are most suited for beginners; while the eight-category leagues have great educational value. You get to know much more about the game than you otherwise would.
There are some points that must be kept in mind while playing fantasy basketball, especially the NBA one. These are: your league size should be between 8-14 teams; you should not have more than three to four reserves on your roster; and you must learn to ignore the last three days of the regular season in head-to-head leagues. This is because the best players use that time to rest for the playoffs.
In selecting players, you must avoid going for those who are nursing injuries; you should not be too carried away by rookie performances in one or two matches; and you should not put too much faith in stars based on their performance in the last season. Every fantasy league is a new game. It needs careful thought, and considerable research. You have to work hard if you want to win.
By: William Smith
William Smith lives in Florida with his wife and three cats.Download a 100% FREE $89 value SEO eBook and discover all the joys and secrets of Basketball at Basketball's Holy Grail
How To Build A Great Basketball Court
Everyone wants to have a basketball court but very few know how to build a basketball court. The first step is to identify the area. There is no difficulty with a concrete area. It is smooth, firm and ready to play. However, surfaces that are uneven may need to be leveled. Such surfaces may either need concreting or else lying of an artificial basketball surface. Both these are expensive options.
The second step involves selecting the equipment. Should it be a portable system or an in-ground system? Both have their advantages and disadvantages. The portable systems are good for casual players. They are convenient to install and can be wheeled away when the court is no longer needed. The portable systems include a base with wheels, backboard, pole, and rim.
However, they do not offer the stability that in-ground systems provide. These systems require the pole to be installed in concrete. This is a time-consuming and laborious process. First, the spot where the pole is to be installed is dug up. Then, the pole is secured in a cement base that is allowed to harden over 30 hours.
A few manufacturers also provide bolt on in-ground systems. In this system, it is the anchor, and not the pole, that is set in concrete. The pole is bolted to the anchor. You may need professional help to secure in-ground systems because not everyone knows how to set concrete.
You can even consider a wall-mounted basketball system. These systems can be attached to the side of your house, garage, or roof. They normally include backboard, rim, net, and mounting kit. Some even come with an extension arm that allows the rim and net to extend outwards.
The next step is to check the shapes and sizes of the basket ball equipment, and decide which ones suit your requirements. The backboard, for instance, comes in two shapes - fan-shaped and regular. Which one should you go for? If you are looking for bank shots then you must buy the rectangular backboard. A similar question arises when selecting the basket. Should you buy a basket with fixed rims or a breakaway system? The breakaway system is more suitable for players who hang onto the baskets.
Finally, you have to mark the court. For this you use chalk, paint or HoopLines Basketball Half Court Boundary System. Chalk obviously is a temporary marking method. Courts using chalk have to be lined again and again. Paint is a more permanent solution, but you should be careful while painting the lines. The HoopLines are the best, but they will cost more.
Once the boundaries are marked you are all set to leap and dunk.
By: William Smith
William Smith lives in Florida with his wife and three cats.Download a 100% FREE $89 value SEO eBook and discover all the joys and secrets of Basketball at Basketball's Holy Grail
The second step involves selecting the equipment. Should it be a portable system or an in-ground system? Both have their advantages and disadvantages. The portable systems are good for casual players. They are convenient to install and can be wheeled away when the court is no longer needed. The portable systems include a base with wheels, backboard, pole, and rim.
However, they do not offer the stability that in-ground systems provide. These systems require the pole to be installed in concrete. This is a time-consuming and laborious process. First, the spot where the pole is to be installed is dug up. Then, the pole is secured in a cement base that is allowed to harden over 30 hours.
A few manufacturers also provide bolt on in-ground systems. In this system, it is the anchor, and not the pole, that is set in concrete. The pole is bolted to the anchor. You may need professional help to secure in-ground systems because not everyone knows how to set concrete.
You can even consider a wall-mounted basketball system. These systems can be attached to the side of your house, garage, or roof. They normally include backboard, rim, net, and mounting kit. Some even come with an extension arm that allows the rim and net to extend outwards.
The next step is to check the shapes and sizes of the basket ball equipment, and decide which ones suit your requirements. The backboard, for instance, comes in two shapes - fan-shaped and regular. Which one should you go for? If you are looking for bank shots then you must buy the rectangular backboard. A similar question arises when selecting the basket. Should you buy a basket with fixed rims or a breakaway system? The breakaway system is more suitable for players who hang onto the baskets.
Finally, you have to mark the court. For this you use chalk, paint or HoopLines Basketball Half Court Boundary System. Chalk obviously is a temporary marking method. Courts using chalk have to be lined again and again. Paint is a more permanent solution, but you should be careful while painting the lines. The HoopLines are the best, but they will cost more.
Once the boundaries are marked you are all set to leap and dunk.
By: William Smith
William Smith lives in Florida with his wife and three cats.Download a 100% FREE $89 value SEO eBook and discover all the joys and secrets of Basketball at Basketball's Holy Grail
How to Become a Great Basketball Player
If you dream of being the best basketball player in your league, or at the gym you play at then listen up! To be the best you have to train hard, practice with perfection, and play strong.
Basketball skills like shooting, ball handling, rebounding, stealing the ball, setting picks and screens, defense, keeping the post or boxing out, passing, blocking shots, moving without the ball, and foot-work are going to be your foundation especially a good jump shot.
Now if you want to get to the next level of competition you must perfect your basketball skills and practice drills like you were playing in a game. Don't ever get sloppy in your training or practice; it's better to have quality practice time than slopping quantity practice.
Here are some great practice tips to make you the best you can be:
1. One-Spot Shooting - Shot continuously from one spot on the court until you hit 90% of your shots, then move to a new spot and repeat. Eventually you will be able to hit shots at incredible accuracy from anywhere on the court. Practice jump shots, lay-ups, hook shots, fad away jumpers, and standing shots with each hand. Practice dribbling before the shot, fake before the shot, basically shot as if you had a defender in your face.
2. One-hand Dribbling - use one hand to dribble with, go through your legs, around and behind your back, over your shoulder, back and forth, side-to-side, high powerful bounces and low fast bounces. Do this with one hand at a time.
3. Plyometrics - You must be able to jump. You will most likely get a lot of jumping practice while playing, but to really unleash you full potential do some plyometrics. Try repetitive jumping from one spot bend down to your jumping angle and explode back up as high as you can, stay on the ground for only enough time for you to gather enough energy to jump as high as you can.
4. Squats and Leg Presses - You need major strength in your legs if you want to jump higher, hold the post, set better picks and screens. So you will need to be able to lift 2-3 times your body weight for squats and at least double that for your leg press. This will be painful, but you will gain tremendous strength, which will elevate your game quickly.
5. Upper Body Press and Pulls - Don't forget about your upper-body. Fast hands means better dribbling, more steals and blocked shots, and a quick release shot. To increase your hand speed do push-ups, chin-ups are excellent for hand speed, shoulder presses, handstands, and shadow boxing. Now go out there and grab the rock!
6. Sprints - The best way to Increase HGH (Human Growth Hormone) is by running 5-10 second sprints. Sprints or any intense exercise will increase your HGH by as much as 300% for a few hours. What this means is that you will get faster, stronger, bigger muscles to take your basketball skills to the next level.
Now go practice your skills with perfection and build you speed, and strength. You are well on your way to dominating in your league or local gym, Good Job!
By: Kyle Oxenham
Basketball skills like shooting, ball handling, rebounding, stealing the ball, setting picks and screens, defense, keeping the post or boxing out, passing, blocking shots, moving without the ball, and foot-work are going to be your foundation especially a good jump shot.
Now if you want to get to the next level of competition you must perfect your basketball skills and practice drills like you were playing in a game. Don't ever get sloppy in your training or practice; it's better to have quality practice time than slopping quantity practice.
Here are some great practice tips to make you the best you can be:
1. One-Spot Shooting - Shot continuously from one spot on the court until you hit 90% of your shots, then move to a new spot and repeat. Eventually you will be able to hit shots at incredible accuracy from anywhere on the court. Practice jump shots, lay-ups, hook shots, fad away jumpers, and standing shots with each hand. Practice dribbling before the shot, fake before the shot, basically shot as if you had a defender in your face.
2. One-hand Dribbling - use one hand to dribble with, go through your legs, around and behind your back, over your shoulder, back and forth, side-to-side, high powerful bounces and low fast bounces. Do this with one hand at a time.
3. Plyometrics - You must be able to jump. You will most likely get a lot of jumping practice while playing, but to really unleash you full potential do some plyometrics. Try repetitive jumping from one spot bend down to your jumping angle and explode back up as high as you can, stay on the ground for only enough time for you to gather enough energy to jump as high as you can.
4. Squats and Leg Presses - You need major strength in your legs if you want to jump higher, hold the post, set better picks and screens. So you will need to be able to lift 2-3 times your body weight for squats and at least double that for your leg press. This will be painful, but you will gain tremendous strength, which will elevate your game quickly.
5. Upper Body Press and Pulls - Don't forget about your upper-body. Fast hands means better dribbling, more steals and blocked shots, and a quick release shot. To increase your hand speed do push-ups, chin-ups are excellent for hand speed, shoulder presses, handstands, and shadow boxing. Now go out there and grab the rock!
6. Sprints - The best way to Increase HGH (Human Growth Hormone) is by running 5-10 second sprints. Sprints or any intense exercise will increase your HGH by as much as 300% for a few hours. What this means is that you will get faster, stronger, bigger muscles to take your basketball skills to the next level.
Now go practice your skills with perfection and build you speed, and strength. You are well on your way to dominating in your league or local gym, Good Job!
By: Kyle Oxenham
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