History of Basketball

The history of basketball is much easier to trace than other sports. It is clear that Dr. James Naismith is credited with creating basketball and much of basketball history. Dr. Naismith, born in 1861 in Ontario, Canada first came up with the concept of basketball during his youth school days in the area where he played a game that involved knocking a rock off an object by attempting to throw another rock at it. The game obviously evolved from there and began the history of basketball.

Mr. Naismith taught at the YMCA School in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1891, where the sport of basketball was created. He was faced with a problem of finding a sport that could be played indoors during the harsh Massachusetts winters. He needed to come up with a game that could be played in and outdoors and one that adopted a sense of skill and not just brawn. He first developed the game by involving a soccer ball and two peach baskets, who would have ever thought basketball history, could come from a soccer ball.

In addition to creating basketball Dr. Naismith became a medical doctor focused on sports science and was a minister. Naismith watched his sport grow to become one of the world's most popular sports that saw its entrance in the Olympics in 1936 at Berlin and he fixed himself a spot in basketball history.

The history of basketball began with teams of five and was the sports standard by 1897. The sport became popular to both men and women and began to spread throughout Canada and the US. The US servicemen took the sport overseas with them in WWII and the history of basketball became global.

U.S. colleges accepted the game and began to have it as a standard college sport. College basketball history took off around the late 1890's and the first college game began at the Madison Square Garden in New York.

Professional basketball history first began when the National Basketball League was created in the late 1800's around 1898. The league however did not last and was broken up after 5 years providing a rough start to basketball history. The break up just led to a number of random leagues forming themselves in the early 1900's and each was very loosely organized. Ironically enough the first super team was the Celtics but they were from New York City not Boston. The famous Harlem globetrotters were also founded around this time in 1927 and hold a place in basketball history as being the most entertaining of basketball teams.

It wasn't until 1949 that two professional basketball leagues the NBL and the BAA merged to create what we all know now as the National Basketball Association or the NBA. The Boston Celtics dominated the NBA from the late 1950s through the 1960s. By the 1960s, professional teams had formed throughout the United States and basketball was a mainstream powerhouse. Players such as Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russel and Kareem Abdul-Jabar all became household names that drew millions to watch them play as they all found a spot in basketball history.

National Basketball Association fell off the charts and was surpassed by football in popularity through the 1970's then got a resurgence from the popular Larry Bird and Magic Johnson era. Michael Jordan carried the league through the eighties and nineties and the torch has been passed on to Shaquille O'neal, Kobe Bryant and Lebron James. The history of basketball has never been so fascinating and it is all thanks to Dr. James Naismith.

Author is from http://recruitcity.com

Youth Basketball Shooting Drills

In the game of basketball, one of the most important parts of the game is being able to shoot the ball. If you can not shoot the ball, then you have a slim to nonexistent chance of scoring any points for your team. There are numerous different stances and techniques that you need to use in order to make a successful shot so it's important to teach these fundamentals to young basketball players early on. If kids can learn the proper techniques at an early age and then practice them consistently through fun shooting drills they will see improvement and enjoy playing basketball more.

Here are some shooting tips that you can use:

* The first thing that should be practiced when you are practicing youth basketball shooting, is showing the players on the youth basketball team the proper way to hold a basketball. This is one of the most common mistakes that are made with basketball players, especially children. There is a proper way to hold the basketball when you are shooting the ball. One hand guides the ball and the other give the power that is required to get it in the hoop.

* The second thing that needs to be taught when practicing shooting the basketball is the proper stance. It is hard to shoot the ball if you stand stiff and with your feet too close together. Show each one of your youth players the proper stance for shooting the basketball. Depending on how far away from the net the child is, they may have to bend their knees or actually jump when they shoot the ball. This is all part of the proper stance of shooting a basketball. So, make sure you are in the proper stance before you begin shooting the ball.

* The third thing is to aim directly at the box over the hoop. The idea is to cause a slight rebound that guides the ball into the hoop. It is important for players to learn to focus and aim at that point.

* The last thing to know when shooting the basketball is your limitations. You may love to play basketball and be a decent player, but making shots from the half court line may be a little much for youth basketball. In fact, making shoots from the half court line in adult basketball is tough. So, it is important to teach children on youth basketball teams to know where to shoot the basketball from. Teach them to shoot the basketball from the free throw line and the three point line as a starting point on where to shoot the ball from. These are more realistic shooting points for youth basketball players.

And with these tips, a basketball player can be a better shooter. Besides the above examples of shooting drills, there are plenty of books and free websites like Weplay.com, where you can find basketball drills to improve your game as well as teach others.

By Trevor Sumner who works for Weplay.com, a youth basketball community dedicated to providing parents coaches and athletes the tools and information to celebrate the love of the game. Weplay.com has one of the most comprehensive, free basketball drill libraries in its active basketball community.

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Basketball Hoop Nets - What Kinds Are Available?

When you are looking for basketball hoops and goals, you also need to consider the type of net you will use. For many units, the net comes as part of the package but you can buy this item separately as well. To make a good choice when it comes to basketball nets, you need to educate yourself about the different types that are available.

Not all basketball nets are constructed from nylon. You can also choose a chain net. Since chain will last longer than a nylon net, it is a good long-term investment when you are looking for quality equipment for the gym or playground. When you are looking at updating your existing basketball nets, consider the cost against the number of years of use you will get from them.

You may be able to buy nylon basketball nets for a lower price, but you should also plan on replacing them much more often than if you bought a chain net in the first place. You also need to factor in the time it will take to re-equip your basketball hoops and goals with nylon nets every so often. This type of maintenance should be factored in when you are trying to make the best decision about your basketball equipment needs. Considering your initial investment upfront, and the lasting benefits of your equipment may help you justify a slightly higher expense for a better product.

The FT10 can be used in competition. It is also suitable for home use when you want to upgrade your existing basketball net to something that is of better quality. The FT10 is made from braided nylon and comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Another choice to consider when it comes to basketball nets is the FT10AW. This product is made from a heavier nylon braid than the FT10. The advantage to choosing it over the F10 is the fact that it reduces the whip that is commonly experienced with lighter-weight nets. Again, this basketball net comes with a one-year warranty.

The FT11E is an economy chain net that will last longer than a nylon one. It can be used with any style of basketball goal and is attached to it with "S" hooks. This zinc-plated net comes with a one-year limited warranty.

For consumers who are prepared to invest in a higher-quality chain basketball net, consider the F11. Welded hoops mean that there is no risk of injury to the players. The chain net can be attached to any style of basketball goal, and heavy duty "S" hooks are used for this purpose. It is zinc plated, and comes with a one-year warranty.

Before you decide to invest in a chain basketball net, it's a good idea to make sure that the unit you are considering can be used with the style of basketball goal you are working with. That way, you can be sure that you are getting the right product for your needs. As long as the chain net can be used with your existing basketball goal, this is the choice that will be more durable over the long term.

Author Bill Parsons is the creative author of a variety of online specialty stores that offer both items and information for all your athletic equipment needs. Today, he offers advice on the different types of basketball hoop nets. If you're looking for a new basketball hoop, there are also many different types of nets to choose from. Depending on whether you're looking for a net for an indoor portable basketball hoop or an outdoor system.

How to Choose Basketball Hoops For Different Skills and Ages

Basketball hoops that are designed for use by the youngest of players are readily available for school, community and home use. Depending on your venue and the space available you'll find that your selection includes adjustable height hoops, permanent in-ground varieties, roof mounted goals and portable basketball systems. So how do you make an informed choice? Here's what you need to know.

A basketball goal with a basketball hoop is going to fundamentally be the same regardless of its designed purpose, consisting of a ring, usually with a net, designed to allow a thrown ball to pass through. However, the similarities for many different types of basketball hoops and goals end there.

Many types of basketball goals are designed to be very simple, often for very young children still learning muscle and motor control or even designed as a simple novelty. Other types of basketball goals are designed to be used in professional competition, such as NCAA or even NBA games. These are designed to take the repeated abuse of multiple, heavy slam dunks and hanging off the rim without breaking.

If you are shopping for a basketball goals for your children you'll need to consider factors like the available space, future needs and skill requirements. Younger children will naturally require a basketball goal that is capable of accommodating their skills. Adjustable height basketball systems are ideal because you can set a child up for success, and challenge them as needed.

A wall mounted basketball hoop is just as the name implies, a basketball hoop mounted onto a wall. Unlike a basketball hoop mounted to the top of a garage or on a rigid, heavy goal post, most wall mounted basketball hoops are designed for very light, casual use only.

These types of basketball hoops typically mount onto a drywall surface, but may also include brackets or other hardware to mount onto a door or to an office cubicle wall. Even a light slam dunk may be enough to tear this type of basketball hoop off the mounting surface, and leave significant scarring onto drywall. Look for solid mounting hardware or stable "nosecone" installation when selecting a unit that will last for years. You'll also find quality hoops that can be installed on slanted roofs that are more stable.

For long term use, you want to select a basketball hoops that is a long term investment. This means that outdoor models should be powder coated. Adjustable basketball goals should be easy to modify. And any goals or hoops should be strong enough to meet the current and future needs of your players. So consider that a lightweight portable unit may not be appropriate for teenagers hanging off the rims.

Finally, really take a look at the practicality of your investment. Will younger players still want to play with a 10 foot hoop they have little chance of reaching? Will teens that are developing professional skills be challenged enough if they have to hold back from playing their hardest? The bottom line is to take a little time to look at all the options in basketball hoops until you find one that makes sense for you.

Author Trey Carter is the creative author for a basketball equipment store.
Trey discusses ways to setup your basketball hoop system at home, no matter what hoop you decide to go with.
You can browse basketball hoops of all kinds here.

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Spalding TF 1000 Basketballs Review

The name Spalding says it all, as this brand of basketball is well-known throughout the world and has been since the late 1800's. In particular the Spalding TF 1000 basketballs are known to be state of the art when it comes to technology as the balls have a far better grip and are far more consistent than their counterparts. They are extremely strong and durable and when playing you won't have to worry about the ball breaking like the old models of leather basketballs.

However, there are some of the professional basketball players that have stated that they don't' like the new basketballs and still prefer the old balls. This is merely a matter of opinion and it all depends on what one get used to. Professionals want to know of the new basketballs really do what the manufacturers stipulate they do. Well we will only find out when the new NBA basketball season starts which is in October 2010.

The new Spalding TF 1000 basketballs do not bounce as high which means that when the ball is passed on the fast break the technique could be slightly different. The TF 1000's bounce off the rims slightly more as they are stickier as opposed to their counterparts which will allow the players to make better plays around the basket, as the basketball has a far better grip.

There seems to be some mixed feeling among the professional basketball player, as some have stated that they think the balls grip is much better which will enable them to perform more tricks, and then others have stated such as Shaquille O'Neal that changing the technology was not a good idea. For instance Dwayne Wade has stated that the grip is really good and that he prefers it to the old basketballs.

Many of the professional basketball players state that the most ideal ball would be that feels the same as the older models, and that the basket ball feel comfortable in all situations. In my opinion I think that the Spalding TF 1000 basketballs are going to prove those that oppose the ball wrong and that when the basketball season starts in October many of the professionals will be switching to the TF 1000.

The Spalding TF 1000 basketballs are going to become a sought after basketball due to the state of the art technology whereby the ball has a far better bounce and a far better grip. Once the players get acquainted with the feel this will most definitely be the basket ball of the future.

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