Category Archives: Basketball Players

Rebound in Basketball

In basketball, every point counts, and as much attention as the shooting gets, actually, often it is in the kind of magic called rebounding that the unsung hero usually lies. Have you known that teams that dominate the boards really have a much higher chance of winning? For example, statistics from recent seasons show that NBA teams with a rebound margin of +5 or more usually win about 75% of their games. This statistic illustrates that rebounds would do all the work in a basketball game. 

A rebound in basketball is the recovery of the ball when someone fails to make a shot; it’s an aspect, to be more precise, that can dramatically alter the impact of the game.  

In this article, we will outline how to define rebounding, explain its mechanics, discuss its impact on games, and identify some of the most famous rebounders in basketball.

The Mechanics of a Rebound in Basketball

What is a Rebound? 

In basketball, players gain possession of the ball when they miss a field goal or free throw. There are two broad categories of rebounds in basketball: defensive and offensive. A defensive rebound comes in when a player regains possession of the ball when the opponent fails to score. On the other hand, a shooting team member acquires an offensive rebound, which gives them another chance at scoring.

The Art of Boxing Out 

One of the most fundamental moves in rebounding is boxing out. Boxing out refers to a maneuver where a player has positioned himself between his opponent and the basket, making some space between the player and his opponent for him to grab the rebounded ball. This is important because it will allow you to have a better chance of getting possession of the ball and prevent your opponent from doing the same. 

It demands the use of various techniques to be effective. 

  • Lower Your Center of Gravity: Dropping the knees, the torso is kept low for balance. 
  • Using Your Body: Get your body between them and the basket so that you have a body on them. 
  • Watch the Ball: Pay attention to where the ball is going to go, so watch it out. 

Timing the Jump 

The other critical factor is timing with rebounding. When to jump can make the difference between grasping the ball or failing to get it. Players should aim at: 

  • Reading the Shot: Anticipate what you will see when you strike it. 
  • Maximize vertical leap: This can be achieved by developing strength in the legs and practicing jumping drills.  
  • Being Alert: Each player’s alertness regarding spatial distribution and other relevant factors in a jump is required. 

The Impact of Rebounding on Basketball Games 

Impact of Rebounding 

Winning the Battle of the Boards 

Rebounding is often described as “winning the battle of the boards,” and there is certainly a pretty tight link between rebounding and winning basketball games. Those teams that are best at collecting rebounds create more scoring opportunities while limiting their opponents. For example, during the 2020 NBA playoffs, over 80% of teams with a positive rebound in basketball differential won their games. This statistic speaks to the importance of rebounds in an aggressive basketball game. 

Second Chance Opportunities 

Teams can find offensive rebounds very valuable if they are given a second chance. Each time an offense scores an offensive rebound, the team can re-establish its offense and take another shot at scoring. This is particularly devastating to the other team, which has worked hard to get back and defend a possession only to have an offensive rebound stretch the possession out into another possible scoring play. 

Many teams, starting with the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors, have stayed on top of offensive rebounding statistics because of the importance placed on securing the boards. Coaches teach their players not only to shoot but to come and crash for the ball aggressively, which increases scoring chances.

Defensive Rebounding and Transition Defense 

Equally important, defensive rebounds prevent the other team from scoring easy baskets during fast breaks. A good defensive rebound in basketball becomes a transition play for the defense, creating an advantage in the basketball game’s pace. 

Defense-rebounding teams tend to restrain the other teams’ scores successfully because they control the game’s pace. A good defense strategy usually relies on winning such rebounded balls, which forms the basics of a comprehensive strategy. 

Famous Rebounders and Their Impact on the Game 

Famous Rebounders

Historical Figures 

Amidst the enormous number of basketball players, there is a handful that have become legendary because of their rebounding skills. Some of them include Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain, but their records are still unbroken today. While Russell was famously tenacious and crafty on the defensive side, Chamberlain averaged 22.9 rebounds per game and pulled down an impressive 21,620 during his career. Their contributions to basketball, though largely reflected in numbers, went beyond and established new standards for dominance in the paint. 

Modern Day Dominators 

Today, the NBA has a number of top-quality rebounders who are still at the pinnacle of their game in this important aspect of the game. Andre Drummond and Rudy Gobert are both fine examples of outstanding rebounders who have cemented their places in the opinions of league leaders. Drummond’s size and strength have frequently made him the league’s leader in rebounds, and Gobert has exploited his rare vertical leap along with proper positioning. This style and technique set up a trend for other younger players to also take a glimpse at improving their rebounding in basketball skills. 

Conclusion 

Rebounding is one of the most overlooked yet skillful practices in basketball, with tremendous influences on the outcome of the game. A player perfects rebounds through willpower and tactics. Famous rebounders have been there for centuries and pave the way for new generations. For players, the right gear, such as a quality reversible singlet, can mean all the difference between better performance and under-performance. Such singlets are comfortable and breathy and come in handy for a practice session or games. Get better at playing the game and also at your game with reversible singlets available in many colors and designs. When you are a group, ask for a quote on bulk orders so that everyone should be well-equipped to do great on the court. Shop now and elevate your game.

basketball game

Basketball is one of the most thrilling and dynamic games globally, involving speed. Whatever your interest in basketball-watching or being a player-there is an element that determines how long the game of basketball lasts. This text will try to express the exact duration of a basketball game, factors determining the duration of the game, and team building.

Understanding Basketball Game Duration  

Most basketball games are divided into quarters. Each quarter of a professional league game, including the NBA, contains 12 minutes, meaning a full game will take 48 minutes to complete, but the actual time spent watching is considerably longer since the clock stops often for fouls, timeouts, and more.  

College basketball plays games in two halves, which usually last 20 minutes each, amounting to 40 minutes. On the other hand, in international play, FIBA rules divide a game into four quarters, with each quarter lasting 10 minutes, resulting in a total of 40 minutes for the whole game.

These basic game times can help fans avoid wasting time by establishing the NBA game length.

Standard Game Lengths

The game duration is determined by various levels of play; therefore, it becomes a problem of how much the fans should use their time to watch a game. 

  • NBA Games: The entire game takes 48 minutes because this comprises four quarters that last for 12 minutes unless there are stoppages. Generally, NBA games take about 2 to 2.5 hours on average since they consider halftime breaks, timeouts, and potential overtime.  
  • College Basketball: The length of NCAA games is 40 minutes, divided into two parts: two halves. Including stoppages, the average length of a college game is usually around 2 hours.  
  • High School Basketball: The high school basketball game usually consists of four quarters of 8 minutes each for a total playtime of 32 minutes. The average length is usually around 1.5 hours.  
  • International Basketball: Game length: 40 minutes. Games played under FIBA rules do not have a time limit if the clock is not stopped for over a minute, but games are usually about 2 hours long, as in the NBA or college basketball games, due to stoppages.  

This is just a summary of how long a game of basketball may run, and thus, knowing standard Basketball or NBA game lengths will typically assist fans to prepare in advance how long their game may last.  

Overtime in Basketball

Overtime in Basketball

Overtime refers to the case where the game goes on extra play. This is at the end of regulation, meaning after the standard time allocated for the game. In the NBA and FIBA, each overtime session takes 5 minutes. College basketball, overtime periods also take 5 minutes. In such a case, the game may be much longer than one had initially anticipated, especially when multiple sessions become necessary to decide a winner.  

The drama of overtime adds excitement to the game, giving teams another chance to show off their skills. Fans usually appreciate such moments, as they can alter the game’s outcome and showcase the athletes’ ability to take pressure in stride.

Factors Affecting Game Time  

The actual duration of a basketball game can be influenced by various factors, such as:  

  • Stoppages in Game: Fouls, injuries, and timeouts may trigger major stoppages in a game. In the professional leagues, each team is only allocated a certain number of timeouts that it can use to strategize or even give some other players some breathing time.  
  • Halftime Breaks: Teams have to pause at halftime to regroup once again, and also the fans get some time out. These breaks generally last for around 15 to 20 minutes.  
  • Replay Reviews: At times, referees must rewind and replay a play, and this increases the minutes in the game.  
  • Team Strategies: Teams may, by foul play or strategic timeouts, deliberately inflate the time of the game, and this, therefore, touches on time.  

Knowing all these plays will help fans predict the possible length of a basketball game.    

Team Building for Basketball Strategies 

Team Building for Basketball Strategies

In basketball, teams must build effectively because this approach leads to cohesiveness that players work towards to achieve a common goal. The following are important in developing a basketball team building:  

Building Team Cohesion  

Actually, the basis of a successful basketball basically remains cohesion. Therefore, we can define this term as a mutual bond that players share, which eventually improves performance on the field. Coaches may, therefore, engage their players in team bonding activities such as having dinner together or going for a retreat.  

All these events tend to make the team develop mutual relationships beyond the basketball court and enhance the feeling of togetherness and a common goal.  

Enhancing Communication and Teamwork  

For example, a good basketball team can achieve proper performance through effective communication. As such, an instructor has to ensure that there is an interactive session during training and playing time for the player to express his views and feelings.  

The inclusion of some sort of communication drills, such as calls for plays or defensive signs rehearsal, ensures that there is proper coordination in the field. Furthermore, the necessity of practice in teamwork, such as movement and passing without the ball during a scrimmage, increases a player’s capability to harmonize and work together while performing the play.  

Developing Leadership Skills  

The first and most important element of team building for basketball is leadership on and off the court. The coach should identify a leader for every team and provide them with opportunities to lead the team during practice and games.  

These may be practices, such as leading warm-up exercises or strategic decisions in scrimmage. Such a situation will make the player develop leadership qualities, which give players the aptitude to be more aggressive in taking the initiative to lead their mates to execute a play.  

Fostering Sportsmanship and Respect  

The promotion of sportsmanship and respect among players is a very important attribute of a good team environment. For this reason, it is very important that coaches emphasize fair play, respect the strengths of opponents, and encourage the players to show respectability. Community service activities can often be great devices for drawing out feelings of respect and gratitude in players by teaching that basketball is more than merely winning.  

The Importance of Team Building in Basketball  

Team building for basketball isn’t a complement to basketball but has to be at the core of success in basketball is going to be achieved. The ability of a well-built team might be to handle pressure, communicate, and perform together.  

More time spent on building the team results in improved court performance because players begin to trust each other. There is a mutual understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. Lastly, it translates into superior results as the players become more amalgamated. Such has been found to make basketball successful.  

Conclusion  

In conclusion, the length of a game may vary between leagues, but knowledge of all the aspects is imperative for both the fan and the player. Other than that, the emphasis on building a team for basketball ensures that the team not only has skilled players but also those who can work well together to achieve more both on and off the court.

In addition to understanding game duration and the importance of team-building, selecting the right gear can significantly impact a basketball player’s performance. One of the most versatile options for athletes is reversible singlets, which offer dual functionality by featuring two different colors or designs on each side. This makes them perfect for practices, scrimmages, or even casual games, allowing teams to switch up their look effortlessly. If you’re looking to upgrade your basketball wardrobe, shop now for high-quality reversible singlets that provide both comfort and style on the court.

Moreover, for teams and organizations looking to outfit multiple players, you can request a quote to explore bulk purchase options for customizable reversible singlets, ensuring your team is equipped with premium gear at competitive prices.

Summer Olympics
The Summer Olympics bring together the world’s best athletes in a globally spirited event that showcases ultimate athletic performance. Besides international recognition, the Olympics provide a tremendous avenue for appreciating the splendor of sports. The game of basketball is among them. But is basketball a summer Olympic Sport?  The answer is plain and simple: Yes.  Not only is basketball a part of the Summer Games, but it is an integral part of the Summer Games browser. 

History of Basketball in the Olympics 

Basketball made its debut at the Berlin Olympic Games in 1936, marking the start of a much-celebrated tradition. The global craze for the sport drove its inclusion in the Olympic Games. Dr. James Naismith was in the Grandstands at the 1936 Olympics to watch his game, another classic example of how quickly basketball got recognition.

The game, in its early days, was played in outdoor clay and sand courts, a far cry from the polished indoor arenas. The United States captured the first seven gold medals contested in Olympic basketball. These early tournaments shaped basketball’s status as one of the premiere summer olympic sports.

This appeal and further potential for worldwide growth have been what undoubtedly factored in the inclusion of football. The fast-paced nature of the game crafted it for the Olympics, a stage that showcases the elite across a diverse range of Olympic sports. Olympic basketball began with intense competition, record-breaking performances, and the creation of legends.

Popularity of Basketball

With the large spread of its popularity worldwide, basketball got the nod to be in the Olympics. It is a sport played from local to international levels and caters to bringing unity among people. However, the influence of NBA stars on other continents is one of the contributing factors to basketball’s international appeal. Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and now LeBron James have shone in the NBA and captured millions of people all over the world.

The greatest NBA stars of the time took the spotlight at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, forming the legendary “Dream Team” that catapulted basketball to global prominence. An NBA all-star assemblage, this team triumphed with the gold medal and went down in summer olympic sports’ history. What followed was that basketball became widely famous across Europe, Asia, and beyond. 

Olympic Basketball: Global Appeal, Unique Rules, and Competitive Structure 

Global attraction towards basketball and the international presence of star figures in the courts have made it even stronger in the Olympic program. Thanks to the crowd-pulling factors and inducing energy in the game, this game has made way for an integral presence in the Summer Games. With countries increasingly indulging in these Olympic basketball tournaments, the popularity of the game keeps on going from strength to strength. 

The Olympic basketball tournament is one of the events with the greatest expectations in the Summer Games. The golden trophy is the medal given to women’s and men’s teams from different countries. The structure has changed since, but there is always a preliminary stage leading to a round-robin, which in turn gives to the semifinals on a knockout basis: the final follows. 

Some differences exist between Olympic rules for basketball and National Basketball Association rules, though: the games are shorter, and the court is slightly smaller in dimension. That would give a unique flavor to the Olympic flavor of the sport, unlike regular professional basketball, which is usually played. 

Legacy of Olympic Basketball Champions

Olympic Basketball Champions

Through the years, several teams have had their impact on Olympic basketball. The United States stands as the most successful nation in Olympic history of basketball, having dominated both men’s and women’s competitions so far. Other successful countries include the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, and, in recent times, Spain and Argentina have joined to make the sport continuously competitive on the global front. 

The effect of these Olympic heroes goes beyond the games themselves, as their feats fuel the enthusiasm of millions of aspiring players around the globe and help aid in the promotion and popularity of the sport of basketball. Olympic basketball continues as one of the staple events at the Summer Games, surviving as an emblem of the spirit of competitive perfection that epitomizes summer Olympic play. 

The Future of Basketball in the Olympics 

Fortunately, it seems that in the future, there will not be dramatic changes in the role of basketball in the Olympics, with maybe a few novelties coming. For example, in the next Olympic Games, set to take place in Tokyo in 2020, athletes will compete in 3×3 basketball—an intense and fast-paced version of street basketball. The format is new and popular and makes basketball in the Olympics even more dynamic and interesting. 

Notably, women’s basketball has improved in recent years in both participation and viewership. This is a good precedent for the future of sports, given the addition of more women’s teams and an increasing level of competitiveness. Further promotions and support that are currently extended to women’s basketball will play major roles in guaranteeing its combined future. 

For the long term, basketball is likely to stay here as a key sport in the roster of the Summer Olympics. Its adaptability, constant innovation, and immeasurable popularity will keep this sport among the competitive roster of the Summer Olympics. Whatever is going on behind this, further encouraging basketball in new places and possibly changing the format may only solidify it in the Olympic games. 

Conclusion 

Is basketball an Olympic sport for the summer? Yes. Basketball has been a strong summer olympic sports since its inception in 1936, and it has continued to grow in status until this moment. Basketball, from days of the past until being a global phenomenon, shows how fast the seeding of the sport has grown. 

This history, popularity, and future thus make basketball one of the flagship sports of the Summer Olympics.As a sport that continually evolves and captivates audiences, it will continue to hold its place in the Olympic program. The whole world is once more assured that basketball will remain synonymous with the signature events of the Summer Games. 

Beyond basketball’s prominence in the Summer Olympics, Olympic sports actively shape global fashion trends. One such trend that has gained immense popularity is the Polo Shirt, which has become a staple in athletic and casual wear. Worn by athletes and fans alike, the Polo Shirt embodies the perfect blend of style and functionality. Whether you’re gearing up for a match or simply enjoying the game as a spectator, a custom Polo Shirt is an excellent choice to showcase your support. To elevate your style and performance, be sure to shop now for your own customized Polo Shirt. For a personalized experience, don’t hesitate to request a quote today to get started.

Offseason Basketball Training

Most sporting leagues, including most basketball leagues, only run for around half of the year. This means that, unless they are in a high league, most players have half of the year away from basketball. Although a lot of them play other sports during the basketball offseason, any extended period away from a sport is going to result in a loss of skills and fitness.

If you are a keen basketball player with visions of playing in a higher league in the future, then you need to make sure that you are doing some sort of offseason training. Simply handling a ball a few times per week bouncy castle can help you retain, and even improve your skills during the off season, putting you that little bit ahead of everyone else at the start of the next season.

Unfortunately, a lot of players don’t really know what they should be doing when it comes to offseason basketball training. This can lead to one of two things – inefficient training, or a lack of training altogether. Although it can be difficult to get started, the following top ten tips for offseason basketball training should help you get going:

  1. Stay fit:

Even if you do nothing else at all over the offseason, maintaining your fitness is essential. By all means, have a couple of weeks off at the end of each season and let yourself relax for a while. However, once those few weeks are up, you need to get straight back into training.

As is the case with most team sports, fitness is an essential part of basketball. Fitter players are able to move around the court easier and more efficiently, getting to the right places more often and having a bigger impact on games. Improving your fitness over the offseason will help get you started next season!

  1. Speak with your coach:

If you are already playing in a relatively high level team – even if it’s just your local A grade competition – then you should consider doing a season review with your coach. Speak to them about weaknesses in your game, and areas which you should improve on. As long as they are a half decent coach, they should be able to help you identify the things that you should focus on over the offseason to make yourself a more complete player.

  1. Do some gym work:

If you want to become a better basketballer, then you need to become stronger and faster. The offseason doesn’t come with the rigours of having to get up for a game every week, which means that you can train certain parts of your body harder. Many athletes choose to do a lot of gym work over their offseasons, putting on muscle and bulking up. Make sure that you do a complete program which works your entire body, rather than focusing on specific muscle groups.

  1. Stick to a good diet:

Unfortunately, it can be pretty easy to gain weight in all the wrong places if you start eating poorly and stop exercising at the end of a season. Maintaining a healthy diet is extremely important when it comes to staying fit over the offseason, and should be a focus of every athlete.

  1. Shoot, shoot, shoot!

If you want to improve your shooting and become a better allround basketballer, then you need to practice! The best way to do this is to put up a basketball ring at home somewhere. If you do this, then you will be able to get out and shoot a few hoops whenever you are feeling bored, energetic, or simply when you have a bit of time on your hands.

  1. Don’t be afraid to take a few days off here and there:

When it comes to offseason training, you should work hard, of course. However, you should also make sure that you give your body plenty of rest and recovery time. If you are consistently sore, then consider giving yourself a few days or a week off to make sure that you stay fresh and don’t get burnt out.

  1. Find a training buddy:

If you are someone who has trouble getting motivated to get out and train, then find a friend or teammate who will train with you. Having someone else there can help motivate you to get up in the mornings for those early sessions and to stay on the track when the going gets hard. Try it – it works!

  1. Work on your weaknesses:

Unless you are a very special player and a gifted athlete, you will have weaknesses and problems with your game. These can come in a range of forms, and include things like poor ball handling skills, poor shooting technique, or a lack of speed on the court.

If you are serious about improving your basketball game, then you need to identify and work on the things which are holding you back. At the start of the offseason, sit down and make a list of the things that you think you could be better at. Work on them every week, and watch yourself improve!  

  1. Make sure that you keep your skills up!

There is no point getting super fit and toned if you lose all of your skills in the process. Sure, your offseason should be about fitness and conditioning, but you need to make sure that you keep practicing your simple skills as well. Wherever possible, try and play practice matches so that you don’t lose your touch.

  1. Get a personal trainer:

If you find yourself getting a bit stuck and feeling unsure about what you should be doing with yourself, then you should consider using a personal trainer. They will help motivate you, will be able to give you a personalised exercise plan, and will monitor and fine tune your progress over the offseason.

Offseason training can seem like a daunting prospect for a lot of people. However, it is absolutely essential if you want to improve your basketball game and become a better allround player. Sure, it will take some time and commitment, but it will be worth it by the time the next season comes around. Good luck!

Offseason training for basketball is crucial for maintaining and improving your skills, even when the games aren’t running. Grind your skills all summer, whether you’re draining jumpers in your driveway or pumping iron at the gym. Stay on top of your game and crush the competition next season. Just remember, comfort is key – peep our awesome hoodies to keep you looking fresh while you sweat it out. Browse our collection and get ready for your best offseason ever! Questions? Reach Out for Assistance!

 

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2018 Commonwealth Games

Developed in the late 19th century, basketball has quickly become one of the world’s most popular sports. From professional leagues in Europe to the NBA (both in the American and Australian sense), local, national, and international competitions are extremely common.

Although basketball is played at the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games remains one of the sport’s premier competitions. Some of the best teams from around the world come together to compete for the coveted gold medal, and with world powerhouses like the USA not competing, the competition is usually much closer than a lot of other major ones.

Basketball At Past Commonwealth Games:

Although it is a worldwide sport played by most countries, basketball has only been played at the Commonwealth Games once in the past, in 2006. It was announced in 2011 that the sport would be returning for the 2018 Games, and hopefully we will see it live on into the future.

As the hosts in 2006, Australia won gold in both the men’s and women’s competitions – something they are widely tipped to do again in 2018. In the men’s competition, New Zealand took home the silver medal, while England snatched the bronze from a valiant Nigeria. In the women’s competition the results were, amazingly, the same, with the silver going to New Zealand, the bronze to England, and an honourable 4th going to Nigeria.

Who Is Playing In The 2018 Commonwealth Basketball Competition?

Eight women’s and eight men’s teams will be competing for the mantle of the Commonwealth’s best basketballing nation at the 2018 Games. The countries represented include:

Mens:

  • Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, and Scotland, all for the second time, along with Cameroon and Canada making their Games debut.

Womens:

  • Australia, England, India, Malaysia, Mozambique, and New Zealand, all for the second time, along with Jamaica and Canada making their Games debut.

The inclusion of two Canadian teams for the first time is expected to make the competition a lot more ferocious, as they are among the highest ranked teams in the world.  

When Is The Basketball Competition At The 2018 Games?

The 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games basketball competition runs over an eleven day period from the 5th of April until the 15th. The men’s competition finishes on the 15th, while the women’s finishes a day earlier, on the 14th. The full schedule is as follows:

Mens:

Pool matches will be played from the 5th until the 9th of April, with the qualifying finals on the 10th. The semi-final will take place on the 14th, with both the gold and bronze medal matches happening on the 15th.

Womens:

The women’s competition is very similar to the men’s. Pool matches will also be played from the 5th until the 9th of April, with qualifying finals on the 10th. The difference lies in the final round, with semi-finals taking place on the 13th, rather than the 14th, and the gold and bronze medal matches being played on the 14th.

If you would like to see the full 2018 Commonwealth Games basketball schedule, head over the official Games website.

Where Is Basketball Played At The 2018 Games?

Where Is Basketball Played

The 2018 Commonwealth Games basketball tournament will be played in three different cities. Preliminary rounds will be played at the Cairns convention center in Cairns, and at the Townsville Exhibition and Convention center in Townsville. These venues both seat 5000 people, so there is plenty of room for spectators.

Finals will take place on the Gold Coast itself, with all finals matches being played at the 5000 seat capacity Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Center. If you would like to buy tickets to and of the tournament’s games, head over to the official website here.

Where Can I Get My Tickets?

Tickets to the 2018 Commonwealth Games basketball competition can be purchased either through the official Games website, or externally through a third party retailer. Prices start at just $15 per person for children. Adult tickets will set you back a mere $30 per person – an extremely affordable price for a major international basketball tournament.

It is worth noting that there is no reason to buy tickets from third party sellers unless the venue is sold out. Don’t pay more than your tickets are worth, and make sure that the tickets you buy are legitimate.

Is It Worth Watching The Basketball At The 2018 Gold Coast Games?  

In short, yes, the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games basketball competition is not to be missed by anyone who even remotely resembles a basketball fan. With some of the world’s best teams competing, the 11 days of competition will be a week and a half to remember. Expect bitter rivalries between countries like Australia, New Zealand, and England, with friendlier games between lower ranked teams.

Who Are We Tipping To Win The Medal?

As the home nation and defending Commonwealth Games champions, it would be hard to go past the two Australia teams. However, they will be facing extremely stiff competition from Canada, who is one of the world’s top ranked teams in both the men’s and the women’s game. Expect countries like England, New Zealand, and Nigeria to also come out firing, with every game being worth watching.

Final Word:

If you – like me – love watching a good game of basketball, then you would be stupid to miss the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Some of the world’s best teams are converging on Australia’s sunny Gold Coast for the event, and the atmosphere should be electric.

So, get online, buy your tickets, and turn up to the Games in your country’s colours. If you are unable to attend live games, be sure to tune into your TV to follow the progress of your team. Good luck to your country, and let the Games begin!

Catch the Commonwealth Games in style and comfort! Get your official team hoodie to show your support for the players while you enjoy the thrilling matches, whether you’re watching live or at home. Represent your favorite team and soak up the atmosphere of the Games – hoodies available now, so click here to shop and get ready for an unforgettable experience! For any questions, feel free to contact us for immediate assistance.

Exercises For Basketball

Basketball is a complex game requiring a complex set of skills. Along with this, a high level of fitness is needed for anyone who wants to play competitive basketball, making it one of the most difficult sports to train for. Training regimes need to include skills, explosive fitness, and endurance based exercises. Unless you are a pro coach, it can be difficult to work all of this into a single training session, which is why we have created the following list of the best workouts for basketballers.

Why is basketball specific training so specific?

Unfortunately, a lot of high-level basketball players have been blessed with incredible athletic abilities. This makes it hard for the average Joe to crack into even low-grade competitive teams unless they are training smart and working hard.

First, you need to think about your skills. If you are naturally a little slower or have a little less endurance, you need to make up for it by improving your ball handling. The best way to do this is to practice. The more you practice things like shooting, dribbling, or even passing, the better you will get at them. Remember, practice doesn’t make perfect – perfect practice makes perfect. Always train the way you want to play, and don’t let yourself fall into bad habits while practicing.

You can also improve your basketball related fitness levels if you are willing to work hard and out in the hours. Although a lot of people are too lazy to train hard enough to become a high level basketballer, you will find that putting in the hours really does help. Before increasing your training load you may have been an average player, but after a lot of basketball specific fitness training you will probably find yourself cracking into the best players most games – try it and see!

So, without further ado, here are our favourite basketball specific workouts and exercises. Try and include a few of these in your training program every week for maximum improvement!

1. Romanian Deadlifts

Sure, this might sound like a bit of a strange exercise, but it is an extremely important and useful one when it comes to basketball training. The Romanian Deadlift will help you be able to jump higher, move more explosively, and will also reduce your risk of injury by strengthening your leg muscles.

How do I do it?

The Romanian Deadlift is actually a very simple exercise which anyone with access to a few weights can do. Start with your feet spread a shoulder width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand. Keeping your back straight, squat as low as you can, lowering the dumbbells towards the ground. When you have gone down as far as possible, contract your leg muscles explosively and return to standing position as quick as you can. Use a weight which allows you to comfortably do ten reps per set, and at least three to four sets. The key here is not to lift as heavy as you can, but to train your muscles to be more explosive.

2. Pullups

Although simple, pullups are a great exercise when it comes to basketball specific training. They can be used to strengthen almost the entire upper body, and are a quick, simple exercise to do at home. Doing pullups will help you achieve the full extension that is required to make an effective jumpshot.

How to do it?

Pullups are extremely simple. Basically, you need to find a bar which supports your body weight (you can actually buy simple ones which hang from the door frames in your home). Begin by hanging from the bar with your arms extended. Your hand can face forwards or backwards, but it can be a good idea to vary your grip between sets. Pull yourself up from the hanging position until your chin is at the level of the bar. Immediately lower yourself, making sure that you extend your arms fully between each rep. Failing to do so will reduce the effectiveness of the exercise.

3. Suicide Sprints

Best done in a team environment – such as during or at the end of training – suicide sprints are a great way to improve both your explosive fitness and your longer term endurance. They will leave you perfectly equipped to be able to run out your next basketball game right until the last minute.

How to do it?

Suicide sprints are actually very simple. Participants line up along the baseline of the court. They then sprint to the other baseline, touch it, turn, and sprint back. When they get back they immediately turn again and sprint to the three-quarter line, touch it, and then sprint back. This is repeated with the halfway line and the quarter court line. Once they have reached the baseline after the quarter court line, they then turn and repeat the same thing in reverse, finishing with a sprint from baseline to baseline and back. It is up to you how many suicide sprints you do, but completing five to ten over the course of a training session will do wonders for your fitness.

4. Simple Skills Training

The usefulness of simple skills training can’t be underestimated. Practising regularly can help you get a better touch for the ball, can help improve your control and accuracy, and can definitely make you a better allround basketballer.

How to do it?

Basically, grab a ball, find somewhere with a hard surface or a ring, and get practising. Throw free throws for half an hour. Grab a mate and practice passing to each other. Grab a ball and dribble up and down the court. Simple things like this might not seem like a lot, but they will always help you improve. Remember – “perfect practice makes perfect”.

So Do You Really Want To Be The Best Basketballer You Can?

If so, then make sure that you include these Basketball exercises into your regular training program. Note that they are not extremely useful on their own, but that they can help you improve faster when they are added to your training sessions. Get out there, have some fun, and improve your game out of sight this season!

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team building

Team building and team building exercises are extremely important for any team sport. They help bring players closer together, help players understand each other and can improve the overall performance of the team. Unfortunately, a lot of amaetur coaches and teams underestimate the importance of team building exercises, instead focusing purely on skills and fitness based training. While this can work in some cases, it is usually best to approach training with a balanced approach which includes some sort of team building.

Why is team building so important?

There are many reasons why you should include some sort of team building drills in your basketball training program. Most of these are centered around improving the performance of a basketball team as a whole, rather than making any single player better. Some reasons why team building exercises are extremely important include:

A team of weak players working together will usually beat a team of strong players who don’t:

This sort of thinking is hammered into young basketball players from the first training session that they take part in. Junior coaches tend to encourage young players by telling them that it doesn’t matter how skilled they are, but rather how good they are at playing for the team. As players grow up they soon realise for themselves that weak players who work together as a team are often able to beat strong players who play for their own glory – this is the essence of teamwork.

Unfortunately, a lot of people who join a team sport when they are a bit older don’t seem to realise how important it is to work as a team. They focus on improving their own skills and fitness, but won’t necessarily work on fitting into the team. This can be detrimental to both their own and the team’s performance.

Team building exercises can help create fluency on the court:

The best basketball teams seem to move with impossible fluency. Every player seems to know exactly where their teammates are, how they are going to move, and what the limit of their skills is. This is a result of team building exercises.

Once you really know your fellow teammates you will find that it becomes much, much easier to work together. As a coach you will notice little connections begin to develop between players – connections which make them work better together on the court. It is your role to grow these connections until you have a team of players who completely understand each other and the way they play. If you can do this, you will have a lot of success, no matter what league you are in.

Team building will bring weaker players up to the level of the team:

One major problem when it comes to playing basketball in a team is dealing with very weak players or with players who haven’t played before. While it can be tempting to simply put them on the bench for a while until they get up to speed – or at least to give them game time when the result isn’t in the balance – it is important to do whatever you can to develop these players.

Engaging in team building activities will help bring the skill level of weaker players up. It will help to even out the performance of the team as a whole. Everyone will understand better how the other players on the team perform in certain situations, and will be able to adjust accordingly.

Simple team building activities to strengthen your basketball team:

There are many, many different team building activities out there that you can use with any team sport. However, some are more appropriate to basketball than others. They will help you build your team up to be as good as it can be, and should be included in your training program regularly. Some of our favourite basketball team building exercises include:

A pre-season camp:

If you are playing in any sort of serious competition, then you need to do a lot of pre-season training to make sure that your team is prepped for the first game of the season. One of the best things that you can do is plan some sort of pre-season camp.

Make sure that all team members attend, and that they participate in whatever activities you plan for them. Try and include a lot of things which will improve both the skills of your players and their ability to work together. Make them complete tasks which require a lot of teamwork, and offer prizes for the groups which work together the best. Most importantly, encourage all of the players to engage with and get along with all the others. This will make sure that your team is a close-knit and friendly with each other as possible.

Team passing:

This is a relatively simple exercise which is suited to teams of inexperienced players who don’t know each other. It is a great way to get players to engage with the team, to learn their teammates names, and to

Simple put all of the players on the team in a circle with a basketball. The player who starts with the ball passes to another player, while calling the name of the person they pass to. Make sure that they vary who they are passing to, and introduce some sort of penalty for calling the wrong name (for example, push-ups or a suicide sprint).

Blindfold maze:

This is a very good activity to encourage trust between players. First, you need to set up some sort of obstacle course that a blindfolded player would be able to make their way through. Choose one player to be blindfolded, and have the rest stand by. The blindfolded player must make their way through the course by listening to the advice of their teammates.

Final Word:

Team building is absolutely vital when it comes to developing a successful basketball team. Team building activities are usually simple and straightforward to do, and they can have a huge impact on the success of your team. Try a few today and see how much of a difference they make!

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NBA history

The NBA (National Basketball Association) is arguably the world’s premier basketball league. It is located in the United States of America, and attracts the best players from around the world. Although leagues throughout Europe and Asia are growing, none of these come close to the NBA in terms of sheer size, popularity, and the amount of money involved.

The NBA is also one of the world’s oldest professional basketball leagues. It was founded in 1946, and has grown from strength to strength in the inflatable games for sale decades since. The NBA has a rich and varied history – one that would take hours to explain fully – which will be looked at in brief in the following article.

From humble beginnings:

The NBA was founded on the 6th of June 1946 in New York City. It was originally called the Basketball Association of America (BAA), but this name was changed after just a few years. In 1949, the BAA merged with the existing National Basketball League (NBL) to create the modern day NBA.

Although the structure and size of the NBA has evolved over the years, it’s current existence can be traced back to this merger, which occurred on the 3rd of August 1949 – about 68 years ago.

The NBL:

The National Basketball League, or the NBL, was created in 1937 by three major corporations – General Electric, Firestone, and Goodyear. The league originally had 13 teams, mostly coming from the Great Lakes region of America. Significant development and growth occurred over the next 12 years, before the NBL merged with the BAA to create the modern NBA.

Three current NBA teams can be traced back to the NBL. The Detroit Pistons were originally known as the Fort Wayner Zolloner Pistons. The Los Angeles Lakers have their roots with the Detroit Games, and the Sacramento Kings were originally knon as the Rochester Royals.

The first game in NBA history:

The 1st of November 1946 was an extremely important day when it comes to the history of the NBA. The first ever NBA game was played on this day (Although the league was known as the BAA) between the Toronto Huskies and the New York Knickerbockers. The Knickerbocker’s Ossie Schectman made the first basket in the league’s history.

The original NBA:

As noted above, the NBA was officially formed in 1949, with roots in the NBL and the BAA. The original 1949 league had just 17 teams. These came from a variety of different cities in the region. This number slowly dwindled over the following years, dropping to just 11 teams in 1950 and eight for the 1953-1954 season – the lowest number in the history of the game.

These eight teams are all present in the modern NBA, and include the Boston Celtics, the Fort Wayne Pistons, the Tri-Cities Blackhawks, the Rochester Royals, the Minneapolis Lakers, the New York Knicks, the Syracuse Nationals, and the Philadelphia Warriors. It is important to note that some of these teams have different names in the modern competition.

The introduction of the 24 second shot clock in 1954 did a lot for the games appeal. Prior to this, teams would simply hold onto the ball and play a possession game – something which wasn’t really appreciated by the fans. Under the new rule, teams had just 24 seconds to attempt a shot once they had possession of the ball. This sped the game up and caused a dramatic increase in spectator numbers, allowing the NBA to grow to what it is today.

NBA dynasties:

NBA dynasties haven’t been common, but there have been a few, mainly in the early years of the competition. These include:

  • The Minneapolis Lakers 5 championships in the early 1950’s.
  • The Boston Celtic’s 11 championships in 13 years between 1957 and 1969 – including eight straight between 1959 and 1966.
  • The Los Angeles Lakers with 5 championships in 9 years from 1980 to 1988.
  • The Chicago Bulls with 6 wins in 1991-1993 and 1996-1998.

The last three championships have been contested by the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers, with the Warriors winning in 2015 and 2017, and the Cavaliers winning in 2017. Could this mark the start of a new dynasty for one of these teams?

Expansion:

In 1961, the Chicago Packers joined the NBA to become the competition’s 9th team, a move which marked the beginning of expansion. By 1968 the competition had surged to 14 teams, with 18 by 1974. Currently (as of 2017) there are 30 teams in the NBA. 29 of these teams are based in the USA, with the Canadian Toronto Raptors the only non US team in the league.

The most successful NBA teams:

The Boston Celtics (17 wins from 21 championship appearances) and the Los Angeles Lakers (formerly the Minneapolis Lakers, 16 wins from 31 championships) have been by far the most successful teams in the history of the NBA. Other notable teams include the Chicago Bulls with 6 wins, the Golden State Warriors with 5 wins, and the San Antonio Spurs with 5 wins.

What does the NBA look like today?

The modern NBA is much, much different to the original competition. The season commences in late September with training camps and pre-season training. These are followed by preseason practice matches.

Following the practice matches, the regular season kicks off in the last week of October. Each team plays 82 games – split equally between home and away fixtures –  across a fast past, strenuous regular season. The NBA All-Star game takes place in February, in which the best players from each conference go head to head in an exhibition match. The regular season generally ends around the middle of April.

In late April, the NBA playoffs begin. The top eight teams in each conference compete for the league championship. The playoffs take place in an elimination format, with each team playing their designated up to seven times, aiming to win four games. The team which wins four games advances to the next round of the playoffs, while the loser is eliminated.

The last two teams standing (one from each conference) will face off in the NBA Finals. This series is also best of seven games, and is held in June. The NBA Finals are undoubtedly one of the biggest events on the American – and world – sporting calendar, and should remain so for years to come.

As for the NBA, it has a very rich history, which is why people still enjoy watching basketball games today. Cordial supporters never miss an opportunity to demonstrate their devotion and team support, and wearing fashionable and comfortable polo shirts during games is a great way to do this. A good polo shirt can be quite stylish if you are a fan of a particular team and follow the game religiously or if you are a casual sports lover who likes to watch the games occasionally. Due to the numerous NBA teams available, you will be able to find a team with your preferred players.

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history of basketball

Basketball was invented in America at the end of the 19th century, making it a relatively old sport on a world scale. It quickly spread around the world to become popular in many different countries, and has grown to become one of the world’s most played sports. The history of basketball varies according to the country that you are in, and can be extremely varied and colourful.

Australia is one of the countries which has adopted basketball as a major sport. Although national teams haven’t performed well historically, a recent surge in funding and interest saw the Australian men’s Boomers finish fourth at the most recent Olympic games in Brazil. The history of Australian basketball is both varied and interesting, and needs to be looked at to gain a full understanding of the sport in its modern form.

From Humble Beginnings

Basketball spread to Australia in 1897, just six years after the sport was invented. The first recorded game was between OBI (Our Boys Institute) and YMCA on the 17th of February, 1897. The game took place in South Australia, and paved the way for the future.

Early basketball development in Australia too place in Adelaide and its surrounding suburbs, unlike most sports which developed in Melbourne. However, the sport quickly spread across the country, with courts and basketball hoops popping up in even the smallest country towns. Basketball became a way for AFL players to keep fit over the summer months, and shooting a few hoops became a popular pastime.

While women’s basketball wasn’t developed until later in the 20th century – most women of the time played netball – the sport is now extremely popular among both men and women across Australia. Good things can come from humble beginnings!

The Formation Of National Associations

Unfortunately, the early part of the 20th century didn’t see lot of basketball development in Australia. Compounding factors such as the two World Wars and the Great Depression reduced the impact of the sport (and indeed, of most sports) and prevented it from really growing until the 1930s.

The Victorian Basketball Association was formed in 1931, paving the way for the large scale expansion of basketball across Australia. The NSW basketball association followed soon after, signalling the beginning of basketball expansion.

In 1939, the first national governing body for Australian basketball was created in the form of the Amateur Basketball Union of Australia (ABU). Unfortunately, the ABU was a national union in name only, with representatives from NSW and Victoria. Over the years other states were added to the union, and the name was changed to the Australian Basketball Federation – which it remains to this day.

Early Competitions

Early Australian basketball competitions were scarce until the 1930’s. The development of various state and national governing bodies saw the commencement of various competitions, many of which exist to this day. To begin with, most of these competitions were played at a local level. However, state competitions and, eventually, a national competition were to be developed over the coming years.

National Men’s Championships began in 1946. The first tournament was played in Sydney, and saw NSW defeat Victoria for the title. The first Women’s National Championships took place in 1955, with South Australia coming out comprehensive victors over NSW.

In 1948 Australia joined the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). They were the 52nd country to do so, and this gave the national teams access to many international competitions and tournaments.

The Development of Women’s Basketball

Basketball was originally designed to be a men’s sport. It was thought that women couldn’t cope with both the physical demands and the dress requirements of the sport, and they were therefore discouraged to play. Many women turned to netball, which was aptly named ‘women’s basketball’ for the early part of the 20th century. This naming causes some confusion when it comes to the early history of women playing basketball in Australia.

The history of women’s basketball in Australia is somewhat cloudy. Early records are scarce, and it is likely that women have been playing the game for almost as long as men. The first recorded national Australian women’s basketball team was in 1957. The Australian Opals competed in the second version of the FIBA world championships, which was held in Brazil, and ended up finishing in 10th position with wins over Cuba and Peru.

The first national basketball competition for women was formed in 1981. It was named the Women’s National Basketball League, and has grown from strength to strength since its inception. Six teams from across the country competed in the inaugural season, and this number has since risen to eight.

Modern History

Modern Australian basketball is currently going from strength to strength. It has begun to compete with major sports like AFL and soccer, and in some cases is even taking players away from these sports. It numbers among the top few sports in terms of participation, and looks like it is going to continue growing over the near future.

The Australian Boomers recently recorded their best ever Olympic Games finish, narrowly losing the bronze medal match to finish fourth. Many Australian players are now playing in the NBA and in major European competitions, which bodes well for the future of Australian basketball.

There are also positives on the women’s side of Australian basketball. The WNBL recently signed a new deal which will see it televised for the first time in over two years, and the Opals appear to be developing into a powerful team on the world stage. Although things like AFLW are drawing players away from women’s basketball in Australia, we can still expect participation rates to rise over the coming years.

Basketball in Australia has a long and varied history. It started out small, and never really caught hold until the mid 20th century. However, it has skyrocketed in popularity since then to become one of Australia’s most popular sports for both men and women.

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Australian Basketballers

Although the USA always has been – and probably always will be – the world’s basketball powerhouse, Australia is beginning to develop some serious strength. Aussies have been playing in the NBA for years, but never in the numbers that they are at the moment.

There is currently a total of eight Australian’s playing for six different NBA teams – the most of almost any international country. Not only this, but some of these players are among the superstars of world basketball.

Patty Mills:

Mills is contracted with the San Antonio Spurs, where he has already played a number of seasons. He has long been the star of Australian basketball (leading the Boomers in numerous international competitions), and has managed to transfer this form into the NBA. Although he probably deserves a starting position, the Spur’s coaching team seems to enjoy having Mills’ experience as a bench player to keep the second tier players up to speed. Expect to see him play a significant role for years to come.

Ben Simmons:

Simmons became the third Australian to be taken with the number one NBA draft pick in just 11 years when the Philadelphia 76ers selected him in the 2016 draft. Although he is yet to play a huge role with the 76ers, his potential is enormous. He has already played basketball for the Boomers, despite the fact that he is just 20 years old, and we can expect him to be at the forefront of Australian international teams for years to come.

In his only season of basketball in America before being drafted, Simmons played college basketball. He finished the season by being named in the All-American team and as the USBWA National Freshman of the Year – a prestigious award.

Andrew Bogut:

Bogut is an extremely experienced basketballer, having played in the NBA since he was drafted with the number one pick in 2005. During a decorated career has has played for the Milwaukee Bucks (2005-2012), the Golden State Warriors (2012-2016), the Dallas Mavericks (2016-2017), and the Cleveland Cavaliers (2017). He was named in the NBA all-rookie first team in 2006,  the all-NBA third team in 2010, and the NBA all-defensive second team in 2015.

Unfortunately, Bogut broke his leg in March 2017, which led to the Cavaliers releasing him from his contract. His NBA future is uncertain, and only time will tell whether he will take the court again.

Thon Maker:

While he is just 20 years old (born 25th February 1997), Thon Maker has been touted as one of the most promising recruits of recent years. The Sudanese born Australian basketballer was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with pick number 10 in the 2016 draft. He played in 63 games in his debut season, starting in 40 of these, and it seems that he will be a strong player for the Bucks heading into the future.

Matthew Dellavedova:

Dellavedova is the second Australian player on the Milwaukee Bucks’ team. He played for the Cleveland Cavaliers for four seasons between 2013 and 2016, winning the NBA championship in 2016. He then moved to the Bucks in 2016, and looks to shape as an important player for their future. Dellavedova has played for Australia on numerous occasions, including in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, the 2014 World Cup, and a number of FIBA Oceania Championships.

Aron Baynes:

Baynes is a New Zealand born Australian basketballer who has been playing professional basketball since 2009. In this time he has played for an incredible six different teams, including Lietuvos Rytas (Lithuanian Basketball League, 2009-2010), EWE Baskets Oldenburg (German Basketball Bundesliga, 2010-2011), Ikaros Kallitheas (Greek Basketball League, 2011-2012), Union Olimija (Slovenian Basketball League, 2012-2013), and the San Antonio Spurs (NBA). In mid 2015 he switched to the Detroit Pistons, where he has played a crucial role as a second tier player.

Joe Ingles:

Joe Ingles has also played for a wide range of teams throughout Europe and The USA during his long and decorated career. He joined the Utah Jazz in 2014. However, he was first picked up by the Los Angeles Clippers after a strong showing in the 2014 FIBA World Cup. The Clippers waived his contract after just five preseason games, and the Jazz signed him just two days later. He has played 253 games during his NBA career, and has started in 71 of these.

Dante Exum:

Exum is the Jazz’s second Australian player. He took an interesting path to the NBA, choosing not to play college basketball after finishing high school in Australia in 2013. He went straight into the draft where he was selected at pick number five in the 2014 draft. Although he has played just two seasons since he was drafted (he missed the 2015-16 season with a torn ACL), he has already played an incredible 155 games. He started in 67 of these games, and shapes to be one of the Jazz’s (and Australia’s) most valuable players in the future.

Australia is extremely well represented in the NBA and in international basketball in general. With 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games set firmly in their sites, the Boomers will be closely watching the progress of the eight Australians who are currently playing in the NBA.

The Australian NBA players are not only making a mark on the basketball court but also in other areas as well. The polo shirts and sneakers are not far from the stylish jerseys that are worn when they are playing their respective teams. For instance, Patty Mills is among the many NBA players who enjoy wearing fashionable Ralph Lauren Polo shirts as they go about their daily activities in San Antonio. If you seek a similar fashion statement, do not forget to visit our Polo Shirts category and receive quick quotes to make a statement both on and off the basketball court!