Category Archives: Basketball Players

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 inflatable slide for sale 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?

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!

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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 inflatable water slide for sale 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 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 inflatable obstacle course for sale 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.

But if you want to get even more uniqueness, you should try to order custom-made polo shirts with your team’s logo or color on them! Do not hesitate to place your order, get the right clothes for a game, and support your team! Get in touch now – we’re here to help you at every stage.

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 toddler bouncy castle for sale 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 inflatable tent for sale 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!

Boomers fan

The 2020 Olympics are coming up in just over 3 years. Following the strong performance of the Australian men’s basketball team, the Boomers, in 2016, many fans have very high expectations coming into the Tokyo games. Below I will outline everything that you need to know about the Australian Boomers fan lead up, including information about players and staff, upcoming competitions, and possible matchups.

A bit of history:

In the 2016 Olympic Games the Boomers shocked the basketball world. They came from nowhere to defeat Serbia and France in the pool matches, losing only to eventual gold medalists and long time world champions the USA.

With a team boasting four NBA championship players, the Boomer’s almost caused a massive upset in the bronze medal match against Spain to claim inflatable water park for sale their first Olympic Games basketball medal. But alas, it wasn’t to be with the sharp shooting Spanish just coming out on top where it counts: on the scoreboard.

This was the Aussie men’s fourth fourth place finish in Olympic Games competitions, and arguably one of their best. Although the team was obviously disappointed not to have gone further, the future is extremely bright. The Boomer’s squad for the 2020 games looks to be many times stronger than the 2016 squad – on paper at least – something which will leave them filled with confidence and hoping to secure that elusive medal.

A possible team:

While we are still three years away from Tokyo 2020, it is already possible to pick a probable team for the tournament. The Australian team which competed in Rio featured mainly young players, which means that most of the team will be available for 2020 selection. Just three 2016 players are expected to be out of the team due to age: Kevin Lisch (34 years old in 2020), Damian Martin (35), and David Anderson (40).

With this in mind, we now need to look at the talent which will be available to fill the vacancies in the team. Fortunately, the Australian talent pool is extremely strong. Some of the most likely candidates for selection include:

  • Ben Simmons, former NBA number 1 draft pick and current Philadelphia 76er. He should be a walk up starter come 2020, and at just 21 years old the future is extremely bright.
  • Dante Exum, current NBA player with Utah. Although Exum recently had a major setback in the form of a torn ACL, he is touted as a future leader of the Boomers, and should also be a walk up starter in 2020.
  • Thon Maker, a number 10 NBA draft pick and rising young player. At just 20 years old Maker hasn’t yet reached his full potential. As long as he keeps developing like he is then he will be a valuable Australian player for years to come.

With this in mind, it is possible to outline a logical squad for the 2020 games. Most players from the 2016 squad have been kept in (with the exception of those expected to be too old), and today’s best young players have been included. 2020’s team is expected to look something like this:

Starters:

  • Dante Exum
  • Patty Mills – coming off a wonderful 2016 campaign where he was one of tournaments leading scorers, Mills is expected to play a huge role in 2020.
  • Ben Simmons
  • Thon Maker
  • Aron Baynes – Baynes will be 33 years old in 2020, but the big man is still expected to play a huge role in Australia’s medal hopes.

Bench Players:

  • Matthew Dellavedova
  • Isaac Humphries
  • Ryan Broekhoff
  • Deng Adel
  • Jonah Bolden
  • William McDowell-White
  • Mangok Matthiang

While this is purely a speculative team of maybe’s, it is absolutely chocked full of NBA talent, and would be expected to propel Australia towards its first games medal. We can only hope!

Competitions leading up to Tokyo 2020:

Many of the Boomers fan likely 2020 players are currently paying in the NBA, and those who aren’t are either in the NBL or playing professionally in Europe. While this will ensure that the team is match-hardened and well versed, nothing helps you practice for a major tournament like playing in a major tournament.

With this in mind the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup shapes as a pivotal part of the Boomer’s lead up to Tokyo 2020. It is held in China, and should give them some much needed match practice as a team. It could be the first and only time that the Boomer’s best team plays together before the Olympics, and should give us a good idea of where they are at.

Coaching staff:

After much speculation it was recently confirmed that the Boomer’s 2016 head coach, Andrej Lemanis, would go around again, fulfilling the same role in the lead up to the 2020 games. Lemanis is the current coach of the Brisbane Broncos, and boasts an impressive record – including winning the NBL coach of the year award twice and the NBL championship three times.

The Basketball Australia head office was reportedly extremely happy with the way Lemanis coach the 2016 squad, and apparently didn’t hesitate to reappoint him. I’m sure that many fans will be pleased with this decision, especially considering the wonderful performance of both Lemanis and the Boomers at the 2016 games.

The future of Australian men’s basketball is extremely bright. As supporters we have a lot to look forward to, including, hopefully, the Boomer’s first 2020 medal. To Tokyo and beyond!

The Australian Olympic basketball team is generating excitement among fans as the 2020 Games approach. Patty Mills, a star player, has been seen sporting a stylish polo shirt in his downtime, perhaps sparking a trend. This is your chance to show your team spirit! Visit here to shop now and experience the difference! Get instant quotes on designs for your own favorite polo shirt and join the celebration.

wheelchair basketball

Although we can’t yet compete with world heavyweights America, Australia’s basketball prowess is growing. Proof of this is in the fact that NBA recruiters are continually looking to Australian players to draft – many of which have gone on to become superstars in recent years.

However, what people don’t realise is that Australia also has a large presence on the world wheelchair basketball scene. They have fielded a team in every Paralympic games since 1968, and have regularly finished high in the standings. In the last 6 Paralympic games, the Australian men’s team has performed exceptionally well, taking home two gold and two silver medals.

What is wheelchair basketball?

Wheelchair basketball is a sport played by people with various physical disabilities which prevent them from playing regular sports. Most of these people have difficulty or are unable to walk, which leads to the sport being played in wheelchairs. It’s rules and regulations are governed worldwide by the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF), which ensures fair play and that people with unfair advantages or without disability don’t take part in high level events.

It is estimated that more than 100,000 people play wheelchair basketball across the world. This number is made up of players from the 82 countries with National Organisations for Wheelchair Basketball. People of all skill levels and from all walks of inflatable park for sale life take part in the sport, with competition levels ranging from recreational and social games to professional leagues. In some countries, including Australia, non-disabled athletes are allowed to use wheelchairs to compete alongside their disabled counterparts in lower level competitions.

Wheelchair basketball has many of the same rules and principles as standard basketball, but there are some key differences. Some of the modified rules include:

  • A travel is defined as when a player touches their wheels more than twice after receiving or dribbling the ball.
  • Some fouls are different to standard basketball, including hooking (hooking someone’s chair and causing them to lose control) and lifting (lifting your chair while in possession of the ball).

However, it is important to note that things such as court size and the height of the net remain unchanged.

Wheelchair basketball in Australia:

Wheelchair basketball is notable due to the fact that it is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and the fastest growing for athletes with a disability. Australia boasts a lot of international success in the sport, and is definitely one of the world leaders. The National Wheelchair Basketball League (NWBL) is Australia’s premier competition for wheelchair basketballers.

The National Wheelchair Basketball League:

The National Wheelchair Basketball League, or the NWBL, is Australia’s top-level men’s wheelchair basketball competition. It is composed of players from across Australia who compete for the title during an 18 game season. There are currently six teams in the league from five states, with games played across the country. The 2016 champions were the Be Active Perth Wheelcats.

The Women‘s National Wheelchair Basketball League is very similar to the NWBL. It is also played Australia wide, with five teams coming together for a 16 game competition played across the country. The most recent WNWBL champions are also from WA, with the Be Active Western Stars winning the 2016 competition.

The Australian Rollers:

The Rollers are currently one of the world’s top male wheelchair basketball teams. The have performed extremely well in international competitions since the mid 1990’s. Their most notable performance was the gold medal in the 1996 Paralympic Games, which were held in the USA.

As well as this, the Rollers also won gold in 2008, backed up with the silver medal in 2004 and 2012. They fell away a little in 2016, finishing 6th. However, they still recorded 5 wins and just 2 losses. They have also performed very well at recent World Championships, finishing 3rd in 2006 and winning the gold medal in 2010 and 2014.

The Australian Gliders:

The Gliders are Australia’s premier women’s wheelchair basketball team. They represent Australia in all international competitions, and have done since the early 1990’s. Since the year 2000 the Gliders have had a mixed run at the Paralympic games. They won the silver medal in 2000, 2004, and 2012, along with the bronze medal in 2008. However, they failed to qualify for the 2016 games after finishing 6th at the 2014 world championships.

The Gliders have traditionally done ok at the world championships. They competed for the first time in 1994, coming away with the bronze medal. They backed this up with two more 3rd place finishes in 1998 and 2002, but slowly dropped away after that to finish 4th in 2006 and 2010 and 6th in 2014.

Playing Wheelchair Basketball:

If you are interested in playing wheelchair basketball, then the best thing to do is to get in touch with your local wheelchair sports association. They will be able to tell you when and where the next competitions or leagues take place. Contact details for the relevant state associations can be found here.

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Basketball Tournaments

International basketball has never been better than it is today. Forty or fifty years ago, the United States was the only true power in the basketball world. However, that has changed as the game has grown, spreading to more and more countries than ever before. This is particularly true in the men’s game, but the women’s game is slowly catching up. Here we are going to take a look at five of the biggest basketball tournaments in the world today:

1. FIBA World Cup

 FIBA is the world’s governing body for basketball. Most people would have heard of FIFA, soccer’s governing body: FIBA would be its equivalent. Every four years, teams from around the world are brought together to compete for the crown of World Champions. Each team that makes it to the competition, except the host, is required to qualify. Both men and women compete in this competition, but they are held at two different venues. The World Cup is prestigious because it gives teams the inflatable Canada chance to show just how good they are. It’s special to just make the event, as it is a long road to qualification. Once there, teams get the opportunity to take the world by storm. Players get a chance to impress club teams from all over the world and to improve their positions. Many people watch the FIBA World cup from all over the world, but it has still yet to take off in the United States (for obvious reasons that we will talk about below).

2. National Basketball Association

The NBA is seen in America as the premier basketball competition in the world due to this its level of competition. There are playoffs at the end of an 82 game season that taxes players and coaches alike. They are contested in a best of seven format, held between 16 teams. After all of that is said and done, the winner usually is referred to in America and Canada as the “world champions.” However, people from outside North America don’t always think this. The NBA is undoubtedly the league that pays it players the most money and the league that all players want to go to. Many players have been scouted and signed to the NBA because of their play in the World Cup or other international competitions. 

The NBA has grown larger and larger, and it is making a footprint in just about every nation that loves and plays basketball by signing its best players. There is also a women’s league, called the WNBA, that is also very successful. This league isn’t nearly as popular as the NBA, however, and its season runs at a different time.

3. Olympic Basketball Tournament

The Olympics are very well-known throughout the world due to the various sports which are played. Both men’s and women’s basketball is present at the Olympics (although the American women have very little competition). In America, the Olympics are the most recognized international event, not the FIBA World Cup. Slowly, this is becoming the trend around the world. The Olympics are a big deal in terms of basketball because of the marker that was laid down by the American Dream Team when professionals first became eligible to play. After the Dream Team, everyone wanted to be a part of the Olympics and to play against some of the best competition from all over the world. As time has passed, there have been many nations rise up to challenge American dominance. Chief among them have been Spain and Argentina. Australia has also become a player in international basketball, as it currently fields a number players in the NBA. One of them plays for one of the perennial favorites, the San Antonio Spurs. 

The Olympics are contested by only twelve teams. Those teams are divided into two groups of six. The top four from each advance to the playoff rounds. The two teams that go through the playoffs unbeaten square off for the Gold Medal while the two teams that lost in the semi-finals meet for the Bronze Medal.

4. EuroLeague

The EuroLeague is essentially the basketball version of the UEFA Champions League, a very prestigious soccer competition contested between teams from various European nations. Much like its soccer counterparts, the EuroLeague is also made up of teams from various countries. In order to qualify for the EuroLeague, teams usually have to win their national basketball championship. For example, Barcelona would have to win the Spanish League title to play. This means that only the best teams, or the teams that were the best in the previous season, will make the tournament. This provides fans a great opportunity to see contrasting styles meeting one another, and it is also great practice for the players as they prepare for potentially going to the Olympics or FIBA World Cup. Each season, 16 teams take part in the tournament to determine who is Europe’s best basketball team. 

The format sees every team play the other in a home and away format. The top eight in the standings will then qualify for the next round. Based on their seeding (how they finished) in the group stage, they are placed into the knockout rounds. The best team will face the eighth best team, the second best the seventh best, and so on. Each winner will advance until there is only one team remaining. The EuroLeague is seen, in Europe, as a rival to the NBA. It is seen as the way for the top European teams and talent to remain tested by better competition. While it is still not seen as anything close to the level of the NBA, it is making its name in America slowly.

With the NBA expanding more and more, the whole basketball world could be changed over the next few years. In the past there has been talk of a super league where the NBA would play other European teams, but it’s hard to see that happening, as it looks like the NBA is just determined to sign all of the top talent. Each of these tournaments is huge and very important to win, and they’ve all got their own little niche group to look out for.

As the global popularity of basketball continues to surge, staying equipped with the right gear is essential for every player. Our top-quality tracksuits offer the perfect blend of comfort and style, making them ideal for both practice sessions and casual wear. Don’t miss out on our exclusive collection—explore our tracksuits here to elevate your game and look. You can also request a quote if you have any questions or need assistance. Elevate your basketball passion with our perfect tracksuits!