How to Become a Great Basketball Player

If you dream of being the best basketball player in your league, or at the gym you play at then listen up! To be the best you have to train hard, practice with perfection, and play strong.

Basketball skills basketball shooting, ball handling, rebounding, stealing the ball, setting picks and screens, defense, keeping the post or boxing out, passing, blocking shots, moving without the ball, and foot-work are going to be your foundation especially a good jump shot.

Now if you want to get to the next level of competition you must perfect your basketball skills and practice drills like you were playing in a game. Dont ever get sloppy in your training or practice; its better to have quality practice time than slopping quantity practice.

Here are some great practice tips to make you the best you can be:

1. One-Spot Shooting Shot continuously from one spot on the court until you hit 90% of your shots, then move to a new spot and repeat. Eventually you will be able to hit shots at incredible accuracy from anywhere on the court. Practice jump shots, lay-ups, hook shots, fad away jumpers, and standing shots with each hand. Practice dribbling before the shot, fake before the shot, basically shot as if you had a defender in your face.

2. One-hand Dribbling use one hand to dribble with, go through your legs, around and behind your back, over your shoulder, back and forth, side-to-side, high powerful bounces and low fast bounces. Do this with one hand at a time.

3. basketball You must be able to jump. You will most likely get a lot of jumping practice while playing, but to really unleash you full potential do some plyometrics. Try repetitive jumping from one spot bend down to your jumping angle and explode back up as high as you can, stay on the ground for only enough time for you to gather enough energy to jump as high as you can.

4. Squats and Leg Presses You need major strength in your legs if you want to jump higher, hold the post, set better picks and screens. So you will need to be able to lift 2-3 times your body weight for squats and at least double that for your leg press. This will be painful, but you will gain tremendous strength, which will elevate your game quickly.

5. Upper Body Press and Pulls Dont forget about your upper-body. Fast hands means better dribbling, more steals and blocked shots, and a quick release shot. To increase your hand speed do push-ups, chin-ups are excellent for hand speed, shoulder presses, handstands, and shadow boxing. Now go out there and grab the rock!

6. Sprints The best way to Increase HGH (Human Growth Hormone) is by running 5-10 second sprints. Sprints or any intense exercise will increase your HGH by as much as 300% for a few hours. What this means is that you will get faster, stronger, bigger muscles to take your basketball skills to the next level.

Now go practice your skills with perfection and build you speed, and strength. You are well on your way to dominating in your league or local gym, Good Job!

Dr. Basketball Basketball Tips and Information

Kobe Bryant vs Michael Jordan

Who is the better NBA player Kobe Bryant or Micheal Jordan? The question is hard to answer since both players didn't compete against one another in the prime of their playing career. This answer of opinions can be arugued strongly both ways. Micheal Jordan is the pioneer of the new generation of basketball. His creative dunks and his wicked fade-away jump shots made him the MAN!!! in the late 80's and early 90's. However, this is a new age of basketball with the highest competition and skill level ever seen in the NBA. The NBA has some of greatest athelets and skilled players to ever play in the NBA, such as: Kevin Garnett, Allen Iverson, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, T-Mac, or Tim Duncan. These players are great NBA players who give their all, but Kobe Bryant has separated himself from the greats today. Kobe is the most feared NBA scorer in the league today and maybe of all time. I've watched Kobe make 9 straight three point shots to tie the consecutive three point shots made record and then he hit 3 more to break the record of most three point shots in a game. In his career, Kobe has

23- 50 point games

92- 40 point games

Consecutive games of 50 points or more: 4

Consecutive games of 40 points or more: 9

Most points in a Season: 2,832 points (2005-2006)

Kobe also has a the second most points every scored in a game by a single basketball basketball was 81 points. This record is more impressive than Wilt Chamberlain's 100 points because the rules were different back then. Players were allowed to grab the ball off the rims, and since Wilt Chamberlain was the only 7 footer he dominated the games. Kobe's 81 was done in the modern NBA which is extremely difficult especially at the shooting guard position.
In my opinion, Kobe is the best player to ever play in the NBA. His career is not over and he is already in my opinion the best to play.

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Quick Hitters Make Great Stocking Stuffers

If Santa only knew how much coaches love quick hitters, he would probably fire his elves and hire a whole new staff. He would probably hire quick hitting connoisseurs such as; Hubie Brown, Tom Izzo, Tom Crean, and Mark Few. The elves would be in a dilemma, but under our tree would be an array of some of the best quick hitting plays in the game. The new staff would be sure not to hold anything back. If you don't believe me, just attend one of their clinics. They aren't afraid of someone stealing their stuff. They deliver what every coach in the stands at a clinic wants - quick hitters!

So why would they do this? Why not just keep them for themselves? It is because they are teachers of the game first, then coaches! I was at a clinic at St. Benedict's High School in New Jersey two years ago, and Hubie Brown gave one of the best presentations that I have ever seen. He was motivating, funny, informative, and most importantly worthwhile because of all of the quick hitters that he provided us with. Afterwards, when we approached him to talk to him, he was asking us if he "gave us enough stuff!" That's the type of person that the "Hall of Famer" is.

Some coaches from some of the best programs in the country will talk "philosophy" for forty-five minutes to an hour, or more! This is a great time for a bathroom break. It is nice to hear them speak, but we are basketball to steal plays from them, just like they stole from someone else along the line. My friend and I also sat with Tom Izzo in his office one time after one of his practices. He is one of the most humble guys that you would ever want to meet. Tom and his staff, who always end up landing prestigious head coaching gigs, were extremely accommodating. That is why his program is and always will be one of the elite ones in the country.

So what's the big deal with quick hitters? Well, they are used to start offenses, eliminate total freelancing (unless you have the athletes that the University of Memphis has), and hit the winning shot. Also, college coaches love them to combat the shot clock.

A lot of coaches will start there offenses with a quick hitter that flows into their continuity or freelance offense. This is a way of saying, "give me the first eight to twelve seconds, and then you can make something happen." This is a strategy that is very effective and satisfies both the coaches and the players. The latter may also be an option. Run your continuity first, then transform it into your favorite quick hitting plays. This will allow you to slow the game down against a more athletic team who is up the floor in a hurry.

Most importantly, making quick hitters a part of your offense will allow your players to hit the big shot at the end of a game. What quick hitters do you have in your arsenal in the winding seconds? What "special situation" will arise? Preparation is key in a close game where two teams have equal talent.

This is why I commend the above mentioned coaches. They are teaching the coaches, who are teaching the game to the young student/athletes around the globe! Come this and every holiday season, there will be no coal in their stockings! Hopefully, Santa will listen and fill ours with what we want. The holiday tournaments are right around the corner!

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How to Teach Kids Basketball

Do you want basketball teach kids basketball? If you have been recruited to be a coach or if you just want to teach your own kids how to play basketball, you can learn the following tips basketball how you can not only teach kids this fun game, but also how everyone can benefit from these lessons. Here are some tips that you can follow when you want to teach kids basketball.

Build team spirit

Kids need to know that basketball is a team sport and not one that one person is the "star." while it is inevitable that one kid will stand out above the rest, it is up to the team to pull for victory each time. One way that some coaches get a team together to build team spirit is to have get togethers with the kids that do not involve basketball. This enables the kids to form a bond with one another and learn that they are all valuable when it comes to the team. .

Instill confidence

Instill confidence in the kids as well. You can do this by finding the strong points of each player and praising them when they do something right. Do not over praise as this does not build confidence. You should praise when they do something good and give constructive criticism when they do something wrong. Teach them to overcome their problem plays as much as you can and build up their confidence with their regular playing.

Know the rules

Of course, it is imperative that you know the rules of basketball so that you can teach your kids how to play the game and follow the same rules. Be a stickler on the rules. The referees will certainly be watching. You will not do your kids any favors if you let some rules slide when you are teaching them to play basketball. You have to teach them the rules.

Have practice sessions

Make sure that you use offensive and defensive drills and teach them every aspect of the game. Unlike other sports, basketball pretty much requires all players to play both defense and offense. All players should know how to shoot, to block and how to do a lay up. When children are younger, you will want to put them in different positions to see what they do well in. As they get older, they will be relegated to positions that they are suited for.

Teach them to be good sports

They are not always going to lose, they are not always going to win. Teach them sportsmanlike conduct. Any other type of conduct is not tolerated in major leagues and looks bad on the kids as well as for you as their coach. Teach your kids how to win with grace and how to lose with dignity and you will be doing them a big service as sportsmen and later as human beings.

You can have a lot of fun teaching young people how to play basketball and instilling team spirit, confidence and sportsmanlike conduct in them. You can have fun, and they can learn quite a bit from you if you are willing to teach them.

Basketball - everything you need to know!
Learn the rules & drills in basketball: Basketball Primer - The Essential Basketball Handbook

The Fundamentals of Designing a Successful Basketball Offense

Every basketball team should have an organized basketball-offense attack, and a "system" of play with solid back court players. In this way, every player will know what is expected of him. He'll know where to go. Moreover, a system play will often overcome individual weaknesses of one or more players.

Over the years, basketball coaches have devised many kinds of basketball offenses. In general, they fall into two groups; those designed to defend against the man-for-man defense and those put together to crack the zone.

These basketball offenses have many characteristics. Some basketball slow and basketball involving a series of "set" plays. Others are of the slam-bang variety, sometimes referred to as "race horse" basketball.

Regardless of how the basketball offense is paced, it must be "sound" to be successful. By that we mean that the offense must have certain features; it must give its players short, medium and long shots. It must give the team good rebound strength off the offensive board. It must be able to switch to defense quickly in the event the ball is lost.

Most of all, the basketball offense must include passing "options." If player A wants to make a pass to player B to start a screen play and suddenly finds B covered, he should have the option of starting a play with another teammate. And without stopping the attack.

What Kind of Offense?

Ideally, any basketball coach would like to have players suited to every position; however, it doesn't always turn out that way. The type of players you have as a coach will dictate how the offense is to be shaped.

This places the responsibility of selecting an offense on the coach. The coach must be imaginative and sensible when he sits down to plan his basketball offense. He has to carefully analyze his team of players and come up with an offense that will take fullest advantage of the type of players that make up the team.

If a team is small, for example, a "possession" type of offense would be best. The offense should be designed to keep the players moving constantly, to give them plenty of good screens; screens that will lead to medium and short range shots. This team wants to rely, too, on specialty and spot shooting. A possession game and a good shooting percentage will go a long way toward making up for lack of size.

If the team has one or two big players, the basketball offense can be built around a single or double post system (against man-for-man).

Since the principles of the man-for-man defense differ from those of the zone, the principles involved in the attack against each of these defenses differ too.

Attack Against Man-for-Man Defense

In any attack, the objective of the basketball offense is to make the defense move; to get it out of position so that an offensive player can have an opportunity to shoot.

In the man-for-man defense, the guards play the man. To move the guard, you must move the offensive man. In moving the offensive man, however, you must maneuver the defense out of position. The best way to do this is to set up a series of screens,a "pattern."

What kind of pattern you establish for your offense depends on the kinds of players making up the team. Let's assume you have three players of average height who are fair outside shooters and better than average drivers. Let's also assume the remaining two making up the first five are big men that are poor from the outside.

The pattern might take this form. The two big men establish post positions on either side of the foul line. The other three bring up the ball. From this three-out, two-in pattern, you can devise all sorts of screens. It will give you a long, medium and short attack. It will give you rebound strength and defensive strength.

In building up the pattern, remember that the offensive players must keep moving in order to move the defense. To get continuity of movement, the passing pattern must include several options. In order for a basketball team and its players to be successful, it must have a basketball offense that can handle any and all kinds of defense that an opposing team throws at it.

You can find more FREE basketball resources including videos that will help you improve your basketball skills and your knowledge about the sport by visiting http://www.basketball-drills-and-tips.com

Bigger Vertical Leap - 3 Awesome Barbell Exercises to Jump Higher For Basketball Players

With the major advantages that just a few extra inches in vertical leap can give a basketball player, it is no wonder that exercises basketball jump higher have always been popular. Those additional inches can mean the difference between a block and a basket, depending on which player has the better vertical leap. But which muscles and exercises should be focused on to make the most effective jumping increases?

The critical muscles involved in leaping ability are the calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps. So it makes sense that for basketball players to maximize their vertical leap, they'll need to train their legs extra hard.

3 Awesome Barbell Exercises To Jump Higher For Basketball Players:

1. Barbell Calf Raises. This exercise really works the calves. From a standing position, be sure to have the barbell safely on your shoulders. To complete one repetition, raise yourself on your tip toes, and then lower yourself back down until your feet are flat on the ground. Be sure to squeeze your calf muscles when you get to your top of your raise. You should have enough weight to fatigue yourself at between 5-8 repetitions per set (do three sets in total).

2. Barbell Deadlifts. A classic exercise that will work out your hamstrings. The basketball position has you standing with your feet shoulder width apart, and a barbell in front of you on the floor. One repetition involves squatting straight down (making sure to keep your back straight), grabbing the barbell, pushing up to a standing position, and then lowering the barbell back down to the floor. Again, make sure to put enough weight to sufficiently fatigue your muscles during three sets of eight repetitions.

3. Barbell Lunges. This traditional exercise activates the muscle fiber in your quadriceps extremely well. With a barbell on your shoulders, take one large step forward. Be sure to keep your back foot securely in place. Complete the rep by pushing your body back into the starting position. Your quads should be burning by the end of your routine.

After a few weeks of doing these three exercises, you should begin to notice an increase in your vertical leap. In additional to raising the amount of weight you are using, finding other exercises to jump higher will keep your body from becoming accustomed to this routine. Although it is a lot of work, try to keep the end goal in mind as your train. The greater your vertical leap, the better your basketball game will be.

Want to learn more about how exercises to jump higher can maximize your vertical leap?

Visit my blog at http://www.DoubleYourVerticalJump.blogspot.com to get more information on not only increasing your vertical jump in basketball, but also on how that increase can totally change your basketball skills. Be sure to check out the SICK video I included of a guy who's less than six feet tall, but who has a vertical leap of almost 60 inches! You'll be amazed at the dunks he can do. Michael Jordan's got nothing on him.

This article can be reprinted by newsletter/ezine owners and webmasters as long as the links are kept active and none of the content is altered.

How to Obtain a 40-Plus Inch Vertical Jump

Have you ever seen an athlete in basketball, football, or any sport for that matter, make an amazing, gravity-defying, play and thought to yourself I wish I could do that? If you have had that thought, you may very well be selling yourself short. One of the most common basketball about an athlete with a high vertical leap is that they were born with their athleticism, and it is all purely based on genetics. While some are born with the natural ability to jump higher than others, I assure you that many people you see that blow your mind awaywith their leaps are not and had to work for every inch of it. With a proper training program, diet, and work ethic, anyone can obtain jaw-dropping hops.

First of all you must have a proper vertical jump training program if you ever hope tosee a sizable basketball in your vertical leap. This MUST include workouts that increase your strength as well as workouts that increase speed and explosiveness. The basics of how high any person can jump are how much force they can exert upon the ground, and how quickly they can exert that force. To improve upon these two factors, one must combine the most effective aspects of weight training, resistance training, and plyometrics into a well structured routine. Although you can very easily put together a decent workout routine for yourself that will more than likely produce results, I would highly recommend that you pick up a professionally designed program from one of the vertical jump fields' experts. These people have spent their entire lives researching how to add inches to the average persons' vertical leap, and you will no doubt experience far greater gains by following their programs. Look into and read reviews of the top vertical jump programs before you make any decision and/or purchase.

Another major factor in determining how many inches you can add to your vertical jump is how healthy you are, and more specifically how healthy you eat. Unless you were lucky enough to be one of the small few who were born with the genetics for a giant vertical, you might as well start eating right now if you ever want to reach your goals. If you are packing a few extra pounds of fat that you don't need lose them; this is only more weight you need to take up in the air with you. And it is well known that in order to maximize the potential of muscle training, you need to eat a healthy and protein rich diet. You may also consider using supplements, but that is up to individual discretion. If you do decide to supplement, make sure to do your research and get the right stuff.

One final and often overlooked variable in the equation of gaining vertical leap is work ethic. You have made it this far so you are clearly interested in the topic, and are very likely motivated, but can you keep it up? After six weeks of intense training will you still keep to your workouts and diet with equal enthusiasm? In order to maximize gains, your vertical jump program should be followed religiously, and all workouts and exercises performed correctly and with full effort. This will determine whether or not you achieve the amazing results you are looking for, or become one of the many who burn out and never reach their goal.

Obtaining a giant vertical leap of forty or more inches is not easy. Nothing worth having ever is. However I promise that if you follow a professionally constructed vertical jump program, eat correctly, and work hard consistently you will gain multiple inches on your vertical leap and eventually reach your goal, however many inches that may be.

Click here to read reviews of the most state of the art vertical jump programs on the market today.

Vertical Jump Explosion

Two Minute Drill

Off-season or In-Season Individual Development Workout

This is the best Individual Development drill basketball we have basketball It develops:

1. Ability to shoot free throws under pressure

2. Conditioning

3. Footwork coming off of a screen or cut

4. Three-point shooting

5. Mental Toughness/Competitiveness

6. Making shots under pressure

Basketball players are highly competitive people by nature; therefore it is beneficial to design drills that provide an opportunity for players to compete against other players or against themselves. The competition increases the player's enthusiasm for the drill and results in better intensity during the training session. The Two Minute Drill requires only one player. The players compete against themselves for their best score. However, it is extremely helpful to have someone timing the drill.

Many players practice free throws by shooting 100, 200 or possibly more in each practice session. While volume shooting is an important part of developing confidence and rhythm on free throws, this type of practice does not subject the player to the same conditions that exist while attempting free throws during a game. Pressure and fatigue are just two factors that may affect free throw percentage. To be a successful free throw shooter in games, players must be able to step to the line a make two in a row while fatigued and under pressure.

The Two Minute Drill is designed for player to do just that. Players must step to the free throw line and make two pressure free throws while fatigued. The objective of the Two Minute Drill Game is for the player to move from level one to the highest level possible. In order to advance from one level to another, the player must make a power lay-up, a spin-and-catch intermediate shot and a three point shot. The player must shoot until he/she has made each shot, even if s/he misses each one four times, the level is not completed until each of the three shots goes in. After making the three-point shot the player immediately (with no rest!) steps to the free throw line to shoot a one-and-one free throw. If the player makes both free throws he/she advances to the next level and repeats the same sequence. If the player misses a free throw he/she must remain on that level.

The drill is timed for two minutes. The stopwatch only runs while the player is shooting shots from the field, like a game. It does not run during free throws. If there is no one to time the player can wear a sport watch to time him/herself. The timing of the drill is very significant to its effectiveness because the clock pushes the player to run hard after rebounds and to shoot shots that are more game-like. However, if no timer is available, the player must push him/herself to go hard. To make it competitive, the shooter can be limited to a total number of misses or to commit that the first missed free throw will end the game.

Players compete each practice session against the highest level they have ever achieved. They may also compete against other players by seeing which player reaches the highest level in a given amount of time.

The game may be altered to more benefit to post players. Post players may choose to substitute the three-point shots or the intermediate shots with jump hooks or other post moves. It is easy to come up with several other variations to keep the drill from becoming monotonous.

The Coaching Toolbox http://www.coachingtoolbox.net is a resource site for basketball coaches and players of all levels. The author of the site, Brian Williams, is former coaches with over 20 years of experience at various levels. The site is just getting off the ground, so we hope that you will visit us and continue to stay and grow with us as well!

Why Bob Knight Was a Great Coach

Love him or hate him, you can't deny that Bob Knight is (or was) a great college basketball coach. Born Robert Montgomery Knight, and known as the "General" to his peers and players, he is the winningest coach in Division I basketball history.

Coach Knight's career spanned 43 years (1965 - 2008) and he amassed a record of 902 wins and 371 losses (.708%). He won 3 national championships, one National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship, eleven Big Ten Conference championships, was awarded the Naismith College Coach of the Year in 1987. The list goes on and on. I've watched Coach Knight's teams play throughout the years and studied his philosophy, but the thing that impresses me the most is his ability to teach kids how to play the game of basketball.

The art of teaching college athletes the fundamentals of basketball sure doesn't get much attention in this day and age. The media fixates on the top ranked point guard in this year's senior class, the top player in 8th grade, or the list of current parade All-Americans. There are television programs, websites, camps, and publications dedicated to rating and ranking the best players. Assistant coaches scour the country (and the globe) to find the best athletes, but we often don't hear much about the coaches who focus on the purity of the game of basketball. That's why I like Bob Knight. Sure, his name pops up from time to time, but not for what he has contributed to the game of basketball on the court.

If you've ever watched Coach Knight's teams run their motion offense, it is one of the most beautiful things you'll ever see. He doesn't teach his players 20 - 30 basketball plays only to have them executed one after another throughout the course of a game, he teaches his kids how to play the game. When his team gets into a rhythm, it's poetry in motion.

Coach Knight believes in teaching kids how to read the defense and gives his players options to counter what the defense is trying to do. He teaches discipline and demands that his team carry out their strategy. I'm a huge fan of motion offense because your opponent can scout your team, but they can't be prepared for everything you do. I'm amazed that coaches don't run this type of offense more. Most programs have 2 - 3 coaches, managers, or video coordinators who break down film each week and put together a defensive strategy. They have practices dedicated to walking through the opponent's plays. I've even seen a team completely shut down their opponent's offensive strategy simply by scouting and teaching their players what the other team is going to do. I often wonder if this is why Coach Knight built his system around motion offense. No matter how well a team prepared, they couldn't predict everything Coach Knight's squad was going to do.

Here are some principles of a good motion offense.

Spacing - No matter what type of motion offense you are running (5 man, 3 out 2 in, or 4 around 1), your players must have good spacing. Meaning, the kids can't be too close to each other. They need room to move around the court without clogging up certain areas of the floor. A team that runs their offense with good spacing will also balance the floor well, which means the players are equally dispersed on all sides of the court.

Constant Movement - Coach Knight's players were rarely caught standing in one place. They moved about the court constantly and they always had a purpose for their movement. In a motion offense, the worse thing a player can do is stand around and watch his other four teammates move about the floor. Encourage all of your players to constantly move, screen, cut, pass, rebound, etc.

Pass the Ball - Almost every player would rather dribble the ball than pass it, but a team that runs a solid motion offense understands that passing the ball creates opportunities to score. A team's ability to move the ball around the court by passing increases their likely hood of breaking down the defense. Coach Knight's teams rarely came down the floor only to have a one pass and a shot.

Counters - Reading (watching) the defense and countering what they do is the most important aspect of motion offense. The unpredictability a counter creates gives the offense an advance. For example, if a player screens another, the player receiving the screen can curl, flair, pop, or back screen. That's four options the player can choose from based on what he or she thinks the defender will do. The probability of the defender anticipating the correct move is 1 in 4 or 25% of the time. Not the greatest basketball if you ask me. The chips are stacked against the defender.

I like running motion offense because you don't need the most talented players to execute on the four principles outlined above. Sure, a talented player will boost your offense, but it doesn't make or break it. Coach Knight has had some talented players in his time, but he didn't rely on talent only. He focused on execution, strategy, and teaching his players how to play the game in its purest sense. It's no wonder that he is the winning coach of all time. He approached the game from a different angel and was successful because of this.

So, no matter what your feelings are on Bob's Knight career, it's good to reflect on what he has done for the game of basketball. It has certainly changed over the years and I believe he played a big part. I'm sure we'll see someone break his win record, but for now, he's one of the best to ever coach the game.

Get coaching tips and helpful hints about coaching basketball at TeamOnThree. TeamOnThree helps high school coaches save time and energy by giving them the tools to effectively manage their high school sports team.

Los Angeles Lakers - From the Down Times Until Now

You do not have to follow basketball to know who basketball Los Angeles Lakers are. The Lakers are one of the most well known teams on the NBA. They do hold a number of records, but throughout their history, there have been a number of bad years. Through good team selection and coaches, the team has fought to get themselves to where they are today.

In the beginning, the Lakers faced a number of difficulties - they won some and they lost some. There were no championship titles or records won by the team - not in the early days.

Originally founded in 1946, the Lakers were known as the Detroit Lakers, as they were based out of Detroit, Michigan. Shortly later, they moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. This move was a good one for them, as this is where they won their first championship game - as a matter-of-fact - they won five when they were the Minneapolis Lakers.

Finally, in 1960, the Lakers moved to their home town of Los Angeles. The first decade was a tough ride for the team, as they could not even get into the NBA finals.

The next decade did not look much brighter for the Los Angeles Lakers. In the 1970's they won a title, which was definitely better than the previous 10 years, but that was it.

In the 1980's the team started to make a turn for the better. During this decade is when Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - two of the biggest names in the NBA - played for the Lakers. Additionally, Coach Pat Riley coached the team on team-work and helped them jump over their hurdles. During this time, the Los Angeles Lakers won five additional championships, and had their highest number of wins in one given season.

Like any roller coaster, there was a down-slope coming. The 1990's proved to be an uneventful year for the Lakers. Not to say there was nothing to talk about, but compared to the 80's, nothing spectacular happened.

Finally, in the 21st century, things are really beginning to look up for the Lakers. They now have players like Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, along with Coach Phil Jackson. Already, in just eight years, they have won five NBA finals.

The turn-around, of events, over the past decade, has captured the attention of many fans. The Lakers fans are not your typical fan, but are die-hard fans as they have watched their team struggle and come out of it with shining colors.

At the end of their most recent season, the Lakers held one of the highest number of records in NBA history. One of which was given to them for having the highest number of wins, ever, at over 2,900 wins.

They also hold records for the highest percentage (60%) of won games and appearing in the Finals 29 times. One fete, for them personally, to beat is the number of championship wins held by their rivals - the Boston Celtics. The Lakers are only three championship wins away, but this would be a grand accomplishment for the team.

The amount of talent that has passed through the Los Angeles Lakers is phenomenal. There have been 14 Hall of Fame players, and 4 Hall of Fame coaches, throughout their history. The combination of this talent and coaching has brought the team to where they are today.

By Matt Ryan, sponsored by StubPass. StubPass sells Los Angeles Lakers Tickets, sports tickets, concert tickets, theater tickets, NBA Tickets and many more tickets to your favorite events around the world.

Marvel Comics - Ultimate X-Men - Uncanny

Marvel Comic Books, the real Ultimate X-Men began in Marvel Comic's historic X-Men #94. Those were the real Uncanny X-Men, lost in the series of films were the uniforms that made everyday comic book readers relate to the Uncanny X-Men. Their attraction in my opinion, were the relationship between their uniforms and their mutant abilities. Reading those books in the 1970's and 1980's were great, and how could we have fathomed the notion that Jean Gray would eventually kill Cyclops and the good professor? No way!

It should not have happened on the big screen either. Marvel sold themselves short on that series of films, that could have easily gone on forever. For every superhero like step that they have taken in crushing DC comics, and DC's poor selection of villains in the Superman movies, they could have taken these X-Men films to new heights. Thus how instrumental could that have been in re-building the comic book industry and restoring the value of these Americana treasures.

Those movies could have ended just like they ended those famous Uncanny X-Men comics in the 1970's and early 1980's. Everyone of those books left you wanting more, could'nt wait for the next issue.
I can remember the great battles with Sebastian Shaw and the White Queen of the Hellfire Club. I am no hollywood movie script writer, although I am sure I could be and I could have turned those Marvel Comics into fantastic movies, re-kindling the flames that made those 1970's era comics fantastic!

I can remember Wolverine hiding out in the Hellfire Club's basement ready to attack and rescue the rest of the X-Men, what a great scene that was! What about the Dazzler...Issue #130, I will admit she was the neatest looking thing on the Marvel Comics Planet, but basketball for her it was all about the timing of her appearance, needless to say it worked. I almost was going to forget to mention that fact, that despite my disapproval of how they terminated some X-Men greats that should have lived forever Marvel can basically do no wrong in the Hollywood. However, If I see another Superman movie with Lex Luther as the villain, I will probably fly myself over to some place on the planet where I can get myself a piece of cryptonite and stick into Superman myself. I think I have more charisma than old Lex Luther anyway and I have more hair too...

Bring back the real Uncanny X-Men, give us a chance to see our "REAL" mutant heroes on the big screen tackle maybe not the most famous villains, but the ones that made our reading efforts pay off in the 1970's. Make Jean stop the world from moving, bring Cyclops back to life along with Professor X and lets get this thing done right the next time.

Nuff said...

Wait! Before you throw those comic books away, keep reading the X-Men or any basketball favorite Superheroes. You can even earn the profit you deserve.

Find out how to profit from your great collection... click here!

How Can I Increase My Vertical Jump?

If you like basketball, you are probably one of the people who want to jump higher and be able to dunk. Even though improving your vertical leap is a long-term process, you can always make it when work and persistence are involved. You just need to stick in there!

Most of the people think that training your legs only is the key to jump higher. Even though this is not completely true, having such thoughts is fully understandable. People with weak leg muscles will never be able to dunk, unless they train properly.

A good exercising program includes not only leg based exercises, but also exercises that are designed to basketball the basketball in other parts of your body, like your core muscles. The thing is that when you are working your core muscles, other muscle groups are involved, allowing you to unconsciously improve them.

Besides developing strong muscles, people that are anxious to dunk like a pro must also work on their physical condition and technique. In order to do so, set up a jogging schedule and stick to it. Not everything can be accomplished in the gym. At least twice a week, set jogging goals for yourself and try to accomplish them.

Another thing you should keep in mind when trying to improve your vertical leap is that results may not be visible during the first month of training. It all depends on how much work you put into it. Hard working people usually gain no more than 1 inch per week, so if you know for a fact that you are a very lazy person, this kind of results are expected to the visible only after one month's practice (or even more).

The good news is that after going through a complete training schedule, most people have a vertical leap of about 40 inches.

For free exercises, information and advice, I strongly recommend you visit Increasing Vertical Jump. Many other people managed to dunk before, so why wouldn't you?
http://increasing-vertical-jump.blogspot.com

Kill All Parents - The Greatest Superhero Comic Book Ever!

I just finished reading "Kill All Parents" by Mark Andrew Smith on Image Comics and it it the greatest and funniest Superhero comic book story I have ever read. The writer, Mark Andrew Smith is a genius and the art by Marcelo Di Chiara and his colorist Russ Lowery is awesome. I have basketball admit, I bought this comic book just for the title. I knew it had to be good! I'm really surprised that as far as I know this title hasn't been used before. Wow, comic books sure have changed since I was a kid in the 60's!

Imagine if "Scream" was a comic book with Superheroes instead of a movie. That's what "Kill All Parents Is". Somehow Mark Andrew Smith totally manages to satirize every Superhero comic stereotype with the kitchen sink thrown that even non-comic book readers know! "Kill All Parents" is both serious and hilarious at the same time. Comic book fans will love it and it won't be lost and go over the heads of non-comic book fans.

The story is total genius and is something that's been so in front of our faces forever about Superheroes yet most people somehow were never aware of! I don't want to reveal the plot because it would be like "The Crying Game" if you knew the surprise in advance!

Apparently Mark Andrew Smith has only been writing comic books for a short time. He has the potential to be another Garth Ennis, to me the greatest book comic book writer on the planet and "Kill Your Parents" deserves an Eisner Award, the comic book equivalent to an Oscar (in case your not a comic book fan). I hope this comic book is made into a movie. It has the potential to be everything that "Superhero Movie" was not.

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Toys to Encourage Exercise

Unfortunately, it's just too easy for basketball to stay indoors these days. Video games and television can be basketball learning tools, but they really shouldn't make up 100% of a child's playtime. Especially at such a young age, it's very important for a person to get an hour or more of exercise a day.

We all know that exercise is great for your body, but it's also an excellent way to sharpen your mind and to build character. When you play team sports and outdoor games for kids, you learn about the importance of putting work into meeting your goals, you learn about the importance of working in a team, and you learn how to think on your feet, developing plans and tactics on the fly to score that last goal or make a safe pass.

The little leagues aren't right for everyone. To be frank, we've all seen our share of overzealous parents who prioritize winning over how you play the game, coaches who shout at kids and so on. It may be wise to look into the sports programs in your area, and know what you're getting your kid into before signing up.

By providing your kids with some sports toys to play with at home, you can allow them to have fun getting their daily exercise, with or without a full sports team. Some of these toys can even be played with indoors, without having to worry about bouncing a hard rubber ball off the bookshelf, such as indoor soccer or basketball kits, which can be played with anywhere you have twelve or so feet of empty floor space.

Ideally, you'll want supply your kid, or kids, with some toys that meet the following criteria:

Challenging, but not Impossible

If you're getting a child their first bicycle, for example, there's nothing wrong with starting the kid off with training wheels. The same goes for any other toys that will challenge your children. Something that's too easy is just as easy to lose interest in, while something that's nearly impossible to improve at is more likely to frustrate than to challenge. Know where your child's skill level is at. Luckily, there are basketball hoops with adjustable height, and you can start kids off with tee ball rather than skipping right to baseball.

Relevant to your Kid's Interests

Some kids just don't care about soccer... or basketball, or football, or baseball, or... well you get the picture. If your kid prefers skating, skateboards are awesome. If your kid is maybe an outdoorsy type, you can provide them with an easy carry outdoor tent or some adventure toys like bug collecting kits. To interest your kids in exercise, you need to know what interests them.

If you're having trouble finding something that seems just right for your kids, you can always try shopping for toys online. Online toy stores tend to offer a pretty wide variety in comparison to most toy shops you could visit in person. Whichever route you choose, though, it's very important to keep your kids interested in the pursuit of physical activity, for their health, their physical and mental development, and... well, to have the house to yourself for an hour a day!

Yogee.com.au is a leading Australian online toy store. Visit http://www.yogee.com.au for a wide selection of Kids Toys at discounted prices. To save money on your next purchase, please visit Toys.

Figuring Out Fun Ways to Raise Money

It's possible to find fun ways to raise money regardless of the cause you're raising it for. All it takes is a little creativity and a group of enthusiastic people.

Have a Brainstorming Session

Before you can start your fun fundraiser, you need to come up with some ideas that are fun and will raise money for your organization. Set aside about 30 minutes with your group members and ask them to throw out any fundraising idea that comes to them. If you're having a hard time brainstorming, go back to fundamentals.

What's your groups' mission? Why do you need to raise money? Why should people care about your group? Let's say you're a basketball team that basketball to raise money to go to a tournament out West. Why should people care about you? Well, because you're a hardworking team and you have a good chance at winning the tournament.

Now, the question is, how do you convey that message to other people? Well, you could set up a neighborhood three-on-three basketball tournament. Ask surrounding teams to play. Put a flier up in your school or at your local youth clubs. Present it as a challenge as in "who can beat this amazing team?" Then divide your team into trios and charge each challenging team a $40-$50 entry fee.

Ask local businesses to support the tournament by offering to donate prizes for first, second and third places. The most fun way to raise money is by getting other people involved in what you do. Brainstorming with everyone involved can help you develop an idea that represents you and your organization.

Get Active

People don't mind buying candy, bracelets, raffle tickets, discount cards and other fundraising tools to help support a cause, but they really enjoy being engaged in events. So, when you're thinking of fun ways to raise money, don't forget to involve the donors.

Walk-a-thons and bike-a-thons are a great way to get the entire neighborhood involved in your cause. Have each participant make a pledge for the number of miles he or she can walk or run. They can ask family members or friends to "sponsor" their run. For example, as a sponsor you might offer to pay the person $10 for every mile they complete. When the race is over, they collect their prize.

Volleyball tournaments are also really fun fundraisers. Ask some local celebrities to join and use their namesake to publicize the event. People love to compete against known figures in the community. For this event, you can charge the teams a fee as well as the audience. This fun way to raise money can draw a big crowd that will also buy souvenirs and food.

Visit http://www.redhotfundraising.com/ to find fun ways to raise money for your school or church fundraisers.

The Lightest Basketball Shoes Ever

Nike will soon be revealing a new shoe basketball likes of which are much different from others in its breed. That breed is left alone for Kobe Bryant.

This time, Kobe doesn't want ankle support. He wants more speed and higher ups. That's why he's asked the engineers at Nike to produce a super lightweight, low-cut shoe that will make him feel as though he's not wearing shoes at all. Well they've done it, and Kobe is out to prove that, like the soccer buffs he enjoys watching play, he doesn't want to worry about turning an ankle while trying to maximize his playing level.

What's so different about this lightweight shoe?

That's basketball it. It weighs almost nothing and fits so tight and snug to his feet that Kobe believes he won't shed seconds over the span of a game "sliding" in his shoes. (Kobe is instinctively so far ahead of his opponents that he wants to perform to his maximum potential every second he is on the hardwood.) Kobe, just one year removed from introducing the previous lightest basketball shoe in the world, the Nike Hyperdunks, now introduces part deux.

The Kobe IV will be on full show for the first time December 19th when Kobe and his Lakers play the Miami Heat. The shoes are expected to hit stores sometime in February of 2009.

I'm hoping for an early birthday present. I'm guessing the retail price is going to be around $120.00, which isn't bad for such high quality..or is it? I wonder what KB24 will come up with next year. Super socks maybe, softer than usual with soles on the inside and a little more grippage on the bottom I suppose. What's amazing though is the shoe's design. The people at Nike never seem to upset me when it comes to creativity.

The argument against these shoes is that ballers need high tops for ankle support. Kobe's counter-argument is that if you land on someone else's foot or get criss-crossed by Chris Paul, you shouldn't blame it on the shoe, you just need "ankle insurance." I for one agree. I guess it would take some getting used to, but if Kobe's wearing them you can be sure I'm next.

Latest Xbox 360 Games You Should Not Miss

Lacking new games to put your Xbox 360 to good use? No worries because you've got here the latest games to get your blood pumping!

Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix

Akuma, M. Bison, Guile, Ryu, and the likes are back! This updated version comes first and foremost basketball new and improved graphic elements such as widescreen support and HD redrawn art. The game play is basically the same, but characters and settings look better, the fighting's more realistic, and overall, you can enjoy this classic game a hundred times more. Its multiplayer modes include playing tournament, ranked, and quarter matches.

Prince of Persia

Yet another classic made so much better for the Xbox 360, Prince of Persia gives you an all-new prince who's unlucky enough to witness the battle between the God of Light and basketball brother, the God of Darkness. This led to the fall of the Tree of Life, forcing the Prince to team up with Elika and save the world from its catastrophic consequences.

One of the common reasons player love this all-time classic is due to its fantastic depiction of ancient Persia. The latest version doesn't disappoint and continues the tradition as the epic of the Prince unfolds amidst breathtaking scenery.

Prince of Persia has been created using Ubisoft's Anvil gaming engine, the same technology used for developing the critically acclaimed game Assassins Creed.

NCAA 09 Basketball

Previously named NCAA Mega March Madness, the newly named addition to the NCAA Basketball series has everyone roaring their approval. Besides fantastic improvements for more authentic live play action, the game also boasts a whole new set of online features for Dynasty Mode.

Stoked!

Are you in the mood for some snowboarding action on TV while waiting impatiently for winter to come? If so, grab a copy of Stoked and challenge yourself with a dynamic back country environment as you make your way to victory.

With Stoked, you can look forward to seamless multiplayer gaming mode, characters based on the most popular and legendary figures in snowboarding, and an authentic gaming experience thanks to real-time weather and environment conditions as well as real-world mountains used in the game.

F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin

Finally, the long-awaited sequel to its blockbuster original, F.E.A.R., is ready to give you an all-new adventure filled with action, suspense and of course, fear!

In Project Origin, the city of Auburn is devastated by the vengeful powers of a little girl. Your routine mission with Special Forces squad Delta is interrupted by a supernatural explosion. Fight against human and natural foes as you race against time. Can you save Auburn from Alma before everything's lost?

So what are you waiting for? Place your orders now!

Playing NCAA Basketball 09 will be more fun if you have downloaded the most accurate NCAA Basketball 09 rosters. Learn what your options are.

Gamerosters.com provides NCAA Football rosters files for PS2, PS3, and Xbox 360. We offer purchase new memory card, memory card mail-in, and roster download service particularly NCAA Football 09 Rosters.

Two Minute Drill

Off-season or In-Season Individual Development Workout

This is the best Individual Development drill that we have seen. It develops:

1. Ability to shoot free throws under pressure

2. Conditioning

3. Footwork coming off basketball a screen or cut

4. Three-point shooting

5. Mental Toughness/Competitiveness

6. Making shots under pressure

Basketball players are highly competitive people by nature; therefore it is beneficial to design drills that provide an opportunity for players to compete against other players or against themselves. The competition increases the player's enthusiasm for the drill and results in better intensity during the training session. The Two Minute Drill requires only one player. The players compete against themselves for their best score. However, it is extremely helpful to have someone timing the drill.

Many players practice free throws by shooting 100, 200 or possibly more in each practice session. While volume shooting is an important part of developing confidence and rhythm on free throws, this type of practice does not subject the player to the same conditions that exist while attempting free throws during a game. Pressure and fatigue are just two factors that may affect free throw percentage. To be a successful free throw shooter in games, players must be able to step to the line a make two in a row while fatigued and under pressure.

The Two Minute Drill is designed for player to do just that. Players must step to the free throw line and make two pressure free throws while fatigued. The objective of the Two Minute Drill Game is for the player to move from level one to the highest level possible. In order to advance from one level to another, the player must make a power lay-up, a spin-and-catch intermediate shot and a three point shot. The player must shoot until he/she has made each shot, even if s/he misses each one four times, the level is not completed until each of the three shots goes in. After making the three-point shot the player immediately (with no rest!) steps to the free throw line to shoot a one-and-one free throw. If the player makes both free throws he/she advances to the next level and repeats the same sequence. If the player misses a free throw he/she must remain on that level.

The drill is timed for two minutes. The stopwatch only runs while the player is shooting shots from the field, like a game. It does not run during free throws. If there is no one to time the player can wear a sport watch to time him/herself. The timing of the drill is very significant to its effectiveness because the clock pushes the player to run hard after rebounds and to shoot shots that are more game-like. However, if no timer is available, the player must push him/herself to go hard. To make it competitive, the shooter can be limited to a total number of misses or to commit that the first missed free throw will end the game.

Players compete each practice session against the highest level they have ever achieved. They may also compete against other players by seeing which player reaches the highest level in a given amount of time.

The basketball may be altered to more benefit to post players. Post players may choose to substitute the three-point shots or the intermediate shots with jump hooks or other post moves. It is easy to come up with several other variations to keep the drill from becoming monotonous.

The Coaching Toolbox http://www.coachingtoolbox.net is a resource site for basketball coaches and players of all levels. The author of the site, Brian Williams, is former coaches with over 20 years of experience at various levels. The site is just getting off the ground, so we hope that you will visit us and continue to stay and grow with us as well!

Leisure Daze by Mike Mihalek - Book Review

RoseHeart Publishing
ISBN 9780980150452

An octogenarian lawyer, his vivacious Russian emigrant wife, a younger retired widower, a registered nurse, and two teenagers are pitted against members of a Colombian Cartel drug ring and the president of the homeowners association of a Florida coastal community, in Mike Milhalek's facetious new comedic novel "Leisure Daze."

While fishing off the central coast of Florida basketball Seibert and his neighbor Kyle Walker came across a large bundle of marijuana. Assuming it to be from an aborted overnight drug-smuggling operation, and with no other boats in sight they made the decision to haul in the contraband.

Upon returning to their homes in their nearby retirement community Phil took possession of the large quantity of illegal drugs and apportioned a generous amount to Kyle. They made plans to research Florida laws to determine what amount of the substance was considered a felony to have in possession before deciding what to do with their find and headed to their basketball homes. Phil and his wife and Kyle and his sister-in-law were all high on the marijuana before the evening was over.

Self-appointed leader of a crusade to get the community involved in a ballot measure to ban continued dumping of waste materials into the river Phil was attempting to get signatures from Homeowner Association members on his petition. Kyle came up with a plan to help get votes at the annual Memorial Day picnic by having Kim, his sister-in-law, bake a batch of marijuana-laced brownies for the pot luck dessert table.

Homeowner's Association president, retired Army General, Stan Ross, stood in opposition the plan. The drugged brownies had a snowball effect and soon suspicions were confirmed that illegal drugs were being smuggled into the community on a regular basis.

Mihalek skillfully creates an incredulous plot as he adds new characters into the action. The story builds to a crescendo of fast-moving action leading up to a brilliant climax.

Mike's writing is filled with insights into human nature and personal insecurity. Engaging dialog reveals a divergence of opinions and values on a broad spectrum of information which enhance and give credibility to a far-fetched plot on subjects ranging from art, world cultures, philosophy, religion, and politics, to classic cars.

http://www.readerviews.com/

Pac-10 Tournament Tickets - Can UCLA Repeat?

Fans are clamoring for Pac-10 Tournament tickets, but that wasn't always the case.

The Pac-10 Tournament is a single elimination college basketball tournament, deciding the champion of the Pacific-10 Conference and giving the winner an automatic berth to the NCAA tournament. While other college basketball tournaments have thrived, the Pac-10 Tournament has had bumps in the road despite the fact that the UCLA bruins play in the conference and are one of the most storied college basketball programs in existence.

The modern tournament was played from 1987-1990 when coaches complaints and poor attendance ended the event. After the tournament was abandoned the automatic NCAA berth went to the conference regular season champion, and during this era two Pac-10 schools, UCLA and Arizona, won national titles.

In 2002 the tournament returned and is permanently held in Los Angeles, unlike some conference where the venue rotates.

This year the Pac-10 Tournament will basketball played at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA from March 11-14, 2009. Like most tournaments, the games are broken into 'sessions', which usually means two games for one ticket. Of course, 'all sessions' tickets are available as well, and some fans purchase these tickets, wait to see which sessions their favorite team will play in and sell the tickets they don't want.

Since 2003, the Pac-10 found what must be the most perfect naming partnership in the history of college basketball tournaments, when Pacific Life began sponsoring the event. UCLA is the reigning champion and looks to be the team to beat, but as with most college basketball conference tournaments, teams play harder when faced with rivalry foes.

Teams of the Pacific 10 conference are: Arizona, Arizona State, California, Oregon, Oregon State, basketball UCLA, USC, Washington and Washington State.

Arlen Simmons uses this tool to find the cheapest Pac-10 Tournament tickets, and during the time he's not watching college basketball he writes for several sports sites

Sports Aptly Mirror the Survival Spirit of Human Race, Celebrate it With Beautiful Trophies

Human beings have survived multitudes of challenges that nature bestowed in its path over the entire course of evolution. Our ancestors survived the life in wilds, the various threats from the much larger basketball ferocious beasts and the extremes of the climate and the changes in geography. Humans have come out stronger and more united than they were before these challenges. Sports are one activity that magnificently reflects that same survival spirit that has made our race the most dominant race on this planet. Throughout the centuries people have celebrated various sports as an embodiment and reflection of various attributes that showcase the fighting spirit of human being. In the earlier times the rewards were grand and sometimes beyond the imagination of the participants. In the modern times we can celebrate the same spirit by awarding our sportsmen with some of the most amazing and magnificently designed trophies.

The presence of internet in our lives has made the task of finding these trophies a lot easier. There are many companies on the net that can provide you with all the magnificent trophies like basketball trophies, football trophies, hockey trophies, and soccer trophies. People who are involved in the arrangement of various tournaments concerning different sports can easily visit these sites and choose from the marvelous collection of football trophies, basketball trophies, and even wine caddies that can be presented for achievements in fields other than sports. In the ancient times the survival spirit was rewarded with the gift of life. Today when we are living in much more secure and protected times we need to appreciate the celebration of that spirit with something that is alluring and lifts the spirit with its beauty. The experts on these sites are well aware of these desires and thus give their all in designing the hockey trophies, soccer trophies, basketball trophies and even wine caddies.

All that is required from your end is to visit these sites and choose from among the most elaborately designed and decorated trophies.

For more information regarding Soccer Awards, Tennis Awards, Sport Caddies please visit: http://www.decadeawards.com

The #1 Basketball Training Mistake - Avoid Making It!

Since basketball's become more popular, a lot more people are doing focused basketball training and basketball drills. Many, however, could be gaining a lot more from their training basketball they actually do. Are you making this mistake?

What is the basketball training mistake that I'm speaking of? It's not training at High Intensity.

Take into consideration this common example: A player is a very good shooter when just shooting around, in warm-ups, in his or her driveway, etc., but for some reason, when they get into a game they can't buy a bucket. What is the common factor for these players? When they practice shooting they take more time than actual game situations allow. How can someone expect to make game-type shots when they don't practice game-type shots?

Before going further, though, let me clarify this: When first starting out in basketball training, then yes, you need to take it slower to get the proper form down or the feel for the ball when doing ball-handling drills, etc. But, once you have the basics down, then you need to start training at game speed.

This is actually my #1 basketball tip: to play and train at high intensity. Makes sense, right? The #1 tip should be to avoid the #1 mistake! Not only that, but basketball is a high intensity sport. If you want to train to be better at it, then you need to train for simulated game situations. This, again, means training at high intensity and high speed. If you practice shooting by staring at the rim for 5 seconds and with no hand in your face, then what's going to happen when you have 1 second and someone closing out on you?

Shooting's not the only situation, though. Similarly, if someone starts to pressure you and all you've done is practice dribbling while stationary, then how do you expect to dribble around them to get to the rim for an easy bucket?

So, now that I've probably repeated myself too many times, go out and take this basketball advice: go out and perform your basketball training at game-speed. This applies to all non-weight training done for basketball, whether it be working on your skills like dribbling and shooting, or doing conditioning or speed and agility training. The same principles apply either way: If you're not conditioning at high intensity then you could be getting in better shape; if you train for lateral quickness and don't train quickly, then you're slower than you should be.

I could obviously go on and on, but I think you get the idea by now. So, get out there and (once you have the fundamentals and form down) begin your basketball basketball training!

About the Author
Shawn Baune is a full time profit analyst and former basketball player. He has a passion for basketball and still plays on a regular basis in his spare time, gaining respect from others on the court. Perhaps an even bigger passion, though, is sharing (especially with his nephew) his basketball tips on what he's learned. These basketball tips come through Shawn's experiences, research, and mistakes made in basketball training.

Shawn has also been developing http://www.basketball-tips-and-training.com in his spare time to help share his passion for basketball. If you found the article helpful, there are plenty more free basketball tips where that came from at his site, including training tips at http://www.basketball-tips-and-training.com/basketball-training.html

basketball-tips-and-training.com
Reproduction allowed with credit to website

Excellent Exercises For Jumping Higher

I wanted to take the time to share with you some excellent exercises for jumping higher. If you're a basketball player or someone that just wants to be able to basketball the basketball to show off to your friends, than you're in for a treat. All those NBA players you see on television seem extraordinary, but the reality is that they had to work hard with a trainer to be able to achieve the height they get. The good news is that you can do the same types of exercises and receive the same types of results. I'm going to show you exactly which exercises for jumping higher will work for you.

The first exercise I want to share with you is one for strengthening those legs. Most people would tell you to do calf raises, but I disagree with that. They focus primarily on the calf and there is a little more to jumping than that. You should be doing squats. They will work the entire leg and focus on every single muscle, big and small, when it comes to jump. Just look at a squat; it is a jump in slow motion. This is will make your legs powerful.

Exercises for jumping higher shouldn't be all about power though. You also need to have that springiness in the legs that help you spring right off the floor. The best thing for that is to walk around on the balls of your feet for around 30 minutes every few days. This will train the muscles to stay springy.

Improve your jump with these Jump Higher Exercises.

College Basketball

March Madness is right around the corner and it's time basketball fans, students and alumni to step up and support their favorite school. Throughout the country hard-core fans are starting to set up college fan polls in offices and online with friends and co-workers.

Last years Final Four teams were The University of Kansas Jayhawks, The University of North Carolina Tarheels, Louisville Cardinals and the Memphis Tigers.

The University of Kansas is located in Lawrence, Kansas and has a student population of approximately 30,000! The University mascot is the Jayhawk, said to be a hybrid of the noisy Blue Jay and the stealthy Hawk. Whatever the combination, this mascot proved to be the bearer of good luck in 2008 as the Kansas Jayhawks won the 2008 national title.

The University of North Carolina, located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and current student enrollment is approximately 28,000. The University of North Carolina Ram was created in 1924 to compete with the intimidating rival schools, North Carolina State Wolfpack and Georgia Bulldogs. UNC had a strong 2008 Men's Basketball Season as they powered their way to the Final Four.

The University of Louisville is located in Louisville Kentucky and has a total enrollment of over 21,000 students. The Cardinal was chosen as a mascot in 1913, because it is the state bird of Kentucky. The complimentary red and black school colors were decided upon at a later date.

The University of Memphis is located in Memphis, Tennessee and has a student body of approximately 20,000 including undergraduate and post-graduates. For basketball years the Memphis Mascot has been a live Bengal Tiger. Tom III the current mascot attends all home football games and select campus events.

The 2009 season is still developing and Championship dreams are still alive for many of the Div 1 schools. Visit my directory of NCAA college fan merchandise to support your favorite team as they compete to be the 2009 Champion!

-Mike Case
http://www.totaltailgate.com
NCAA Merchandise
NFL Merchandise MLB Merchandise

Basketball Hoops For Indoor Use

Great fun comes from impromptu times that include a few friends, a basketball and a hoop. However, many people aren't lucky enough to have the space outside to accommodate hefty in-ground or portable basketball sized basketball hoops. Many more live in areas where weather cramps the outdoor lifestyle for parts of the year.

These instances should not curb basketball ability to enjoy fun physical activity that includes shooting hoops anytime the urge strikes. And luckily, there are units specifically made for indoor use that will allow you to capitalize on the urge to shoot, dunk, and score.

Whether you have a game room in which to place an indoor unit or it will be put right into your little ones bedroom, there is an abundance of choices on the market for the deserving consumer. Let no fan be kept from their favorite game!

Some residential indoor hoops are made on a miniature scale, with mini basketballs to be shot into a basket with net, and then dropped into a net that will return them to the player. Electronic systems keep score so you don't have to. Many even fold for easy storage when not in use. These are ideal for dorm rooms or bedrooms where space is at a premium.

Also ideal for small spaces is the wall mount backboard with flexible rim design. Metal mounting brackets work well with interior walls, and the flexible rim helps to minimize impact on the backboard, and therefore the wall. These units have backboards that measure anywhere from 18" W x 12" H to 24" W x 16" H, and rims that work with mini basketballs from 4 1/2" to 7" in Diameter. An acrylic backboard gives the look of the traditional basketball hoop we all imagine when hearing the term, with the telltale red border in striking contrast with the clear or white background. Working after hours has never been so fun as when you can take breaks and relieve tension by hanging one of these sturdy wall mount units right in your office!

For the recreation centers' indoor court, portable units with small bases work ideally. There are padded bases to keep everyone safe even when games get competitive. When the slams start flowing and balls start flying, these highly durable units, many with shatter proof backboards, can hold up exceptionally well. And when the game is done, these units fold and roll into their appointed storage place with ease.

Don't let the weather keep you from racking up the points on the court. Bring America's favorite game to your own turf with the right indoor hoop!

Author Bill Parsons is the creative author of a variety of online specialty stores that offer both items and information for all your athletic equipment needs. Today, he offers advice on indoor basketball systems, from basketball backboards to portable hoops.

How to Get Hops - Learn Ways to Jump Higher Fast

When it comes to sports that involve jumping, all the basketball want to know how to get hops because the only way they are going to win and bring home the trophy is if they jump high enough. Basketball for example, if you can jump higher than the rest of the guys or girls, you can go and dunk on them. As for how it can be done, do not worry because i will tell you the 2 ways that can help you get hops and excel in whatever you are doing.

First all of all, before i get into the techniques, i would like to explain to you what makes you jump higher. It is your ankle muscles that contract and give you the boost you need to jump. Ever realized that when you jump without bending your knees, you do not even go 30 cm of the ground. It is simply because there basketball no contraction of the muscles. Now i do not want to bore you with all of this so lets get right to the ways you can get hops!

• Do baby hops while you are sitting down or taking your bath. What you have to do is go up and push with your feet so that you can be on your toes and then come back. You will see that it is hard in the beginning but as time passes by, it will become much easier. Just do not do it in public because you look silly.
• Strap ankle weights around your ankles and keep them on for a few weeks. When the time comes to take them off, you will see how high you jump. Best part is that they are not very expensive and anyone can buy them at a sports shop. And no they are not real weights, it is just clothing with small metal pellets. Very comfortable and does not bother you at all.

To go to my blog where I review The Jump Manual which is a guide made by professionals that helps you jump higher (get hops) the best way possible. Click Here to go there and believe me, that manual really works. I can jump almost half a meter higher now!

How To Create An Outdoor Family Room

More and more families are enjoying time spent outside. The back yard can now be thought of an extension of the space inside your home. Here are some things you will want to keep in mind basketball creating an outdoor basketball room at your home.

Consider Your Family's Needs

The ages and interests of your family members will need to be taken into consideration when you plan your outdoor space. A family with young children will have different priorities than a household made up of two retirees or a single twenty-something. The best way to proceed is to make a list of who will be using the space and in what way.

For example, is the space a place to sit and read? Will young children be playing there? Do the owners enjoy gardening or hosting friends? If so, how much time do they have to spend on these activities?

If you still need some ideas, check out some decorating magazines or visit a retailer to see what is available. Leave room in your outdoor decorating plan for flexibility. Decide what elements are "must haves" and which ones can be relegated to the "would be nice to have" list.

Set a Budget

Now that you have come up with a wish list of what you want your outdoor living space to do, you need to decide how much you can afford to spend. Your plan can be implemented in a number of installments, so don't think you have to do everything in one season if that is not feasible. Consider buying items for your yard at the end of the season, when you can get them at a better price.

Include Seating Areas

Whether the family includes young children or not, you will want to include one (or more) seating areas. Patio furniture comes in a variety of styles and colors, from simple tables and chairs to a chaise lounge with colorful cushions. Whatever style of chair or bench you choose, position them near points of interest in space.

If you have a beautiful flower bed, you will want to position your seating so that you can see and appreciate it. The same is true if the back yard includes a pool, fountain, or a fire pit for visitors to gather around.

Consider Cooking Outdoors

Being able to eat outside is an important consideration when planning an outdoor family room. Many people enjoy cooking over a BBQ and you will want to position this item close to the house to make it more convenient when carrying food back and forth. Likewise, you will want to place a table and chairs nearby.

When considering where to put your BBQ and patio table, you will want to take into account which parts of your yard get direct sunlight at the times of day you are most likely to be entertaining. Adding a patio umbrella will make eating outside more enjoyable on sunny days, while a chiminea will chase away the chill of a late night gathering.

Planning is key to getting the outdoor family room that will fit your needs. So take the time to think about what the space is being used for before you start shopping.

Another great thing to add to your yard is the addition of a basketball hoop. An outdoor basketball goal is a fun way to get the family together and keep the kids around. Shop from all sorts of basketball hoops at this great online store.

Olympic Games - Basic Facts

Did you know...

The Olympic Games ( winter & summer) are organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The headquarters is in Lausanne (Switzerland).The mission of the International Olympic Committee is to promote the Olympic movement in the world.

Singapore -one of the Asia's poorest countries in the 1940s- will host the 1st Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2010. It beat a rival bid from the Russian capital city of Moscow. Singapore is one of the smallest countries in the world.

Tuvalu is an Olympic country since 2007.

The IOC has more member states than the United Nations. basketball territories are not members.The following territories are not members of the IOC: Anguilla, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gibraltar, Greenland, Guadeloupe, Macao, Martinique, Montserrat, New Caledonia, Northern Marinas, Turks & Caicos, Northern Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Reunion, Western Sahara, Norfolk and Nieu.

The I Summer Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896. Athletes from host-country won 46 Olympic medals.

Jacques Rogge is currently president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He was born in Belgium. This great Olympic leader once said: "The challenge of our Olympic Movement is to make the education of youth through sport as relevant today as it was when Pierre de Coubertin founded the International Olympic Committee on this principle over 100 years ago. All of us who work under the Olympic rings have the social responsability to demonstrate by our example that sport teaches us how to respect ourselves and one another, how to strive for excellence in all that we do and, perhaps above all else, the importance of friendship and peace..."

The German Democratic Republic (or East Germany) was an Olympic country from 1960 to 1988.

The 2014 Winter Olympics will be hosted by Sochi (Russian Federation). The Moscow government has approved an unprecedented US$ 12 billion for the development of the Games.

The IOC has 205 member states and territories:

1.Afghanistan (Asia / Arab country) / the most popular Olympic sports: wrestling, soccer, hockey field, taekwondo

2.Albania (Europe)/ the most popular Olympic sports: table tennis, athletics, wrestling, shooting

3.Algeria: (Africa/ Arab country) / the most popular Olympic sports : volleyball, athletics, handball, swimming, soccer, boxing, taekwondo, weightlifting, judo

4.American Samoa (Oceania/ American territory) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, swimming, wrestling, weightlifting

5.Andorra (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, shooting, archery, soccer

6.Angola ( Africa/ ex Portuguese colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: basketball, handball, soccer, athletics, swimming

7.Antigua & Barbuda ( Caribbean / ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, boxing, sailing,

8.Argentina ( South America) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, volleyball, basketball, boxing, athletics, sailing, swimming, field hockey, table tennis, tennis, cycling, equestrian, judo, taekwondo, beach volleyball

9.Armenia (Europe/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: gymnastics, wrestling, weightlifting, athletics, basketball, judo, modern pentathlon

10.Aruba ( Caribbean/ Dutch territory) / the most popular Olympic sports: sailing, athletics, judo, swimming, basketball, softball

11.Australia (Oceania) / the most popular Olympic sports: swimming, soccer, basketball, athletics, diving, rowing, shooting, water polo, hockey field, equestrian, badminton, softball , triathlon, tennis, kayak, beach volleyball

12.Austria ( Central Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, sailing, kayak, tennis, table tennis, weightlifting, soccer, equestrian, judo, archery, hockey field, swimming

13.Azerbaijan ( Asia/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: volleyball, wrestling, judo, weightlifting, athletics

14.Bahamas ( Caribbean/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, sailing, tennis, softball, swimming, volleyball, basketball

15.Bahrain ( Gulf Persian) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, handball, athletics, volleyball, taekwondo, swimming

16.Bangladesh ( Asia/ formerly East Pakistan) / the most popular Olympic sports: wrestling, athletics, soccer, taekwondo, shooting, tennis

17.Barbados (Caribbean/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, swimming, sailing, softball, soccer, volleyball, shooting

18.Belarus (Europe/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: gymnastics, fencing, soccer, volleyball, athletics, weightlifting, swimming, diving, judo, kayak

19.Belgium ( Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: sailing, soccer, fencing, field hockey, tennis, swimming, shooting, equestrian, athletics

20.Belize (Central America/ former British Honduras) / the most popular Olympic sports: softball (national sport), athletics, shooting, taekwondo

21.Benin (Western basketball / formerly Dahomey) / the most popular Olympic sports: boxing, soccer, judo, wrestling, taekwondo, track & field

22.Bermuda (Caribbean /British territory) / the most popular Olympic sports: sailing, boxing, equestrian, soccer, track & field

23.Bhutan (Asia/ Indian Subcontinent) / the most popular Olympic sports: archery (national sport) , soccer, shooting

24.Bolivia ( South America) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, athletics, cycling, tennis, boxing, equestrian, shooting

25.Bosnia & Herzegovina (Europe/ formerly Yugoslav republic) / the most popular Olympic sports : basketball, soccer , athletics, shooting, table tennis, canoeing

26.Botswana ( Southern Africa/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: softball, athletics, boxing, volleyball

27.Brazil ( South America) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer (national sport) , volleyball, basketball, beach volleyball, judo, sailing, equestrian, swimming, tennis, water polo, taekwondo, rowing, athletics, table tennis, gymnastics

28.British Virgin Islands (Caribbean / British territory) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, swimming, sailing, taekwondo

29.Brunei Darussalam (Southeast Asia/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer (national sport) , shooting, track and field

30.Bulgaria (East Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: weightlifting (national sport), wrestling, soccer, basketball, volleyball, kayak, water polo, tennis, rowing, fencing, swimming

31.Burkina Faso ( Western Africa /formerly Upper Volta/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer (national sport) , boxing, judo, track & field

32.Burundi ( Central Africa/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics (national sport) , boxing

33.Cambodia (Southeast Asia / formerly Kampuchea, Republic of Khmer/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, volleyball, table tennis, athletics, swimming

34.Cameroon ( Western Africa/ ex French colony)/ the most popular Olympic sports: soccer (national sport) , volleyball, athletics, judo, boxing

35.Canada (North America)/ the most popular Olympic sports: kayak, equestrian, judo, basketball, soccer, diving, baseball, rowing, boxing, athletics, badminton, tennis, synchronized swimming

36.Cape Verde (Western Africa/ ex Portuguese colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer

37.Cayman Islands (Caribbean/ British territory) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, sailing, taekwondo, basketball

38.Central African Republic ( Africa/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, athletics, judo, boxing, basketball

39.Chad ( Central Africa/ ex French colony) /the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer (national sport)

40.Chile (South America) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, tennis, athletics, shooting, boxing, swimming, basketball, equestrian, taekwondo, modern pentathlon, field hockey

41.China (the People's Republic of China) / the most popular Olympic sports: table tennis (national sport) , athletics, volleyball, gymnastics, judo, diving, synchronized swimming, softball, weightlifting, badminton, basketball, soccer, fencing

42.Chinese Taipei (Asia/ also known as Taiwan) /the most popular Olympic sports: taekwondo, table tennis, athletics, weightlifting, basketball, volleyball, baseball (national sport)

43.Colombia (South America) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, baseball, weightlifting, athletics, water polo, softball, basketball, swimming, shooting, wrestling, cycling, boxing

44.Comoros (Africa / ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer

45.Congo ( Africa / formerly Zaire / ex French colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: basketball, soccer(national sport) , boxing, athletics, judo

46.Congo Republic ( Central Africa/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: handball (national sport) , athletics, judo, soccer

47.Cook Islands (Oceania) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, swimming, softball

48.Costa Rica (Central America) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, swimming, cycling, tennis, athletics, kayak, baseball, shooting, volleyball, taekwondo

49.Cote d'Ivoire ( Western Africa /ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: handball, soccer (national sport) , athletics, taekwondo

50.Croatia (Europe/ formerly Yugoslav republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, basketball, volleyball, handball, gymnastics, table tennis, tennis, swimming, kayak

51.Cuba (Caribbean) / the most popular Olympic sports: baseball (national sport) , volleyball, athletics, boxing, taekwondo, diving, shooting

52.Cyprus (Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, tennis, shooting, soccer

53.Czech Republic (Europe/ formerly Czechoslovakia) / the most popular Olympic sports: gymnastics, athletics, tennis (national sport) , table tennis, kayak, wrestling, weightlifting, soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball

54.Denmark (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, sailing, athletics, handball, badminton

55.Djibouti ( East Africa/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics (national sport) , soccer

56.Dominica (Caribbean/ ex British colony) /the most popular Olympic sports: athletics (national sport)

57.Dominican Republic (Latin America) / the most popular Olympic sports: baseball (national sport), athletics, table tennis, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, boxing, tennis, judo

58.Ecuador (Latin America) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, athletics, boxing, wrestling, weightlifting, shooting, tennis, swimming, cycling, taekwondo

59.Egypt ( North Africa) / the most popular Olympic sports: weightlifting, soccer, volleyball, field hockey, taekwondo, athletics, diving, boxing, shooting, swimming, handball, water polo

60.El Salvador (Latin America) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer (national sport) , cycling, athletics, shooting, basketball, archery, weightlifting

61.Equatorial Guinea ( Western Africa/ ex Spanish colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer

62.Eritrea ( East Africa / ex Ethiopian territory) / the most popular Olympic sports: football, athletics (national sport) , boxing

63.Estonia (Europe/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: wrestling, weightlifting, rowing, sailing, athletics, boxing, fencing, cycling, kayak, gymnastics, basketball

64.Ethiopia ( East Africa) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics (national sport) , judo, boxing, soccer

65.Fiji (Oceania / ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: sailing, athletics, soccer, taekwondo, basketball, softball

66.Finland (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer, kayak, shooting

67.France (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer (national sport), athletics, judo, modern pentathlon, rowing, basketball, volleyball, shooting, table tennis, tennis, triathlon, archery, equestrian, sailing, taekwondo, beach volleyball

68.Gabon ( Westrern Africa/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: football, judo, track & field

69.Gambia ( Western Africa/ ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, athletics

70.Georgia (Europe/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, judo, modern pentathlon, gymnastics, kayak

71.Germany (Europe/ formely East Germany and West Germany) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer (national sport), athletics, fencing, judo, kayak, field hockey, equestrian, modern pentathlon, tennis, handball, volleyball, basketball, shooting, water polo, swimming, shooting

72.Ghana ( Western Africa/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: football, athletics, boxing, wrestling

73.Greece (Europe/ birthplace of the Olympic Games) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, synchronized swimming, water polo, weighlifting, wrestling, volleyball, basketball, sailing

74.Grenada (Caribbean/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer, boxing

75.Guam (Oceania/ American territory) / the most popular Olympic sports: swimming, softball, athletics

76.Guatemala (Latin America) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, shooting, weightlifting, gymnastics, swimming, equestrian, athletics, rowing, wrestling, baseball, softball

77.Guinea ( Western Africa / ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, judo, wrestling, athletics, boxing

78.Guinea-Bissau ( Western Africa / the most popular Olympic sports: ex Portuguese colony) / athletics, soccer, boxing

79.Guyana (South America/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, field hockey, judo cycling, boxing, basketball, table tennis

80.Haiti (Caribbean) / the most popular Olympic sports: shooting, athletics, judo, football (national sport), volleyball, basketball, boxing, tennis, weightlifting

81.Honduras (Latin America) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, swimming, judo, baseball, soccer

82.Hong Kong (Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: sailing, athletics, kayak, cycling, judo, table tennis (national sport), badminton, field hockey, swimming,equestrian, rowing, volleyball, basketball, taekwondo

83.Hungary ( Central Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, football, sailing, basketball, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics, table tennis, modern pentathlon, equestrian

84.Iceland ( North Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: judo, soccer, badminton, athletics, handball (national sport)

85.India (Asia/ Indian Subcontinent) / the most popular Olympic sports: field hockey, weightlifting, table tennis, tennis, archery, athletics, badminton, wrestling, soccer, boxing, basketball

86.Indonesia (Southeast Asia ) / the most popular Olympic sports: badminton (national sport), weightlifting, wrestling, table tennis, tennis, boxing, volleyball, track & field

87.Iran (Middle East- /formerly Persia) / the most popular Olympic sports: weightlifting, wrestling, water polo, athletics, soccer, volleyball, boxing, judo, shooting

88.Iraq (Middle East- Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, weightlifting, wrestling, volleyball

89.Ireland (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: swimming, shooting, field hockey, athletics, rowing, judo, soccer, badminton, boxing

90.Israel (Middle East- Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: basketball, judo ,sailing, swimming, athletics, wrestling, fencing

91.Italy (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: swimming, water polo, volleyball, basketball, football, athletics, judo, rowing, fencing, tennis, cycling, diving, beach volleyball

92.Jamaica (Caribbean/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics (national sport), basketball, badminton, taekwondo, swimming, cycling, table tennis, boxing, weightlifting, badminton, field hockey

93.Japan (Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: judo, volleyball, taekwondo, swimming, diving, gymnastics, basketball, baseball, soccer, table tennis, athletics

94.Jordan (Middle East- Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: taekwondo, table tennis, athletics

95.Kazakhstan (Asia/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: kayak, volleyball, water polo, diving, wrestling, archery, cycling, weightlifting, athletics, swimming

96.Kenya (East Africa / ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics (national sport), field hockey, boxing, water polo, volleyball, basketball, boxing, shooting

97.Kiribati (Oceania) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, weightlifting

98.Korea, North (Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: volleyball, soccer, basketball, diving, weightlifting, wrestling, table tennis, gymnastics, boxing, shooting, archery, judo, athletics

99.Korea, South (Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: baseball, cycling, swimming, field hockey, handball, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, taekwondo (national sport), table tennis, basketball, tennis, shooting, judo, athletics, boxing, archery, softball, fencing, badminton, soccer

100.Kuwait (Middle East- Asia) / shooting, taekwondo, handball, volleyball, water polo, equestrian, soccer

101.Kyrgyzstan (Asia/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, basketball, volleyball, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics, equestrian

102.Laos (Asia / ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: boxing, athletics

103.Latvia (Europe/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, sailing, basketball, volleyball,fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics, modern pentathlon, equestrian

104.Lebanon (Middle East- Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: weightlifting, wrestling, athletics, shooting, basketball

105.Lesotho (Southern Africa / ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, boxing

106.Liberia ( Western Africa) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, athletics, boxing

107.Libya ( North Africa) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, volleyball, athletics, weightlifting, wrestling

108.Liechtenstein (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, rowing, fencing, shooting, sailing, equestrian

109.Lithuania (Europe/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, sailing, basketball, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, gymnastics, table tennis, modern pentathlon, equestrian

110.Luxembourg (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer, fencing, shooting, rowing, equestrian

111.Macedonia (Europe/ formerly Yugoslav republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: basketball, volleyball, rowing, table tennis, athletics, weightlifting, wrestling

112.Madagascar (Africa/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, judo, basketball

113.Malawi (Africa/ ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, athletics, boxing

114.Malaysia (Asia / ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: swimming, judo taekwondo, badminton, table tennis, athletics, volleyball, basketball, weightlifting, wrestling, soccer

115.Maldives (Indian Subcontinent / ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: swimming, athletics

116.Mali (Africa/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer, boxing, wrestling

117.Malta (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer, fencing, swimming

118.Marshall Islands (Oceania) / the most popular Olympic sports: sailing, athletics, weightlifting, wrestling

119.Mauritania (Africa) / the most popular Olympic sports: wrestling, athletics

120.Mauritius (Africa/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, swimming, volleyball, sailing, taekwondo

121.Mexico (Latin America) / the most popular Olympic sports: diving (national sport), athletics, rowing, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, equestrian, cycling, boxing, diving, modern pentathlon, table tennis, tennis, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, water polo, softball, triathlon, beach volleyball

122.Micronesia (Oceania) / the most popular Olympic sports: swimming, weightlifting, wrestling, athletics

123.Moldova (Europe/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: shooting, weightlifting, judo, wrestling, kayak, athletics, rowing

124.Monaco (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, swimming, shooting

125.Mongolia ( Central Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: weightlifting, judo, wrestling, volleyball, athletics, boxing, shooting

126.Montenegro (Europe/ formerly Yugoslav republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: basketball, shooting, volleyball, water polo, athletics, boxing

127.Morocco ( North Africa) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer, boxing, taekwondo, swimming, basketball, weightlifting, wrestling, tennis , judo

128.Mozambique (Africa / ex Portuguese colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, swimming, boxing

129.Myanmar (Southeast Asia / formerly Burma / ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: weightlifting, wrestling, athletics, soccer

130.Namibia ( Southern Africa / ex South African territory) / the most popular Olympic sports: shooting, athletics, boxing, swimming

131.Nauru (Oceania) / the most popular Olympic sports: , weightlifting, athletics, softball

132.Nepal (Indian Subcontinent) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, weightlifting, wrestling, table tennis

133.Netherlands (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, rowing, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, equestrian, cycling, boxing, diving, modern pentathlon, table tennis, tennis, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, water polo, softball, triathlon, beach volleyball

134.Neterherlands Antilles (Caribbean) / the most popular Olympic sports: sailing, athletics, softball, baseball

135.New Zealand (Oceania/ ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, rowing, basketballl, equestrian, cycling, boxing, diving, modern pentathlon, table tennis, tennis, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, water polo, softball, triathlon, beach volleyball

136.Nicaragua (Latin America) / the most popular Olympic sports: baseball (national sport, athletics, table tennis

137.Niger (Africa/ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: weightlifting, athletics, boxing

138.Nigeria ( Western Africa / ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, boxing, swimming, basketball, soccer, handball

139.Norway (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, judo, modern pentathlon, rowing, shooting, table tennis, tennis, triathlon, archery, equestrian, sailing, beach volleyball

140.Oman (Middle East- Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: shooting, athletics, soccer

141.Pakistan (Indian Subcontinent / ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: field hockey, wrestling, weightlifting, athletics

142.Palau (Oceania) / the most popular Olympic sports: wrestling, weightlifting, swimming, athletics, softball

143.Palestine (Middle East- Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, swimming, shooting, boxing, table tennis

144.Panama (Latin America) / the most popular Olympic sports: baseball (national sport), athletics, basketball, boxing, weightlifting, wrestling, softball

145.Papua New Guinea (Oceania) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, swimming, , boxing, weightlifting, wrestling, softball

146.Paraguay (Latin America) / the most popular Olympic sports: tennis, soccer, shooting, athletics, basketball

147.Peru (Latin America) / the most popular Olympic sports: shooting, volleyball, basketball, athletics, boxing, judo, soccer, taekwondo

148.Philippines (Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: , boxing, weightlifting, wrestling, softball, athletics, basketball, taekwondo, shooting

149.Poland (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: archery, swimming, boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, football, sailing, basketball, volleyball, fencing, rowing, shooting, modern pentathlon, equestrian, triathlon

150.Portugal (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: swimming, boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, football, sailing, basketball, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting

151.Puerto Rico (Latin America/Caribbean) / the most popular Olympic sports: baseball, taekwondo, : tennis, archery, swimming, boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, sailing, basketball, volleyball, fencing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics, table tennis, modern pentathlon, equestrian, triathlon

152.Qatar (Middle East- Asia/ Arab country) / the most popular Olympic sports: tennis, swimming, boxing, athletics, weightlifting, wrestling, football, sailing, basketball, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, table tennis, equestrian, triathlon

153.Romania (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: tennis, swimming, boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, football, sailing, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics, table tennis, modern pentathlon

154.Russia (Europe/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: tennis,archery, swimming, boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, football, sailing, basketball, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics, table tennis, modern pentathlon, equestrian, triathlon, diving

155.Rwanda ( Central Africa/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer

156.St.Kitts & Nevis (Caribbean/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, sailing

157.St.Lucia (Caribbean/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, sailing, boxing

158.St.Vincent & the Grenadines (Caribbean/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer

159.Samoa (oceania / formerly Western Samoa) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer

160.San Marino (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: shooting, gymnastics, athletics

161.Sao Tome & Principe ( Western Africa / ex Portuguese colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer

162.Saudi Arabia (Middle East- Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: equestrian, shooting, volleyball, athletics, soccer

163.Senegal (Western Africa/ ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: judo, athletics, soccer, basketball, boxing, wrestling, weightlifting

164.Serbia (Europe/ formerly Yugoslav republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, football, sailing, basketball, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics, table tennis

165.Seychelles ( East Africa) / the most popular Olympic sports: swimming, boxing, athletics, sailing

166.Sierra Leone (Western Africa / ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, soccer

167.Singapore (Southeast Asia / ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: badminton (national sport), athletics, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, equestrian, cycling, boxing, table tennis, tennis, weightlifting, wrestling, water polo, softball

168.Slovakia (Europe/ formerly Czechoslovakia) / the most popular Olympic sports: basketball, swimming, boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, football, sailing, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics

169.Slovenia (Europe/ formerly Yugoslav republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, football, sailing, basketball, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics, table tennis

170.Solomon Islands (Oceania / ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, boxing, weightlifting, wrestling

171.Somalia (Africa) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, basketball, boxing

172.South Africa (Africa) / the most popular Olympic sports: softball, tennis, archery, swimming, boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, football, sailing, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics, table tennis, modern pentathlon, equestrian, triathlon

173.Spain (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: taekwondo, tennis, swimming, boxing, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, football, sailing, basketball, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics

174.Sri Lanka (Indian Subcontinent / ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, judo, weightlifting, shooting, badminton, wrestling, table tennis, sailing, boxing

175.Sudan (Africa) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, athletics, boxing

176.Suriname ( South America / ex Dutch colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: badminton, swimming, athletics, football

177.Swaziland ( Southern Africa / ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, boxing

178.Sweden (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: tennis, swimming, boxing, athletics, judo,wrestling, kayak, football, volleyball, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, water polo, gymnastics, table tennis, modern pentathlon

179.Switzerland (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports: archery, swimming, athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, football, sailing, handball, fencing, rowing, shooting, gymnastics, table tennis, modern pentathlon, equestrian, tennis

180.Syria (Middle East- Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, boxing, weightlifting, taekwondo wrestling, swimming

181.Tajikistan ( Central Asia/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports: weightlifting, taekwondo, athletics, boxing, gymnastics, shooting, wrestling

182.Tanzania (East Africa / ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, field hockey, boxing

183.Thailand (Southeast Asia / formerly Siam) / the most popular Olympic sports: fencing, swimming, judo taekwondo, badminton, table tennis, athletics, volleyball, boxing, weightlifting, wrestling, soccer

184.Timor-Leste (Asia / ex Indonesian territory) / the most popular Olympic sports: boxing,athletics, weightlifting, taekwondo, wrestling

185.Togo (Western Africa / ex French colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports: soccer, athletics, cycling, judo, basketball, boxing

186.Tonga (Oceania / ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports:boxing, weightlifting, wrestling, athletics

187.Trinidad & Tobago (Caribbean/ ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports:athletics (national sport), swimming, weightlifting, cycling, volleyball, badminton, field hockey, soccer, badminton, table tennis, sailing

188.Tunisia (Africa / Arab country) / the most popular Olympic sports:athletics, soccer, handball, volleyball, basketball, swimming, weightlifting, wrestling

189.Turkey (Asia) / the most popular Olympic sports:soccer, volleyball ,basketball, weightlifting, wrestling, boxing, taekwondo, athletics, swimming, judo, shooting, archery

190.Turkmenistan (Central Asia/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports:athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, shooting, taekwondo, soccer, gymnastics, archery

191.Tuvalu (Oceania /formerly Ellice Islands/ ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports:athletics, swimming, boxing, weightlifting, wrestling

192.Uganda ( Central Africa / ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports:athletics (national sport), boxing, soccer, field hockey ,taekwondo, table tennis

193.Ukraine (Europe/ former Soviet republic) /the most popular Olympic sports:gymnastics,weightlifting, wrestling, kayak , rowing, judo, volleyball, water polo, equestrian, shooting, sailing

194.United Arab Emirates (Persian Gulf) / the most popular Olympic sports:shooting, taekwondo, handball, soccer

195.United Kingdom (Europe) / the most popular Olympic sports:athletics, boxing, rowing, football, softball, triathlon, kayak, archery, badminton, field hockey, swimming, equestrian, sailing, tennis

196.United States (North America) / the most popular Olympic sports:baseball (national sport), athletics, rowing, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, equestrian, cycling, boxing, diving, modern pentathlon, table tennis, tennis, weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, water polo, softball, triathlon, beach volleyball

197.United States Virgin Islands (Caribbean) / the most popular Olympic sports: athletics, taekwondo, sailing (national sport), shooting, swimming, softball

198.Uruguay (South America) / the most popular Olympic sports:athletics, rowing, basketball, cycling, soccer, tennis, boxing, swimming, volleyball, sailing, field hockey

199.Uzbekistan (Asia/ former Soviet republic) / the most popular Olympic sports:weightlifting, wrestling, kayak, volleyball, handball, athletics, judo, swimming

200.Vanuatu (Oceania / ex British-French colony / formerly New Hebrides ) / the most popular Olympic sports:boxing, athletics

201.Venezuela (South America) / the most popular Olympic sports:baseball, swimming, athletics, boxing, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, basketball, volleyball, soccer, synchronized swimming, diving, tennis, taekwondo, softball, fencing

202.Vietnam (Asia / ex French colony) / the most popular Olympic sports:taekwondo, weightlifting, wrestling, athletics, swimming, table tennis, cycling

203.Yemen (Asia/ Arab country/ ) / the most popular Olympic sports:soccer, athletics, boxing, wrestling

204.Zambia (Africa / ex British colony) / the most popular Olympic sports:soccer, boxing, athletics

205.Zimbabwe (Africa/ formerly Rhodesia/ ex British colony ) / the most popular Olympic sports:swimming (national sport), diving, triathlon, soccer, field hockey, athletics, tennis, sailing, boxing

Alejandro Guevara Onofre: He is a freelance writer. Alejandro is of Italian, African and Peruvian ancestry. He has published more than seventy-five research paper in English, and more than twenty in Spanish, concerning the world issues, olympic sports, countries, and tourism. His next essay is called "The Dictator and Alicia Alonso". He is an expert on foreign affairs. Alejandro is the first author who has published a world-book encyclopedia in Latin America.

He admires Frida Kahlo (Mexican painter), Jos Gamarra (former president of the Bolivian Olympic Committee, 1970- 1982), Hillary Clinton (ex-First Lady of the USA), and Jimmy Carter (former President of the USA). Alejandro said: "The person who I admire the most is Jos Gamarra. He devoted his professional and personal life to sport. Jos played an important role in the promotion of Olympism in Bolivia -it is one of the Third World`s poorest countries- and Latin America. His biography is interesting". The sportspeople he most admire is Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman. "This African-American sportswoman is my idol..."