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

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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
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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.