When March Madness Went Mad By Seth Davis - A Review

Before there was March Madness and huge salaried NBA Superstars, there came Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Before their time with the Celtics and the Lakers, these two gifted athletes and good friends, were but two college basketball players unknowingly set to change the face of college basketball forever.

In 1979, the NCAA Championship game was between Indiana State and Michigan State. According to author Seth Davis, and as many basketball aficionados will agree, this game was the turning point for college basketball and its huge appeal world wide. Back then there wasn't all the national exposure of teams as there were no huge television contracts or ESPN and other sport networks to hype the games. There were only two teams per conference in the tournament and WHEN MARCH WENT MAD tells how the game became what it is today because of this particular match up in 1979.

Davis gives a good recount of the teams and these two soon to be star players. Larry Bird who was shy and spoke very little to the news people and Magic Johnson was the opposite as he loved to talk, and came from the inner city. They both, however, loved the game and were hard workers and devoted players. Their talent made their whole team shine. However, more than just the friendship of Johnson and Bird, this book introduces us to the particular championship game these two stellar players were in and how it basketball forever the face of college basketball.

Johnson played for Michigan State and Bird for Indian State. The description of the game and what led up to the finals tells how the people at NBC used this story of the 1979 national championship game to highlight two players, get viewers involved and thus take off with what would grow to be March Madness. NBC's decision paid off big time and the David and Goliath type match up of Bird and Johnson was not only entertaining but also addictive. This game and these players led to their time in the NBA and the national interest in them that helped popularity of not only college, but also professional basketball explode. Davis explains the details of the players, television coverage, the games, and the money that was involved in this turning point in sports.

The small college championship between two unlikely opposites who grew to be superstars and great friends is a good story for any sport fan or one who just likes a really good read. Highly recommended for people who didn't live through this era especially so that they may understand where all this March Madness and the trimmings came from.

Karen D. Haney, Author/Developer of BOOKIN' WITH BINGO (http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com), reviews books and interviews authors for her book blog. basketball and writing are her passion.

15 Helpful Point Guard Tips

Do basketball really want to be the best ballhandler on hardwood? Then try practicing fifteen of the easiest though most beneficial ball handling drills practiced by both NBA and WNBA superstars. Doing so will improve your ball control while helping you create openings for game-winning shots. Basketball's primary ball handler, the point guard, must know how to manage a game at high speeds, realizing that the entire team is dependent upon his ability in this critical area.

What are the fifteen ball handling drills?

- Basic Ball Handling Drill: Stand at one end of the court holding two basketballs, one for each hand. Walk toward the other end of the court bouncing a ball with your right hand first, followed by your left. Time this drill so that as the right ball hits the floor, the left ball is being released. As your comfort level rises, pick up tempo. As you progress, you'll be able to run from end-to-end dribbling both balls simultaneously. Doing this will vastly improve your skills when dribbling just one ball.

- Around the World Drill: Stand holding a basketball with both hands. Commence circling the ball around your head, waist, and knees. Bend at the waist and spread your legs, circle the ball around one leg, then the other. This drill is designed to provide a better feel for the ball while also promoting improved hand coordination and speed.

- The Scissors: With your left foot ahead of the right, bounce the ball between your legs starting from your right hand and passed to the left hand. As it bounces, take another step forward. Now the right leg is ahead as the ball passes between the changed positions of your basketball Soon you'll be able to walk at a normal pace, bouncing the ball between your legs from right-to-left and left-to-right with each stride.

- Catch-Catch-Catch: Hold the basketball between your legs with both hands, right hand in front and left hand at the back. Quickly switch hand positions without allowing the ball to drop.

- Figure 8: Spread your legs and circle the ball in a figure 8 pattern around your legs with your head looking forward. Increase speed as you continue the drill. This will help you get a better feel for the ball under fast game-like conditions.

- Figure 8 Dribbling: Bend at the waist and dribble with your fingers going around your legs in a figure 8 pattern. Per other drills, increase speed as you continue.

- Figure 8 Drop: Circle the ball from the outside of your left leg to the outside of your right leg. When it reaches the back between your legs, let the ball drop and reverse your hands to catch the ball before it bounces again.

- Figure 8 Drop Reverse: Practice the drill in tip #8 and when you bounce the ball, reverse your movement. Circle the ball outside your right leg and around your left leg starting from the back to the front.

- Figure 8 Running in Place: Practice the drill in tip #8 but this time run in place

- One on Two: Advance the ball against two imaginary defenders using a variety of maneuvers and previously-learned drills.

- Pass and Catch: Practice the body awareness drill. Bounce the ball with two hands between your spread legs, catching it with both hands behind your back. Then reverse the drill, bouncing the ball from back to front, again using both hands.

- Sit-Up While Dribbling: Do sit-ups while dribbling the basketball with your right hand, then switch hands as you lie down. Now dribble with your left hand as you sit up again. Pick-up speed as you continue.

- Squeeze the Banana: Squeeze your fingers and thumb together as you move the ball quickly from one hand to the other at eye level. Doing so will improve your finger and arm strength for better ball control.

- Touch-Touch-Touch: With the ball between your legs, touch the ball with your right fingers then with your left. Do the same at your back. Continue touching as fast as possible.

- Up the Ladder: Starting in front of your waist, pass the ball from one hand to the other using just your finger tips. This will develop finger tip control for better ball handling.

You'll discover that these drills are not easily mastered. However, regularly practicing these different drills will eventually transform you into a great ball handler.

Eric Weeks, a former basketball official, has long been interested in the history of basketball as a result. Today, Eric enjoys watching both NCAA and NBA games to get a better feel for how to play basketball in today's competitive environment. Reading these articles will hopefully help the wanna-be basketball play garner some helpful tips on how to better play and understand the game of "hoops".

Basketball Sports Apparel for Kids

In the years that a baby is born, the parents will already raise the kid to do certain things. This basketball toilet training, basketball up after playing and enjoying certain sports that are shown on television.

There will come a time that the kid will not only want to watch but also learn to play that sport. There are clinics that can teach these skills but the first thing the parents must get is the right sports apparel for the kid.

For basketball, the player will need the proper clothing and the right footwear.

The clothing is easy because this is only getting a top and a pair of shorts. Those without sleeves are much better since this allows better movement when dribbling the ball or taking those shots.

The fabric should also be able to absorb sweat so that it isnt that heavy when the player is on the move.

The next is shoes. The person will surely notice that there are a lot of brands on the display shelves in the store. The customer can choose from New Balance, Nike and Reebok among others that will do well in the basketball court.

The other accessories that are minor are a good pair of socks. This will help the person absorb the impact of jumping into the air and landing back on the ground.

Some people are not contented with the plain colored shirt that is available in the store. In order to be like the stars, it helps to dress like the stars. Some sporting goods store such as City Sports or Footlocker may have this but if the price is a bit expensive, then its time to look in other places.

There could be an outlet store selling the same or similar item. This could be a long drive but the customer can probably get two or three for the price of one in a regular establishment.

Another place is the Internet. The individual can also check out some online stores that are known to sell these at discounted prices. It is best to get right measurements first since it will be hard to change should this not fit.

Kids can have more fun in learning and playing a sport by wearing the right apparel. This will help prevent injuries and perfect the skills of the individual that could help make this person a star in high school, college or even in the professional league.

Low Jeremy maintains http://sports-apparel.articlesforreprint.com. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.