Basketball Players' Thread

[+3kk!]

This is not about NBA, we aready have that. this is about playing basket ball and improving your game.....

let me start a simple topic, anyone knows how to increase vert and dribbling skills?

[seanman99]

Haha i suck at basketball (white man can't jump) but i heard Nash used to dribble tennis balls with both hands to get better at dribbling. Pretty cool if you ask me.

[Endless Obsession]

Wear weights around your ankles and stand under the backboard and just jump up and touch it with both hands, keep doing it for like a minute thirty, then repeat.

[dancetomdance182]

This is not about NBA, we aready have that. this is about playing basket ball and improving your game.....

let me start a simple topic, anyone knows how to increase vert and dribbling skills?

There are those programs that are supposed to increase your vertical leap. I remember someone posted a link to the Air Alert program in one of the fitness threads. For dribbling, be able to control the ball with both hands without looking. Also, try doing the figure 8 and the "spider".

[dancetomdance182]

For my part, when I shoot should I hold the ball over my head or little to the side? I try to form that L with my arms, but I can only do this when I hold the ball a little away from my head. This feels a little awkward.

[nitzguy]

take basketballs.. dribble with both hands at the same time. see how fast you can go up and down the court... or how low/fast you can get.

[badtaste]

Hey everyone. I only began playing basketball a month ago or so, and am slightly confused about the rules.

I can't tell if i'm fouling someone, or if they are fouling me. Can someone explain fouls and all that jazz?

[Dinosawesome]

For my part, when I shoot should I hold the ball over my head or little to the side? I try to form that L with my arms, but I can only do this when I hold the ball a little away from my head. This feels a little awkward.
Chances are if you are just starting to shoot like this it will, the more you do it however, the easier it will get. Just make sure your elbow is straight and you shoot of your pointer finger- these are the fundamentals that will most improve your accuracy.

Hey everyone. I only began playing basketball a month ago or so, and am slightly confused about the rules.

I can't tell if i'm fouling someone, or if they are fouling me. Can someone explain fouls and all that jazz?
Being a non-contact sport, a foul is pretty much a violation of any contact on another player. In most cases, it will be the defender who gives the foul because the player with the ball has the most priority. However, there a few instances (charging fouls for example) where the defender can draw a foul by being in proper position.

That's just the basics of it though, te way fouls are called and judged can be pretty complex so I suggest you google it for a simpler explanation- I'm afraid if I tried to explain it all i'd probably confuse you more.

[badtaste]

Well, can someone at least, how a defender can get into proper position and take a charge?

[Dinosawesome]

To be in position to take a charge, you have to be still with your feet firmly place and facing the offender. Your arms should be straight up, by your side or across your chest- if they're waving about it's a good chance the umpire will see it as obstructing the offenders movement and call the foul on you. You also have to be there before the offender, so you can't just jump infront of them.

So in a nutshell, to take a charge you must be:
- In position previous to the offender
- Still
- Facing the offender
- Arms up, by side or across the chest

I'm curious, what position on the court do you play?

[badtaste]

Nah, I'm just a casual player. The combination of Andrew Bogut being picked at no 1, and me obtaining NBA 2005 last year, led to my basketball playing.

But I'm short and fast and can't shoot well yet, so call me a PG.

[Dinosawesome]

Fair enough, it's a good skill to have as a guard to be able to take a charge.

[dancetomdance182]

To be in position to take a charge, you have to be still with your feet firmly place and facing the offender. Your arms should be straight up, by your side or across your chest- if they're waving about it's a good chance the umpire will see it as obstructing the offenders movement and call the foul on you. You also have to be there before the offender, so you can't just jump infront of them.

So in a nutshell, to take a charge you must be:
- In position previous to the offender
- Still
- Facing the offender
- Arms up, by side or across the chest

I'm curious, what position on the court do you play?

Also to add to that, you have to be outside of the "circle" zone. I don't know what it's called the semi circle near the basket. You can't be in that zone to take a charge.

[Dinosawesome]

Also to add to that, you have to be outside of the "circle" zone. I don't know what it's called the semi circle near the basket. You can't be in that zone to take a charge.
That's NBA though, a lot of smaller competitions will call charges both in and outside of the key.

[+3kk!]

There are those programs that are supposed to increase your vertical leap. I remember someone posted a link to the Air Alert program in one of the fitness threads. For dribbling, be able to control the ball with both hands without looking. Also, try doing the figure 8 and the "spider".


i know about air alert, the problem is that it's seriously taxing. through the program your vert gets reduced and you cannot jump as much ( you take a longer time to jump after the previous jump ), although its recommended to play on rest days but it seriously hurts your game.

i heard that the best and fastest way to achive vert is through lifting weights.

about dribbling, how do you practice is my question....dribble a ball up and down a court ? then do crossovers?

[Dinosawesome]

If you're serious about increasing your vertical leap, get a proper analysis and have a proper jump program done for you. These jump programs work much better as they are tuned to your specific weight, height and strength among other things. They are also much safer than the generalised versions (eg: air alert) because they are designed for your body.

To improve your dribbling, nothing works better then practise. Dribble a ball wherever you go until you feel comfortable with it, use both hands, always try to avoid looking at the ball and practise dribbling while moving at different speeds.

[manuscriptreplica]

I find a good way to improve your vert is just standing with a ball in your hands and put your arms straight up and jump as high as you can. you're not using your arms this way, only your legs. I dont know how much vert i've improved by doing this over the last month, but i can easily dunk it off 2 feet now (i have always struggled to do this)

I dont really want a vert to dunk though, I've been watching the Hakeem the dream dvd and i just want to block every shot i see.

[nitzguy]

do crossovers all day to get past your opponents. once they get used to you doing crossovers, fake one, and either pull up for a shot or go the other way

crossover:bouncing the ball quikly accross your body- one hand to the other(best done fast and low to the ground) see tim hardaway video and "the killer crossover"

make sure you bounce the ball between every switch of the hand

[Dinosawesome]

The best dribblers are those with variation, so if you have a wide range of crossovers and you can play ambidextrous you'll be a very damaging opponent. However, it's very important to have sound skill in the fundamentals. I've run a lot of programs where all the kids wanted to learn was the trickey ****. Fancy moves can be good to dissuade opponents but there's nothing harder to stop then a player who protects the ball with fundamental skills.

[+3kk!]

The best dribblers are those with variation, so if you have a wide range of crossovers and you can play ambidextrous you'll be a very damaging opponent. However, it's very important to have sound skill in the fundamentals. I've run a lot of programs where all the kids wanted to learn was the trickey ****. Fancy moves can be good to dissuade opponents but there's nothing harder to stop then a player who protects the ball with fundamental skills.

ok, then what are the fundamental skills that i should learn?

i cant get a proper jump program its not avalible to my country, i dont think even state players get that. and because air alert is too taxing i stoped, after teh third week its too taxing i cant do most daily activities without an extra effort, chances are in the last 2 months my legs will feel like jello.

[TurnOnTheLight]

ok, then what are the fundamental skills that i should learn?

i cant get a proper jump program its not avalible to my country, i dont think even state players get that. and because air alert is too taxing i stoped, after teh third week its too taxing i cant do most daily activities without an extra effort, chances are in the last 2 months my legs will feel like jello.

Dude if you wanna improve your vertical jump do what I did. When I started playing basketball and I had about a 20 or so inch (8th grade). My junior year in highschool I had a 31 inch, blocked more shots than any other guard and played the boards well. First there's the excersize I used without the ball. Stand in front of a doorway in your home and stand on your tippy toes, touch the top of the doorway or the highest point you can reach above it slowly repeating it until you feel the burn for a while. I used 2 different excercises with the ball. The first one you get an adjustable height basketball goal. Start off with it at about 7 and a half feet and try dunking it. If that's too easy raise it to 8 or 8 and a half or the highest you can get it still being able to actually dunk the ball. Just dunk for a good while until you get that height nailed and you can dunk it everytime, not just from a standstill but while running up to it as well. It doesn't seem like this would work that well but I'm only 5'7" with shoes on and I've been above the rim before. The other drill with the ball is just any rebounding drill you'd learn with your team. Sorry if this is hard to understand, I've been watching the UT vs. USC game.

[TurnOnTheLight]

The best dribblers are those with variation, so if you have a wide range of crossovers and you can play ambidextrous you'll be a very damaging opponent. However, it's very important to have sound skill in the fundamentals. I've run a lot of programs where all the kids wanted to learn was the trickey ****. Fancy moves can be good to dissuade opponents but there's nothing harder to stop then a player who protects the ball with fundamental skills.

At the highschool level, all you'll really need is the ability to dribble drive with either hand, a between the legs dribble, a running behind the back dribble, and sometimes a spin move. But if you can develope a really fast first step, you can get away with not being able to do some of the fancier stuff.

[randomthought9]

Are all you guys guards/ ballhandler types? I don't play on a team or anything, but my game is inside, getting rebounds, blocking shots, all that jazz. I'm more of a big man, I can't dribble for s**t.

[Dinosawesome]

ok, then what are the fundamental skills that i should learn?

i cant get a proper jump program its not avalible to my country, i dont think even state players get that. and because air alert is too taxing i stoped, after teh third week its too taxing i cant do most daily activities without an extra effort, chances are in the last 2 months my legs will feel like jello.
To be blunt, learn to dribble with both hands and at different speeds. You should be able to dribble with both your left and your right without being able to pay attention to the ball.

As far as jump programs go, you should be able to get one done at your local gym/fitness centre. They're not that hard to get, all you have to do is ask around.

At the highschool level, all you'll really need is the ability to dribble drive with either hand, a between the legs dribble, a running behind the back dribble, and sometimes a spin move. But if you can develope a really fast first step, you can get away with not being able to do some of the fancier stuff.
A fast first step is good for offense (fast breaks in particular) but is especially good for defence. Especially in a guard position. As far as fancy stuff goes, I've played against guys at national level who couldn't throw a ball through their legs but protected it so well with their body that it was close to impossible to get a steal off them. Trickey moves are exactly what they say they are- fundamental moves that are done with a bit of spice.

Are all you guys guards/ ballhandler types? I don't play on a team or anything, but my game is inside, getting rebounds, blocking shots, all that jazz. I'm more of a big man, I can't dribble for s**t.
I normally play point guard but I sometimes fill in for power forward when the main man is on subs.

[manuscriptreplica]

i usually am just a centre, passing centre. I usually dont score that often but i get a few assists. I have decent ball skills for a big guy as well.

[KineticBeats]

i usually do point or shooting gaurd........i'm only 5'9 with a 38 inch vertical......

[Dinosawesome]

i usually do point or shooting gaurd........i'm only 5'9 with a 38 inch vertical......
That's actually not that bad as far as amatuer leagues go. What kind of competition do you play in?

[+3kk!]

Are all you guys guards/ ballhandler types? I don't play on a team or anything, but my game is inside, getting rebounds, blocking shots, all that jazz. I'm more of a big man, I can't dribble for s**t.

currently training to play SG, due to my hight i had to stop being a center and start on guard work. the sad part is because of my center background i cant really control the ball well.

trust me you cant get it in my country, gyms are a rare gem. not to say properly trained trainers.

i thiink i'll retry on air alert since its been 1 year since i quit it

[nitzguy]

some good fundamentals are to keep you in between the opponent and the basket on defense... when dribbling (if their on your butt)keep you inbetween the ball and other player.

four touch has good advice on the left and right hand dribbling. you should be able to drive the hole left or right with out thinking. what i would suggest is to start shooting with your off hand a little in each practice to get that hand a little more comfortable with the ball.

[+3kk!]

some good fundamentals are to keep you in between the opponent and the basket on defense... when dribbling (if their on your butt)keep you inbetween the ball and other player.

four touch has good advice on the left and right hand dribbling. you should be able to drive the hole left or right with out thinking. what i would suggest is to start shooting with your off hand a little in each practice to get that hand a little more comfortable with the ball.

i can drive without much problem. its when i get marked by a PG that loves to stea.l because he has fast hands and i have sub par dribbling skills cause troubles for me.

[Dinosawesome]

So do what nitzguy said in the second paragraph and protect that ball. Practise dribbling while using your body as a shield.

[badtaste]

Believe it or not, but I've never actually seen a full game of basketball (No coverage at all in Australia, except for women's basketball, which is more like netball).

Weird question, but can someone give a summary on how substitutes are used in a game of basketball? Also, how many subs. are allowed a quarter or game?

[Dinosawesome]

Subs are for when players get tired, a team can sub any amount of players as many times as they like. Subs can only be done during a pause in play (eg, someone scoring, a foul). A team can't make a sub directly after they have scored. You can't sub players on so there is more than 5 players from one team on the court at once.

[dancetomdance182]

ok, then what are the fundamental skills that i should learn?

i cant get a proper jump program its not avalible to my country, i dont think even state players get that. and because air alert is too taxing i stoped, after teh third week its too taxing i cant do most daily activities without an extra effort, chances are in the last 2 months my legs will feel like jello.

What can I say, your muscles need to be stronger for your vertical leap to increase. These programs builds your muscles, and you should feel sore day or two after the workouts.

[dancetomdance182]

Subs are for when players get tired, a team can sub any amount of players as many times as they like. Subs can only be done during a pause in play (eg, someone scoring, a foul). A team can't make a sub directly after they have scored. You can't sub players on so there is more than 5 players from one team on the court at once.

Also, you can only call timeouts when you have the ball. During timeouts you can make subs.

[+3kk!]

What can I say, your muscles need to be stronger for your vertical leap to increase. These programs builds your muscles, and you should feel sore day or two after the workouts.

i understand that, just that im no pro and no one slams in my country, slaming is also frobidden unless you have the proper court.

and also that it takes too much, cause i used to play center a drop in vert is bad. now i am changing posistions so its ok to relearn it

[Dinosawesome]

That last sentence didn't make sense to me- a drop in vert is bad wherever you play and an increase is good wherever you play.


Make sense dude!

:P

[nitzguy]

i understand that, just that im no pro and no one slams in my country, slaming is also frobidden unless you have the proper court.

and also that it takes too much, cause i used to play center a drop in vert is bad. now i am changing posistions so its ok to relearn it

having good jumping ability isn't everything. if youre a Sg you don't need to be dunking. it helps in rebounding, but having a jumper is way more important.

story time. like 3 years ago, i was out playing at the park with a bunch of older guys( most like 25) who were better than me. i dunked to show my ability to be athlethic and that i was a good pick up. well an old guy(40ish)was watching me and said "hey you can jump well" i said " thanks".. he said "here's my dunk". and from about 2 feet out side of the 3 point NBA range he hit 4 straight shots.... from then on all i did was shoot jumpers.

moral of the story..better shooters get picked of those who can just dunk. but thats pretty common knowledge

[+3kk!]

That last sentence didn't make sense to me- a drop in vert is bad wherever you play and an increase is good wherever you play.


Make sense dude!

:P

its the timing, my vert used to be the most important asset to my play in school. a game then, where i drop my vert it's bad and i have a fixed team to play with so i cant sacrifice my game.

now i am just playing random games, so i can sacrifice some vert for the long run.

having good vert means a lot in a game, ive seen people dominate because they have higher vert only. perhaps in your country its not an issue but people dont jump well where i am at. state players can just grab the rim, normal players mostly cant even touch it. we are a short bunch. i am 5.9, 19 years of age and i am considered ok/advrage in height. so being able to have a vert to dunk is a huge advantage.

and about that guy who shoots 3 ptrs at far range, its a good thing but it depends on how he shoots. if its a jump shot, its superb. but you still need a good amount of vert to out shoot a high vert defender. as for stationary shots its very hard to get those in a normal game.

vert is not only for dunking though my aim is that, but it creates a lot of advantages for your game.

[nitzguy]

i would disagree, kinda. its important yes, but larry bird never jumped that high, and hes considered one of the best shooters ever.

its also how good your form for shooting is. if you're shooting from your hip, or your shoulder, it won't be a good shot. shoot from your head area. look at reggie miller for shooting..

where are you from?

[+3kk!]

i would disagree, kinda. its important yes, but larry bird never jumped that high, and hes considered one of the best shooters ever.

its also how good your form for shooting is. if you're shooting from your hip, or your shoulder, it won't be a good shot. shoot from your head area. look at reggie miller for shooting..

where are you from?

larry bird was tall, not a high jumper but his height made up for it. what i mean is those like me who cant even do a basic dunk, those when faced with a guy with high vert will end up getting blocked.

picture this, its like iverson shooting infront of yao ming. due to the height disadvantage yao has a better chance of blocking.

i am from malaysia, not a basketball nation though

[nitzguy]

well the people that guarded Bird were about his size and they had way more jumping ability than him. as for iverson and yao... dribble by them.. or give a jab step( a quick step to the left or right, this will give the defender the idea of you driving to the basket, while their off balance you can shoot or pass the ball) and pull up a jump shot.

as for vert all you can do is just start jumping as high as you can and start praticing that.

[Dinosawesome]

A good vert helps but is not essential. Bird had a great style of shooting on him, it was a high raised shot which made it hard to block unless you were right off him. As far as Iverson and Ming go, Iversons speed- which is such a crucial part of his game is more than enough to try and slide through.

What I'm saying, is a good vert is just as handy as a quick first step or good hands. It helps you when you play, but it is not essential to be recognised as a good player.

[badtaste]

My shooting's really dodgy right now. Did you guys follow a certain technique and follow that, or did you create a technique and developed rhythm for that technique?

[Dinosawesome]

I learned to shoot from watching NBA games. It'd be kind of hard to instruct over the internet so if you want to learn to shoot properly you should probably google it for video and diagrams and stuff. But a few quick pointers are:

Ball on the finger pad of your natural hand.
Opposite hand supports the ball
Elbow straight
Shoot of your pointer finger
Follow through with your arm

[badtaste]

Sounds good. Any tips on D?

I'm assuming you just have to be fast, and stick with your opposite.

[TurnOnTheLight]

My shooting's really dodgy right now. Did you guys follow a certain technique and follow that, or did you create a technique and developed rhythm for that technique?

If you have an e-mail adress or use AIM, I could send you a few pictures on proper hand positions for shooting. At the highschool level, a shot with good form that doesn't hit alot will get you farther than a shot with no form that hits more often. Luckily I had a form shot that was accurate.

[TurnOnTheLight]

Sounds good. Any tips on D?

I'm assuming you just have to be fast, and stick with your opposite.

If you're playing a man defense bend your knees, stay on your toes, keep your hands low, and palms up when they are on the perimeter. If they stop their dribble get one hand in their face. If you're playing a zone defense on the perimeter keep close to the passing lanes, don't worry if they penetrate, in the zone setup someone will pick him up. If you are ever posted up use the forearm of your off arm and put it on their back to hold your position and keep the other hand up so you can get a hand in their face when they turn to shoot. As far as blocking shots goes it's all about timing and that will take a lot of practice. For only being roughly 5'6 1/2" I block a few shots and I found out that if you use your off hand to block a layup attempt you'll block it more often. If you get picked anywhere on the court just call out "switch." If you chase your original assignment then the man who picked you can easily get open for a jumper or go inside for a layup. That's about all I can think of right now. I'm going to get some cigs. I'll be back in about 20 minutes if you got anymore questions I might be able to answer.

[Dinosawesome]

^^^
To add to that, if you're playing on a man with a fast first step, move diagonally to stay infront of him. Most people will try to stay with him the whole way and be beaten, but if you know where he's going, get their first. Also, make sure you block progress of the ball with your feet. This means that when a man has a ball, don't try to stop his movement with your hands, try to get infront of him with your feet. If you can do this and learn to take a good charge you'll be a dangerous defender.

[+3kk!]

I learned to shoot from watching NBA games. It'd be kind of hard to instruct over the internet so if you want to learn to shoot properly you should probably google it for video and diagrams and stuff. But a few quick pointers are:

Ball on the finger pad of your natural hand.
Opposite hand supports the ball
Elbow straight
Shoot of your pointer finger
Follow through with your arm

i used to try to learn shots like that, it never worked. now i am trying to go back to my old style, elbow slightly angled, ball in front of face.

[Dinosawesome]

i used to try to learn shots like that, it never worked. now i am trying to go back to my old style, elbow slightly angled, ball in front of face.
You probably had something wrong. I guarantee it though, a proper shooting is both accurate and hard to block.

[Dave293]

^ 123

A few years ago i had a real bad technique. I Forced myself to relearn my shot, for a month or so my shot sucked but it was worth it in the long run.

[TurnOnTheLight]

^^^
To add to that, if you're playing on a man with a fast first step, move diagonally to stay infront of him. Most people will try to stay with him the whole way and be beaten, but if you know where he's going, get their first. Also, make sure you block progress of the ball with your feet. This means that when a man has a ball, don't try to stop his movement with your hands, try to get infront of him with your feet. If you can do this and learn to take a good charge you'll be a dangerous defender.

On the subject of taking charges, don't be scared to take a charge. Most people who come agressively and try for a layup will try to angle themselves around you which will stop alot of their momentum. Every now and then when taking a charge you'll just get bowled over but take it from a guy who was only about 125-130lbs. in highschool, it doesn't really hurt to get charged head on. If you are in a situation where someones coming right at you like it would be a head on collision don't try to block the lay-in, you'll get a foul, just get in position and take a charge.

[TurnOnTheLight]

i used to try to learn shots like that, it never worked. now i am trying to go back to my old style, elbow slightly angled, ball in front of face.

As long as you have a decent form you'll be fine. If you shoot 2 handed or shoot granny shots you'll fail. There are more shots than a jumper though. Watch some NBA games and pick up on floaters, hooks, turnarounds, hop step and jumps, and little stop-n-pop moves in the lane.

[Dinosawesome]

However, if you're out of position to take a charge, and you have the fouls to spare, go for the block. The reason why is it's alot better to force a player into free-throws then let them put a shot in on you and get the extra shot off the body foul.

[nitzguy]

Sounds good. Any tips on D?

I'm assuming you just have to be fast, and stick with your opposite.

ALWAYS stay inbetween your man and the basket!!
when they are trying to dribble past you, look at their hips. not their Head, Ball, feet , or arms.. look at their hips. while you should keep an eye on all the other things, the hips are where the body is going.

on a side note the only time i take charges are when i can't try and block the ball, if i'm a bit too late i'll just slide over into position for a charge.

also keep your hands up on D.

[Dave293]

Another tip for D.
When your defending use the sideline to help you, force your player to the side line and trap him.

When defending don't always go for the steal if you don't get the steal it makes it a hell of alot easier for your player to blow right by you. Try to contain your player.

[Dinosawesome]

The aim of most defenders is to stop the ball. Most good defenders will do this, but the GREAT defenders not only stop the ball but they direct where the pass is going. If you can force a pass you can intercept it. Forcing a turnover is a valuable skill.

[dancetomdance182]

Another tip for D.
When your defending use the sideline to help you, force your player to the side line and trap him.

When defending don't always go for the steal if you don't get the steal it makes it a hell of alot easier for your player to blow right by you. Try to contain your player.

You have to becareful with the sideline because good players will try to use this to their advantage. They will go baseline and have a back door reverse layup or something.

[Dinosawesome]

If you're going to play them to the sideline cut them off diagonally and put them in a corner.

[nitzguy]

when they go to the baseline with speed, you can get some charge calls your way if you get there in time by blocking off where they go

[Apathy]

See, I'm 5"5, yet I'm a PF.

[On The Edge]

I usually play PF for our team and I'm only 5'9, though I'm muscular and play in a shortish league. I am working on PG/SG skills for when I get to higher levels though.

How long should I practice each dribbling shooting thing for? Can you write out like a sample program that doesn't go for ages.

My jump is absolutely horrible, but I can't stick to Air Alert, so I do what I can when I can. Bad?

[dancetomdance182]

See, I'm 5"5, yet I'm a PF.

Your league must be small?

[badtaste]

Your league must be small?

Under 6 foot league or something. But yeah, that's pretty weird. Which brings me to my question: If you have a small team, would it work to get everyone to play casual guards? You would have your temp centre and forwards, but essentially, everyone's a shooter.

I hope no one minds me bringing the NBA into this forum, but I have some questions about the NBA in general.
1. Why the hell do players get traded so often? Don't players have loyalty towards their teams?
2. I think I read somewhere that zoning (or something to do with zoning) is against the rules in an NBA game. Can anyone clarify?
3. What's the difference between the style of gameplay between NBA and international basketball?
4. How does the NBA schedule go? Which teams play which teams in which divisions first?

That's all folks.

[dancetomdance182]

Under 6 foot league or something. But yeah, that's pretty weird. Which brings me to my question: If you have a small team, would it work to get everyone to play casual guards? You would have your temp centre and forwards, but essentially, everyone's a shooter.

I hope no one minds me bringing the NBA into this forum, but I have some questions about the NBA in general.
1. Why the hell do players get traded so often? Don't players have loyalty towards their teams?
2. I think I read somewhere that zoning (or something to do with zoning) is against the rules in an NBA game. Can anyone clarify?
3. What's the difference between the style of gameplay between NBA and international basketball?
4. How does the NBA schedule go? Which teams play which teams in which divisions first?

That's all folks.

Some players do have loyalty towards their teams. But most unless all players want to win a championship. They will like to get traded to a team that is a contender for the championship. Also, money plays a big factor in American sports. Young players would go to a team that would pay more, but veteran players would go to a team that would win a ring. For your second question...zoning? Do you mean by zone defense?

If you saw the 2004 Olympics you should have seen the difference between NBA and international play. The USA team was more about driving in the lanes, dunking and attacking the rim. International players were overall a better shooting team. Also, the 3pt line is shorter in international play than NBA.

For the schedule, basketball season is winter to late spring. Late Nov. to early June. There really isn't a schedule about what teams play who at what date, but some games are predetermined due to the TV ratings and endorsements. (ex: Lakers vs. Heat games are now always on Christmas day because of Kobe and Shaq)

[TurnOnTheLight]

Under 6 foot league or something. But yeah, that's pretty weird. Which brings me to my question: If you have a small team, would it work to get everyone to play casual guards? You would have your temp centre and forwards, but essentially, everyone's a shooter.

I hope no one minds me bringing the NBA into this forum, but I have some questions about the NBA in general.
1. Why the hell do players get traded so often? Don't players have loyalty towards their teams?
2. I think I read somewhere that zoning (or something to do with zoning) is against the rules in an NBA game. Can anyone clarify?
3. What's the difference between the style of gameplay between NBA and international basketball?
4. How does the NBA schedule go? Which teams play which teams in which divisions first?

That's all folks.

1.It doesn't really matter about loyalty sometimes. The General Manager trades players. Players can be traded because of salary issues, attitude issues, player performance and stuff like that.
2. A zone defense is legal in the NBA. If you're playing the zone and you are standing beyond arms length from a player for too long though you'll get a penalty and the other team shoots a freethrow.
3. I don't know much about international play but I know that it's legal in international to knock the ball off the rim if it's lingering there before it goes down where as you'd be called for goaltending in the NBA. The key is a different size, the 3 point line is longer in the NBA, there's more dunking in the NBA, and this is just my opinion but international players can shoot better.
4. I'm not sure about the schedule, but each team plays 82 games a year. There are 2 conferences (East,West) you play each team in your conference 4 times a season and each team out of your conference 2 times a year. That might have changed though because of the expansion teams.

[dancetomdance182]

1.It doesn't really matter about loyalty sometimes. The General Manager trades players. Players can be traded because of salary issues, attitude issues, player performance and stuff like that.
2. A zone defense is legal in the NBA. If you're playing the zone and you are standing beyond arms length from a player for too long though you'll get a penalty and the other team shoots a freethrow.
3. I don't know much about international play but I know that it's legal in international to knock the ball off the rim if it's lingering there before it goes down where as you'd be called for goaltending in the NBA. The key is a different size, the 3 point line is longer in the NBA, there's more dunking in the NBA, and this is just my opinion but international players can shoot better.
4. I'm not sure about the schedule, but each team plays 82 games a year. There are 2 conferences (East,West) you play each team in your conference 4 times a season and each team out of your conference 2 times a year. That might have changed though because of the expansion teams.

As for #2. Is there really a rule like that? It would be a hard call bccause the players could just say they switched into a man to man defense. The only violation I know is the 3 second in the key. Is that what you're talking about?

[Dinosawesome]

2. A zone defense is legal in the NBA. If you're playing the zone and you are standing beyond arms length from a player for too long though you'll get a penalty and the other team shoots a freethrow.
I've never heard this before.

[badtaste]

Yeah, I can't really remember. I was flicking through a book about basketball (Dummies guide?) and there was a section about the various new rules (new a few years ago, that is).

[TurnOnTheLight]

As for #2. Is there really a rule like that? It would be a hard call bccause the players could just say they switched into a man to man defense. The only violation I know is the 3 second in the key. Is that what you're talking about?

Yeah it's a rule but like... it's hard to explain how to violate it. Lets say you are playing in a 2-3 Zone. If 3 members of the opposite team are in the 2 man area of your zone then one of your defenders in the 3 area is going to have to get on one of them causing a double team or if he just stands around it's a violation. It's not enforced very hard. The first year it was in effect it was. 3 in the Key isn't enforced hard either. Another rule like that you might not know about is 5 seconds back to basket if they even still use that one. If you are on offense with the ball and are backing a man down for too long it's a turnover.

[Dinosawesome]

so how about some stats guys:
gender: male

age: 17

height: 5"11

weight: 75kg (165 pounds that is i think)

position: PG, SG, PF

strengths: dribbling, inside play, man-on-man defense, multi-hand use, fast play

weakness: three point shooting, bad umpires :p

achievements: 2 time national U18-league MVP, 4 time state representative

[On The Edge]

haha sure this should be fun

age: 15

height: 5.9/5.10

weight: probably 68/70 although I don't really look it :\

position: We have a small team so I play PF/backup centre, although when I play in a more competitve league I'll probably be point or shooting maybe small forward. I'll say no set one :P

strengths: short-medium range jumpers, zone defense, physical play, I'm decent at inside play and rebounding (our leagues not very big, but there are some 6'2ish guys which I can out rebound and box out as they aren't very muscular usually).

weaknesses: left hand dribbles, three pointers, getting to the basket, my ridiculously bad jump.

achievements: uhh.. I don't play at your level but I'll say I had a triple-double, 20 points, 12 bounds and 10 assists. Was a crazy match, I shot probably 85% from the field.

Nath you seem pretty awesome good. What state are you in? I know a state player from sydney/melb (forgot) whos 6'5 and awesome.

Also- how often do you play bball (how many hours a day) and any tips for working on my dribbles?

[Illmatic]

1. Why the hell do players get traded so often? Don't players have loyalty towards their teams?
2. I think I read somewhere that zoning (or something to do with zoning) is against the rules in an NBA game. Can anyone clarify?
3. What's the difference between the style of gameplay between NBA and international basketball?

1. Most trades are panic moves by general managers to clear up cap space or to shake up a lollygagging team
2. No idea what zoning is
3. In International play the three point line is shorter and I believe defensive 3 seconds is not called, which allows teams to cram the paint on defense like they did against Team USA in the last Olympics

age: 19
height/weight: just under 6'/165-170 lbs
position: PG, sometimes SG
strengths: driving to the hoop/getting to the free throw line, mid-range shooting, long-range shooting (I guess offense in general :p), setting up teammates/running an offense,
weaknesses: too small to properly guard bigger PGs, speed and agility have decreased since knee surgery, overaggressive on defense (and someones on offense at general)
achievements: league MVP (1x), all-state (2x), scouted by D-1 schools

[Diatonic Dissonance™]

Gender: Male

Age: 15

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 85kg (about 187lbs)

Position: Um, not sure of the name lmao.

Strengths: Dribbling, fast breaks, defense (interceptions, blocking, etc), multi-hand use, driving, rebounds.

Weakness: Three point shooting, man-on-man defense (although I'm a lot fitter than last time I played so time will tell I guess), free-throws (which is bad seeing as I'm a good driver :upset: ).

Achievements: Team (year 7-10) went undefeated in national comp in 2003, asked to play for numerous rep teams (shut up, I was proud), and a state team. About 10 MPV's and BnF's lmao.

So yeah I cut my hair so my playing is about to get 1,000,000 times better. :thumb:

[On The Edge]

You guys seem to sound a lot better then me, heh.

The thing is I'm best or 2nd best on my team, yet I don't have many strengths (granted we aren't at a very high level). I guess I actually read the game well, probably from watching heaps of Basketball and playing lots and lots of other sports for ages.

[+3kk!]

Gender: Male

Age: 19

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 60kg

Position: Center, PF ( now learning PG / SG)

Strengths: rebounds, diving, assists, gettting fouls, zone defense.

Weakness: dribbling, shooting, man to man defense.

Achievements: school rep ( late learner. started in second year of high school )

[Nath®]

Nath you seem pretty awesome good. What state are you in? I know a state player from sydney/melb (forgot) whos 6'5 and awesome.

Also- how often do you play bball (how many hours a day) and any tips for working on my dribbles?
I'm in NSW, a small country town but I often go to Sydney and Brisbane to play. However, I've also played in America, England, Russia, various parts of Europe and Japan.

For how much I practise, I usually spend 3-5hrs a day in the gym where an hour of that time is devoted solely to basketball. As far as dribbling goes, just practise and practise and practise. From 10 to 15 I dribbled a basketball with me wherever I went. Just do it until it's so natural you don't have to pay any attention at all, then do it again and again and again.

[On The Edge]

I'm in NSW, a small country town but I often go to Sydney and Brisbane to play. However, I've also played in America, England, Russia, various parts of Europe and Japan.

For how much I practise, I usually spend 3-5hrs a day in the gym where an hour of that time is devoted solely to basketball. As far as dribbling goes, just practise and practise and practise. From 10 to 15 I dribbled a basketball with me wherever I went. Just do it until it's so natural you don't have to pay any attention at all, then do it again and again and again.

Thats pretty impressive dude. So what are the other hours of time in gym spent doing? Not just working out surely? And how do you find time for that much time in the gym?

Also, what muscles are used when shooting? I want to get some more strength up for my 3 point range, sometimes my technique gets bad when I'm tired and I don't have enough strength to shoot.

I played about an hour and a half today, played pretty decent. Dribbled on the walk home which was about 30 minutes also, mainly left hand. It felt a lot easier towards the end.

3kk you and me sound sort of similar.

[Nath®]

Thats pretty impressive dude. So what are the other hours of time in gym spent doing? Not just working out surely? And how do you find time for that much time in the gym?
Weights, cycling, running, swimming, boxing.

I'm currently working as a basketball trainer for younger kids so I essentially only have to work two hours a week.

Also, what muscles are used when shooting? I want to get some more strength up for my 3 point range, sometimes my technique gets bad when I'm tired and I don't have enough strength to shoot.
I'm not sure, triceps would be in there somewhere. The best way to strengthen your shooting arm is to shoot (bet you didn't see that coming :p)

[On The Edge]

Weights, cycling, running, swimming, boxing.

I'm currently working as a basketball trainer for younger kids so I essentially only have to work two hours a week.


I'm not sure, triceps would be in there somewhere. The best way to strengthen your shooting arm is to shoot (bet you didn't see that coming :p)

Fitness freak +++

I need to get fit again. Since I went to America I'm ridicously unfit.

When shooting free throws is one foot a bit infront of the other?

Can you dunk by the way? I'm 5'9 and not all that close, my natural jump is pretty horrible. Can you also describe how to do a running jump properly? My standing is bigger at the moment :\

[Nath®]

When shooting free throws is one foot a bit infront of the other?
I place my feet evenly a little bit apart.


Can you dunk by the way? I'm 5'9 and not all that close, my natural jump is pretty horrible. Can you also describe how to do a running jump properly? My standing is bigger at the moment :\
I can dunk quite easily now, on a good day I reach the top of the square off a running jump. As far as running properly goes, it depends which side you are coming in. If you are on your left and going for a left handed dunk, jump off your right foot. If you're on your right, jump off your left. This keeps the balance in your body and makes things a lot smoother.

[On The Edge]

I seem to jump as much forward as up with my running jump :\

[Nath®]

I seem to jump as much forward as up with my running jump :\
:lol:

oh well, just practise I guess.

[dancetomdance182]

It seems like poeple can't shoot here. ..

[+3kk!]

I'm in NSW, a small country town but I often go to Sydney and Brisbane to play. However, I've also played in America, England, Russia, various parts of Europe and Japan.

For how much I practise, I usually spend 3-5hrs a day in the gym where an hour of that time is devoted solely to basketball. As far as dribbling goes, just practise and practise and practise. From 10 to 15 I dribbled a basketball with me wherever I went. Just do it until it's so natural you don't have to pay any attention at all, then do it again and again and again.

thats funny, my country plays basket ball up to 8-9 hours a day and no one is good. we'll lose to philipines and all.

in that single hour what do you do?

[HOTFORTEACHER]

Anytime I get on a solid workout schedule I bulk up I always loose my shot to some degree. I guess its from your arms gaining strength and you then you have to adjust it again. Im 6'4 215 pounds(foward), I work out at least 3 times a week, and play at least 5 hours a week and in the summer I play pretty much everyday. Ive played for leauges here and there. The only thing is that I am right handed and shoot right handed for ever and like 4 years ago I switched to shooting left handed, just joking around, and it stuck. I cant even shoot right handed anymore after shooting right all my life. Its wierd but it brings a edge to my game, I still favore driving right. I can layup/dunk with both eqaully. I just think it throws people off when they see me shoot left. I cant do anything else left handed either.

[Nath®]

thats funny, my country plays basket ball up to 8-9 hours a day and no one is good. we'll lose to philipines and all.

in that single hour what do you do?
Yeah but you forget i've been playing for the better part of the last 12 years. As I said earlier, I used to a take a basketball with me wherever I went, I'd spend entire weekends in the gym shooting a ball as a 10 year old. Now i've played so much I only need to play an hour a day to keep my shot and speed in order. So in that one hour i'll shoot a lot, do plenty of sprints dribbling with both hands, layups and dunks from different positions. Putting shots in on the run and on a fadeaway and accurate long passes.

[On The Edge]

Need some help, Nath maybe.

Refer to my stats above on this page if need be.

One of the leagues I'm playing bball in this year will be higher quality then I'm used to, with proper tryouts etc. I'm 5'9 and will be in an U16 league. I played PF in my old team as we were small and in a small league- however in a higher level league with bigger players (lots over 6 definitely) I don't think I can expect to play a PF anymore. Would Small forward be to difficult at this height? I think it probably will be, not sure though?

So I need to develop into a PG or SG. My dribbling is getting better as is my shooting, I'm getting better at penetrating to the hoop as well. But with the season starting soonish, I'm not sure what to try develop into. Can you list some skills each position needs definitely? So I can decide which would be more appopriate for myself.

[Nath®]

A small forward plays in the back, normally a height advantage helps but if you don't have one it's not impossible. If you look at the game itself, the best forwards in basketball are not the tallest but the strongest. Build up your strength and weight. A good forward directs the inside play by moving themselves, and with that other players around. If you're only 5'9 in a league with tall guys and you're passionate about playing forward, maybe forget about rebounding and focus on a different role. For example, learn to read your opponents and box them out. Basketball is a team game and the best player is not always the one who gets the shots or the blocks. If you can help your C and PF by making any inside competition obselete you will be recognised as a valuable team member.

However, if you don't think you're up to that, then move down to a guard. The greatest guards to ever play the game are those who know the game. Remember, once you become the guard you are essentially the most important player on the team. You set up the plays, control the ball and are usually depended on to hit the big shots. These are the reasons I've always loved to play in the guard position and it's also the reason why i've been lucky enough to play it worldwide. So, to be a good guard, you need three things:
Talent
Knowledge
Determination

So start off with talent, the main things you're expected to do in this role is to dribble, shoot and run the fast breaks. These things will be the easiest to obtain so I suggest you work on them first. Jog and swim whenever you can, build endurance because you will be much more effective if you can run out the game. While you do this, also make special considerations for your short run game, make sure you can sprint, build up your agility and gain a quick first step. Spend time in the gym shooting, work out your own specific way of releasing the shot so it works best for you. Remember, you are the only one who knows exactly how you feel when you let off your shot so cater to your needs. Also, dribble as much as possible, make the ball become an extentsion of your hand. Along with this also practise layups on both hands and varying speeds.

The next thing, knowledge, this is a hard one, the best way to get it is to watch lots of basketball. Not just professionally but also that of your team and your opponents. Learn the way the people you play with react to different plays and learn how the defence reacts to them. Learn how professionals do it, how they run plays, when they make things fast and when they slow things down. The best starting knowledge I can give you as a beginner is that basketball is a game of tempo. The guard controls the tempo, so always make sure you play the ball at the speed your team works best with. This will not only make your team better, but will also interfere with the other teams speed and inturn make them lose concentration.

The third thing is what will make you the best, determination. The difference between a good guard and a great guard is how they react to pressure. It is hard to practise and train your mental ability, most people will say you have to be born with it. The best way I find though, is when you're alone in the gym, convince yourself that the game is on the line and that you need to rise. Drill yourself so hard that you believe it, that you have butterflies in your stomach, a player who rises to the occasion is indespensable. If you are determined with a steely resolve, then you will be your teams greatest asset.

[On The Edge]

A small forward plays in the back, normally a height advantage helps but if you don't have one it's not impossible. If you look at the game itself, the best forwards in basketball are not the tallest but the strongest. Build up your strength and weight. A good forward directs the inside play by moving themselves, and with that other players around. If you're only 5'9 in a league with tall guys and you're passionate about playing forward, maybe forget about rebounding and focus on a different role. For example, learn to read your opponents and box them out. Basketball is a team game and the best player is not always the one who gets the shots or the blocks. If you can help your C and PF by making any inside competition obselete you will be recognised as a valuable team member.

However, if you don't think you're up to that, then move down to a guard. The greatest guards to ever play the game are those who know the game. Remember, once you become the guard you are essentially the most important player on the team. You set up the plays, control the ball and are usually depended on to hit the big shots. These are the reasons I've always loved to play in the guard position and it's also the reason why i've been lucky enough to play it worldwide. So, to be a good guard, you need three things:
Talent
Knowledge
Determination

So start off with talent, the main things you're expected to do in this role is to dribble, shoot and run the fast breaks. These things will be the easiest to obtain so I suggest you work on them first. Jog and swim whenever you can, build endurance because you will be much more effective if you can run out the game. While you do this, also make special considerations for your short run game, make sure you can sprint, build up your agility and gain a quick first step. Spend time in the gym shooting, work out your own specific way of releasing the shot so it works best for you. Remember, you are the only one who knows exactly how you feel when you let off your shot so cater to your needs. Also, dribble as much as possible, make the ball become an extentsion of your hand. Along with this also practise layups on both hands and varying speeds.

The next thing, knowledge, this is a hard one, the best way to get it is to watch lots of basketball. Not just professionally but also that of your team and your opponents. Learn the way the people you play with react to different plays and learn how the defence reacts to them. Learn how professionals do it, how they run plays, when they make things fast and when they slow things down. The best starting knowledge I can give you as a beginner is that basketball is a game of tempo. The guard controls the tempo, so always make sure you play the ball at the speed your team works best with. This will not only make your team better, but will also interfere with the other teams speed and inturn make them lose concentration.

The third thing is what will make you the best, determination. The difference between a good guard and a great guard is how they react to pressure. It is hard to practise and train your mental ability, most people will say you have to be born with it. The best way I find though, is when you're alone in the gym, convince yourself that the game is on the line and that you need to rise. Drill yourself so hard that you believe it, that you have butterflies in your stomach, a player who rises to the occasion is indespensable. If you are determined with a steely resolve, then you will be your teams greatest asset.

You may not post that well in the pit, but that sir, is a bloody good post. I'm actually pretty good on inside plays, but I would prefer to be a guard I think. I do watch quite a lot of basketball- NBA, college, NBL- as much as I can. Fitness/Endurance is something I need to work on a lot- thanks for the reminder. I've also started to do gym 3x a week to build up strength and muscle. How do I build speed/agility? I discovered I have a pretty good first step, pretty fast so that I can get past a player quite well sometimes, though I still need practice on that. My shooting is ok, except when I'm tired-then my shots go bad. How good does my 3 point ability have to be as a guard? Any specific dribbling exercises? Or is just dribbling itself good enough?
Are you a SG or PG? Which do you reckon I should try be? What are the main differences in skills required?


Great advice and thanks for the help.

[Nath®]

Haha, yes my posting in the pit leaves a lot to improve upon.

Okay, to train your speed you need to work on your power, endurance, technique and flexibility. The best way to do this is to do high intesity sprinting:

Stretch for 15-20 minutes beforehand (it seems like a long time but it makes a big difference) and then do a slow jog for around 400m to wake up your muscles. One you're ready, do a 100m sprint, stop and countdown from 30 (jog on the spot) then run 200m, jog on the spot and count down from 20 and run another 100m, then count down from 10 and sprint another 200m. This kind of training is very hard on your body, so push yourself, but don't over do it. Slowly increase how often you can do it and if you think you're able to, push up the distances you sprint. This will not only help your speed but it will also help your jump. Improve your technique by concentrating your sprint into something smooth and liquid. A jerky sprinter will always go slower than a smooth sprinter of the same ability. Another good tip is every now and then, find a gradual incline and sprint down that, this will increase your stride length making you faster.

For agility, mark out some cones or markers in a square and practise going around them, when you feel like you've done the best you can, move the square in a little closer. Concentrating the distance will help excersise how fast you have to change direction.

The main difference between a PG and a SG is the shooting ability. Where a PG runs the offense and protects the back court, the SG is the scorer. Therefore if you're shooting is mediocre, I would suggest running the PG. For dribbling excersises, apart from dribbling as often as you can, try doing that agility excersise I posted above will dribbling. At first it will slow you down but once you become familiar with the course and the ball it should get easier.

I personally play point guard as often as possible, not just because I've trained for that position and I am suited to it, but I'm a player who likes to be in control of the game. To play as the point guard is essentially an extennsion of the coach on the floor- if you're serious about going for that position be aware that you are going to be expected to lead the team. Take critiscm when it's due but don't let others cloud your better judgement. As a PG you will be expected to know the game better than anyone else on the court so don't hesitate to invest in your own idea of how the game should play out. Be confident in your resolve but not overpowering- if you can prove to the rest of the team you can lead them to a win in a pressure situation they'll respect you for it and trust you later on.

[On The Edge]

Thanks again for the advice-

I'd probably prefer PG- I'm a decent shooter I guess except for 3's, but probably not SG good. As a PG I also need to work on passing a lot I assume? Also, tips for guard defence?

Will my inside play and penetrating to the hoop help as PG? I'm pretty decent at both of them.

[Nath®]

Anything you can do will help, as a PG you'll often end up both inside and out. A good skill is learning to drive hard and then dish off quickly and accurately. As for guard defence, you'll be playing on the outside so you'll have to learn to read the offense instinctively, in particular you'll need to learn to recognise the body language of a player who plans to pass off compared to one who plans to drive. With driving players you'll need to learn to use your feet to stay infront instead of your arms. Cutting players off and driving them into corners and taking charges are also skills that come in handy. Passing is very important as well, the three fundamentals for a good pass are fast, solid (make sure it goes the full distance) and accurate. Practise using various lobs, bounce-passes and thrusts to use in various situations. While doing this make sure you work on no-look and behind the back passes, they not only look good from the crowd but they are much harder to read then normal passes if you can pull them off discreetly.

[On The Edge]

Any tips exercises for practicing passes by myself?

Thanks for the help again, I'm sure I'll have more Q's tomorrow.

[Nath®]

Find a spot on a wall (a brick or something) and practise different passes to it with both hands from varying distances, be as fast, hard and as accurate as possible.

lol, and don't mention it, advice is free as far as basketball's concerned.

[nitzguy]

well yesterday i played basketball for the first time in several months.. man did i suck. i couldn't shoot or dribble.. i was good on D, but thats about it.

gender: male

age: 23

height: 6'1

weight: 165

position: PG, SG

strengths: dribbling, man-on-man defense, can use both hands well, drive and dish, driving to the rim, passing

weakness: shooting, creating my own shot

achievements: none... but i do coach a pee-wee league

[badtaste]

Age: 17

Height: 172 cm (that's around 5'7, i think)

Weight: 62kg.

Position: No idea really. I'm a casual basketballer and only began playing moderately seriously a few months ago. But since I'm short and fast, and not the greatest shooter, I'll call myself a guard.

strengths: Mmm... speed? A bit of rebounding, a bit of passing, but my greatest strength would possible be my competetiveness. Oh, and I like to think I'm more than good in soccer and AFL football.

weaknesses: Well, I'm still a novice, so I'm crap at everything. I play a mean NBA live though.

achievements: Nothing in basketball.

By the way, do basketball shoes increase your vertical leap slightly? I'm a few centimetres short of touching the ring when doing a running jump. I probably still wouldn't buy basketball shoes though; I wouldn't use them enough.

[On The Edge]

5'7 and just short of touching seems pretty impressive to me. I have a shocking jump though :|.

What position do you play in AFL? I'm guessing ya play centre/wing/rover or one of the half possies?

[badtaste]

5'7 and just short of touching seems pretty impressive to me. I have a shocking jump though :|.

What position do you play in AFL? I'm guessing ya play centre/wing/rover or one of the half possies?

I can play anywhere. Back at my old high school, I even played ruck for a game or two (VERY short crap team). But yeah, I'm a jack of all trades.

[Nath®]

I can play anywhere. Back at my old high school, I even played ruck for a game or two (VERY short crap team). But yeah, I'm a jack of all trades.
Our school team won the state aussie rules competition 5 or 6 years in a row for both juniors and seniors. Of course we're in NSW so everyone we play sucks but if we lived 25kms north we would smash your ***...

Not that I play :p

[badtaste]

Howdy again everyone.

Before I start, thanks for the advice on shooting. My set shot shooting has really, really improved. That release off the index finger was the final piece of the puzzle.

Just one question:
- Any tips on the jump shot? Right now, I've working on my basic baby jump shot (more like a slight jump off the set shot). That's working fine, but I'm just wondering if there's a proper method or alt. method.

Apologies if anyone has gone through this before; I'm too lazy to dig through the thread.

[Nath®]

Nothing really, release the shot at the peak of your jump. Try and do it in one motion- use the power of your legs as you push off the ground in addition to your arms for a longer shot.

[badtaste]

Nothing really, release the shot at the peak of your jump. Try and do it in one motion- use the power of your legs as you push off the ground in addition to your arms for a longer shot.

Mmm, sounds good. I just find it hard to really concentrate while I'm jumping and aiming for the ring.

[+3kk!]

issit better to practice a normal shot first before attempting a jump shot?

[Sandtrap]

sometimes a jumper comes more natural than a set, so really it doesnt matter what you practice first, its just whatever you want. I know I used to jump when I shot all the time, just recently have I started not jumping when I shoot. Its all about what comes naturally to you. But I would always rather have a good jumper than set, you can use it more becuase you can jump from the outside and inside. you cant really set from the inside, unless you like getting stuffed.

[Sandtrap]

Mmm, sounds good. I just find it hard to really concentrate while I'm jumping and aiming for the ring.

your thinking way way to much. Dont think about doing it right just do it. Break it down and work on each part at a time.
* First work on jumping and realeasing at the highest point of your shot. Dont shoot the basket just jump and shoot the ball. it doesnt matter were you shoot it, dont concentrate on aiming the shot just concentrate on releasing the ball. Work on this step for a while, like 1 week or so.
* The work on jumping and passing. Its alot easier to pass the ball to a player then to shoot the ball into the hoop. This step shouldn't be worked on for very long. Its just to work on thinking about several things at once, only dont think, let your body think for you.
* Next put it all togther and by then your body should remeber abotu relelasing the ball at the hight of your jump, you just have to shoot the ball well now. Its going to take some work, but if you really want it you can get it.

The entire idea is to get the first step into a little thing called "muscle memory". That just means you dont have to think about it, your muscles just do it, which is basicly what your having trouble with. Dont think during the shot or the jump or anything, just do it.

[TurnOnTheLight]

issit better to practice a normal shot first before attempting a jump shot?

A normal shot is a jump shot. I can't imagine shooting without it being a jumper. Unless you are talking about a hook, baby hook, floater, runner, bank shot, or any of the other various shots there are.

[TurnOnTheLight]

Nothing really, release the shot at the peak of your jump. Try and do it in one motion- use the power of your legs as you push off the ground in addition to your arms for a longer shot.

Yeah, you also have to figure out what your "balance" is. Some guys are more arm than leg strength on a jumper and some guys are more leg than arm. The only bad thing is I was a leg guy until I screwed up my knee sophmore year then I had to learn to be more of an arm guy the next year and it set me back a ways.

[badtaste]

A normal shot is a jump shot. I can't imagine shooting without it being a jumper. Unless you are talking about a hook, baby hook, floater, runner, bank shot, or any of the other various shots there are.

Isn't a normal shot just a set shot (FT shot)?

Yeh, thanks for the advice everyone. Haven't worked on my bball lately, it's been around 40 degrees recently.

[nowitzki]

Age: 20
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 200lbs
Position: 3/4
strengths: Defense , I usually do a good job matching up with anyone, whether they are bigger/smaller. Offensive desicions, and general control.
weaknesses: Consistency, my biggest problem. Some days I feel unstoppable offenively, other days I just can't get things to go.
achievements: Won various trophys for winning local leagues/tournaments. Won MVP of my under 18s team, and MIP my first year of uni.

The standard of basketball in the UK is clearly not at all close to the level in the US, but I've been playing for about 8 years, and play at a decent standard.
By the way, do basketball shoes increase your vertical leap slightly? I'm a few centimetres short of touching the ring when doing a running jump. I probably still wouldn't buy basketball shoes though; I wouldn't use them enough.
Not really, they just support your ankles.

[Dinosawesome]

Yeah, basketball shoes support your ankles and your knees by absorbing the shock of landing and quick stop/starts.

[+3kk!]

A normal shot is a jump shot. I can't imagine shooting without it being a jumper. Unless you are talking about a hook, baby hook, floater, runner, bank shot, or any of the other various shots there are.

oh....in my country jump shots are well advised against. normal shots are shots that the player dont even leave the ground, we have the weirdest shooting styles from it.

[nowitzki]

What country are you from? That seems strange seeing as you can hardly use that shot in a game situation.

[Little Android Man]

um... go steelers!

[Dinosawesome]

oh....in my country jump shots are well advised against. normal shots are shots that the player dont even leave the ground, we have the weirdest shooting styles from it.
Are you sure you don't have the meaning of jump shot mixed up? Just a simple jump straight into the air (doesn't have to be any more than a few inches) with a release midair. I can't imagine why anyone would advise against it, it's an accurate shot which allows you get above defenders and has a greater range because of the addition of the jumping momentum.

[Sandtrap]

oh....in my country jump shots are well advised against. normal shots are shots that the player dont even leave the ground, we have the weirdest shooting styles from it.

do you mean they advise you not the jump when shooting at teh FT line? becuase any other part of the floor you would want to jump...I dont understand...

[+3kk!]

What country are you from? That seems strange seeing as you can hardly use that shot in a game situation.

malaysia, not really a sport country. we seriously get all sorts of weird shots here and there, above head two handed, throw from the waist area.

Are you sure you don't have the meaning of jump shot mixed up? Just a simple jump straight into the air (doesn't have to be any more than a few inches) with a release midair. I can't imagine why anyone would advise against it, it's an accurate shot which allows you get above defenders and has a greater range because of the addition of the jumping momentum.

no i didnt mix it up, we dont have coaches except for higher levels so almost everyone has terrible technique. apprently its a believe that its less accurate and we dont really need to jump to advoid defenders as we are a short bunch. there are jump shooters but if you are a beginner its well advised against.

do you mean they advise you not the jump when shooting at teh FT line? becuase any other part of the floor you would want to jump...I dont understand...

nah, i;ve seen people nail 10 shots in a 15 shot game without jumping. our playing culture is we go to any court, join the game and start playing. so a lot of weird habits start to come, two handed "forced" layup, weird shooting styles etc...et..c.

[Nath®]

Well for a beginner to become more experienced, all they have to do is practise. Advising a beginner not to practise is some pretty poor advice.

[On The Edge]

Tips on defense, both as a guard and as an inside player?

And drills to practice, preferably by myself so I can do them more often

[EnAyTeeHaytch]

Defense... Well as a guard you're trying to stop ball movement and force a turnover. The easiest way to do this is to get in the ball handlers face. However, don't get carried away. Don't let yourself get out too far (a couple of feet past the three point line) and don't allow yourself to be put in a bad position. A lot of ball handlers will leave the ball open to you so you can see it, don't be fooled, they are still in control and are just waiting for you to go for it and get out of position. So in a nut shell, stay infront of them, block of inside pass routes (make them put the ball in the corners) and once the ball is stopped play very very tight because that is when an offensive opponent is at their weakest. Once the ball is stopped, be ready to pick off the pass- this will require you to anticipate where they're going, use signs such as the direction they're facing, where they're looking and where the open players are on the court.

There's not many drills you can do alone, you're best to just take turns defending someone of similar skill. However, you can practise your sidesteps and getting back into position- a good defender uses their agility to cut off and force the turnover.

Inside play is a little easier, just stay between your opponent and the hoop. Use your body and be the first one in position. Force them to go through you because most of the time they wont. Make them shoot over you and then box them out for easy rebounds. There aren't many drills for this either so just practise taking rebounds and moving into position. Don't let yourself be drawn out too far because as soon as you open up the key, you give gaurds the opportunity to drive (which is never a good thing).

[+3kk!]

damn, my C/PF convertion of SG/PG needs a lot of work. any tips on where should i start?

now i am currently looking at increasing my ball control skills and my far/mid range shooting. is it a right path

[badtaste]

Hey Nath, you gave a nice summary on the SF's role before. How about summaries on the other positions as well?

About defence, can anyone tell me what the limits of contact are? I still can't tell if I'm fouling my opposite or not.

[dazmo]

I ref basketball and i live in Aus, so there shouldn't be any rule variations. ok this is what they tell us, if your defending the dribbler, and you make and contact with them its a foul UNLESS your facing them, not moving, your feet were on the ground and you were there first, in which case its a charge. ref's are usually jerks, they usually make really stupid calls when it should be a charge. the only other fouls you can get are tech n unsportsman like. i hope that helped:)

[EnAyTeeHaytch]

damn, my C/PF convertion of SG/PG needs a lot of work. any tips on where should i start?

now i am currently looking at increasing my ball control skills and my far/mid range shooting. is it a right path
Start off with the basics, so shooting, dribbling and passing. No matter how good you are, you can always do more on the basics. So before you begin and after you finish practise, do a few laps of the court dribbling both hands. Take shots from different positions, vary the style of shot as well. Then get another guy and practise fast, accurate passes. If there's noone else there, pick a spot on the wall and practise passing to it. Once you're confident, starting incorporating the basics into more complex plays like running shots, layups and fadeaways.

Hey Nath, you gave a nice summary on the SF's role before. How about summaries on the other positions as well?
Haha, well, not right now- but i'll put it on my to do list.

[+3kk!]

Start off with the basics, so shooting, dribbling and passing. No matter how good you are, you can always do more on the basics. So before you begin and after you finish practise, do a few laps of the court dribbling both hands. Take shots from different positions, vary the style of shot as well. Then get another guy and practise fast, accurate passes. If there's noone else there, pick a spot on the wall and practise passing to it. Once you're confident, starting incorporating the basics into more complex plays like running shots, layups and fadeaways.

thanks, one question on passing. my passing is quite ok due to my PF/C style of playing, so is it wise to play single handed passes and assists? or should i go with the basic two handed chest pass? ive been playing single handed passes for a long time and its the best working but it could also be that the people i play with arent good pass stealers.


I ref basketball and i live in Aus, so there shouldn't be any rule variations. ok this is what they tell us, if your defending the dribbler, and you make and contact with them its a foul UNLESS your facing them, not moving, your feet were on the ground and you were there first, in which case its a charge. ref's are usually jerks, they usually make really stupid calls when it should be a charge. the only other fouls you can get are tech n unsportsman like.

i still dont quite understand that, a lot of steals that happened on me have some contact with the hand or body. would that make a foul?

[Illmatic]

thanks, one question on passing. my passing is quite ok due to my PF/C style of playing, so is it wise to play single handed passes and assists? or should i go with the basic two handed chest pass? ive been playing single handed passes for a long time and its the best working but it could also be that the people i play with arent good pass stealers.

It all depends. Usually with bounce passes I used one hand (I found it gives me better control) but with chest passes you are better off using two hands.

[EnAyTeeHaytch]

The best way is to practise both- the more you can do, the more valuable you'll be as a player.

[+3kk!]

though i find it kinda hard to understand the usage of the basic pass. its fast and direct thats for sure but at a norm you cant really use it unless your team mate is seriously open.

[EnAyTeeHaytch]

I find I can put a lot more power behind a two handed pass compared to a one handed one. Also, with two hands my passes are a lot more accurate.

If your teammates are moving then being open shouldn't be a problem either.

[nitzguy]

if you hit someone in the act of shooting, its a foul. if they are dribbling and you touch them you should be ok for the most part, unless youre really hitting them hard.

also when blocking a shot: alot of times people will do shot fakes you get the defender up in the air... this can mean alot of things. the shooter can bump into the defender and its a foul on the defender. the shooter can fake it so they can have a better shot at the basket. when this happens most shooters think the defender has given up, but the second i hit the ground, i'm jumping right back in their face to block the shot again. you gotta be careful though.

[+3kk!]

if you hit someone in the act of shooting, its a foul. if they are dribbling and you touch them you should be ok for the most part, unless youre really hitting them hard..

a lot of times i get people who just rush into the person to get a steal, at most times even pushing the player away from the ball.

btw, any tips on defending a larger person? players where height and strengh outmatches you?

[Nath®]

There's no easy way to play on a larger and stronger opponent. Mainly, use whatever advantage you have on them, quick hands, good positioning. If you can annoy them enough, they'll get frustrated and start making stupid plays and shots. Just keep your cool and don't give up.

[dancetomdance182]

Just get good positioning, and don't foul them. Keep your hands up if they're attacking.

[Illmatic]

btw, any tips on defending a larger person? players where height and strengh outmatches you?

Usually you're quicker than he is, so move your feet and always try to keep him in front of you. Keep your hands up and your arms always moving. Don't be afraid to get physical or otherwise annoy the hell out of him.

If he posts you up, just try your hardest to keep your ground, and hell you might have to flop to get a charge every once in a while.

BTW, NBA teams use this same strategy to stop Dirk Nowitzki (players like T-Mac and Paul Pierce always have more success guarding him than bigger, slower players that Dirk can beat off the dribble)

[+3kk!]

Usually you're quicker than he is, so move your feet and always try to keep him in front of you. Keep your hands up and your arms always moving. Don't be afraid to get physical or otherwise annoy the hell out of him.

If he posts you up, just try your hardest to keep your ground, and hell you might have to flop to get a charge every once in a while.

BTW, NBA teams use this same strategy to stop Dirk Nowitzki (players like T-Mac and Paul Pierce always have more success guarding him than bigger, slower players that Dirk can beat off the dribble)

i can get behind, that aint the problem. but we play by streetball rules so there aint no charging. the problem comes when he starts to get physical and gets the better posistion.

btw, how the heck you practice stealing?

[dancetomdance182]

i can get behind, that aint the problem. but we play by streetball rules so there aint no charging. the problem comes when he starts to get physical and gets the better posistion.

btw, how the heck you practice stealing?

You just have to know the right moment to steal. You have to be agile with your hands and quick. The easiest way of stealing is clogging the passing lanes. If the player you are guarding can dribble well, it would be really difficult to steal the ball from. However, if he is not that good, then you can trap him and stop his dribbling. Then, he won't be able to move therefore you can go for the steal then. It is dangerous to go for the steal when your opponent is dribbling becuase :
1. You might go for the steal and the opponent will have the freedom to attack the basket.
2. You will most likely hit his hand/arm and foul him.
3. You play streetball, so if you go for the steal, he might cross you up.

[Apathy]

Age: 13

Height: 5"6

Weight: 125 pounds

Position: SF/PF/C

Strengths:

Post-up, foul shooting, baseline shots, elbow shots, drive, hook, defense, boards.

Weaknesses:

Ballhandling, three-point shooting, passing, I get into foul trouble (4 fouls a game)

Achievements:

Play rep, school...other things too.

[Illmatic]

You just have to know the right moment to steal. You have to be agile with your hands and quick. The easiest way of stealing is clogging the passing lanes. If the player you are guarding can dribble well, it would be really difficult to steal the ball from. However, if he is not that good, then you can trap him and stop his dribbling. Then, he won't be able to move therefore you can go for the steal then. It is dangerous to go for the steal when your opponent is dribbling becuase :
1. You might go for the steal and the opponent will have the freedom to attack the basket.
2. You will most likely hit his hand/arm and foul him.
3. You play streetball, so if you go for the steal, he might cross you up.

Also, near the end of the game, guys start dribbling high if they're really tired (as in, they'll be standing straight up and try to dribble with the ball starting above their waist) and that's an ideal time to steal the ball.

[nitzguy]

you'll need quick hands. most of the time when i steal a ball its when their looking for someone to pass to.

also you kind of have to bait them(try not to get burned), what i mean by that is you have to give the impression that youre backed off, and use the hand quickness to poke the ball out.

play low

[+3kk!]

thanks for all your info mates you all been a good help. anyway lets change the topic instead of a basketball noob asking all sorts of questions.

whats the weridst or most hard to believe shot you've experienced in a game ?

mines one guy doing a 3 point layup from the side. we were goofing around playing a friendly game then one of the guys ran to the side of the court and did a layup kind of shot, he just threw the ball at the basket and it went in. once in a life time shot though

[Dinosawesome]

We were leading by about 80 points so we were attempting crazy shots in the second half and our center hit a behind the back shot from halfcourt.

[nitzguy]

it t'was a windy day outside , i was about 16, shooting free throws, i shot a bullet at the basket in disgust of my crappy shooting. Well, it went in, and it wrapped around and went in the basket again... i was fu'cking stunned!.. None of my friends believes me.

[dancetomdance182]

it t'was a windy day outside , i was about 16, shooting free throws, i shot a bullet at the basket in disgust of my crappy shooting. Well, it went in, and it wrapped around and went in the basket again... i was fu'cking stunned!.. None of my friends believes me.

So basically it went in came back down and went back again?

[nitzguy]

So basically it went in came back down and went back again?

it sorta got hooked on the net, and the ball went in, swooped around, and went back in the basket.

think swinging over the bar on a swingset

[Dinosawesome]

it t'was a windy day outside , i was about 16, shooting free throws, i shot a bullet at the basket in disgust of my crappy shooting. Well, it went in, and it wrapped around and went in the basket again... i was fu'cking stunned!.. None of my friends believes me.
I've seen that happen in an NBA game.

[dancetomdance182]

I've seen that happen in an NBA game.

Did the basket count twice?

[Dinosawesome]

Nope, just 2 points, the crowds reaction was pretty funny.

[nitzguy]

awesome, who was it?

[dazmo]

today was my first game of the year, and a guy head butted my, and i got a nose bleed. we still kicked their butts :cool:

[Dinosawesome]

awesome, who was it?
Umm, not sure, I think he played for Indiana though.

I've got my first game tomorrow, I'm out of form but I'm still expected to lead us to another victory with my high scoring antics. I'll give you an update on how that goes tomorrow.

[dazmo]

I've got my first game tomorrow, I'm out of form but I'm still expected to lead us to another victory with my high scoring antics. I'll give you an update on how that goes tomorrow.

Cool, pretty much everyone was out of form, it was a really low scoring game (1st qtr- 2-4, 2nd qtr 4-6) but we did better in the second half, and as i'm tiny and play guard i dont do a lot of shooting in a game, but i did today:D

[Illmatic]

Here's a quick question: why can't white people remember that it's "Pick and Roll" and not "Pick and wander over the three point line"?

I've noticed it in high school, in intra-mural, and in pickup games. White guys will set a pick and then hang out on the perimeter. What the hell? You set a pick, you head to the hoop, I feed you the ball, you score. That's how it works. It's a simple play, and Karl Malone is going to the Hall of Fame because of it.

So why are white people enamored with the jump shot? Are you afraid of looking clumsy and awkward? Are you afraid of contact inside? Someone please enlighten me.

[nowitzki]

Here's a quick question: why can't white people remember that it's "Pick and Roll" and not "Pick and wander over the three point line"?
Because white guys can shoot. And 3 is worth more than 2.

To be fair, pick and pop is often a good method to use if the picking player is a good shooter, in his range. But your natural reaction should usually be to roll.

I've been really happy with my game recently, I've been dunking comfortably, and my shot has been on.
Why does this always happen when the season is about to finish :upset:

[Illmatic]

Because white guys can shoot. And 3 is worth more than 2.

A layup is a higher percentage shot than a three pointer.

[nowitzki]

I was slighty joking with that first line. Obviously if there is a clear lane to the basket then you should roll, but there isn't always.

[On The Edge]

Any reccomendations on some plyrometrics program? I have a pretty (read: very) white jump.

Also, what can I expect for tryouts into a decent club team? Haven't been to any before, want to make sure i'm prepared.

[nowitzki]

Usually teams want players with good fundamentals. Good footwork, good off the ball movement, good desicion making. Also expect to be running drills, so it helps if you can pick them up quickly. Obviously play intensely, but stay smart, don't be reckless.

[Dinosawesome]

Well it turns out I'm on the verge of being kicked out of both the local comps I play in. I wasn't aware that players were only supposed to score under 80 points a game- must be a new rule.

Bball round here sucks.

[Illmatic]

Well it turns out I'm on the verge of being kicked out of both the local comps I play in. I wasn't aware that players were only supposed to score under 80 points a game- must be a new rule

I know Australians are bad basketball players but I doubt that you score 80 points a game.

Also, what can I expect for tryouts into a decent club team? Haven't been to any before, want to make sure i'm prepared.

They like stamina and work ethic; you will probably do a lot of running so be prepared for that. And as for skills, coaches definitely notice guys who can play D and can move without the ball.

[badtaste]

Howdy everyone, long time no visit this thread.

Just a few questions:
1. If I dive onto the ball, what can I do next with it? Am I allowed to get back up and continue dribbling?

2. I still have no idea as to what I should do about a player driving in hard against me. I'm able to stick with him, but he'll just stop and pull off a fadeaway.

[dazmo]

ok 1. you can dive on a ball, but if you get back up, even if you arent dribbling its a travel. pretty much the only thing you can do is pass it, or try to get fouled.

2. I dont really get what you're saying, but if you just stand there, both feet on the ground, you're facing them, and you were there first it'll be called a charge

No basketball for dazmo this weekend as he its a long weekend:)

[Fish]

also if you dive for the ball call a time out or something, unless you have guys who are clearly open.

and yeah, taking the charge is a risky play, you gotta be sure you have the right position.

[dazmo]

also if you dive for the ball call a time out or something, unless you have guys who are clearly open.

and yeah, taking the charge is a risky play, you gotta be sure you have the right position.
and most refs would rather call the block, than the charge, i dont know why...yeah im a ref :upset:

[badtaste]

2. I dont really get what you're saying, but if you just stand there, both feet on the ground, you're facing them, and you were there first it'll be called a charge



So, we start at the three point line. He pulls off all these moves and eventuall drives into the key. I'm fast enough to keep up with him, but as soon as he gets close to the rim and if i've got him covered there, he'll just pull off a fadeaway.

In other words, I'm able to stop him laying up the ball, but if I do so, he'll just shoot on me. I need to know how to stop the mofo.

[dazmo]

So, we start at the three point line. He pulls off all these moves and eventuall drives into the key. I'm fast enough to keep up with him, but as soon as he gets close to the rim and if i've got him covered there, he'll just pull off a fadeaway.

In other words, I'm able to stop him laying up the ball, but if I do so, he'll just shoot on me. I need to know how to stop the mofo.
kick him in the shins, get someone to distract the ref:thumb:

[Dinosawesome]

I know Australians are bad basketball players but I doubt that you score 80 points a game.
Well when you've played nationally for Australia all over the world and you're up against kids who are barely coordinated enough to walk, it's very possible.

[dazmo]

Well when you've played nationally for Australia all over the world and you're up against kids who are barely coordinated enough to walk, it's very possible.
I play against people like that all the time...you know, the people who play Nationally:(

[On The Edge]

Well when you've played nationally for Australia all over the world and you're up against kids who are barely coordinated enough to walk, it's very possible.

Not doubting but uhh get some stats from a site or something. I'm sure you can as you've played nationals etc and you can for some state players. Just interested

[badtaste]

kick him in the shins, get someone to distract the ref:thumb:

Mmm... by the way, this is casual/serious basketball i'm talking about.

[dazmo]

Mmm... by the way, this is casual/serious basketball i'm talking about.
yeah sorry, ask your team mates

[+3kk!]

i wanna ask whats the diffrence between streetball and an organised game?

[Dinosawesome]

Not doubting but uhh get some stats from a site or something. I'm sure you can as you've played nationals etc and you can for some state players. Just interested
alright (http://www.ais.org.au/basketball/jawai.asp)

[dazmo]

i wanna ask whats the diffrence between streetball and an organised game?
street ball is practically rule-less. personally, i hate street ball, but i gues its coz i ref and i now know the rules, and it peeves me when they dont play properly. I guess all refs would be like that in a way, or they wouldnt be tough enough. organised games, people get called for travels, fouls, double dribbles, everything, streetball you'd get called of out-of-bounds or a really bad foul. generally travelling is allowed

[dazmo]

alright (http://www.ais.org.au/basketball/jawai.asp)
you live in canberra:amaze:

[nowitzki]

alright (http://www.ais.org.au/basketball/jawai.asp)
How big are you?

[On The Edge]

alright (http://www.ais.org.au/basketball/jawai.asp)

Embarassed to post your real stats? I don't see any other reason for that :\

[Dinosawesome]

Embarassed to post your real stats? I don't see any other reason for that :\
What are you talking about?

If you're so great lets see your stats?

[+3kk!]

street ball is practically rule-less. personally, i hate street ball, but i gues its coz i ref and i now know the rules, and it peeves me when they dont play properly. I guess all refs would be like that in a way, or they wouldnt be tough enough. organised games, people get called for travels, fouls, double dribbles, everything, streetball you'd get called of out-of-bounds or a really bad foul. generally travelling is allowed

then what you call a game that travelling is not allowed, doubles and hard fouls. and the foul doesnt lead to a free throw.

[Dave293]

^ Probably streetball. Streetbal doesn't really have set rules it's just what the people playing want to play.

[+3kk!]

^ Probably streetball. Streetbal doesn't really have set rules it's just what the people playing want to play.

probably true, bah i play street ball.....

[On The Edge]

What are you talking about?

If you're so great lets see your stats?

I never said I was great. You said you have played nationals. I was just interested to see some stats, not the profile of some random.

[badtaste]

Streetball is retarded. It's almost embarrassing, if you're not any good. I went out to play bball with a friend, and it turned out he was a 'streetballa'. Really embarrassing.

BTW, Nath, you're in the AIS? That's cool.

[+3kk!]

Streetball is retarded. It's almost embarrassing, if you're not any good. I went out to play bball with a friend, and it turned out he was a 'streetballa'. Really embarrassing.

BTW, Nath, you're in the AIS? That's cool.

retarded? embarrassing? in what way? the street ball i play is ok, no weird moves and such. but also we arent into the"OMG, AND1" thingy so its really normal bball with minimal rules.

the only thing i can complain about streetball is that supporting players and team players dont get much credit, its mostly one man show all the way.

i'd love to play organised bball, just that i dont have the chance...

[Dinosawesome]

I never said I was great. You said you have played nationals. I was just interested to see some stats, not the profile of some random.
My stats in nationals are pretty average, it's only when I come back