As we grow up we all learn the adage, "Don't judge a book by its cover." However, we also learned through life experience that a book with a cover that is tattered and torn smudged with dirt and in poor condition is not something you just bought in the store.
For good or for bad our idealistic understanding must combine with life experience and teach us that more often than not, things really are as they appear. The tension between these two understandings has come to a head in the NBA in 2005-2006 when they initiated their new dress code.
Critics claim the dress code is aimed at suppressing the hip-hop culture that has become prominent in basketball, and others say it keeps the players from expressing their true identities. However an increasing number understand that the dress code the NBA initiated is good for many reasons.
Refocus on the sport
While the NBA dress code prohibited things that are definitely identified with hip-hop culture, it sometimes can represent their main defense that they want to continue to draw attention to the good things about the sport and its athleticism. The NBA requires players to dress in business casual attire when off the court representing the NBA at events and to not wear sunglasses indoors, throwback jerseys, baggy shorts or anything that seems unseemly or unprofessional. The purpose of this new dress code is look at NBA stars as well-trained, disciplined athletes. This refocusing on the sport of basketball hopes to reduce both violence and increase respect.
Reinvent heroes
Every sport and professional team has players they would like to lift up as role models. They want their player to be someone a child or adult can look to for inspiration to do better in their life and become more successful. Every sport also has people that they wish would not be lifted up as examples in any way, shape or form. Basketball is no exception. However, basketball has a chance with its high-profile games to lift up heroes who show a disciplined approach to life. Basketball is a difficult sport requiring not only strength, but agility, skill and planning. By showing athletes who are professionals, they reveal their prowess and their ability to listen, take direction and learn.
Cultivate a culture of class
The NBA of the last few years has been plagued with a culture of violence and disrespect. Even video games representing NBA players feature options which include trash talking as part of the game player's experience. In helping to win back both audiences and respect to this national sport, the NBA must re-create their culture to be one of class, focused and respectful behavior. By encouraging their players to dress appropriately both on and off the court they can reduce the level of violence in each arena and allow people to see the athletes and the sport in a better light.
Most businesses, large or small have the right to tell their employees how to dress to make that business appear to function efficiently, professionally and smoothly. The NBA is a sport and a business. Hopefully this move will return fans to the center of the game.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/
Friday, April 24, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Most Exciting Teams to Watch This NBA Season
These are exciting times. NBA season is building up and so is the feverish pitch among anticipating audiences. The mood and atmosphere is simply electrifying. It's a time to take stock and find out which team is going to brave the NBA heat better than others. There are quite a few teams with a decent chance to win the upcoming season.
There are 6 to 7 teams who may eventually make it towards the goal. There are at least 3 dozen players who you would like to watch even.
Those who think that they know all about NBA would impulsively pick Lakers. They have the services of Andrew Bynum. Paul Gasol is no small engine either. Their match against the Celtics was a little peeving and it bothered the hell out of most of their fans and lobbyists. Not only was the sheen and vitality missing in their plot, even the Lakers' character was completely haywire. Lot of mispasses and unsynchronized play was enough to raise seeds of doubts in the minds of even the most earnest fans.
The problem is that the team cannot reunite around Kobe. He is too talented but at the same time, trifle selfish with his moves. It could still be tolerable with Shaquille around. Now the issue has taken ridiculous dimensions. Let's take a look at another team - the San Antonio Spurs.
Spurs fill us with hope. They have been unyielding since the last century. They have that right kind of Prometheus' touch. They are old, caged, and craggy but one can be sure they would come out hard. But age is no criteria to outcast a team. One can only patiently wait to see the outcome.
Manu Ginobili should be fighting fit by the time the season gets round the corner. Agreed that their show was below-par in their loss against the Lakers this conference final, they had put up a resilient display against the touted Hornets; and this was despite a mélange of injuries. Spurs belong to the league every bit and we can ubiquitously root for them just one more time.
Detroit cannot be singled out with a greater chance than others but well they really belong. They are an all-muscle team with right kind of defensive strategies. No player is greater than another and the team gels as a unit. Pistons play old school football. It does not win them applauds but do enough to win them championships.
We have lost the magic of the Michael Jordan's and Shaquille O' Neal's and perhaps it is quite difficult to reproduce those once in a blue moon players but plenty of teams have the right kind of talent to bring to this great carnival. Here is hoping that the show is not a party pooper.
Author : Gen
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Most-Exciting-Teams-to-Watch-This-NBA-Season/1055596
There are 6 to 7 teams who may eventually make it towards the goal. There are at least 3 dozen players who you would like to watch even.
Those who think that they know all about NBA would impulsively pick Lakers. They have the services of Andrew Bynum. Paul Gasol is no small engine either. Their match against the Celtics was a little peeving and it bothered the hell out of most of their fans and lobbyists. Not only was the sheen and vitality missing in their plot, even the Lakers' character was completely haywire. Lot of mispasses and unsynchronized play was enough to raise seeds of doubts in the minds of even the most earnest fans.
The problem is that the team cannot reunite around Kobe. He is too talented but at the same time, trifle selfish with his moves. It could still be tolerable with Shaquille around. Now the issue has taken ridiculous dimensions. Let's take a look at another team - the San Antonio Spurs.
Spurs fill us with hope. They have been unyielding since the last century. They have that right kind of Prometheus' touch. They are old, caged, and craggy but one can be sure they would come out hard. But age is no criteria to outcast a team. One can only patiently wait to see the outcome.
Manu Ginobili should be fighting fit by the time the season gets round the corner. Agreed that their show was below-par in their loss against the Lakers this conference final, they had put up a resilient display against the touted Hornets; and this was despite a mélange of injuries. Spurs belong to the league every bit and we can ubiquitously root for them just one more time.
Detroit cannot be singled out with a greater chance than others but well they really belong. They are an all-muscle team with right kind of defensive strategies. No player is greater than another and the team gels as a unit. Pistons play old school football. It does not win them applauds but do enough to win them championships.
We have lost the magic of the Michael Jordan's and Shaquille O' Neal's and perhaps it is quite difficult to reproduce those once in a blue moon players but plenty of teams have the right kind of talent to bring to this great carnival. Here is hoping that the show is not a party pooper.
Author : Gen
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Most-Exciting-Teams-to-Watch-This-NBA-Season/1055596
Playing basketball with tenacious defense
During a basketball game, people commonly shout the word "DEFENSE!". Come to think of it, do people in the stadium really know the meaning of the word? Does the basketball team, players and coaches, understand the meaning of the word? Is the value and importance of the word defense recognized? Sometimes basketball players themselves take it for granted. Everyone should remember that it is as important as scoring. A closer look at playing basketball defense is done in this article to clearly stress the meaning and importance of the word DEFENSE.
Defense is the team which doesn't have the ball. Defense is also the act of protecting the basket and making it impossible for the offense, which is the team who has ball, to score. It can be considered as a state of mind which dictates the body to do measures to keep the other team from scoring. It is the "get the ball" attitude that fuels the defensive team along with the desire to win. Defensive skills can be taught and learned as long as the player puts his heart in it and realizes its importance in every basketball game.
Transition Play
Moving from offensive to defensive play should be done quickly. Defensive assignments should be set as soon as the basketball gets out of the team's hands so the offensive team can't get ahead. The mentality of the players at this point should be to get the ball back immediately.
Purpose
Put the offensive team under a lot of pressure. Don't let the other team peak through an open shot or an open man. Guard every player and every corner and be aware of the moves and observe the play of the offensive team. Distract the ball handler through noises and movements so the communication between the offensive players will be disturbed. Put those arms up and use the body to block the ball handler's view. Decrease the chances of giving them opportunities to establish their team play. Keep your eyes open for rebounding and ball stealing opportunities and get the ball back! Stay between the basket and the offensive player.
Be Ready
Keep the lead hand close to the ball and wave the other hand to prevent a pass from taking place. The defense player's opposite foot of the offense player's dominant hand should always be kept forward with the same hand extended out with the palms up. This will allow an easy steal if an opportunity comes.
There are three types of defense: the man on man defense, the zone defense and the combination of the two, which is the Box 1 defense. Man to man defense is the simplest and most common among the defenses. One player is assigned to guard a specific player of the offensive team at all times. For example the point guard of the defense team guards the point guard of the offensive team. Match-ups are determined based from the player's height, speed and athletic ability.
Man to man defense is an aggressive style that allows forced steals and puts every offensive player under a lot of pressure. The danger of this style of defense is that when the offense player outsmarts the defense player, there will be no defense player to help continue to screen the ball because everybody else is preoccupied with guarding their own man. These results in the outnumbering of offense players versus the defense players which can help make the offense score.
In zone defense, each player is assigned to cover a specific area or zone instead of one player. There are many kinds of zone defenses. These are usually listed with numbers wherein the numbers correspond to the number of players in a particular zone. A 2-3 zone defense for example indicates that there should be two players manning the area near the three point line and three players manning the baseline. More often than not, a zone defense is limited to the key or the painted area.
There are some instances when a man to man defense and a zone defense is simultaneously put into effect. A box-1 defense for example generally is a type of zone defense where four of the players man their respective areas around the key. The fifth player, usually a guard, is assigned to guard a specific player on the opposing team, playing him in a man to man type of defense.
Author : Jason
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Playing-basketball-with-tenacious-defense/1013340
Defense is the team which doesn't have the ball. Defense is also the act of protecting the basket and making it impossible for the offense, which is the team who has ball, to score. It can be considered as a state of mind which dictates the body to do measures to keep the other team from scoring. It is the "get the ball" attitude that fuels the defensive team along with the desire to win. Defensive skills can be taught and learned as long as the player puts his heart in it and realizes its importance in every basketball game.
Transition Play
Moving from offensive to defensive play should be done quickly. Defensive assignments should be set as soon as the basketball gets out of the team's hands so the offensive team can't get ahead. The mentality of the players at this point should be to get the ball back immediately.
Purpose
Put the offensive team under a lot of pressure. Don't let the other team peak through an open shot or an open man. Guard every player and every corner and be aware of the moves and observe the play of the offensive team. Distract the ball handler through noises and movements so the communication between the offensive players will be disturbed. Put those arms up and use the body to block the ball handler's view. Decrease the chances of giving them opportunities to establish their team play. Keep your eyes open for rebounding and ball stealing opportunities and get the ball back! Stay between the basket and the offensive player.
Be Ready
Keep the lead hand close to the ball and wave the other hand to prevent a pass from taking place. The defense player's opposite foot of the offense player's dominant hand should always be kept forward with the same hand extended out with the palms up. This will allow an easy steal if an opportunity comes.
There are three types of defense: the man on man defense, the zone defense and the combination of the two, which is the Box 1 defense. Man to man defense is the simplest and most common among the defenses. One player is assigned to guard a specific player of the offensive team at all times. For example the point guard of the defense team guards the point guard of the offensive team. Match-ups are determined based from the player's height, speed and athletic ability.
Man to man defense is an aggressive style that allows forced steals and puts every offensive player under a lot of pressure. The danger of this style of defense is that when the offense player outsmarts the defense player, there will be no defense player to help continue to screen the ball because everybody else is preoccupied with guarding their own man. These results in the outnumbering of offense players versus the defense players which can help make the offense score.
In zone defense, each player is assigned to cover a specific area or zone instead of one player. There are many kinds of zone defenses. These are usually listed with numbers wherein the numbers correspond to the number of players in a particular zone. A 2-3 zone defense for example indicates that there should be two players manning the area near the three point line and three players manning the baseline. More often than not, a zone defense is limited to the key or the painted area.
There are some instances when a man to man defense and a zone defense is simultaneously put into effect. A box-1 defense for example generally is a type of zone defense where four of the players man their respective areas around the key. The fifth player, usually a guard, is assigned to guard a specific player on the opposing team, playing him in a man to man type of defense.
Author : Jason
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Playing-basketball-with-tenacious-defense/1013340
How to Build a Basketball Court In Your Own Yard
Some people dream of becoming a doctor, a pilot, or a teacher while others dream of becoming a professional basketball player. If you are entertaining high hopes for yourself or your son in entering a professional league, you need to start practicing as early as possible and all the important basketball training in this world always start at the backyard.
There are two ways for you to build your own basketball court: you can do it from scratch or simply purchase a DIY basketball court kit.
Starting from Scratch Skills - You need to have intermediate carpentry skills to successfully build your own basketball court from scratch. Firstly, you have to make sure that the ground you'll be building your basketball court on has a smooth even surface to prevent accidents and decrease the risk of injury. Secondly, you'll need to build your own basketball ring. Thirdly, you'll need to paint your own court lines.
Costs - It's possible that you'll enjoy lower costs when it comes to building your own basketball court from scratch. Most DIY basketball court kits include flooring, which would just be an unnecessary expense if you already have an appropriate floor surface for your basketball court. You can also choose your own materials for your basketball stand and ring and even painting materials and ensure that you'll pay less for them.
Production Time - Of course, building your own basketball court from scratch will take a longer time than it would with a DIY kit. This is because instead of simply having to assemble things only as is such the case with a DIY kit, it's entirely a different procedure when you're determined to build one from scratch.
Firstly, you'll have to take appropriate measurements. Secondly, you'll have to go shopping for the necessary materials and tools before you can finally get on to the building part.
Material Sources - You may have a difficult time procuring the required materials for your project especially if you're looking for things that are only sold wholesale in the market.
Using a DIY Basketball Court Kit Model - Make sure that you're purchasing the correct DIY basketball court kit. Most DIY basketball court kits differ according to court dimensions and whether or not it adheres to NBA or collegiate standards or the likes. Check also if the kit is for half or full court models.
Skills - Basic or moderate building skills are all that's necessary to get your basketball court assembled. You will need however to read instructions carefully and thoroughly because the assembly process leaves no room for errors. Skipping a step can spell danger for you in the long run as it compromises the safety of your basketball court.
Cost - Expect to spend a small amount of money on a DIY basketball kit, although this is certainly money well spent because DIY kits include absolutely everything you need to make your basketball court entirely professional and fit for the NBA!
Tips on Installing Poles for Your Basketball Court Whether you're building your own basketball court from scratch or using a DIY kit, you'll basically undergo the same process in properly installing your pole.
Firstly, you need to dig an appropriately sized hole for the foundation of your basketball pole. At least one foot and three inches of your basketball pole must be set underneath to ensure its stability. Once you've secured the pole's position, cover the hole with concrete. Make sure it's completely filled and doesn't have any air pockets. Afterwards, fill the pole with concrete as well. When that's done, check if the pole is plumb positioned accurately.
Important Measurements for Basketball Court Building The NBA and NCAA are both using the same court dimensions: ninety-four feet in length and fifty feet in width. High school basketball courts use the same width but a shorter length at eighty-four feet. Junior high basketball courts are seventy-four feet in length and forty-two feet in width.
Regardless of whether you're using an NBA, NCAA, or Junior High basketball court, you should concentrate more on honing your son's skills in basic basketball skills like dribbling and shooting if you want him fully prepared for a professional basketball career. But most important of all is to ensure that you and your son have fun playing. Shoot for your dreams!
Author : Hudson12
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/How-to-Build-a-Basketball-Court-In-Your-Own-Yard/920551
There are two ways for you to build your own basketball court: you can do it from scratch or simply purchase a DIY basketball court kit.
Starting from Scratch Skills - You need to have intermediate carpentry skills to successfully build your own basketball court from scratch. Firstly, you have to make sure that the ground you'll be building your basketball court on has a smooth even surface to prevent accidents and decrease the risk of injury. Secondly, you'll need to build your own basketball ring. Thirdly, you'll need to paint your own court lines.
Costs - It's possible that you'll enjoy lower costs when it comes to building your own basketball court from scratch. Most DIY basketball court kits include flooring, which would just be an unnecessary expense if you already have an appropriate floor surface for your basketball court. You can also choose your own materials for your basketball stand and ring and even painting materials and ensure that you'll pay less for them.
Production Time - Of course, building your own basketball court from scratch will take a longer time than it would with a DIY kit. This is because instead of simply having to assemble things only as is such the case with a DIY kit, it's entirely a different procedure when you're determined to build one from scratch.
Firstly, you'll have to take appropriate measurements. Secondly, you'll have to go shopping for the necessary materials and tools before you can finally get on to the building part.
Material Sources - You may have a difficult time procuring the required materials for your project especially if you're looking for things that are only sold wholesale in the market.
Using a DIY Basketball Court Kit Model - Make sure that you're purchasing the correct DIY basketball court kit. Most DIY basketball court kits differ according to court dimensions and whether or not it adheres to NBA or collegiate standards or the likes. Check also if the kit is for half or full court models.
Skills - Basic or moderate building skills are all that's necessary to get your basketball court assembled. You will need however to read instructions carefully and thoroughly because the assembly process leaves no room for errors. Skipping a step can spell danger for you in the long run as it compromises the safety of your basketball court.
Cost - Expect to spend a small amount of money on a DIY basketball kit, although this is certainly money well spent because DIY kits include absolutely everything you need to make your basketball court entirely professional and fit for the NBA!
Tips on Installing Poles for Your Basketball Court Whether you're building your own basketball court from scratch or using a DIY kit, you'll basically undergo the same process in properly installing your pole.
Firstly, you need to dig an appropriately sized hole for the foundation of your basketball pole. At least one foot and three inches of your basketball pole must be set underneath to ensure its stability. Once you've secured the pole's position, cover the hole with concrete. Make sure it's completely filled and doesn't have any air pockets. Afterwards, fill the pole with concrete as well. When that's done, check if the pole is plumb positioned accurately.
Important Measurements for Basketball Court Building The NBA and NCAA are both using the same court dimensions: ninety-four feet in length and fifty feet in width. High school basketball courts use the same width but a shorter length at eighty-four feet. Junior high basketball courts are seventy-four feet in length and forty-two feet in width.
Regardless of whether you're using an NBA, NCAA, or Junior High basketball court, you should concentrate more on honing your son's skills in basic basketball skills like dribbling and shooting if you want him fully prepared for a professional basketball career. But most important of all is to ensure that you and your son have fun playing. Shoot for your dreams!
Author : Hudson12
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/How-to-Build-a-Basketball-Court-In-Your-Own-Yard/920551
The Boston Celtics performance on the hardcourt
Since the formation of the Champion team Boston Celtics in 1946, it always made a victorious difference amidst the daring challenges during the early years. Boston Celtic tickets and Celtics playoff tickets were sold out in most of the home games.
The Boston Celtics were also known not only for its back-to-back championships but also for their Hall of Famers, including the legendary Larry Bird. When Larry Bird entered the hardcourt, the Boston Celtics not only scored more points but also earned the strong support of fans and more Celtics ticket buyers. Unfortunately, after Larry Bird stepped off the hardcourt, winning became less frequent for the team. It took them years before they got close to the NBA Finals.
With the help of today's Big Three, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett, who are performing well when it comes to points, assists, and rebounds, the team is about to relive the Larry Bird era.
Early season games
Earlier this season, the Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors in a daring style as Paul Pierce led a courageous comeback in the fourth quarter, making an on the road 6-1 improvement. Boston won over Toronto making the 5th win in its last six games including a 94-87 score in Boston, with Pierce scoring high up to 36 points. Observing intensely from the crowd, the Boston Celtics is definitely a team that has not lost its impetus and moves on gain more strength on the hardcourt.
The Boston Celtics and the series of championships
When it comes to championship titles, the Boston Celtics is on the lead with 17 NBA crowns. The team holds a record of eight in a row from 1959 to 1966 and three separate championship eras. The Celtics are the cream of the crop in garnering championship banners. Needless to say, the team's guts to win are time-tested. Despite the long break from the championship title, the Boston Celtics is finally back as the previous season's NBA champion.
Amidst challenges faced against its rivals, Boston Celtics grew stronger then ever. Its long-standing rivalry with Los Angeles Lakers was reignited during the last season's NBA Finals. In the NBA Finals, they have played with each other up to 11 times including the recent 2008 NBA Finals. The first rivalry series was seen in the 1960s when Celtics played against and won over the LA Lakers six times in the NBS Finals. From 1980-1988, Celtics won three NBA championships. In the Eastern Conference, Philadelphia 76ers has been Celtic's long-standing rival marked by intense personal confrontation between Larry Bird and Julius Erving. In the 1980s, another consistent rival of Celtics is the Detroit Pistons, the team they met five times in the playoffs between 1985 and 1991.
The Boston Celtics have longed for the championship crown long enough. With “play-to-win" attitude during their games in the 2007-2008 NBA Finals, their efforts were rewarded with the NBA championship title. This long awaited victory signals another clamor for a back-to-back championship.
2008-2009 performance
The Boston Celtics prove to be one of the formidable Eastern Conference teams based on their recent performance. In their games against the Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, and Chicago, it is evident how they have greatly improved on their play. Rajon Rondo, apart from the Big Three, is making great contributions when it comes to assists, rebounds, and points. Hopefully, this will lead to making a good run for the NBA Finals this season.
To catch the Big Three and the rest of the team in action, buy Boston Celtics tickets now.
Author : Lawson
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/The-Boston-Celtics-performance-on-the-hardcourt/1074163
The Boston Celtics were also known not only for its back-to-back championships but also for their Hall of Famers, including the legendary Larry Bird. When Larry Bird entered the hardcourt, the Boston Celtics not only scored more points but also earned the strong support of fans and more Celtics ticket buyers. Unfortunately, after Larry Bird stepped off the hardcourt, winning became less frequent for the team. It took them years before they got close to the NBA Finals.
With the help of today's Big Three, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett, who are performing well when it comes to points, assists, and rebounds, the team is about to relive the Larry Bird era.
Early season games
Earlier this season, the Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors in a daring style as Paul Pierce led a courageous comeback in the fourth quarter, making an on the road 6-1 improvement. Boston won over Toronto making the 5th win in its last six games including a 94-87 score in Boston, with Pierce scoring high up to 36 points. Observing intensely from the crowd, the Boston Celtics is definitely a team that has not lost its impetus and moves on gain more strength on the hardcourt.
The Boston Celtics and the series of championships
When it comes to championship titles, the Boston Celtics is on the lead with 17 NBA crowns. The team holds a record of eight in a row from 1959 to 1966 and three separate championship eras. The Celtics are the cream of the crop in garnering championship banners. Needless to say, the team's guts to win are time-tested. Despite the long break from the championship title, the Boston Celtics is finally back as the previous season's NBA champion.
Amidst challenges faced against its rivals, Boston Celtics grew stronger then ever. Its long-standing rivalry with Los Angeles Lakers was reignited during the last season's NBA Finals. In the NBA Finals, they have played with each other up to 11 times including the recent 2008 NBA Finals. The first rivalry series was seen in the 1960s when Celtics played against and won over the LA Lakers six times in the NBS Finals. From 1980-1988, Celtics won three NBA championships. In the Eastern Conference, Philadelphia 76ers has been Celtic's long-standing rival marked by intense personal confrontation between Larry Bird and Julius Erving. In the 1980s, another consistent rival of Celtics is the Detroit Pistons, the team they met five times in the playoffs between 1985 and 1991.
The Boston Celtics have longed for the championship crown long enough. With “play-to-win" attitude during their games in the 2007-2008 NBA Finals, their efforts were rewarded with the NBA championship title. This long awaited victory signals another clamor for a back-to-back championship.
2008-2009 performance
The Boston Celtics prove to be one of the formidable Eastern Conference teams based on their recent performance. In their games against the Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, and Chicago, it is evident how they have greatly improved on their play. Rajon Rondo, apart from the Big Three, is making great contributions when it comes to assists, rebounds, and points. Hopefully, this will lead to making a good run for the NBA Finals this season.
To catch the Big Three and the rest of the team in action, buy Boston Celtics tickets now.
Author : Lawson
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/The-Boston-Celtics-performance-on-the-hardcourt/1074163
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