PlayStation Skills Challenge 2007

Dwyane Wade will try to defend his PlayStation Skills Challenge Title from three of the NBA's stars on February 17 as part of NBA All-Star Saturday Night in Las Vegas. The other three stars that will try to deny Wade's quest for repeat the winning are L.A. Lakers' Kobe Bryant, Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, and Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash.
In last year, wade defeated LeBron James in the final round by completed the obstacle course in 26.1 seconds to James' 33.7 second time. The 2006 rookie Chris Paul and the 2005 winner Steve Nash were eliminated in the first round with times of 42.6 and 52.8 seconds, respectively. I remember Wade had the best time in first round with 39 seconds flat while James finished in 40.5 seconds to reach the finals.
In this year, I think Wade will in trouble to reach the title. The Superstar Kobe Bryant will show his exciting skill and try to defeat all challengers. But LeBron James and Steve Nash will not stay quiet there. All of them have quick step and exciting skills, it hard to predict who will get the title. The show will be an attractive performance! So, don't forget to watch it! My choice is Kobe Bryant, remembered he scored 81 points, he always create surprises. READ MORE...

NBA All-Star 2007 Rookie Challenge Game

This year Rookie Challenge Game will burning by so many rookie's talented players like Brandon Roy and Andrea Bargnani. Toronto Raptors forward Andrea Bargnani, the first overall selection in the 2006 NBA Draft, lead a list of 18 players selected to play in the 2007 T-Mobile Challenge in Las Vegas.The first overall pick in 2005 NBA Draft Andrew Bogut lead a list of sophomore's players. The Sophomore roster included last year rookie of the year Chris Paul, which participated last year Rookie Challenge Game, collected 8 points, 11 assists and 5 steals. In this year, he and Bogut will try to lead the team win over the Rookie Team. But it's not look so easy for them because I think this year Rookie Team has many talented young players.

Rookie Roster are:

Toronto Raptor's Power Forward Andrea Bargnani and Center Jorge Garbajosa, L.A. Lakers' Guard Jordan Farmer, Minnessota Timberwolves' Shooting Guard Randy Foye, Memphis Grizzles' Shooting Guard Rudy Gay, Utah Jazz's Forward Paul Millsap, Charlotte Bobcats' Small Forward Adam Morisson, Portland Trail Blazers' Shooting Guard Brandon Roy, and New Jersey Nets' Point Guard Marcus Williams.

And Team Sophomore players are include:

Milwaukee Bucks' Forward/Center Andrew Bogut, L.A. Lakers' Center Andrew Bynum, Golden State Warriors' Guard Monta Ellis, Charlotte Bobcats' Point Guard Raymond Felton, Indiana Pacers' Forward Danny Granger, Houston Rockets' Guard Luther Head, New York Knicks' Power Forward David Lee, New Orleans/Oklahoma's Point Guard Chris Paul, and Utah Jazz's Guard Derron Williams.

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Drills For Improving Proper Form of Shooting and Shooting Accuracy

I am still in process in learning for making a proper form of shooting. I had improving my shooting accuracy a few time ago. I practice about an hour EVERY morning! Just try that correct form, i went to the court near my house and just took about hundred shot in about an hour. Soooo debilitated! But i never give up! I have ever tried stop this practice a few time ago, and the result is, i lost my feeling of shooting that proper form, and decreased my percentage of shot. So, i learn for this. Don't ever give up to practice the proper form of shooting! Here are some drill i collect from my experience and from some sites. Maybe useful, check these:

The other hand is simply there to hold the ball in place and should not be used in the shot. When the ball leaves your hand only your shooting hand should be touching the ball.Players trying to improve their form and accuracy often get discouraged and revert back to their old style of shooting because it feels more comfortable to them particularly because they have shot the basketball their way from the beginning. Here are some drills and tips, you can read these to help you develop perfect form and ultimately become much better shooters.The first step in improving a players shot does not involve showing the player how to" put the ball in the basket" but rather it is showing the player the proper form to use when shooting a basketball. It’s highly recommend not using a basketball goal to do this.

A great way to learn form is line your position up along the baseline or anywhere there is a wall, take a ball and simply pick a spot on the wall and practice hitting the spot using proper form. They simply "shoot" at the spot and when the ball bounce back to you that you shoot at the spot again using proper form and technique. This is a great drill because it helps you concentrate on your form instead of on making a basket. This drill also allows you and your training partner (if you are not alone) the opportunity to watch each of your technique and help you improve without chasing balls all over the gym and wasting to much time. Make sure you have your elbows tucked, shoulders squared, and follow through on the release giving the ball backspin.Once you start to understand the proper technique of shooting a basketball then lets go practice actually making shots. Since the new technique you are developing will still be a bit uncomfortable to them it's not a good idea to let start out shooting 3 pointers or other shots far away from the basket. The reason is, the players will get frustrated if their shots aren't going in and will revert back to their old style of shooting. In this drill you can have a ball or put yourself in groups which ever you prefer. Have you start out near the basket, no more than five feet away from the hoop, with ball in your hand will shoot a shot from the first spot making sure to use proper form, when you makes the basket from that spot or feels comfortable shooting the correct way from the first spot you takes two steps back and shots again.

You keep repeating this process until you develop a rhythm for shooting correctly. Some players may get discouraged because their range may be limited for awhile until they get used to shooting the ball properly, so it's important to watch yourself (maybe need your friend’s help by taking your picture or video while practice) and make sure you are using the correct technique before you move further away from the basket to shoot. I know this drill sounds simple (and it is) but it is a very effective way for you to improve your shooting ability.Now that you are starting to feel a bit more comfortable shooting the basketball you can start working on shooting the ball in game situation. There are many excellent drills to help and I will write it in next posts.

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CHOOSING SUITABLE BASKETBALL SHOES

Like a samurai’s sword is to a samurai, a pair of basketball shoes is the closest weopon of a basketball player. They are sometimes referred to as sneakers or kicks.

Choosing basketball shoes is easy because they all tend to have a very similar design. While the sizes and styles is possible vary, the actually design of basketball shoes is fairly uniform and standard.

Seasoned veterans have tried on many different types of basketball shoes constructed and engineered with various technologies and have a good knowledge on most of the well-known brands. These players will keep narrowing their choices down until they eventually become a loyal fan of one favorite brand. At this point, they will keep experimenting with shoes of different types and styles within that particular brand until they find their perfect match in terms of style, shape, size, position of cushions in the lining and incorporated technologies.

For me, i often suitable with NIKE's product, i had tried some like AND1 shoes and CONVERSE, but Nike is more suited me. I gave my brother Nike Zoom Air Swift as his birthday's gift a few week ago, i hope he like it.

For beginners though, simplicity is beauty. Ideally, their first pair of basketball shoes should fit him like his second skin. In other words, comfort is the keyword. As a beginner get to know more about basketball shoes, they will discover their own likes and dislikes and buy a pair of basketball shoes according to their own play styles, peers’ opinions and possibly their basketball idols.

In terms of efficiency, lighter shoes will make you feel quicker. But it doesn't necessarily make you faster or jump higher. Basketball shoes with low or no ankle padding allows free ankle movement and may give you greater quick motion ability. These kinds of basketball shoes are well suited for Guards.

Choosing basketball shoes is easy when you realize that they are all high cut towards the ankle. The primary reason for this high cut design on basketball shoes is that is provides the player's ankle with extra stability while the player is running, turning and jumping on the court. With jump shots, lay-ups, slam dunks, pivoting and quick changing direction moves, the demands on a player's ankles is quite extreme.

In the contrary, basketball shoes with a hip-top design do protect your ankles to a greater extent, the reason for this high cut design on basketball shoes is that will provides player's ankle with extra stability while the player is on running, turning and jumping on the court. With jump-shots, lay-ups, slam dunks, pivoting and quick changing direction moves, the demands on player's ankles is quite extreme. It will restrain your movement in that you will feel a greater resistance when you bend your ankle. This type of basketball shoes protects centers and forwards who are constantly taking off to rebound or score and landing on the ground. But the weakness of this type of basketball shoes is that it will a little bit to obstruct your ankle's movements and quick motion abilities.

But it's also exist shoes with hip-top design for guards, which have ankle problem solution. I play guard position, and i have that ankle's problem, i gained ankle's injury few month ago. Until today, it's still feeling stark when i make a quick move. I still find the method of treatment to get my ankle better and seeking for a shoes which can protect ankle and not obstruct too much movement ability. Do anybody know that kind of? Or maybe i should try Reebok Answer X, but it's still too expensive for my budget, so i will buy it next time at discount price. Pity! :P

Hence, if your position relies less on speed than a guard, I'd suggest you to wear high top sneakers to cover your ankle, but do not go as high as a normal high-top. This is a very popular style in college and pro hoops.

Take good care of your shoes. Some players bring an extra pair to the court. They don't wear their basketball shoes anytime off the court and I think that's a good idea.

With so many basketball shoes to choose from, you will be easily in the woods and have a hard time making up your mind. I hope my post may help you to find perfect match.

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NBA ALL-STAR GAME 2007 Final Result

NBA All-Star Game 2007 is on the way. It's a week-long celebration that enables fans to experience the thrill of the world’s greatest athletes playing the game they love and features a full slate of community-enhancing activities and fan festivals such as NBA All-Star Jam Session. The final result of both team Eastern and Western All-Star was confirmed. The leaders of both the Eastern and Western Conference players for the final returns of the 2007 NBA All-Star voting program are attached:

Eastern Conference
F - LeBron James of the Cleveland Caveliers

F - Chris Bosh from Toronto Raptors

C - Shaquille O’Neal of Miami Heats

G - Dwyane Wade, of Miami Heats

G - Gilbert Arenas from Washington Wizards

Eastern Team's reserves are Caron Butler (Washington), Dwight Howard (Orlando), Chauncey Billups (Detroit), Richard Hamilton (Detroit), Jason Kidd (New Jersey), Vince Carter (New Jersey), and Jermaine O'Neil (Indiana).

Western Conference

F - Kevin Garnett from Minnessota Timberwolves

F - Tim Duncan from San Antonio Spurs

C - Yao Ming of Houston Rockets

G - Kobe Bryant from L.A. Lakers

G - Tracy McGrady of Houston Rockets

Reserve players are Steve Nash (Phoenix), Amare Stoudemirie (Phoenix), Shawn Marion (Phoenix), Carlos Boozer (Utah), Allen Iverson (Denver), Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas), and Tony Parker (San Antonio).

Let's them bring an 'A' Game for us. Go All-Stars!!!

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PASSING DRILL - Basketball Training Tips

Passing is like shooting, you must do constant practices for that. Like a proper form of shooting, you must regularly work on it until you make a perfect pass. And it will better with your coach watching, that you will really learn when to pass and how to get the pass under the defenders. Such situations will develop and sharpen your passing skills the most, turning your passing mechanics into valuable on-court skills. So, try its:

Wall Passing

This will help you develop your two-handed chest pass as well as the bounce pass. Performing the drill regularly will improve your reflexes and form. Also, it will help you to develop ball rotation and arm strength. Do the drill like this:

1. Stand six feet from a wall and pass the ball chest-high to a spot you have marked on the wall. Concentrate on your form. Make 20 passes like this.
2. Step back two feet and take 20 more chest passes. This completes the set.
3. Do another set, but, this time use bounce passes.
4. Next, see how many chest or bounce passes you can make in a minute. Try to increase the number with each practice session.

Before you reach the end of this drill, your arms will begin to tire and your fingertips might even become sore. Keep concentrating and maintaining form throughout the drill.

Dead Ball Rule

When you play with your teammates or friends, play with the rule that dribbling is not allowed. If you do dribble, you lose possession of the ball. By playing with this "dead ball" rule, all players will be forced to concentrate on their passing game and look for the open man instead of dribbling the ball.

Bull In The Ring

Form a circle with players standing at least four feet from each other. Place one defensive man in the middle. The object of this drill is to pass the ball to each other without the defensive man touching, deflecting, or stealing the ball.
In this case, the passer who makes the mistake becomes the defender and the defender takes his place on offense. The other rule of this game is: you are not allowed to pass to players standing on either side.

Two On One

Two offensive players with one ball line up across from each other at the half court or free-throw circle. One defensive man stands in the middle of the circle, trying to touch, deflect, or steal the ball. Using fakes, the two passers must pass the ball to each other without dribbling or taking steps. Once the ball is touched by the defender, the passer goes in the middle and the defender becomes a passer.

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Common Pass - Basketball Training Tips

It is another fundamental skill that is often overlooked. Passing is a skill that makes you very appreciated on the court. Players will love to be on your team and best of all, you will get to control the ball. Passing is always the first option to move the ball up the court.

Passing is a skill like shooting, it requires constant practice. If you will regularly work on the drills, your passing mechanics will improve. But at first, you will not gonna make a pass if u don't know how to pass or what pass in what situation, i mean, what kind of pass. So, let's check out these kind of pass:

• Chest Pass - it should be the first basketball passing drill taught. It's the most common pass you will throw in a game when there isn't a defensive player between you and your teammate. To starts first, you hold the ball with two hands on the tight in your chest with your elbows out. Your in triple threat position. You step into the passing the ball and extending your hands outward so that your palms are facing out and your thumbs are facing the player you passed to. Remember it's a chest pass so you should be hitting the other player in the chest. Chest pass, one of the best basketball passing drill keeping tight to your chest with your elbows out. You’re in triple threat position. You step into the passing of the ball and extend your hands outward so that your palms are facing out and your thumbs are facing the player you passed to. Remember it's a chest pass so you should be hitting the other player in the chest. Chest pass, one of the best basketball passing drills.
• The bounce pass - It is when the pass hits the floor before reaching the other player. The pass should bounce 2/3 of the way to the other player. You should follow through the same as the chest pass with the palms of your hands facing out and your thumbs facing the player you passed to. The basic mechanics of the bounce pass are the same as the chest pass; however, the game situation for each of the passes are different. A bounce pass is a good one to use on a back- door play. It is also the pass to use when passing to a teammate, guarded from behind in the low post, or in other situations when a defender is between you and the receiver. Starting with the same position as the chest pass, take a strong step in the direction of your receiver. Quickly extend your arms and palms outward. Backspin is put on the ball as you go from thumbs up to a thumbs down release position. This backspin makes the ball easier to catch. The ball must hit the floor at least three-quarters of the distance to your receiver. It should come up to him at his thighs and waist.
• Overhead Pass - This is where you have the ball over your head. You make a pass using your upper body strength, but don't forget to have good follow through using your wrist with your palms facing out and your thumbs facing the player you passed to. The overhead pass is commonly used for moving the ball around the perimeter, as a skip pass, a pass into the post area, and as an outlet pass. When you make this pass, always aim the ball a little over the head of the receiver. To make an overhead pass, hold the ball over your head and slightly back of the center of your head. Don't hold the ball BEHIND your head. This wastes movement and time. Your fingers should be spread firmly around the ball, thumbs a couple of inches apart at the bottom of the ball. This pass gets its power from the flick of your wrists and fingers. As you step toward the receiver, snap the wrists and rotate both your arms and palms outward. Your hands should end with the fingers pointing upward.
• The Lateral Pass - The starting position is the same as the two-handed chest pass. With your defender standing in front of you, step across his body with the foot opposite the ball. This protects the ball. Bring the ball to your side and extend your arms. Quickly cock your outside wrist, drop your helper hand, and snap the ball to your receiver. A variation of this pass is the lateral bounce pass made with one or both hands. If you use this pass, the ball must be bounced to a spot, at least, three-quarters of the distance to the receiver.
• The push pass - is a quick pass made with one hand. The pass originates near your ear and relies on your elbow being bent for its power. It can either be a straight or a lob pass. This depends upon the defensive alignment.
• Baseball Pass - This is a long-distance pass, usually thrown more than half- court. Generally, one baseball pass to a player headed down-court ahead of anyone else, is all that's needed for a quick two points. To make the baseball pass, keep both hands on the ball as long as possible. This gives you better control and will enable you to stop the pass at the last moment, if needed. Plant your back foot and bring the ball back above the shoulder and near the ear on your throwing side. The arm must be bent at a 45-degree angle. The upper arm should be parallel to the floor. This position will enable you to throw a quick, straight, and hard pass. Step toward the direction of your intended pass with the foot opposite your throwing arm. Make an overhead throw, snapping the wrist, and follow through with the arm fully extended. Remember to put a backward rotation on the ball to make it go straight.
• Behind the back pass - This pass used to be considered a "show-off" pass, however, it now has become a normal offensive weapon. A lot of player can easily make this pass now. To make the pass, hold the ball with two hands. As you bring the ball back around your hip, your helping hand drops off. Your passing hand is on the side of the ball and must thrust the ball behind the back. The movement ends with the passing hand near the opposite hip, with the fingers pointing in the direction of the pass.
• Hand off pass - This is a pass that doesn't require an extension of the arm. It is used to give the ball to a teammate who is either cutting or circling behind you.
  Have one arm up and the ball laying on the palm of your other hand. Simply toss or flip it to the receiver. Another variation of this is to turn your body toward the receiver, or else, make a complete turn, face the receiver and give him the ball.
• Hook Pass - When you are closely guarded, hold the ball at shoulder level, elbows flared outward to protect the ball. Start to lift the ball up with two hands, with the wrist of the outside hand flexed. Drop your helping hand to face level. Extend your passing arm over your head with the ball. When you have stretched this arm out completely, flick the ball by snapping your wrist forward.

So, those are kind of passing which i know. By the way, don't forget to make some fake before you pass the ball, it will be more safety and perfect pass. And if you try to pass to low post player, i think you should think about to use a bounce pass. But, the important of these all passing and offense play is communication. You must not forget to keep communicate with your teammates, always...

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