Like with many sports, basketball has evolved significantly since it was invented some 130 years ago back in Springfield, Massachusetts. There are now 2.2 billion players and fans around the world, and as participants push the boundaries of the sport, we will see more changes as the story of basketball continues to be written.

Here are 12 fascinating facts in the story so far.

1. Baskets were really baskets
   
   Back in 1891 when Phys Ed teacher James Naismith was looking for another sport for his students to play during the colder months, he hung actual peach baskets from the balcony of the gym. Each time someone scored a goal, they had to pull out a ladder and climb up to retrieve the ball. That’s likely would have meant for some extra stoppages in play!
   
   
2. Olympic Sport
   
   The first time basketball was ever played as an Olympic sport was at the Summer Games in Berlin, Germany in 1936. Twenty-one different countries competed, and America ended up winning the Gold.
   
   
3. Two leagues became one
   
   The NBA was originally formed in 1949 when the National Basketball League (NBL) and the Basketball Association of America (BAA) merged together. In 1967, a rival league, the ABA, commenced, but folded nine years later. The ABA attempted some variations on the rules. Some of these ended up being adopted and are still used in the game today.
   
   
4. Most points for a player in a game
   
   The most points ever scored in an NBA game was by Wilt Chamberlain who finished one night against the Knicks in March 1962 with 100 points.
   
   
5. Three pointers
   
   The three-pointer now plays such a huge part of modern-day basketball. But it actually wasn’t a thing in the NBA until the 1979-80 season, where they borrowed the idea from the ABA.
   
   
6. Dribbling wasn’t allowed
   
   When the game was first invented players had to pass the ball from where they caught it. Luckily this rule didn’t stick around for too long and dribbling became a part of the sport from about 1897. Netball has kept this tactic and it still remains one of the most popular sports among all ages.
   
   
7. Fouls were originally permitted
   
   For the first 20 years of the game fouls were actually permitted. From 1910 players were then permitted to commit 4 fouls, which was updated again in 1946 to the five fouls as we now know it. In 1989, the NBA updated this to 6 but FIBA rules still only allow 5 before the player is sent off.
   
   
8. Basketball Sneakers had to be partially white.
   
   Basketball sneakers have always been a point of interest for players as well as a part of fashion for many years. League policy mandated that each player “must wear shoes that not only matched their uniforms, but matched the shoes worn by their teammates.” Thanks to Michael Jordan back in 1984, who decided to accept a fine each time he wore his signature Jordans, which were originally black and red. The NBA eventually changed its stance and now any colour is acceptable.
   
   
9. Why is a Basketball orange
   
   Basketball originally started the game using a soccer ball. This progressed to a brown leather ball, but quite often it would be too hard to see blending with the floor or players uniforms, so was eventually dyed to be the orange colour many of us now use.
   
   
10. Most points for a team in a game
    
    The most points ever scored in an NBA game by one team is 186. This was by the Detroit Pistons against the Denver Nuggets in December 1983. It was a triple overtime thriller with Denver losing by 2 points. This match also ended up being the most combined points scored by both teams in a game with a total of 300 points.
    
    
11. The First Slam Dunk
    
    There’s no denying that dunking is one of the most exciting parts of the game. The first person to dunk was in 1944, a 7ft tall center who played for Oklahoma, who was pinned by defenders under the ring and accidentally stuffed the ball in the basket. Dunking actually ended up becoming banned in the 1960’s for about 10 years, mostly because Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was dominating with this move. Luckily this ban didn’t last!
    
    Our founder Brett Rainbow won 3 straight NBL Slam Dunk titles in the 1990s. If you’d like to slam it like him, check out our basketball jump program.
    
    
12. Most points in total for a player in the NBA
    
    The title of the most total points in the NBA goes to “The King” Lebron James who currently has 38469 total points, and counting! He only recently took this title from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the 7^th February 2023.
    
    As basketball continues to grow in popularity, the rules will likely keep evolving. To make sure you always know the game inside and out, and be the very best you can, spend time training. 

With the Christmas holidays in full swing, everyone has been enjoying a hard-earned break, especially after another challenging year.

This doesn’t mean you should stop practising basketball over the holidays. As the saying goes:

“Someone out there is working harder than you right now”.

Putting the effort in during your time off is what helps you develop as a basketballer and outperform your competition.

While there may be no school games or club competition during the summer, there are lots of things you can do to help you get a step ahead of others.

Stay Fit

This is perhaps the most important thing to work on during an extended break. Starting the new year in peak fitness gives you a huge advantage as lots of other players will be slow and rusty when the new season starts. While it won’t directly impact your skills, being able to run faster up the court and jump higher than your opposition will help you stand out, which could be the difference between making the top squad or not.

Going for a run every day will ensure your aerobic fitness is maintained. Squats, lunges and push-ups also help with fitness and strength. And be sure to eat healthy and get plenty of sleep.

Keep Shooting

It’s easy to lose fitness when you take time off. But it’s also easy to lose your touch when it comes to shooting. The best shooters in the game take on average 300-500 shots every day. Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors recently became the all-time leading 3 point shooter in the NBA. And he attributes this achievement to hard work and practice. Even though he is the best shooter ever, he still takes 100 shots before every game!

If you don’t have a ring at home, walk down to your local high school and spend an hour putting the ball through the hoop. You will be the envy of the other players when you return to basketball training.

Dribble Dribble Dribble

If you can’t get shots up every day, dribbling is one of the best things to practice. All you need is a basketball and yourself. Being able to handle the ball is an important skill no matter what height you are.

As a kid, Lakers legend Magic Johnson had a basketball in his hand wherever he went. He dribbled to the shops. He dribbled to his friends’ house. He even slept with a basketball! If you live and breathe the game, it becomes a part of you.

Watch Footage

Improving your game isn’t just about taking action. It’s also about learning. Watching old tapes (or should I say YouTube videos nowadays) of the best players can help you see the best way to execute the fundamentals, and help you visualise what is needed to be successful.

For post moves and footwork, we recommend taking a look at Hakeem Olajuwon and Tim Duncan. For jump shooting we recommend Steve Kerr, Mark Price, Ray Allen, Klay Thomson and of course his backcourt mate, Steph Curry. For defence check out Dennis Rodman, Gary Payton, Scottie Pippen and Olajuwon again. And for rebounding, you can’t go past Rodman, Wes Unseld and Moses Malone.

We hope you find these tips useful. Have a fantastic Christmas break and keep loving the game!

Over the years, you will likely have a number of basketball coaches, some good, some bad. One thing that remains constant, however, is that your coaches will be some of the most influential people on your basketball career.

Whether or not you see eye to eye with a coach, there are a number of actions you can take to ensure you get the most out of the relationship and maximise your chances of success.

1. Always be clear

Being clear on your goals and your expectations is crucial for an optimal relationship with your coach. Letting the coach know what you’re hoping to accomplish and what you believe your strengths and weaknesses is crucial to help avoid conflict. It will also open the lines of communication with your coach, so he or she can easily portray what their expectations of you are, and what their ultimate goal for the team, and for you as an individual, is.

2. Always show respect

Perhaps the most important part of good communication with your coach is respect. In the majority of cases, your coach isn’t trying to make you go through hell or punish you. They have a master plan and want to get the best out of you and the best out of the team. Sometimes, the team goals will mean your individual goals will be put off to the side, but this shouldn’t give you fuel to be rude or disrespectful to the coach. Ensure all conversations with your coach are polite and considerate. This is important whether it’s a coach who oversees your game or a coach who manages private training sessions for your basketball.

3. Honesty is the best policy

Similar to always being clear, being honest is another critical part of maintaining a good relationship with your coach. If something is bothering you as a player, then it’s important to be upfront about it. Don’t hold a grudge and let it build up inside you. A coach isn’t a mind reader, and they will actually value and appreciate you expressing your views. As above, make sure you do it in a respectful way. Being honest with your coach will also help ensure the conversation flow both ways is opened, and you will receive honesty from them in return.

4. Trust the process

This mantra became synonymous with the development of Philadelphia 76ers big man, Joel Embiid. After sustaining a serious injury prior to debuting in the NBA, the 76ers organisation asked both the fans and Joel himself to ‘trust the process’. And the same can be applied to players of any standard. If your coach isn’t giving you as much court time as you feel you deserve, trust that there is a reason for this.

Many players have to earn their dues to get the court time they desire. Don’t get disheartened or angry, but rather keep working hard and taking care of the things within your control. And most importantly if you DO need to speak up about any concerns, do it in an honest, respectful way.

If you can apply all the aspects mentioned above, the communication with your coach will be optimal. And no matter whether you are perfectly matched or have struggles getting on the same page, you will see a relationship form that benefits both player and coach positively.

During a game, there are 5 basketball players on the court for each team at any one time. While younger teams and those just starting off might not have any specific role for each player, more competitive teams have different positions for the 5 active players. This effects what jobs they perform on the court and where they stand on both offense and defence.

Here is a rundown of the 5 different positions for basketball teams.

1-Point Guard

The point guard is considered the on-court leader of the team, as he or she usually controls the offense. This includes dribbling the ball up the court and starting the plays with the first pass. They need to have good ball handing skills and good court awareness.

Normally, the point guard is one of the smallest players on the team, however in recent times we see taller players like Lebron James 6’10 playing the point guard position.

2-Shooting Guard

The shooting guard is normally the second smallest position on the court. The player in this position can also help to bring the ball up the court so they need good dribbling skills as well. They are normally good shooters from long distance, so do a lot of moving off the ball to get open for jump shots. Some of the best shooting guards in recent times include Klay Thompson, Dwayne Wade and Kobe Bryant.

3-Small forward

Generally, the player at this position is the most versatile on the team. They are usually medium height and do everything from passing, rebounding, scoring, and dribbling. A lot of their time is spent on the wings. Notable players in the small forward position include Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant.

 4-Power forward

One of the strongest players on the team. The power forward spends a lot of time inside the key, and focuses on inside scoring and defence, as well as rebounding. They will also set screens to free up other players. Some of the best ever power forwards who dominated their position include Karl Malone, Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan.

5-Centre

The centre is generally the tallest player on the court and will live inside the key. They will focus on interior defence and rebounding as well as scoring close to the basket. Blocking shots, setting screens, post moves and tip ins are usually their main strengths. The 1990’s were loaded with quality centres including David Robinson, Shaquille O’Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon.

In modern basketball, we have seen a lot of professional teams move away from the 5 defined positions. A lot of the time we see “small ball” where a team takes to the court without a true centre. More and more we are seeing utility players, including big players who can dribble, pass, and shoot three pointers. Nikola Jokic from the Denver Nuggets and Joel Embiid from Philadelphia are two of many in the NBA right now.

But at the junior level, it is important to still have 5 defined positions on the court, as it teaches players to learn a specific role, and helps them focus on what they need to do to contribute to the team success.

To develop your skills, check out our private training services and get involved Tomorrow’s Stars Basketball today.

Ever since Dr James Naismith nailed 2 peach baskets to the balconies of his gym in Springfield back in 1891, basketball has been met with enthusiasm and enjoyment by millions of people over the world. It is now one of the most popular sports globally with participation rates on the increase every year.

So, why is basketball the best sport?

1. It can be played by anyone

Basketball can be played by anyone, no matter what their skill level. Whether you are tall or short, fast, or slow, young, or old, experienced or a novice, basketball is a sport you can embrace and enjoy. Even players with disabilities can participate, as wheelchair basketball has shown.

2. You can play and practice easily on your own

Some sports like football or baseball require other players to allow you to practice effectively. But with basketball, all you need is a ball and a hoop. You can also have actual competitive games with just 1 other player.

3. It provides numerous health benefits

Whether you are an experienced player at a high level or just starting out, all the running, jumping, cutting, passing, shooting, and playing defence provides a fantastic workout. An hour of basketball can burn up to 700 calories and helps you build endurance, build muscle, improve balance, and develop concentration and discipline.

4. It can be played any time of the year

Basketball can be played both indoors and outdoors, meaning it is the perfect sport to play all year round. While Naismith invented the game to condition young athletes during the cold winter months, it has gained popularity during the summer as well. The NBL is now played over the summer months and even the NBA has a summer league which is increasing in popularity every year. Tomorrow’s Stars runs private training sessions all year round, together with school holiday camps no matter what the season.

5. It is good for your social skills

Basketball is one of the best sports to develop your social skills. Being a team game, it teaches you how to work well with other people and improve communication. It also boosts confidence, helps with conflict resolution, improves time management, and builds a strong sense of community.

6. Basketball helps you hone individual skills

Basketball is a team game but also allows you to showcase individual skills. The best teams in the world usually have a star player who will step up when the game is on the line and help carry the other players to get the win.

But great teams who learn how to play together are the ones that enjoy success most frequently. Which is why the saying is “a champion team beats a team of champions”.

If you have other reasons why you love basketball, send us an email, we’d love to hear from you! And to get involved with Tomorrow’s Stars Basketball, call us on 1300 872 255.

It takes years of practice and hard work to become a good basketballer. Even the best players in the world still put in endless hours each week honing their skills and trying to improve their game to give them the edge against their competition.

When Andrew Gaze was at his peak for the Melbourne Tigers, leading the NBL in scoring, he was still always one of the first to training, practicing his shooting and developing his skillset.

After winning an NBA championship, Michael Jordan spent his entire summer practicing twice a day, 6 days a week. Each session, the Bull’s superstar would take a minimum of 500 jump shots, which adds up to over 6000 shots every week!

While practice and repetition is the key, basketball players are always looking for ways to immediately improve their game and add value to their team. Here are some strategies to help you immediately improve your game and steer you on the road to success.

Warm up properly

Warming up and stretching before training sessions and games will not only improve your performance but help you to avoid injury.  Taking good care of your muscles and joints will allow you to reach your fitness goals faster.

Here are specific warmup and stretching drills you can use:

• Low-intensity cardio
• Stretching, mobility drills, and jumping
• High knees
• Ladder drills
• Lateral defensive slides
• Seated and standing hamstring stretches
• Seated saddle stretch
• Achilles stretches

Always get to your trainings and games with plenty of time to spare, so you can warm up adequately. Stick to your stretching routine and you’ll see a major improvement in your flexibility and speed.

Focus on agility

If you want to stand out on the court, working on your agility is critical. There are two main ways to achieve better agility. Firstly, focusing on speed and reaction time during training will yield results. Agility is best practiced with other people, so make the most of group training sessions.

Secondly, fitness training and time at the gym are crucial for optimising your agility. Some of the best workouts for increasing agility include:

• Lateral Plyometric Jumps
• Shuttle Runs
• Dot Drills
• Tuck Jumps
• High knee, forward running drills
• Lateral, side to side running drills

If you have a trainer or fitness specialist, ask them about exercises that will improve your agility further, that suit your specific body type and fitness levels.

Improving your gameplay will require time and effort and mastering your agility on the court is an important step in the process.

Communicate with your coach and team

Basketball is as much about communication as it is about being quick on the court or having superior skills. Whether you’re discussing strategy, calling a shot or helping on defence, communicating more will make you better both on and off the court.

Likewise, being a good listening and taking note of suggestions from others can greatly increase your effectiveness as a team member. More frequent and better quality communication will translate into smoother passes and fewer turnovers on the court.

Know when to rest

Basketball requires endurance and an extremely high level of focus and mental capability. Exerting high volumes of energy can be both exhausting and rewarding. It’s important to know when to rest, so your body has time to recover. Pushing too hard can result in injury and your development will suffer as a result.

Being in top shape both physically and mentally means taking the time to rest both your muscles and your mind. If you’re recovering from an injury, you will likely want to get back out on the court as soon as possible. But going too hard too soon can increase the likelihood of further injury, so it is important to know your limits. Talk to your coach or trainer about possible alternative solutions to staying in the right headspace and getting back into training and playing in a safe and practical way.

Never stop improving yourself

Ask yourself, is there anything more I can do for myself and my team? Identify this, and work on it immediately. As mentioned earlier, even the greatest players in the world keep working hard, long after they become a star.

And even if you have a long way to go, always remember that every individual has something special and unique to bring to a team. Whether it’s a skill or an ability to bring a group together, always work on your strong points and stay positive.

Becoming a great basketball player doesn’t happen overnight, but there are many things you can do that can have an immediate impact on your performance.

If you’re passionate about the game and would love to improve your skills, we’d love you to join our private basketball training sessions or sign up for a one-on-one coaching session, tailored to bring the best out of your individual game.

Have you tried basketball? Are you still deciding whether it’s the sport for you? Not only is basketball a fun and exciting sport to play, but there are many benefits to basketball that you may not realise. By joining a team or taking basketball classes you can expect to receive these five benefits. 

No Limits  

Basketball is a game for everyone. It doesn’t matter what age or the ability of a player, you can play casually or competitively, whichever category suits you there’s a basketball class available. Basketball can also be practised both solo, one-on-one or as a team, with any number of players. Another advantage that basketball has over other sports is that it is generally played indoors and so can be played all year round! 

Health & Fitness 

Basketball is a fast-paced game and so playing and training is an aerobic workout that both strengthens the body and increases your cardiovascular health. Basketball keeps the body moving and develops your fitness and endurance, balance and coordination and builds strength in muscles all over your body. With all these benefits you can expect to become a lean, mean, basketball machine the more you train and practise in preparation for the game. 

Cognitive 

Learning to play basketball develops many beneficial pathways in our brains as well. Due to the fast-paced nature of basketball, you’ll gain better motor skills, reaction times, coordination and spatial awareness of your body. By committing to a sport, we also learn things like self-discipline and fairness, by turning up to training and following the rules of the game, as well as competitiveness by facing an opponent. 

Mental Health 

Exercise, in general, is great for your mental health. Moving our bodies releases feel-good hormones and can be a good way to release the stresses of our outside problems. But sometimes it’s hard to find exercise routines that are fun and easy to commit to regularly. Playing basketball is both fun and exciting so it’s a great way to be active without feeling like we’re exercising. Being part of a team also builds our self-esteem and teaches valuable life lessons in a supportive environment. 

 Socialising 

In other sports, you might not always be part of a team. By playing a team sport you will gain both teammates and possibly new friends. This gives us a sense of belonging and confidence that playing an individual sport cannot offer. By playing basketball you’ll be part of a big team of players and will also learn sportsmanship by opposing other teams. 

If these five benefits of basketball haven’t quite convinced you to join a team, a good taste of what it’s like to play basketball is to attend a class. Attending basketball classes will teach you the basic skills you’ll need to feel confident signing up for a new team. Or if you prefer to focus on your skills in a one-on-one environment, private training is always available for your individual needs as a basketball player.

Professional basketball aspirants and athletes may initially be sceptical about taking up private basketball coaching. Melbourne-based players, however, should understand that every famous basketball superstar most likely had the same reservations when the same idea was pitched to them. While hard work and talent are definitely factors in their success, those very same basketball superstars also benefited greatly from the structured skill training that only private coaching can provide.

No matter what you think about having private basketball lessons, the simple truth of the matter is that no aspiring athlete can get to a professional skill level just by playing the game at home or at their nearby basketball court. There is a world of difference between a casual game of basketball and one played in the professional arena.

For every great player to harness their raw talent and reach their full potential, they need the type of coaching and training that will help prepare them for the professional basketball scene. With this in mind, here are the eight main benefits of private basketball coaching.

Personal Attention

Basketball is a sport that requires teamwork and cooperation between multiple players for success. However, just because the entire team has to work as a unit, it doesn’t mean that the individual player doesn’t matter. In fact, every individual even more significant, seeing as the rest of the team will be brought down if one of its members has serious deficiencies in their performance. Private training can quickly identify such weaknesses, as well as any erroneous habits that a player may have picked up in their casual enjoyment of the game. Through one-on-one training and rehabilitation, a coach can help an up-and-coming basketball player become a stronger and more skilful athlete.

A Tailored Approach

Another key advantage of professional private coaching is that the coach can easily and accurately assess a player’s current skill level. This will help the coach prepare a training plan that is tailor-made to the player’s specific strengths and weaknesses. With such a customised plan, the player will be able to improve their game more efficiently during their training time than with a generalised, one-size-fits-all training regimen.

High-Quality Repetition

Mastering the fundamentals of basketball is a major part of honing your skills to a professional level of play. This includes elements such as core balance, footwork, correct forms, and key basketball techniques. While these fundamental aspects can easily be taught and picked up, mastering them is another point entirely. Not only is it important to learn these fundamentals correctly, but also repeat them until they become second nature and ingrained into muscle memory. This critical part of the training process can only be achieved with the repetitions being made under the watchful supervision of a professional coach.  Having a coach to watch over the training process will ensure that the repetitions are being done correctly and eliminate errors that may end up becoming ingrained into the player’s ongoing performance.

High Quantity Repetition

Professional basketball coaching can be conducted at a higher repetition rate when there’s only one player being trained, rather than an entire team. This allows for a higher quantity of repetition in a very short period, which has the potential of improving the player’s game much more efficiently. The focused training will also help in building the player’s confidence as well as push them to develop the skills necessary to work as part of a team.

Health and Safety

Yet another benefit of participating in private basketball coaching is having a professional coach to assist the player in other important aspects besides training. This could be advice related to their diet or nutrition, the proper way to exercise, their sleeping patterns, and so on. The coach will also be there to constantly monitor the player’s health and performance, ensuring that the player doesn’t end up hurting or injuring themselves during training. This goes a long way towards minimising the chances of the player suffering a career-ending injury or health issue.

Professional Rehabilitation and Treatment

Besides helping the athlete develop healthier lifestyle choices as well as closely monitoring their health, a professional basketball coach will also be able to provide valuable advice and wisdom when it comes to rehabilitating difficulties or treating old injuries related to basketball. This includes specific training or physical therapy methods to undertake, as well as which specific medical practitioners to consult for treatment.

Motivation and Discipline

Having a professional coach mentor a player closely can motivate them to work harder and push themselves farther, more than simply training on their own. This can give them the gumption they need to become a better and more skilful athlete. What’s more, being made to answer to a professional coach during their training also helps instil discipline within the player, which will contribute greatly to their betterment not only inside the basketball court but also outside of it.

Professional Insight and Expert Advice

Finally, when a player works one-on-one with a basketball coach, they will eventually build a relationship based on mutual trust. This will foster an environment where feedback on both ends can be solicited and given, resulting in mutual improvement, as well as a deeper introspection of each other’s strengths. It’s in this environment where the player will also be able to discover the tips and tricks of the trade that will see them edging past the competition. They will also be able to gain their coach’s invaluable expert advice on how to go about their professional career, helping them steer clear of the many pitfalls that usually befall other aspiring basketball stars.

Private Training is Essential for the Serious Basketball Athlete

If you are serious about becoming a true professional in the basketball scene, then get in touch with us here at Tomorrow’s Stars Basketball. Our team of highly skilled basketball trainers and coaches are both knowledgeable and experienced in providing the quality private basketball coaching in Melbourne that will see you to the top and help you compete at a professional level. Contact us ASAP and see how we can help you dramatically improve your game.

Have you considered signing up your child for basketball classes for kids? Or perhaps you’re thinking of getting them private basketball coaching lessons. Whichever the case, they’re a great way for your kids to spend their free time. The benefits of basketball coaching are quite numerous and significant to your child’s growth. This is especially true in this day and age where many parents are content to leave their offspring to the care of digital devices and TV screens, which can lead to unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles.

With that said, if this is your youngster’s first time to attend basketball camp, then you may want to look at giving them a history lesson about the original rules of the game. While this is not necessary, having them acquainted with the first rules of the game as written by the game’s inventor, Dr James Naismith, will help your child have a better understanding of basketball as a whole. Moreover, it will also enable them to appreciate the modern changes made in improving the game’s flow and play.

So what are the 13 original rules of basketball? Here they are in full:

1. Proper ball throwing or passing

Players can throw, toss, or pass the ball in any direction within the designated game area, using either a single hand or both to do so. There are no penalties for throwing the ball with one hand in one moment and with both the next. It is up to the player’s discretion.

2. Proper ball interception or defence

Whether in defence or offence, players can bat away the ball into any direction using one or two hands. However, the hands used must always be open while doing so, with all five fingers spread, and never closed or clenched into a fist.

3. Proper ball possession

A player is forbidden from running with the ball. Instead, the player should immediately stop and throw it from the spot where he caught it. If the player has been running full-speed before catching the ball, they will be allowed to take a few steps in order to stop safely.

4. Proper ball handling

A player must only use his hands to hold the ball, either in or between them. They must not use their arms or any other part of the body to remain in possession of the ball.

5. Proper defensive and offensive behaviour

There will be no deliberate rough play during basketball. This means no blatant physical attacks or assaults towards an opponent during play, such as shouldering, pushing, grappling, holding, striking, or tripping. The first violation shall be counted as a single foul, the second will disqualify the offending player until the next goal is scored. If the referee or umpire finds that there was a clear intent to injure while committing a foul, then the disqualification will last for the entire game.

6. Grounds for Fouling

Fouls are committed by a player committing the following acts: hitting the ball with a closed fist, as well as flagrantly violating the third, fourth, and fifth rules.

7. Consecutive fouls

If one team makes three consecutive fouls, the opposing team will be given a goal point. This is only if all three fouls are made in succession, and without the opposing team committing a foul of their own in between any of those fouls.

8. Proper Goal-scoring

A goal is scored when the ball is thrown or batted into the basket and remains inside the net. If the ball ends up resting on the edge of the basket, it will not count as a goal unless one of the defending players moves or interferes with the basket. In such an occurrence, it will count as a goal.

9. Proper Out-of-Bounds Ball Handling

In the instance that the ball goes out of bounds, whoever makes physical contact with the ball first shall be given the right to throw it back into the field of play. The player throwing the ball will be allowed five seconds to do so. Failure to throw the ball within this time limit results in possession being awarded to the opposing team. Consecutive delays in this fashion will result in a foul being called on the offending team. Also, any disputes on the first-contact rule may result in the umpire throwing the ball straight into the field instead.

10. Umpire Authority

The umpire has full authority on judging the actions of the players, especially when it comes to fouls. He will keep track of the fouls and notify the referee when three consecutive fouls have been made by a team. His authority also extends to disqualifying players as outlined in the fifth rule.

11. Referee Authority

The referee has full authority on judging the state of the ball, such as deciding whether it is in play, out of bounds, or who is rightfully in possession of it. His responsibilities also include keeping time, declaring when goals are made, tallying up the goals made by both sides, and other refereeing duties.

12. Proper Game Duration

A single game of basketball must only last for 35 minutes in total. This time limit constitutes of 15 minutes for each half, combined with a single period of rest in between that should last for five minutes.

13. Grounds for Winning

The team with the most goals at the end of the duration of the game is declared the winner. In case of a tie, the game can continue until a single tie-breaking goal is made.

Knowing Basketball’s history results in a better appreciation for the sport

The rules listed above may seem primitive and even archaic when compared to the rules of today’s basketball, but we can definitely see what Dr Naismith was going for—to develop a sport that’s both physically engaging and thrilling, while still being safe and professional.

Teach your child about these rules before beginning basketball classes and he’ll have a better understanding of the game itself. This will lead to him appreciating the sport more. As for where your child can get the quality private basketball coaching Melbourne residents trust, Tomorrow’s Stars Basketball is an easy recommendation to make. It has superior quality training programs and capable basketball trainers, so you can rest assured your child will be trained by the very best.

Basketball as a sport has been around for quite a while, so it’s no big surprise that it has found itself here in Australia. However, you might not be aware of how it became one of the most popular sports in the country. With the success of both the men’s and women’s national team in recent international sports events, its popularity is embraced by the entire country.

If you want to learn how basketball became one of the most well-loved sports in Australia, then read on to learn about its rich and colourful history.

From America to Australia

Basketball quickly took off in Australia in 1897, just six years after it was invented in the United States by James Naismith. The very first game was held in South Australia on February 17 between Our Boys Institute (OBI) and the Young Men’s Christian Association Training School (YMCA). These two institutes spearheaded the sport in the country, spreading basketball to Victoria and Adelaide throughout the following years.

Basketball slowly spread throughout the country, popping up in even the smallest of counties and towns. Its popularity began to cement itself within the general population as it was a great way to pass the time, especially during the summer months.

The Rise of Organized Basketball

In the following decades, several organizations dedicated to basketball were formed. In 1931, the Victoria Basketball Association spearheaded the growing expansion of the sport in the country. This was followed by the NSW Basketball Association shortly thereafter, as well as the formation of the Amateur Basketball Union (ABU) of Australia in 1939. The latter was recognized as the first national governing body of the sport. As more states began to join the ABU, it eventually changed its name to the Australian Basketball Federation.

Women’s basketball in the country didn’t really take off until the 1950s, when the first Australian women’s national basketball team was formed in 1957. Prior to this, women mostly played netball, a sport relegated to women due to the misconception that they couldn’t cope with the physical demands that basketball requires. Women’s basketball continued to advance until 1981, when the Women’s National Basketball League was finally formed. Six teams were initially inducted into the league, which has now grown to eight teams currently.

Basketball Today in Australia

Basketball in Australia today is as prolific as ever. The Boomers (Australia’s name for their men’s international basketball team) have won multiple championships as of 2017, including 19 FIBA Oceania Championships, a FIBA Asia Cup, and a gold medal from the Commonwealth Games in 2006. 

Similarly, their women’s national team, the Opals, has also garnered several accolades in several key competitions over the past few decades. The team won bronze medals during the 1998, 2002, and 2014 World Cups, as well as a gold medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championship.

Apart from the competitive side of the sport, many of Australia’s youth continue to hone their skills in basketball camps around the country. Many parents enrol their children in school holiday basketball camps as a way to show their love for the game and impart this value to their kids. The proliferation of school holiday basketball camps in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, and other parts of the country is a clear sign that the future of the sport is still very bright.

The long and rich history of basketball in Australia has always been one of small beginnings. Despite its humble origins, it has grown to become one of the most beloved sports in the country. With everyone giving their wholehearted support for the game, basketball continues to become a growing sport that people can enjoy for many years to come.