Ball handling- Basketball

Basketball is a sport involving two teams of five players although it is possible to be played by any number of people. It is normally played in a gymnasium but it is also known to be played on the street or outdoor court. It is played by dribbling a basketball across a court and throwing (shooting) it through ring called a hoop with netting hanging from it. The hoop is attached to a backboard with a square directly above the hoop which can be used for aiming. A regulation backboard is 72 inches wide and 42 inches tall. A regulation rim is 18 inches in diameter. When the ball is shot through the hoop, two points are scored, unless it is shot from behind the three point line, then it is counted as three points. One point can be scored if you are fouled and are given two shots from the free throw line, each worth one point. A foul is committed if your hand touches the other person, although there are exceptions. 

Basketball was invented by Doctor James Naismith in 1891. Doctor Naismith was a physician, chaplain, coach, and much more. He grew up in Almonte, Ontario. He invented basketball because people could not play sports outside due to winter weather. The first game was played with a soccer ball and peach baskets nailed to separate walls.

Today, 400 million people play basketball worldwide and there are 30 teams involved in the National Basketball Association (NBA). There are twenty nine NBA basketball teams in the US, but only one in Canada.

Positions in basketball are important. Although tall people are extremely helpful to a team, smaller, quicker players have special rolls in the game too. The point guard is typically the leader or captain of the team. He is the one who caries out the coach's plan. He also is one of the only players who plays both defense and offence. The point guard has often the best three point shot. The shooting guard is often a smaller player and is the best defense on the team. Shooting guards tend to have there own style or flair. Taller shot guards sometimes double as a small forward. Small forward is considered to be the the most versatile person on the team. Small forwards are expected to be able to do a bit of everything. They often play on the sides or "wings" of the court. They are often good at free throws. The Power Forward is in close resemblance to the Center. They are often quite tall and guard taller players on defense. They score mostly at the net or half way from the three point line, but they tend to stay clear from three point shots. The Center is usually the tallest player on the team and are good at getting rebounds. They often jump for jump balls at the beginning of the game. The center is considered one of the most important player beside the point guard. Centers are not usually as fast as power forwards, but are taller. 

Basketball is a sport that can be played by almost everyone. Basketball is even available to people who are in wheel chairs. Basketball is a great way to unwind, relax, and socialize. Most importantly, it is a great way to have fun. 

My task is is to improve my ball handling and dribbling while playing basketball. 

In order to improve my ball handling and dribbling, I will practise my skills 2 times a week for an hour each time at the jr NBA skill development program at Base Borden, practise at home, and self-evaluate to see how I am improving.I will also get my coach's evaluation on how I am improving.

I am doing my ball handling right because I see myself improving and my coach has told me that he has seen a great deal of improvement in every area of basketball.

Common mistakes with dribbling and ball handling is bouncing the ball too high and losing control. That is a mistake that I am working on.  

In conclusion, my goal is to improve my ball handling and dribbling. 

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