Recently I created a basketball workout and yesterday I received a comment by Dee Sharma which included a workout that I will present below. If you want to contact Dee Sharma please leave a comment or send her an email.

try doing this workout:

Basketball Workout

0:00 – 0:05 stretching, 40 push-ups, lunges full-court back, jog
full-court back with and without ball

0:05 – 0:20 elephant , elephant dribble, behind the back, jump stop
behind the back, spin move, crossover, threw legs, spin move 2 dribbles back
then go, in and out, in and out cross, in and out behind the back, threw legs
cross, double threw legs, and in and out threw legs, do each 2-3 times up and back

0:20 – 0:25 water break

0:25 – 0:35 Steve Nash warm up jumpers, banks, floaters, lay-ups, step
backs, turnarounds, hook shots, and 3ptrs

0:35 – 0:40 slide dribble

0:40 – 0:55 ball slaps, Finger tip touches, Ball wraps, Corkscrew,
wraps around each leg(both ways), figure 8 wraps(both ways), one hand dribbles
around each leg(both hands),figure eight dribbles around both legs(both ways),
Ball drops(one hand front one hand back), Ball drops(both hands front and back)

0:55 – 1:00 water break

1:00 – 1:10 catch and shoot(spin ball out), shot fake one dribble
pull-ups left and right, and shot fake two dribble pull-ups left and right (5 times)

1:10 – 1:15 jump rope 3/30

1:15 – 1:20 dribble right hand crossover half court and left hand back (twice)

The elphant drill or crab walk is when you are going threw your legs but not dribbling going in a straight line up and down the court.

If u have any questions or need another workout contact Dee Sharma at teamplayaz06@yahoo.com

When you cross the ocean and play in different parts of the world you are normally introduced to different cultures, sports and other activities. If you are a person who likes to see new things living and playing basketball overseas is your cup of tea. Playing in Europe has allowed me to see many different sports and how they are played different in each country. Many sport competitions in the world that I didn’t pay attention to when I played college basketball are interesting to me now because I’ve been introduced it them.

For example, the ICC World Twenty20 is an international cricket tournament where 12 top teams in the world compete for the title. In countries like India, England, Australia, New Zealand cricket is huge and it can be compared to the fans and followers of American NFL football. But on a bigger level and internationally seen and known. Even trying to get ICC World Twenty20 Tickets is difficult and should be booked a year or several months in advance.

Speaking about NFL football another international sport which is big across the water is Rugby which is quite similiar to American football but I consider it a lot more brutal. These guys don’t wear much of equipment like American Football. Many have missing teeth..A big rugby competition in Europe called the Six Nations Championship consist of six teams that fight (literally writing) in a five week rugby championship. Again buying RBS Six Nation Tickets is just as hard as getting an NBA Finals Ticket!

One thing that I like playing basketball overseas is seeing new things and taking lots of pictures. Yes the memory is great but traveling and seeing sports that are uncommon from your homeland is interesting and educational. Some of my favorite sports that I’ve seen and purchased Tickets for in Europe are the following:

• Finnish Womens Baseball (Very different than any baseball I’ve seen)
• Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer (Battle of the Surfaces)
• Padal (similar to squash in Spain)
• Rugby
• Ski Jumping
• Formula 1 Car Racing
• European Soccer/Football
• Surfing Tournaments

I suggest that you take the time to see other sports and find something new. As we saw at the Olympics the NBA players support other Summer Olympic Sports with an appreciation of the work of athletes such as Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt take their relative sport. It is not easy being great but everyone has the chance!

After both USA Men and Women Basketball Teams brought back home the GOLD Medal for the United States I’ve been on a bit of a break. But now its time for full swing of the new 2008-2009 basketball season overseas. Signings for most countries are almost complete and the seasons will began September-October. I will be updating the Pro Team Contacts for the 2008-2009 season and should be completed by October.

This summer there weren’t too many exposure camps out there due to the Olympics so hopefully next year I’ll have something more to bring to you in the Spring.

I’m really excited to watch the Olympic basketball games in a few weeks. After watching the US Mens Basketball Team play against Team Canada, I could see that they are strong. However, I’m doubting their inside play against the more bigger international teams like, Argentina, Spain, China and Germany. There is no question the guards are ready and the hot shooters. I recommend everyone tuning in and watching the Olympics basketball on television just to get an idea of the international game and players. The rules are different in a way and a lot of calls like “traveling” violations and carrying the ball. The FIBA rules and officiating take close measures and in the USA we can get away with a quick first step, especially in fast breaks.

On another note, I’ve noticed some former NBA players are now considering more the option to play basketball overseas because of the difference in salaries, especially in regard to the Dollar (USD)  being much weaker than the Euro. In the next couple of months, I’m sure you notice and read about it. I mean low end NBA players, not the stars!

Anyway, I encourage you to watch the Olympics basketball tournament starting August 9th! Here is the Olympic mens basketball schedule and womens olympic basketball schedule.

Next Q & A for basketball players!

I have no college playing experience but am a good player. Are there any avenues i can take to get a tryout. Even at the lowest levels?

Everything is possible, but contacting a good basketball agent would be your best bet to market your skills and getting a video of you playing in some type of good competition and organized ball.

How long does it usually take for a coach or agent to get back with you as a client, or player.

Well normally if a coach or agent is interested they would contact you back pretty fast. In most cases, coaches and teams get requests from many players daily. So, I can imagine they would look up your name online to see if you’ve played in college and find stats to see if you’re worth contacting. It is a business and its easier to market players who have experience and proof of game.

I am a player looking for where to start playing my pro career anywhere arounnd the world and i have a vidoe incase you a interested in it my question is how should i start playing pro basketball below is my video for you.

To answer your question, from your video and information that I see, you’re doing exactly right. You are exposing yourself online with video and stats from your career. Now like most players unless they sign multiple year contracts, is wait for an opportunity to arise and decide upon it.

Were do you find agents best? Do you go online or is there like offices were u can go like travel agents?

If you know of a player who plays overseas and they have an agent, you should ask them. Perhaps their agent can work with you. Mostly, word of mouth and experience from other players is a great way to find a good agent. Also, top websites such as Basketball Connect and Basketball Agencies Directory is a source where you can find agencies as well. Once you find an agency you like, try asking for a players information to find out more about the agency.

How can i start my process into going overseas to play basketball when i come out of high school?

I can say its relatively hard because you only have references of playing against youger and smaller players. Unlike as a professional who have most likely played in college and play up against top players who have the same skills. I recommend finding an agency who has experience with marketing high school players.

Well thats it for the first round of Basketball Overseas Q & A for players. Please post questions or comments for the next round at:

Basketball Overseas Questions

I’ve been getting several good emails questioning basketball overseas. So that everyone benefits I’ll be answering all questions unless they don’t overlap. Here is Round 1 of Basketball Overseas Q & A for AGENTS.

How does the player represenative gets his money? Is there ever an instance when agents do not get paid!

In all cases in the FIBA rules regarding player, team and agent, the Agency gets paid by the team/club directly. Never does the player pay you nor should you request money from the player.

I am a new agent and find myself dealing with a lot of players wanting to go overseas, I don’t really know what are good teams and how to get my guys exposure? Do i send tapes and when I look up teams on the internet they are all in other languges? Please help me out with this….

As an agent one of the first and most important things you must do is make good contacts. Contacting and partnering with other agents in other countries who know the system, know the teams and the language. Once you find a reliable partner you will send him/her your top players and they will find teams after which you both split the commission from the player’s contract.

What are the steps to becoming an agent for overseas….I have a player that has been invited to play ball in Turkey, Istanbul Besiktas…is t here an agent requirement with this league and if so what is the process.

As I said above it is better to have a contact in Turkey so if a problem arises you’ll understand the system and law if need be. Jurisdiction in other countries are different and if you’re not a citizen you’re not able to fight any battle without a proper contact.

If you saw the 2008 NBA Championship you know what I’m talking about! , from the Celtics: Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen all sacrificed their top individual status in chance for a NBA Ring! This trend is not new in sports and in the NBA, I begin to notice when Karl Malone opted for a lower contract in hopes to get a ring with the L.A. Lakers back years ago. Many players are now seeing the value in the overall goal as opposed to just money. Of course, in the NBA things are different as they can pretty much afford to take a pay cut and never notice.

But in real life, in most professional sports it is becoming a trend and positive. In team sports, individuals who win awards are given credit but at times, they don’t produce enough to get the team to the top.

My advice, if you’re at the end of your career and you’ve garnered everything but a nice championship, think about your next move and possibly take a pay cut to get more attention and satisfaction in the end!