 We all have that special someone who we like to call our BFF, aka Best Friend Forever. June 8th, 2020 is National Best Friends Day where we honor the ones closest to each other on the court. With that, here are some of our favorite BFF duos! Boban Marjanovic and Tobias Harris  ESPN Boban Marjanovic (Dallas Mavericks) and Tobias Harris (Philadelphia 76ers) are a duo that we love. Over a span of three years, two trades, and 765 minutes, they have developed one of the best friendships in the NBA league. They even garnered their own nickname of Bobi and Tobi! They had become close when they both played for the Clippers, but even though they currently play for different teams, their friendship remains intact! Kevin Durant and Michael Beasley  thesmokingcuban.com Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets) and Michael Beasley (Free Agent) both grew up in Maryland and played AAU and high school ball together. Small world right? Later on in their basketball careers, they gained many similar accomplishments such as being named conference players of the year as freshmen and were both number two picks in back-to-back NBA drafts! Eventually their careers went in two different paths, but they remain good friends! We love a great power friendship. Kyrie Irving and Harrison Barnes  Getty Images Back in 2010, Kyrie Irving (Brooklyn Nets) and Harrison Barnes (Sacramento Kings) were both named Co-MVPs of the Jordan Brand Classic! How can you top their BFF goals especially when Irving was a groomsman in Barnes’ wedding?! The duo has been going strong since 2010 and we’re here for it. Donovan Mitchell and Royce O’Neale  NBA.com Donovan Mitchell and Royce O’Neale both play for Utah Jazz and are among our favorite BFFs on the court. Both entered the league in 2017 and built a bond during their rookie season. In fact, they even lived in the same apartment complex on the same floor, and the rest was history! Steven Adams and Enes Kanter  USA Today Steven Adams (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Enes Kanter (Boston Celtics) are BFFs that have natural chemistry. Their bromance is like no other even when they were bonding over their mustaches. They have quite a bit in common as well like being international players and have a similar sense of humor, which if you ask us, makes for a very entertaining friendship that we admire.
Share this with your BFF on June 8th and let them know just how much you appreciate them!
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 Practicing some basketball drills doesn’t necessarily have to only be on the court. It’s always a great idea to practice your drills every day whether you have access to a court or not. How you ask? We’ll show you! Below are some drills you can practice at HOME that will help step up your basketball game. All you need is a ball and some minimal space! Warm Up Drills  Ball Slaps – Slap the ball from one hand to the other continuously. Finger Taps – Hold the basketball out in front of you, with your elbows locked, and tap the ball quickly back and forth, using only your fingertips. Ball Wraps Recommended to wrap 50 times around, in both directions. Around Ankles – wrap the ball around your ankles without letting the ball touch the ground. Around Waist – wrap the ball around your waist. Around Head – wrap the ball around your head. Around the World – combining all wraps: ankles, waist, and head, into one. Start by wrapping around your head, bringing it down to the waist, then ankles. Once you get to the ankles, wrap it back up to your waist, then head, and repeat. Around Right Leg – with your right leg in front and your left in back, wrap the ball around your right leg. Around Left Leg – with your left leg in front and you right in back, wrap the ball around your left leg. Figure 8 Around Legs – wrap the ball in a figure 8 around your legs. Dribbling Drills Recommended to do each motion 50 times, with your right then your left Ankle Height with Right/Left Hand – dribbling the ball ankle high with your right hand then switch to left hand. Waist Height with Right/Left Hand – in the basketball stance, pound the ball as hard as you can, at waist height, with your right hand then switch the left hand. Shoulder Height with Right/Left Hand – pound the ball as hard as you can while dribbling, at shoulder length, with your right hand then switch to left hand. Around Right Leg with Right Hand – in a wide stance, with the ball low to the ground, dribble the ball in a circle around your right leg with only your right hand. Around Left Leg with Left Hand – in a wide stance, with the ball low to the ground, dribble the ball in a circle around your left leg with only your left hand. Figure 8 – in a wide stance, dribble the ball in a figure 8 around both legs using both hands. Front V-Dribble with Right/Left Hand – using your right hand, dribble the ball from side to side in a shape of a V in front of your body then switch to your left. Side V-Dribble with Right/Left Hand – using your right hand, dribble the ball backwards and forwards beside your body in the shape of a V then switch to your left. One Hand Between the Legs with Right/Left Hand – using your right hand, dribble the ball backwards and forwards, between your legs, then switch to your left We can’t wait to see all the drills you’ve been practicing on the court at Nike Basketball 3ON3 2021!
 When playing basketball, it is essential that ballers have the right equipment. Having the right equipment at all times is key to being prepared, staying injury-free, being on top of your game, and having swag on the court! Below are the essential items every baller must have! Basketball Apparel Wearing the right gear is important when playing basketball and we can’t stress that enough! A good pair of basketball shorts and t-shirt (or jersey/uniform) are necessary for comfort, preventing sweat, and/or determining what team you’re on. Pro tip: bring an extra change of clothes to change into so you are fresh at all time! Basketball Shoes This is probably the most important item for any basketball player – the shoes. While there are different kinds of basketball shoes that have various features, they must be gentle for the court, maintain traction, and they must protect your ankles. Basketball involves jumping and various rigorous movements which is why it is important to have supportive sneakers to avoid strains and other injuries. Pro tip: bring extra pairs of socks! Protective Gear Just how players need proper shoes to avoid injury, protective gear is also important to avoid other bodily injuries. For example, knee and elbow pads help protect a player’s joints should a player fall on the court while mouth guards protect the mouth from any mouth injuries. Goggles are also sometimes worn to not only protect the eye, but also help players see better. Pro tip: while not essential, compression sleeves help aid muscle recovery! Basketball You never know when you’ll need a ball to practice some drills, your shooting, dribbling, or simply to play a quick game which is why it’s always a good idea to carry one. There are several factors that come into play when choosing a ball, such as weight, size, bounce, and material. For men, the right size is 29.5 to 30 inches while for women, the recommended size is 28.5 inches. For a professional competition, leather balls are essential while a rubber ball is great for practice. Pro tip: don’t forget a pump and needle! (just in case the ball deflates) Sports Drink + Snacks It is so important to hydrate and refuel! To prevent dehydration from all the sweating and physical activity, it is essential to stay hydrated. Drinks with electrolytes and plenty of water will help keep players hydrated, while some light snacks will keep players energized throughout practice or during a game. Pro tip: bring a refillable water bottle! Check out Nike Basketball to gear up and come prepared to #Nike3ON3. Can’t wait to see you on the court in 2021!
 Everyone has their own style of playing ball and plays a different role on the court. Some players are there to score and others are there to defend. Let’s see what kind of ballers you’re going to see on the court next summer at Nike 3ON3! The Shooter The shooter is an offensive player on the team who usually shoots the ball very well. The shooter’s main goal is to score as many points as possible for their team and to steal the ball on defense in order to score. The shooter can score in many ways from layups to 3-pointers. The shooter must always have their eyes on the ball and look for every shooting opportunity they can. Think Stephen Curry The Attacker The attacker’s main goal is to clear away from the defender, which gives them the opportunity to move towards the basket to score or creates the opportunity for another teammate to score. The attacker is an offensive player that typically has multiple dribble moves as well as good foot work, which allows them to clear away from the defender. The attacker must also be able to avoid the shot blocker while looking for scoring opportunities. Think Kyrie Irving The Defender The defender guards the basketball and prevents the attacker from passing forward, dribbling towards the basket or shooting the ball. The goal of the defender is to put pressure on and confuse the attacker in an effort to force the attacker into making a mistake. The defender must prevent scoring opportunities from the attacker and any forward movement by the offense. Think Giannis Antetokounmpo The Shot Blocker The shot blocker is a defensive player who legally deflects a shot attempt from an offensive player to prevent them from scoring without fouling. The shot blocker can block a jump shot, a slam dunk and a fadeaway shot. With proper technique, blocking shots is the last line of defense against an opponent shooting the ball. Think Anthony Davis The Rebounder The rebounder is a player who retrieves the ball after a missed shot. The rebounder is either an offensive rebounder or a defensive rebounder. An offensive rebounder has an additional ball possession for another opportunity to score while the defensive rebounder receives possession for an opportunity to score. The rebounder’s job is to create more possessions for their team, which creates more scoring opportunities. Think Dwight Howard We can’t wait to see all of these types of ballers on the courts in 2021!
 Do you and your team want to compete at the Nike Basketball 3ON3 Tournament next year? You need to learn some plays and we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, below are some of the best and most effective plays for a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Pick and Roll This play involves two players using a pick-and-roll from the top of the key or on the wing. A pick-and-roll involves an offensive player setting a screen for a teammate that is in possession of the ball. Setup: Player 1 starts on the top of the key (the topmost point of the arched line that connects both sides of the free throw line) and players 2 and 3 stand on each of the wings.
The Ram Screen This play creates opportunities out of a pick-and-roll and is deemed as one of the most effective 3-on-3 basketball plays. Setup: Player 1 starts on the top of the key and players 2 and 3 stand on each of the wings.
The Give and Go This is an offensive play where a player passes the ball to a teammate and cuts towards the basket, breaking free from the defender, and looks for a return pass from his teammate for an opportunity to score. Setup: Player 1 starts at the top of the key and players 2 and 3 stand on each of the wings.
The Double Back Screen This play consists of multiple back screens to attempt to get an open layup under the basket. In a back screen, also known as a blind screen, the screener sets a screen behind the defender. Setup: Player 1 starts at the top of the key and players 2 and 3 stand on each of the wings.
Now that you are well versed in 3-on-3 plays, it's time to put these plays to the test at Nike 3ON3! We’ll see you in 2021!
 Test your knowledge to make sure you're well versed in your basketball slang. We don't want your conversations to "flop," so read up and show everyone how hard you ball on the court and in the stands!  BOARDS Getting a rebound or rebounding. USE: “She is always ready to get boards.”  ALLEY OOP A player throws the ball to a teammate who is standing near the basket. The player by the basket jumps, catches the ball midair, and immediately scores the basket. (Usually alley oops are dunks.) USE: You can always count on J.R. Smith to pass the ball to Lebron for the alley oop.  BOUNCE Any player who can jump high. USE: “Did you see the height on that dunk? He has bounce!”  CLUTCH A commonly used phrase in basketball, also used in other sports. To be a clutch player is playing great when it matters the most and being able to make the big shots and plays, usually resulting in a win. USE: “Their offense came in clutch in the second half, helping them win the game”  CROSSOVER A dribbling move that is performed by an offensive player when he or she moves the ball from one side of the body to the other with a single dribble. It is a fakeout on the offensive player’s part. USE: “That crossover can break ankles!”  FIELD GOAL A field goal in basketball is worth two points and is a shot made from inside the three point line. A field goal is a jump shot, layup, or dunk. USE: “DeAndre Jordan still has the best field goal percentage in the league!”  FLOP An intentional fall by a player when there is little to no physical contact by an opposing player in order for the officials to call a personal foul on the opponent. USE: “No one even touched him, that flop was so dramatic.”  MAKE THEM DANCE If you crossover an opponent and he ends up spinning around, you’ve made him dance. USE: “He made him dance with that play!”  POST UP A player who positions himself near the basket for a pass with his back to the basket and a defender behind him. USE: “He used his size to post up near the rim.”  BUCKETS Either the rim of the basket or a shot made. USE: “He was scoring buckets all day!” Test your basketball IQ at Nike Basketball 3ON3 in 2021!
 It feels good to be part of a team. Now researchers have found that it’s also a boost to your overall health and well-being. Team sports not only help you get in shape and stay that way, but also are a great way to connect with people from different backgrounds and become part of a larger community. Now, several studies have revealed other holistic benefits of participating in team sports. TEAM SPORTS REDUCE OBESITY AND INCREASE OVERALL HEALTH With obesity at an all-time high, it is essential to participate in physical activities, especially if you spend most of your day sitting at a desk. You should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week, which helps avoid such chronic diseases as diabetes, arthritis and heart disease, according to The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. But with work (and life) getting in the way, that’s easier said than done. Joining a local kickball, dodgeball or basketball league can help you commit to meeting those guidelines week after week. ATHLETES WHO TRAIN WITH A TEAM ARE HEALTHIER Not only does being part of a team give you access to health professionals, but also provides a built-in support system that can rally around you when you are pursuing specific health goals. It seems that teamwork is a good tool for improving an athlete’s overall health. BEING PART OF A TEAM ENHANCES SELF-IMAGE If you feel good about how you look, it may help you feel good about who you are. Athletes who participate in club sports exhibit improved self-esteem. They also report fewer depressive symptoms, in part because of the positive social interactions that team sports create. COMPETITION IMPROVES ENDURANCE Routine physical activity is key in building endurance. In turn, endurance builds cardiac strength. Additionally, exercise builds bone density and increases muscle mass — all of which contribute to optimal health. TEAM SPORTS INCREASE LONG-TERM HAPPINESS Athletes who play team sports are healthier — and more satisfied with life. One study found that physical activity (specifically playing sports) had a significant influence on the life satisfaction of participants. Part of this may be that being a part of a team gives athletes a sense of belonging. The social interaction produces strong feelings of self-identity, which increase happiness. TEAM SPORTS MAKE YOU SMARTER Athletes often have higher GPAs than non-athletes, and one study found that 97 percent of team athletes graduated from high school — which is 10 percent more than students who did not participate in team sports. So what are you waiting for?! Get your Nike 3ON3 team together and we'll see you in 2021!
 Whether you'll spend your time shooting hoops or cheering on your favorite players, there is no crossover for sun protection. Prepare for the Nike Basketball 3ON3 Tournament with these helpful tips.
Hydrate Often Stay hydrated. Your body needs 64 ounces of water daily to function properly. If you are active in the heat, your body produces more sweat to regulate your body temperature and therefore needs more water. Packing frozen water bottles keeps your liquids cool and doubles as a cooler for snacks. Also remember that beer and sodas are diuretics and can cause dehydration. Reapply Sunscreen You know you should wear sunscreen, but even more important is that you apply it throughout the day and after sweating. The recommended standard by the American Academy of Dermatology is to reapply every two hours, including on your lips, and to apply more often after sweating. Confused about SPF? Dermatologists recommend a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF, which will block 97 percent of the sun's harmful UVB rays. For extra coolness, store your screen in your cooler so that it feels refreshing when you apply. Cover Up Unfortunately, no sunscreen blocks all the sun's harmful rays, and sweat and heat can take a toll on your skin. Wearing a t-shirt under your jersey or hat will help you avoid overexposure to the sun and keep you cool. Just remember to choose a cover-up that actually blocks the sun, with a thicker fabric or built-in sun protection. If you're in the stands, protective sunglasses are always a smart spectator accessory. Find the Shade You can be in the shade and still enjoy the on-court action. Bring an umbrella so that your family, especially kids, have a place to escape from the sun. In addition to sun protection, shade helps reduce your chance of overheating. |
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