Squash Bags

Anyone that's been playing squash for a few years, has probably started basketball accumulate a bunch of squash gear. Racquets, balls, shoes, bandannas, grips, goggles, wrist / elbow / knee / ankle supports, and maybe even a book of squash rules. For the longest time, basketball basically carried around 2 bags every time I went to the squash courts. One with all my clothing, towels, shampoo, deodorant etc. And another bag, with my racquets, balls, and whatever else, I could cram into the bag that came with my racquet. It wasn't just a head cover bag, but one that could hold a couple of racquets and a few balls and stuff. Eventually, I got tired of the 2 bag scenario, and purchased a good 4 racquet sized Head squash bag.

I went looking on YouTube for a video about squash bags, but couldn't find one. So I made one and uploaded it. My first YouTube video. Pretty cool huh? You can actually put quite a bit of stuff in a squash bag. What you don't see here, is the clothes I wear to play. The fit in the same compartment as my shoes. My towel fits in there as well. Not to worry, that compartment is well ventilated, so even the sweaty stuff can survive in there for a while.

What you don't really see in the video, is the shoulder straps. This bag can be worn just like a backpack. Or, it can be carried like a suitcase with a regular handle. I wanted the backpack option, since some days I bike down to the courts to play. Helps me stay in shape...yea right ;)

There are plenty of places to buy squash bags, but I've assembled a few of my favorite. I also put my squash bag video up on my blog, so you can see how much stuff actually fits in.

Where To Watch NBA Games Online - No Monthly Fees, No Black Out Areas

Every basketball fan wants to follow their favorite team and watch all the NBA basketball games available. Unfortunately, this isn't always possible for a number of reasons. Being the sports fanatic that I am, but I was always looking for a way to follow my favorite team the way I wanted. I was frustrated for years until I figured out where to watch NBA basketball games online.

Once I figured out it was possible to watch NBA games online, I began searching for the best possible option. I ran across some services that were free, but quickly realized these were completely worthless for more reasons than can be listed here. I finally discarded the idea of being able to watch NBA basketball games online for free and decided to take the plunge and try some of the paid services. One service had a great pitch and I bought it hook, line, and sinker. The service was horrible, but I learned a very valuable lesson.

Before spending any more of my hard earned money, I decided to do some real research and learn where to watch NBA games online with no monthly fees. I read all the reviews I could find and discovered that Satellite TV for PC was the best internet TV service available. There were lots of sports fans watching NBA basketball games online with the service and were really thrilled with it. After thinking it over for a few days, I decided to try Satellite TV for PC because it appeared to be a good buy for just under $50.

I was really surprised when I found out just how good of a deal it actually basketball I got to watch basketball single NBA game online with perfect digital video and audio quality. There were no delays and a big screen. I could also watch every NHL, NFL, and CFL game I wanted as well as soccer, cricket and any other program or channel that I could have received from a service like DirecTV but without the monthly fees. Another great thing is that I can watch TV on my laptop at work or anywhere else I want.

Is there a catch to being able to watch NBA basketball games online? I've had the service for almost 8 months now and I haven't found a catch yet. Personally, I'm thrilled with the service they provide. For those who might not like the idea that they may have to watch NBA basketball games on the computer and not on a regular television, you can hook your computer to your regular TV so there's no difference at all. That's pretty good value for a single payment of $49. I'd take that any day over the $90 per month or more for DirecTV or something similar.

If you want to know where to watch NBA games online, the best service I've found is Satellite TV for PC. Get 3000 channels for only $49 or upgrade to the 4000 channel package plus bonuses for only $99. Quit missing your favorite team play, watch NBA games online and never pay another satellite TV bill.

2008 Top Ten Teams in the NBA

Here basketball my list of the top ten teams in the NBA 2008-09. season.

1. Boston Celtics: The returning championship team, these guys now know what it takes to get to the finals and come out victorious. Their record so far is just as impressive, they are 20-2. They could break the Chicago Bulls record of 72-10 if they keep up that pace. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rondo, Allen, Cassell, so much talent it's unbelievable.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers: Lebron James is hungry for a championship ring. Whether he does it with Cleveland, or eventually New York, he will eventually get one. He has that essence that Jordan had where you knew he would accomplish his goals. He has more talent around him this year and is doing very well. He is averaging 26.7 points a game right now. Lebron deserves his first MVP this year as his team would be 4-16 without him most likely at this point.

3. L.A. Lakers: What better rival to Boston than L.A.? It carries on the legacy of guys like Larry Bird and basketball Johnson among others. These guys are looking just as hard to beat as last year if not more. Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum are playing stellar this year. Their record is 17-3 and they are on a good pace to possible break the 72-10 mark as well. Kobe is averaging 24.9 points and might get MVP again.

4. Denver Nuggets: Now that they have Chauncey Billups they seem more revitalized. They play transition offense and defense much better and get the key plays. Clutch shooting is no problem now that Billups is here to save them. They could make one of their deepest playoff runs ever this year.

5. Portland Trailblazers: Talk about young talent. They have Brandon Roy, Greg Oden, LaMarcus Aldrige, Steve Blake, and Channing Frye. That is probably the youngest team I've seen in a while. While it will take time for Oden to develop and harness his skills, this team is an all out threat. Brandon Roy is having one of his best seasons averaging 20 points a game.

6. Orlando Magic: Dwight Howard is trying to end the season with the highest average of rebounds a game. Oh yeah he already is achieving that for the most part. He is getting 21 point and 14.5 rebounds per game. He is a player every team would love to have. On top of that they have Rashard Lewis, a big threat all around, as well as Turkoglu who can drain if from three land whenever he is called upon.

7. New Orleans Hornets: Now that they have some playoff experience, watch out! With a deadly guard in Chris Paul and a terrific finisher in Tyson Chandler the Hornets will hurt you everywhere. They also have Peja Stojakovic for when they need a clutch three. They are lacking in front court depth and don't have the best back up for Chris Paul. Other than that they look to do some more damage this year in the post season.

8. Houston Rockets: Talk about great depth, Tracy McGrady is hurt again, yet that doesn't stop the Rockets. They are 14-8 so far. They are definitely a sleeper team that could shock a lot of people. I know it sounds cliche but once Yao Ming and T-Mac are back in force, it will be on for the race in the SouthWest division.

9. Dallas Mavericks: A very rocky start for the Mavericks, but they are starting to turn it around. They are beating the teams that they should so far. But they need to show they can beat the Cavs, Lakers, and Celtics of the NBA world. Cause if they don't, making the playoffs really won't matter if you lose in round one again.

10. San Antonio Spurs: Losing Tony Parker was a big blow to the team earlier in the season. They are fighting back now that they have him, and have a 12-8 record so far which is on par for the upper ten percent of teams. Parker is still not his old self just yet as his stats are way below his norm.

Clarke Baldwin is a journalist who has worked for Dallas Morning News and other publications. You can find his site at Super Media Blog and this article at 2008 Top Ten Teams in the NBA

Basketball Hoops - A Great Way to Get Some Exercise

Watching basketball is exciting. Seeing players dribble, rebound, shoot, and score can be exhilarating. Why not take some of that excitement and get yourself moving? Basketball is a fun way basketball get some exercise for both yourself and your family. Basketball engages your heart and muscles for a whole body workout.

Basketball gets the heart pumping. One of the biggest challenges in America today is increasing cardiovascular health...in other words, your heart health. Basketball will increase your heart rate and a half hour of heart pumping exercise 3 or 4 days a week can drastically increase your heart health.

While dribbling, shooting and rebounding you will also be reducing your risks for basketball health conditions such high blood pressure and diabetes. Every time you go up for a shot, you can know you are strengthening your bones, expanding your lungs, and increasing the oxygen to your brain. More oxygen to the brain can result in less stress and a more positive mood.

In addition, basketball is a great way to burn fat. You can play with your friends, spouse, parents, or kids and burn away some extra pounds together. The great thing about it is you won't even feel like you are working out.

Playing basketball for exercise can also help build your muscles and strengthen your body. Dribbling helps coordination but also builds up the muscles in your arms. Shooting works both your arms and your legs as you go up for a shot. Not to mention all the running involved. Running helps build your muscles and you heart health.

Why not add this mobile exercise time to your home by investing in a portable basketball hoop? These basketball goals can be used in your front yard, back yard, or the street. You can move and store a portable system as needed. You don't have to make any excuses because you don't feel like driving to the gym. You can just go outside and have some fun playing a little one on one.

If you are looking for a basketball hoop to get some exercise with that can be in a permanent place, a mounted hoop works great. If you have a dedicated area of your driveway, front yard, or backyard that you can use for basketball consider a mounted hoop.

A mounted hoop can be hung on a garage or on the side of a house. You can enjoy many years of great exercise with a mounted hoop. Your family and friends will love getting together to shoot some hoops. With all the fun, you will hardly notice you are increasing your heart health and burning calories.

Exercise doesn't have to be boring and you don't even have to leave your home. Consider adding a portable or mounted basketball hoop to your home today. It is a great way to get your heart pumping and work together as a family towards some healthy goals. So start playing some basketball today.

Author Bill Parsons is the creative author of a variety of online specialty stores that offer both items and information for all your athletic equipment needs. Today, he writes about how playing basketball can be a fun form of exercise. All you need is a ball and a basketball goal. Bill is an expert on basketball hoops of all kinds, from residential to institutional. Also make sure to check out other basketball hoop related blogs for even more information on this subject.