Check out one of the most famous shots in NCAA Tournament history! In 1981, Arkansas’ U.S. Reed sank a half-court prayer as time expired, lifting his Razorbacks over defending champion Louisville. It’s an oldie but a goodie!
Author Archives: jgenessy
Fans choose the best of March Madness
What’s the best team in NCAA Tournament history? Who’s the most valuable player ever? Fans — YOU! — can vote to decide who will be crowned the greatest during the NCAA’s 75th anniversary of March Madness. Who’ll get your vote?
Fun NCAA Tournament facts
Do you know who the first Final Four teams were in 1939? How about the first-ever NCAA basketball tournament champion. Check out these and other fun March Madness facts.
One-on-one tournaments offer a fun alternative
Call it the basketball player’s dream. Anyone who laces up their shoes and steps onto a basketball court visualizes going one-on-one with a world-class opponent, beating them off the dribble, attacking the rim and jamming the ball home in highlight reel fashion.
It might be hard to go up against a world-class opponent — though we know you’re up to the task — but 1-on-1 basketball tournaments are a new trend that can let basketball players of all ages live out this type of hoop fantasies.
Organizing true 1-on-1 games in a structured format is simple enough. The format typically includes these features:
- 8 minute game time
- Running clock
- 20 second shot clock
- Games played to 15 points or whoever leads at end of regulation
- Sudden death overtime
- Standard collegiate rules for fouls and violations
- 2 minute injury timeouts – except in the final two minutes
Because it is 1-on-1 basketball, such a tournament must incorporate rule alterations into its format for typical game play.
Rather than using a jump ball on the opening tip to determine possession, a referee can use a coin flip to determine who starts with the ball. The ball must be checked in from outside the top of the 3-point line after every change in possession. This includes:
- Made baskets
- Blocked shots
- Steals
- Fouls
- Turnovers
- Defensive rebounds
In the case of a jump ball, a defensive player automatically retains possession. The offensive player must check the ball at the top of the key in all other cases by crossing the key before attempting to score. Failure to do so results in a turnover.
If you decide to organize a 1-on-1 tournament, create competitive divisions based on height, weight, age and gender. It will create a fun atmosphere for everyone and give plenty of people a chance to show their basketball skills against a similar opponent.