Staff Retention Strategies for Small Businesses

In today’s competitive world, staff retention is one of the key challenges faced by small businesses. Finding talented and competent employees is one thing; making them stick around over long periods of time is another matter. Moreover, in the long run, high employee turnover will cost you in time and productivity. In this article we’ll tell you how to retain employees by applying some very effective staff retention strategies.

10 Strategies for Retention of Employees

1)    Offer Lucrative Fringe Benefits Packages

Perhaps the most important strategy for staff retention is offering lucrative fringe benefits packages to your employees. These may include life insurance, health insurance, retirement plan, new office furniture, use of company car, extra vacation time, etc.

2)    Offer Other Small Perks

Certain other perks like flexible working hours, the ability to work from home or the car, longer lunch breaks, etc., may further aid in keeping your staff happy and motivated. Perks like these may appear small, but they can work wonders when it comes to retention of employees.

3)    Implement an Open Door Policy

Implementing an open door policy can go a long way in practically showing your employees that what they have to say is indeed important. Be they workplace complaints and concerns or constructive suggestions for the improvement of the company, your employees should feel free to share them with the management of your company.

4)    Make Use of Employee Contests and Competitions

You can use various sorts of employee contests and competitions to motivate your employees. For instance, you can hold an “Employee of the Month Contest” every month. Such contests and competitions are not only a cost-effective strategy for keeping your employees focused and excited about their jobs, but they also play a significant role in employee retention by making your employees feel that their services are being recognized.

5)    Provide Growth Opportunities With Internal Promotions

Internal promotions are a great way of giving your employees an opportunity to move ahead in their careers.  One of the most common reasons for employees leaving jobs they have had for long periods of time is dissatisfaction with their current jobs regarding growth opportunities. That’s because not having a clear path of advancement frustrates employees as they do not see a clear future for themselves. So you can retain employees by promoting from within whenever possible.

6)    Provide Professional Development Opportunities

Providing professional development opportunities to your employees not only enhances their productivity and competency, but also helps in retention of employees by developing feelings of loyalty and profound gratitude toward your company. A good example of such opportunities is financial assistance by the employer in furthering an employee’s education.

7)    Offer Occasional Monetary Rewards

Try to offer occasional monetary rewards to your employees. Nothing boosts the morale of your employees more than a nice fat bonus. It’s not necessary that such bonuses be very frequent, but try to be as accommodating as possible, as such rewards are an investment in the future of your business. In addition to bonuses for all employees like Christmas Bonus, try to give special bonuses to top performers, that is, if your business can afford such extra bonuses. You can regulate such special bonuses by creating a bonus structure where employees receive an annual bonus for meeting certain performance goals.

8)    Get Your Supervisors and Managers Involved

Try to get the supervisors and managers in your firm or company actively involved in the coaching of your employees. Doing so will not only increase the productivity of your employees, but also help them get trained in order to move to higher positions. All this plays a pivotal role in the staff retention process.

9)    Give Employees as Much Autonomy as Possible

Giving your employees sufficient autonomy can be a great source of motivation for them. Once your employees are adequately trained, give them the freedom to perform on their own. Sometimes, some of them will fail, but trial and error is an inevitable part of any learning process. Employees learn as much from failure as from training. The more you leave your employees to perform on their own, the greater will be your staff retention.

10)    Hire an HR Professional

If possible, and if your business can afford, hire an HR Professional to manage employee benefits, perks, reviews and other employee related tasks. HR Professionals handle all employee related matters in an absolutely professional way, ensuring that all employees are treated fairly. This prevents feelings of injustice and unfair treatment from developing amongst your employees. On the other hand, HR Professionals can also come up with new and innovative ideas for your company’s employee retention program. In a few words, a good HR professional is a great investment in the staff retention process of your business. 

For More Info Visit:  Business Coaching  (glimmermc.com.au)

The Best Keylogger for Windows 7, Vista, XP Support

Keyloggers are frequently misused by most people. Similar to other advancement in technology, they must be used for a good reason, however most others appear to automatically figure out how to misuse it. Because of selfishness, people can at times tweak what others have made and then use these items to further their own benefits. It's bad with keylogging as these are readily available on-line. Everyone can pick and choose it up; setup it on an individual's computer, then walk away with the collected information.

By introduction of new operating systems in the market, all employer and technician has been finding the appropriate tools that may be used as they improve their systems to take advantage of the new capabilities provided by the said Operating System. All along with the searches, obviously, is the search for the best keylogger for Windows 7 or Windows Vista. Employers and parents need this to make sure that they can still watch the activities of those who access their system. It’s not as simple though as going to a neighbor and asking for the best keylogger for Windows 7.

There are plenty of keyloggers in the market today, and few of them are already advertised as the best keylogger for Windows 7. Nothing has been confirmed at this point as people are still in the process of getting familiar with the system, and with the new additions that the company has done to its product, the modern keyloggers are not as silent and not as untraceable as they are supposed and advertised to be. This is a good thing for all users though, as they can sleep soundly at night knowing that their information is safe. Thing do change though, and even though the best keylogger for Windows 7 or Vista may not yet exist, it would be already a good thought to invest in software that hunts down and destroys keyloggers and similar programs.

There is one Keylogger program which is best for Window 7, Vista i.e. LightLogger Keylogger – it’s a versatile monitoring software that secretly records all activities on your PC.

LightLogger is "light" yet full-featured monitoring software:

ü  Great for Concerned Parents - See Heavenward’s  articles on using LightLogger to protect your child from the dangers of the internet.

ü  Stealth Mode - Use stealth Mode to hide LightLogger from all but the most sophisticated users.

ü  Keystroke Monitoring - Record keystrokes typed in any PC or web application.

ü  Application Monitoring - Record all applications opened on your PC.

ü  Website Monitoring - Track websites (including URLs) visited.

ü  Multi-language support - Set LightLogger’s display to use any of six languages, English, Italian, French, Deutsch, Spanish, or Portuguese.

ü  Screen Captures - Configure LightLogger to make and save screen captures at intervals you select.

ü  Windows 7, Vista, XP Support - LightLogger works on three popular Windows operating systems.

Protect Your Children with LightLogger Keylogger and Parental Control

As most of parents are too busy to monitor their children on a regular basis, specifically when it comes to how they use computer and the Internet, parents can now use a Lightlogger keylogger tool for their children. This software serves as a parental control program as it can keep track of what is happening on your computer and record the list of websites visited by any user of the machine where it is installed. It can also provide log files of chat sessions, viewed applications or programs and screenshots of websites including date and time.

Almost parents want to trust their children in using computer and surfing the Internet, predators abound. At this point, it becomes easier for them to get quite into a fall sense of security by these criminals. Everyone takes for them is to come in a chat room and to have anybody approach and chat with them. Before long, the conversation will turn more adult and fraudulent.

LightLogger Keylogger tool can give you all information you require to keep your children and your loved ones safe from these predators. This tool can assist you block your children access to websites that you think unsuitable for them to visit.

LightLogger keylogger software functions runs hidden in the background. It means users will not know that it is installed and actively running on their machines. Besides that, parental control programs are now available.

This kind of software is a useful tool in supervising your children Internet activities. At the same time, you can also effortlessly block unwanted content while your kids are using the computer.

For adult users, this program will also be helpful. It is recommended to keep away from adult websites or those with objectionable material due to its content and possible malware programs which can automatically download and install itself into the computers of unsuspecting users. Among these harmful applications include spyware programs, viruses and the like.

With the monitoring section of the software comes an integral security risk of sensitive information which could fall into the wrong hands. If you use parental control software, you need to be practical, especially with the privacy of your kids, particularly if you install it into a computer shared by other members of your family.

Parents ought not to forget to disable it when doing shopping or banking online. This is because monetary and confidential data will be stored and logged. This may be accessed and stolen by hackers or anyone with access to the machine.

Just install a keylogger application as well as parental control software to defend your children or family. Constantly take into account that protecting your children or family should be your top most priority.

Get more information about LightLogger Keylogger spy software and all the helpful benefits and features provided by the parental control applications. 

Weight Loss Tips

Did you know that 66% of Americans, age 20 and up, are currently overweight or obese? Those health classes that we are required to take in high school don't seem too effective, do they? In order to lose weight and maintain a healthy body, a positive approach and high motivation are necessary. Before you even embark on a weight loss attempt, make sure that you have a positive mindset and will remain dedicated to it. With that accomplished, these weight loss tips will help you shed off those unhealthy pounds.

Walk


Some doctors argue that walking is the best exercise for weight loss. In fact, any form of aerobic exercise is great for losing weight. If you do not want to walk, you can consider swimming, jogging, or some other aerobic exercise. It does not matter which one you choose, because all forms of aerobic exercise will help you lose weight. What truly matters is what you enjoy doing. You can even switch things up if you get bored of sticking to one exercise. Aerobic workouts aid in the total circulation of blood throughout your body. This is why they help people feel so much better.

Exercises


In addition to walking, you should also include other physical exercises. You do not have to do anything strenuous, but doing other exercises will help you shed the fat and sculpt your muscles the way you want. You can have that firm, lean body you have always dreamed of. You can have that six pack that you envy on other men. You can have a flat stomach. Naturally, merely walking will not give you a firm, lean body or six pack. You may even have to do some situps in order to get that flat stomach along with your walking. Just as everyone gains weight in different ways, everybody also loses weight in differing ways. Keep that in mind as you work towards your dream body.

Gather Support


It is easier for an individual to stay motivated, when he is in a group sharing a similar goal or has a lot of support. Consider joining a weight loss program or even working on losing weight with a friend. This will not only make the process much more fun, it will also keep your strive enforced. It is loss of motivation that causes people to fail in a weight loss attempt.

If possible, you should also gather all of the support you can get from family and friends. Allow them to help you maintain motivation for losing weight.

Diet


Never starve yourself or go on a harmful diet. You need to eat to live, and you need to eat to lose weight. You just have to eat the right foods. A little research can inform you about so-called healthy foods that are actually bad for you and foods you may think are fattening, but actually help you lose weight. Who said improving your diet had to be a painful ordeal? You can still eat delicious foods and lose weight. Just always keep in mind you should do things in moderation.

In conclusion, positive mindsets, high motivation, walking, exercising, gathering support, and maintaining a healthy diet are the keys to weight loss. Never let yourself feel discouraged or harm yourself. Working towards the body of your dreams will be a challenging, but rewarding experience.
101 Weight Loss - Visit for quick, easy, safe & Safe Weight Loss tips. Articles on diets, pills, plans, programs and more.

White Kidney Bean Extract Can Help You Lose Fat

You might be wondering how White Kidney Bean Extract Can Help You Lose Fat. It is proven that the compound actually works in two ways to help with fat burning. Not only can it actually increase your body's metabolism and burn stored fat but it blocks starches from breaking down into glucose which is proven to be stored in the body as fat when there is too much of it for the cells to use.

It is well known that bodybuilders want to increase muscle tissue mass.  It is perhaps less known that they also need to reduce the percentage of fat on their bodies within healthy limits. The reason for this is that because thinner layers of fat in the skin reveals more muscle definition and it is the muscle definition that they are seeking in the first place. Of all the fat burning supplements on the market today for lowering fat in the body the most promising is white kidney bean extract, or Phaseolus vulgaris.

Phaseolus vulgaris is one of those plants that is a ancient food source. It has been cultivated around the globe by a number of societies for thousands of years. What science did not realize is that there are compounds in this plant that can help with weight loss. Now there is an extract that concentrates this compound to make the properties of the plant even stronger. As mentioned before White Bean extract many be lipogenic, according to several studies. In other words, the extract causes fat loss. This effect may be stronger then the widely used ephedra but without the negative impact on health as ephedra tends to be blamed for. White Bean extract therefor has some beneficial fat burning properties. It also has another bonus.

White Bean extract also increases fat loss because it blocks the enzyme alpha amylase.  This enzyme is the metabolic reason that simple carbohydrates are quickly turned into glucose, or blood sugar.  When glucose is present and cannot be used right away the body tends to store it in the form of – you guessed it – fat.  When you take White kidney bean extract before your meals you can block as much as a third of the starch that would be rapidly converted over into simple blood sugar.  This blocked and undigested starch is then passed through the body like fiber. Because you are digesting fewer carbohydrates you are more likely to burn extra stored body fat then you are to gain weight.

One word of caution, while taking white kidney bean extract will not hurt your workouts, you will want to pay attention to how you react to it and adjust the amount to the right level. Feeling overly hungry or craving carbs, or dropping too much weight should signal that you need to reduce the amount of the extract you are taking. Remember that White bean extract works best when you are watching your diet, eating good foods in healthy moderation, and maintaining a healthy exercise program.

Weight Management for Sensible Weight Loss

If you are trying to lose weight, then the most important thing that you need to do is to focus on your goals. This is without doubt the most important thing, as you will need to adopt a life style of weight loss if you want to lose weight and keep it off. This is important, as many people who diet or lose weight will end up gaining the weight right back, if they do not adopt certain principles that will allow them to live a lean and weight free lifestyle.

In essence, there are several thinks that you need to do for successful weight management. The first thing that you have to do is set a realistic goal for yourself and then stick with the plan that you have adopted for yourself. Don’t forget that it is not easy to lose weight and it requires work on your part. In principle, there are two things that you need to do to lose weight. One thing that you need to do is to reduce the calories that you are in taking every day. The second thing that you need to do is to burn the extra calories and the extra fat that you have accumulated over time.  This is of course done by exercise, the more exercise that you do, more weight that you will lose.

In weight management, you have to try to eat sensibly. This means that never go with huge portions of food. Eat in smaller amounts and try to keep it under control. Don’t forget the fact that you are eating to sustain your body for energy and no more. If you will eat with this principle in mind, then you will be able to keep focused on your goals.

Another thing that you have to watch for in weight management is eating the low fat foods instead of their regular counterparts. This means that you will have to eat low fat cheese and low fat dairy products along with lean meats instead of fatty meats. In addition, you should get used to the idea of drinking skim milk instead of full fat milk, if you want to be successful. Always read the labels and try to lower your calorie intake by watching and counting the calories that you eat.

One thing that you have to watch out for is emotional eating. Many times as reaction to stress, people will eat too much food and thus take more calories than they can burn. Obviously, this is something that you want to avoid and you should take the precautions to overcome this. Also, don’t skip breakfast as this will cause you to lose your sense of perspective in the day. People who are successful in losing weight are those people who control their eating with a regular breakfast everyday. Of course, you should not over do it, but you should eat a healthy full breakfast every morning.

If you focus on your weight loss goals, you will win. However, you will need to stay on your weight loss plan and adopt the weight loss principles for success. Then you can be sure to lose weight and keep it off for a long time.

Canoeing

Native North ans South American Indians are believed to have been the originators of the canoes we recognise today. They were built from hollow-out tree trunks or were constructed from birchbark. The inuit people of North America and Greenland created their own from of canoe: the sealskin vessels they called kayaks. Aa a competitive sport canoeing was invented by the Scotsman John MacGregor, who in 1866 founded the Canoe Club at Richmond, Surrey.

Rules and Description

Competitive canoeing is divided into two types, depending largely upon the paddle and craft used. “Kayaking” has a paddle with a blade on each end and the kayaker sits in the boat, paddling on alternate sides of the craft. The kayak is a closed decked craft. In “Canadian canoeing” the paddler has just one blade and adopts a half-kneeing position in the canoe, switching the paddle from side to side. The Canadian canoe is an open-decked craft.

In flatwater contests canoeists and kayakers race in lanes over a set distance generally 500m 0r 1,000m were competed over. Flatwater contests are also known as “sprints”, irrespective of the distance. Whitewater or slalom events are held over rivers (natural or man-made) with a series of rapids, currents and sddies. Competitors have to negotiate a series of 18 to 25 gates on a 250-400m course, heading downstream and reversing direction to go upstream. They are timed over the length of the course and can incur penalty points for missing gates or touching gate poles.

Competitor Profile

Competitive canoeists tend to develop a very high level of physical flexibility, strength, and stamina, as the repetitions involved in the aerobic activity of paddling make use of all the muscles in the upper body-abdominals, arms, shoulders, back, and chest – as well as those in the leg.

Speed and Safety

Racing or sprint canoes are long and narrow to facilitate speeds. Slalom canoes are shorter and are fitted with a spraydeck – a waterproof apron worn around the canoeist that stretches over the rim of the canoe cockpit to prevent water from entering the boat.

Protective helmet – A lightweight yet tough and rigid outer shell covers an inner foam lining to provide maximum protection and comfort.

Paddle top – A fully waterproof cagoule, which allows the canoeist complete freedom of movement, is made from a specialist lightweight rubber material.

Flexible spraydeck – The cagoule is combined with a rubber spraydeck that stretches over the canoe cockpit to form a waterlight seal.

Buoyancy vest – To help a canoeist remain afloat in case of a capsize, a foam-filled vest is a useful piece of safety kit, particularly on fast-flowing wartercourses, such as white-water rivers.

Lightweight paddle – Many modern canoe paddles consist of a durable polypropylene blade mounted on an aluminium shaft.

Tough Hull – Canoe hulls, which need to be lightweight yet impact resistant, are constructed from materials such as fibreglass, Kevlar, polythylene plastic, or ultralight carbon fibre.

Boxing

Boxing is a sport of great skill and physical toughness. Two combatants endeavour to punch one another to score points from the judges or referee, while avoiding being hit themselves. Almost all area of the head and body above the waist are designated scoring areas. Contests are won on points or by knockout. There is a major disparity between the amateur and professional ranks in boxing. Leading professional fighters are among the biggest earners in the world.

Fighter profile

Boxers require upper body strength particulary a strong punch – and a high resilience to being hit (a “good chin”). Boxing is a really tough aerobic workout so fighters need to display a fanatical training ethic and great stamina. Speed agility, and quick reflexes are beneficial, particulary for those fighting at lower weight levels.

Need2Know

Modern boxing was first codified in 1867 by a set of 12 rules written by John Graham Chambers and endorsed by the 9th Marquis of Queensberry.

Amateur boxing differs in various ways from the professional arm of the sport.

The Ring

The name Boxing “ring” is an atavism that dates from when contests were fought in a roughly drawn circle on the ground. A modern boxing ring is set on a raised platform. It is square, with posts at each corner to which four parallel rows of ropes are attached with turnbuckle. Each side of a standard ring is 4.88-7.32 (16-25ft) between the ropes, with another 60cm (2ft) outside known as the apron. The platform is 90-120cm (3-4ft) from the ground with posts rising around 1.5m (5ft).

Fighting Gear

Boxers wear shorts, boxing shoes, and padded gloves which come in two sizes – 227g (8oz) and 283 (10oz) depending on the weight of the boxer. Mouth guards are compulsory and groin guards optional in professional boxing. In amateur bouts fighters additionally wear headguards and vests and have larger, softer gloves. This is the only equipment fighters wear and use in the ring, but in training boxers additionally use free weights, punchbags, skipping ropes, speed balls, and other items to hone themselves into fighting shape.

Groin Guard

Protects fighters, groins from injuries resulting from illegal low blows.

Mouth Guards

Plastic gumshields guard the top teeth from being knocked out.

Gloves

Gloves are specially padded to protect only the wearer.

Head Guard

Worn for amateur contests and professional sparring only, they offer protection but limit peripheral vision.
Ring Craft

Basic boxing training centres around physical fitness, speed of movement, and throwing jabs, and footwork. Good punches can only be thrown from a solid base. The techniques of throwing different punches is taught later. Top boxers work with their trainers for weeks at a time leading up to chamionship fights working on their overall conditioning and on a fighting style tailored to their upcoming opponent. They will practice key punches and spar with fighters of a similar build and fighting style to their opponent in an attempt to gain some advantage.

Lawn Bowling

It is believed that bowls developed from a game played by the Egyptians with skittles with round stones. Variants of the game are now played around the world, eg in Italy 9bocce), Denmark (bolle), France (boules: and Polynesia (ulamiaka). The oldest bowls green still in use is in Southampton, England, records showing that bowls have been played there since AD 1299. Henry VII was a keen bowler but thought it should only be played by the nobility, banning Bowyers, Fletchers, Stringers and Arrowhead makers from taking part as they were being distracted from their traders, and imposing a fee of 100 pounds for anyone who wanted to keep a private green. Bowls was introduced into North America in the early 17th century (George Washington is believed to have been a keen player). The game spread throughout the British Empire, with reports of it first being played in Canada (Nova Scotia) in 1730, Australia 9Tasmania) in 1844, and New Zealand in 1860.

Rules and Description

Outdoor or “lawn” bowls is played in 44 countries worldwide on a flat lawn or “green” surrounded by a shollow ditch, enclosed by a low bank and divided into strips known as “rinks” on which each game takes place. Games are contested between individuals, or teams of two, three or four. Bowls (which are flattened on one side to give them a bias) are delivered alternately and rolled towards a small white target ball (the jack), the aim being to place as many of your bowls as possible closer to the jack than your opponents nearest bowl, one point counting for each. Each set of deliveries is called an “end”. Singles is normally played to 21 shots, or to a sets format, with pairs and fours games being the best of 21 ends, and triples the best of 18. After each end, players play in the reverse direction, back up the rink. Bowlers must have one foot on or over a small mat when delivering the bowl. Similar rules apply for indoor bowls, although competitions are usually played on a piece of carpet with a single rink.

Crown green bowls is played predominantly in northern England on a square green, larger than that used for lawn bowls and with a raised “crown” at the centre. Each player (the usual game is singles) bowl closer to the jack than his opponents nearest bowl. Players start each new end from the position of the jack of the previous end. Games are usually played to 21 points.

Player Profile

Lawn bowling is an easy game to learn and is played by just about anyone – men and women, old and young,. The best bowlers have great hand-eye coordination and are very strategic thinkers.

The Bowls

Although bowls were traditionally made of wood or rubber, or a composite, modern bowls are made of lignite. They are designed to travel a curved path, referred to as their bias, produced by the asymmetrical shape of the bowl. The jack is perfectly spherical and usually coloured white.

The Green

Bowls is usually played on a manicured grass or synthetic surface known as bowling green, which is divided into parallel playing strips known as rinks. An indoor variation on carpet is also played. Outdoor greens have a uniform length, but may be of varying widths, depending on the number of rinks Indoor greens are usually smaller, their dimensions being set by organizers.

Equipment and Protection

Formal flourish – Although a players attire is not a significant part of the game, in competitions men will usually wear white clothes and a tie.

Rubber mat – Bowlers must stand with at least one foot on the rubber mat in the centre of their rink

Basketball

A Canadian, James Naismith (1861-1939), is regarded as being the originator of basketball, although a similar game is believed to have been played in Mexico in the 10th century. Naismith invented the game in 1891 at the YMCA college in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, using peach baskets on a gym wall. The game was originally designed merely to bridge the gap between the baseball and American football seasons, but it soon became popular in its own right.

Rules and Description

Five-a-side team ball game played on a hard – surface court with a bottomless basket at each end. The object is to move the ball by a series of passing and bouncing moves and throw it through the opponents basket. If the shot is not attempted within a prescribed time (24 seconds in the NBA), possession is awarded to the other team. Throwing the ball through the basket from open play scores a “field goal” worth two or three points depending on the distance of the shot. Fouls may be penalized by a series of “free throws” at the basket for one point each.

Playing the Game

Following the tip off which starts the match, each team simply aim to score more points that the other via offense and defense. Offense is generated via passing and dribbling (continually bouncing the ball while moving) and when a player feels they are in a position to score they shoot. Basketball is truly an “end – to – end” sport with numerous baskets scored during the course of the game. Often the winning side will have accumulated more than 100 points.

Out of Bounds

The ball is out of bounds when it touches the floor, or any object on, above, or outside of a boundry, or the backboard supports. When the ball goes out of play the clock is stopped. The ball is put back into play by the team that did not touch it last when it went out of bounds. A player has five seconds to put the ball in play after the referee signals the restart.

The Basket – James Naismiths first basket was an improvised peach basket which retained the ball. The modern basket is a metal rimmed hoop (measuring 50cm (18in) across) fixed to a backboard.

The Hoop – Strong enough to withstand players hanging from it during dunking.

Netting – Gathers the ball into a consistant drop for easy restarting of the game.

Backboard – Made of clear material to afford spectators seated behind the baskets a clear view of the action.
Baskets, Possession, and Rebounds – If a player is successful in shooting a basket, the team is awarded two or three points depending on the distance from the basket. The game restarts with the opposing team in possession on the baseline underneath their own basket. If a shot is unsuccessful, and it bounces off the rim or the backboard, players compete for the rebound. If the attacking team picks up a rebound they can prepare for another shot, if it is the defending team they attempt to move the ball to the other end of the court to score. Having a centre who is particularly adept at picking up rebounds on defense is a huge advantage as it inibits the opposing teams offense. Wilt Chamerlain, who played NBA in the 1960s, is arguably the greatest rebounder of all-time.

The Referee – He stands clear of the players after throwing the ball skyward.

Size Matters – Overall height and the ability to leap vertically from a standing position, are useful attributes at the tip off.

Fair Play – Players must not impede one another when jumping for the ball.

The Ball

The basketball has come a long way since the style first used in the late 19th century. That ball was heavy, with prominet sticthing, and an inconsistant bounce. Todays basketball is made from eight finely stitched pieces of leather filled with air. The mens ball has a radius of 19.3cm and a circumference of 76cm and weighs 600-650g (21-23oz).

Laws of the Court

Basketball was born in 1891 with 13 rules covering all the basics of play. Incredibly, the NBA have only 12 main rules today – but each has many clauses and sub-sections. There are subtle rule differences between the game played by the NBA, International Basketball Federation (FIBA), and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Games are made up of four 12 minute quarters in the NBA. Teams can have up to 12 palyers but only five of these can be on the court at a time.

Timeout – Timeouts are breaks in the action which can be called by tem coaches and players, usually at key points in the game, to discuss tactics and raise player morale. In the NBA, teams are allowed one 20 second timeout per half, and six regular timeouts over the course of the entire game.