The inspiration for this series comes from two people: Tgirsch and my brother Richard.
Tgirsch started it all when he suggested doing away with the offsides rule in soccer. I spoke to my brother Richard about it, and we began dreaming up all kinds of rules changes which would revolutionize sports.
Here is our first idea. Raise the basketball hoop from ten feet to twelve feet.
Rationale : It would force basketball players to learn how to shoot again. Image Shaq having to do something other than dunk. It would put a premium on movement without the ball, passing, positioning and strategy. People who could dunk would really stand out. Goal tending would be next to impossible.
Drawbacks : It would be tough on the kids to shoot all the way up to twelve feet -- but they would get it eventually. Less dunks -- but on the other hand, when someone would dunk, it would definitely be an achievement worthy of highlight films.
Ok last time I tried posting a comment my power went out lol. So I'll try again. Raising the height could get a little annoying. Maybe you can just disallow dunking but then you wouldnt have feature films.
Posted by: Matt C | August 10, 2006 at 21:37
The 12 foot basket is a good idea. The other idea I have heard is with regard to NFL: Use a single squad to play offense and defense.
If you would like to see some really wacky ideas for sports, check out:
http://www.halfbakery.com/category/Sport
Bowling for goldfish, anyone?
Posted by: Lingamish | August 11, 2006 at 10:23
It'll never happen because people like to watch the dunk. Look at the women's basketball -- it has excellent ball handling and ball movement . . . and no viewership.
I personally think the thing that would greatly improve the sport is to ban tatoos. When I want to watch a basketball game (which is rare) I don't want to see the illustrated man on the court.
Posted by: BK | August 11, 2006 at 10:25
"The other idea I have heard is with regard to NFL: Use a single squad to play offense and defense."
I like that. Wait till you hear my idea for football.
Posted by: Mr. Dawntreader | August 11, 2006 at 11:06
"It'll never happen because people like to watch the dunk."
Imagine how amazing dunks would be on a 12 foot basket! Those would be worth watching.
I can see the headlines now : Carmelo Anthony had 33 points in last nights game including a dunk.
In fact, I would even go further to suggest that dunks on a 12 foot rim be worth four points. You could go for five point plays -- a dunk and get fouled -- now that is exciting!
Posted by: Mr. Dawntreader | August 11, 2006 at 11:10
You needn't elevate the baskets. All you need to do is make the dunk illegal -- you could already make the argument that it constitutes offensive goaltending. Or, better yet, as Kevin suggests, keep it legal, but make it worth only one point.
Posted by: tgirsch | August 15, 2006 at 18:06
"Or, better yet, as Kevin suggests, keep it legal, but make it worth only one point."
I like it. Good suggestion. Kudos to Kevin.
Posted by: Mr. Dawntreader | August 15, 2006 at 18:28