Equipment Needed For Basketball
To play basketball, all you really need are a pair of sneakers, a basketball, a basketball hoop and a flat surface to play on. You don’t need a lot of expensive equipment, however having good quality basketball gear can help speed up in the improvement of your game.
It All Begins with a Ball
There are a variety of basketballs available. Some can be made of leather or synthetic materials. Some basketballs are designed specifically for indoor use, while others are better suited for outdoor play. Basketballs also come in different sizes for different ages.
If you’re just looking for an affordable starter basketball, take a look at the budget range of basketballs from departmental stores such as K-Mart or Target – available in various sizes, colours and designs suitable for all ages.
Spalding, Wilson, Nike are popular brand names which manufacture and sell a range of quality basketballs.
Then You Need a Hoop
You can’t play basketball without a basketball hoop. The official height (rim height) of a basketball hoop is 3.05m (10 feet) above the ground.
For younger children, adjusting the rim height makes scoring more achievable and the game more fun. Children aged 5-9 generally play with a rim height of 2.60m, while children aged 10 and upwards play at the official height.
You can buy a hoop stand or a hoop system that attaches to a wall. This kids’ freestanding basketball hoop stand is a fun option for your toddler or pre-schooler. For school aged kids, this adjustable and portable basketball stand is flexible enough to last a few years.
If you don’t have the space for a hoop at home, an option would be go to your local park, school or community centre.
What Kind of Basketball Shoes?
Having comfortable, well-fitting shoes is a must for basketball which involves diverse range of motion from running to jumping, landing, sliding side to side, and everything in between. As with any shoes, the key things to consider are size, materials and style and form.
The high-top basketball shoes are probably the most well known type of basketball shoes, and are often chosen for greater ankle support. Basketball shoes also come in mid-top and low top, each style having its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Some of the most popular brands of basketball shoes include Nike, Air Jordan, and Under Armour to name a few.
For children you might like to consider these children’s basketball shoes by Nike.
Don't forget the Socks
Never underestimate the importance of basketball socks. They offer more than just basic foot coverage.
From providing enhanced support and improved cushioning to managing moisture and regulating temperature, these feature-laden specialized socks ensure optimal conditions for play while minimizing the risk of common basketball-related issues such as blisters and injuries.
Some of the most popular brands of basketball socks include Nike, Jordan, Under Armour and Asics.
When choosing the best basketball socks, you might like to read our guide to selecting basketball socks or jump straight to our top recommended youth basketball socks.
Basketball Protective Gear and Equipment
Basketball is a contact sport with complex movements that include jumps, turns and changes in direction, which can cause frequent injuries such as head injuries, ankle injuries, wrist injuries and knee injuries. Basketball is physically demanding with its fair share of risks, and so it is important to consider protective gear to help reduce the risk of injury and boost performance.
Proper shoes as mentioned above, can provide ankle support, cushioning and help prevent injury. In addition to shoes, also consider investing in knee pads, ankle braces or supports, compression gear and cushioned socks.
Please check out Home of Hoops’ in depth exploration of youth basketball knee pads, and we’ll be sharing further insights into additional protective gear soon.
Basketball Clothing and Uniform
You don’t really need special clothes for basketball, however most players do prefer to wear basketball jerseys and basketball shorts similar to that worn by NBA/WNBA and NBL/WNBL players.
If you’re looking to purchase, a sports departmental store such as Rebel Sports do stock a good variety of basketball jerseys and shorts.
When you join a basketball team and play in competitions, you’ll need to have a uniform. There are many places you can design your own uniform for your team.
Training Equipment for Basketball Practice
If you’re a bit more advanced and looking to splurge, enhance your shooting practice with this basketball rebounder.
