Equipment

Essential Equipment

Basketball

Match the ball to your playing environment and skill level.

Sizes:

• •Size 7 (29.5"): Men's official, ages 15+
• •Size 6 (28.5"): Women's official, boys 12-14
• •Size 5 (27.5"): Youth 9-11

Materials:

• •Leather: Indoor only, best feel, requires break-in
• •Composite/Synthetic: Indoor/outdoor versatile
• •Rubber: Outdoor durability, less grip

Recommended: Spalding TF-1000, Wilson Evolution (indoor), Spalding NBA Street (outdoor)

Basketball Shoes

The most critical personal equipment. Basketball demands lateral stability, cushioning, and traction.

Key Features:

• •Ankle Support: High-tops for support, low-tops for mobility
• •Cushioning: Impact protection for jumping and landing
• •Traction: Court grip for cuts and stops
• •Fit: Secure heel lockdown, toe room

Evidence: Proper basketball footwear reduces ankle sprain risk by 30-50% (McKay et al., 2001).

Categories:

• •Performance models: Nike LeBron, Jordan, Adidas Harden
• •Budget performance: Nike Precision, Adidas Dame Certified
• •Versatile: Nike Giannis, Puma MB series

Apparel

• •Moisture-wicking shorts (longer length for coverage)
• •Breathable jersey or performance tee
• •Compression shorts (prevent chafing)
• •Supportive athletic socks (crew or mid-length)

Training Equipment

Agility & Footwork

Agility Ladder: Essential for footwork drills and coordination.

Cones: For dribbling courses, defensive slides, change of direction.

Reaction Ball: Develops hand-eye coordination and reflexes.

Dribbling Aids

Dribble Goggles: Force eyes up, improve court vision.

Weighted Ball: 2.5-3lb ball for developing handle strength.

Dribble Gloves: Reduce grip to force fingertip control.

Shooting

Shooting Gun/Rebounder: Returns shots for high-volume practice.

• •Dr. Dish
• •Shoot-A-Way

Shot Arc Trainer: Visual guide for proper arc.

Resistance Bands: Form shooting and strength.

Court Access

• •Gym membership with courts
• •Outdoor court location
• •Adjustable home hoop (if space permits)

Protective Equipment

Ankle Braces

Common for players with previous ankle injuries.

Types:

• •Lace-up: Maximum support
• •Sleeve with straps: Moderate support
• •Compression sleeve: Minimal support, proprioception

Recommended: Active Ankle T2, ASO ankle stabilizer

Knee Sleeves/Pads

Protection for collisions and falls.

• •Compression sleeves for warmth/support
• •Padded sleeves for floor contact

Mouthguard

Recommended for all competitive play.

Budget Tiers

Minimal Budget - $150-300

Getting started:

• •Outdoor/indoor basketball ($25-40)
• •Basketball shoes ($80-150): Nike Precision, Adidas Dame Certified
• •Shorts and performance shirt ($30-50)
• •Basic agility ladder ($15-20)
• •Cones set ($10-15)

Moderate Budget - $400-700

Regular training and competition:

• •Quality indoor basketball ($40-60): Wilson Evolution
• •Premium basketball shoes ($120-200)
• •Multiple shorts/jersey sets ($60-100)
• •Complete agility kit: ladder, cones, hurdles ($40-60)
• •Dribble goggles ($15-25)
• •Weighted training ball ($30-40)
• •Ankle braces or sleeves ($30-60)
• •Gym membership with courts

Comprehensive Budget - $1500+

Serious player development:

• •Multiple basketballs (game, training, outdoor) ($100-150)
• •2-3 pairs basketball shoes for rotation ($300-500)
• •Full apparel kit ($150-250)
• •Complete training equipment set ($150-250)
• •Shot rebounder/gun ($400-3000)
• •Adjustable home hoop ($300-1000)
• •Video analysis tools ($100-200)
• •Resistance training equipment ($200-400)

Training Facility Essentials

Court Requirements

• •Full court for conditioning
• •Half court for skills work
• •Access during off-peak hours for shooting

Home Training (No Court)

• •Dribbling drills (any flat surface)
• •Agility work
• •Strength training
• •Form shooting (mini hoop or wall target)

Strength & Conditioning Equipment

Explosiveness

• •Resistance bands for lateral quickness
• •Plyo boxes for jump training
• •Medicine balls for core power

Injury Prevention

• •Foam roller (IT band, quads)
• •Ankle strengthening bands
• •Resistance bands for shoulder health

Speed & Agility

• •Parachute for speed training
• •Weighted vest (moderate load only)
• •Slide board for lateral movement

Technology

Training Apps

• •HomeCourt AI (shooting tracking)
• •ShotTracker (with sensors)
• •Film review apps

Wearables

• •GPS tracking for conditioning metrics
• •Heart rate monitor
• •Activity tracking

Basketball-Specific Nutrition

Game Day

• •Pre-game meal 3-4 hours before
• •Light snack 1 hour before
• •Hydration throughout

Training

• •Adequate hydration (courts are hot)
• •Post-practice recovery nutrition
• •Energy for multiple sessions

Sources

1. 1.McKay GD, et al. (2001). "Ankle injuries in basketball: Injury rate and risk factors." British Journal of Sports Medicine.
2. 2.Taylor JB, et al. (2015). "Activity demands during multi-directional team sports." Journal of Sports Sciences.
3. 3.Bahr R & Krosshaug T (2005). "Understanding injury mechanisms: A key component of preventing injuries in sport." British Journal of Sports Medicine.