In this portion of our web guide, we will discuss the equipment, gear, accessories, and other products associated with basketball and its variations.
Basketball is a fast-paced team sport where two teams of five players each aim to score points by shooting a ball through the opposing team's hoop. The game is played on a rectangular court with a hoop at each end. Basketball emphasizes dribbling, passing, and shooting the ball. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Variations of the game include 21, also known as cutthroat, hustle, tip-it, and scutter. Others include Half-court, streetball, hotshot, and horse.
Basketball is a fast-paced game that requires equipment, gear, and accessories. These are the focus of this category.
From the professional courts of the NBA to local neighborhood playgrounds and hoops installed on family garages, the right gear can make a difference in the game.
The most fundamental piece of basketball equipment is, of course, the basketball itself. Basketballs come in various sizes and materials, depending on the level of play, the playing surface, and the variation of the game. Standard basketball sizes range from size 7 (29.5-inch circumference) for men, size 6 (28.5-inch) for women, and size 5 (27.5-inch) for youth. Indoor basketballs are typically made from full-grain or composite leather, while outdoor basketballs are made from rubber or durable composite materials.
Prominent basketball manufacturers include Wilson, Spalding, Nike, Molten Corporation, and Baden Sports. Wilson's Evolution Indoor Basketball, for instance, features a micro-touch surface and deep channel design for improved grip and control.
Backboards and hoops are another crucial component. Brands like Goalrilla, Goalsetter, and Lifetime offer a range of in-ground and portable basketball systems, catering to different court sizes and configurations. Known for its durability and safety, Goalrilla's Pro series features a heavy-duty steel frame and tempered glass backboard.
In addition to the ball and backboard, players wear protective gear to minimize the risk of injury. Mouthguards, knee pads, and elbow pads are standard accessories. Shock Doctor, Mueller, and Champion are high-quality brands.
Basketball shoes are another vital component. Supplied by Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and others, these shoes provide support, cushioning, and traction, allowing players to move quickly and maneuver on the court. Several retailers specialize in basketball equipment and gear.
Training equipment is another vital aspect of basketball, particularly for competitive players. Agility ladders, like the SKLZ Ladder, are popular tools for developing footwork and coordination, and resistance bands and strength training equipment can help players build power and endurance. Jump ropes are used to enhance agility.
These and other products, manufacturers, and retailers who help create, market, and distribute basketball are appropriate resources for this category, as are such websites as product reviews and comparisons featuring basketball gear.
Recommended Resources
Basketball Products International
BPI is a leading supplier of institutional basketball for competitive play. The Virginia-based company provides official and approved products from basketball's governing bodies, such as the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the Federation Internationale de Basketball (FIBA). BPI offers a wide range of basketball equipment, such as backstops, backboards, nets, and training aids.
https://www.basketballproductsinternational.com/
The San Antonio, Texas, company specializes in high-quality basketball systems designed for residential and commercial use. The company offers a range of adjustable and fixed-height basketball hoops known for their durability and professional-grade features. MegaSlam systems are available that can be adjusted from 5 feet to 10 feet, as well as those with a fixed height of 10 feet, while their Collegiate Flex Rim with Single Pivot Break-Away design allows for slam dunks from any direction.
https://www.megaslamhoops.com/
The NBA Store is the official online store for National Basketball Association (NBA) merchandise and gear. It offers a wide range of products for fans of all thirty NBA teams, including jerseys, t-shirts, hats, hoodies, footwear, accessories, and collectibles. Its products include authentic jerseys, vintage gear, its "Hardwood Classics" line, and the latest NBA apparel. Shoppers may browse by product, team, sale items, or those intended for men, women, or kids.
https://store.nba.com/
Best known as an American athletic footwear and apparel corporation, Nike also produces a wide range of sports equipment, including a variety of basketball shoes for men, women, and children, basketball shirts, shorts, jerseys, socks, visors, headbands, and branded materials. The company also manufactures several types of basketballs, basketball pumps, basketball sleeves, bags, and backpacks. Nike products are available from several retailers and can also be purchased directly from its website.
https://www.nike.com/basketball
Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Slipp-Nott is known for its sports traction mats, which are designed to enhance performance and safety on the court. These sticky mats remove dirt and debris from athletic shoe soles, providing better traction and reducing the risk of slipping. Slipp-Nott mats are widely used by professional athletes and are seen at many televised basketball games. Its products are featured online, and purchases may be made from the site.
https://slippnott.com/
Founded as a basketball manufacturer in 1876, Spalding also produces volleyballs, softballs, and arena and gym equipment. Over the years, the company has produced gear for several sports, including standardizing early baseballs and developing the modern bat. Spalding produces several types of basketballs, as well as basketball hoops, nets, and accessories. Its product catalog is featured online, including free personalization on select basketballs. A catalog download is included.
https://www.spalding.com/
Wilson Sporting Goods Company is a US-based sports equipment manufacturer headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company produces equipment for several sports, including basketball. It offers several types of basketballs, including WNBA official game balls and other collectible balls, basketball bags, backpacks, and cinch bags. It also produces a deluxe basketball cart, mini hoops, and other items. Its products may be browsed and purchased directly from the website.
https://www.wilson.com/en-us/basketball
