Basketball is a highly popular sport for both casual and avid sports fans. But if you’re planning to play basketball yourself, you should read this article — we’ll talk about the essential equipment you need for a good game. Check them out!
Ball
You can’t play basketball without a ball. Basketballs are made with synthetic materials such as rubber, nylon, and polyester, along with leather. In the NBA, the ball should:
- Have a pressure of 7.5 to 8.5 pounds per square inch
- Measure 29.5 inches around the circumference
Smaller sizes are available for kids between 5 to 12 years old. If you plan on playing basketball, you should have your own ball. A good basketball can cost anywhere between $29.99 and $69.99.
Backboard
The backboard can be made of various materials. In the NBA, the official backboard is made of transparent glass. However, a wooden or metal one will also work well. The NBA requires the backboard to measure 6 feet wide and 3.5 feet tall.
These days, fancier backboards light up with red LEDs to match when players are running out of time on the shot clock. You can buy a backboard and install it at your house in the driveway or backyard.
Hoop
The basketball hoop is composed of the backboard, rim, net, and the meta post that hold them up in the air. When you play basketball, you can play half-court with one hoop. If you have two hoops, you can play full court (if your space allows).
You can browse some of the best basketball hoops on Hooption. If you want, buy an adjustable basketball hoop so you can adjust its height at the appropriate level for the players, especially if they’re kids. If you’re training kids, the adjustable feature will help them practice as they grow older. As they become taller, you can increase the height of the hoop.
Rims
The basket rim has a pressure-release feature that lets it bend when players dunk and hold it. It’s often made of metal and has an 18-inch diameter. Also, it’s attached to the backboard 10 feet above the ground.
Basketball rims have two types:
- Single rims: these are most popular on indoor courts; they’re also used in most organized leagues.
- Double rims: these are popular on outdoor courts.
Shot Clocks
A shot clock lets players, coaches, referees, and the audience keep track of the time when the offensive team has the ball. In the NBA, the shot clock lasts for 24 seconds. In college basketball, the time is longer at 30 seconds.
If the time runs out without the playing team taking a shot, that’s a shot clock violation. Usually, you can connect a shot clock to the backboard so it can light up when the shot clock expires.
Whistles
If you plan to participate as a coach or referee, you want to have a whistle. Referees use whistles to signal various things, such as dead ball, foul, or other violations. Meanwhile, coaches use whistles to start or stop drills, give commands, or gather players.
Jerseys, Shorts, and Shoes
When looking for a basketball jersey, it should show the players’ identities on the court. Jerseys show the players’ identities on the court. These include their names on the back and playing number on both the front and the back. The team’s logo and branding are on the front. The shorts’ design also usually has the same branding and colors as the jersey, and they’re essential for moving freely when playing.
Meanwhile, basketball shoes are practically the most important piece of equipment for any basketball player. You can play basketball with any sneaker, but good shoes give you an edge on the court. The biggest brands of basketball shoes include Nike, Under Armour, and Adidas.
