A Complete Basketball Equipment List

Getting ready to hit the court? Whether you're a seasoned baller or just starting out, having the right gear can make all the difference in your game. From the shoes that keep you light on your feet to the ball that helps you nail those perfect shots, having the essentials is key to leveling up your skills. In this guide, we’ll break down the must-have equipment every basketball player needs to bring their A-game.

Basketball is more than just a game — it’s a passion that brings people together. Players love the sport for its fast pace, the thrill of a perfectly executed play, and the way it challenges both the mind and body. It demands skill, strategy, and a few pieces of essential equipment.

While there is a lot of basketball equipment to choose from, you only need four things to get started playing basketball:

• A hoop and net

• A basketball

• Tennis shoes

• A court

There is plenty of clothing and gear players should consider to level up their game, take on the competition with confidence, and be prepared for anything the court throws their way.

If your league provides basketballs, you probably haven’t thought about choosing the right one. However, players should have at least one ball of their own to practice with. Here’s how to choose the right basketball for you.

The first aspect to consider is the basketball’s material, as this can affect your performance. Basketballs are typically made of one of the following:

• Leather: Usually found in professional games, leather basketballs offer the best grip and feel. They’re perfect for indoor play because they get better with use. However, they’re not great for outdoor courts because rough surfaces can wear them down quickly.

• Composite Leather (Synthetic): Composite leather basketballs mimic the feel of genuine leather but are more durable. They’re softer and provide excellent grip, making them a great option for most players.

• Rubber: Known for their durability, rubber basketballs are used for outdoor play. They’re more affordable and can withstand rough surfaces like asphalt or concrete, making them a good choice for casual games.

So, if you’re just getting started or plan to play both indoor and outdoor games, a composite leather basketball may be best. If you prefer pick-up games on outdoor courts, rubber might better suit your needs.

The right basketball size can impact everything from your shooting accuracy to how comfortable you feel handling the ball on the court. While the size you choose should be based on league regulations and what feels most comfortable, there are some general guidelines you can follow:

Choosing the right basketball shoes is crucial to enhance performance and help prevent injuries. Focus on fit and comfort. To find the best basketball shoes for you, follow these steps:

• Measure: Have a professional at an athletics store measure your feet to ensure you get the right shoe size and width.

• Determine Your Playing Style: All-around players should look for lightweight, flexible basketball shoes with moderate cushioning. Power players need heavier shoes with more cushioning.

• Consider Protection: High-top and low-top basketball shoes offer different levels of support and protection. Choose high-tops for more aggressive players and low-tops for speed.

• Sole Selection: Choose shoes with soles made for inside or outside gameplay, depending on your usual court.

• Try Them: Always try on basketball shoes before purchasing to make sure they fit properly. Every brand uses different technology that can make their shoes feel different on your feet.

There are some affordable home gym equipment pieces basketball players should consider for practicing their skills, including:

• Resistance Bands: Resistance bands come in various sizes and resistance levels for strength training and improving endurance.

• Agility Ladder & Hurdles: Agility equipment helps players increase their speed and improve their footwork.

• Dribble Stick: Basketball players use dribble sticks to improve their one-handed ball control and practice hand-to-hand combinations.

• Weighted Vest: Weighted vests require you to push yourself harder. They build endurance and help increase speed.

We know every team needs unique uniforms, but what other basketball essentials do they need to succeed? Check out this basketball team equipment list:

• Ball Carts: Ball carts make storing and moving basketballs from place to place easier.

• Pinnies: During practice games, colorful pinnies are an easy way to tell teams apart.

• Scoreboard: Scoreboards can be used during practice and home games to help players know where they stand.

• Training Cones: Training cones can help improve dribbling, ball control, speed, and footwork.

Coaching basketball requires the right tools to help guide and develop your team. We recommend coaches get the following:

• Dry-Erase Board: Portable dry-erase boards are great for planning plays and tracking game stats.

• Scorebook: Scorebooks can be used to record game stats and track improvements.

• Stopwatch: Stopwatches are an essential training tool for exercises like sprints.

• Whistle: Coaches use whistles to run drills, grab players’ attention, and more.

Investing money in the right basketball equipment will only get you so far; you must also invest time in maintaining your gear. Following the tips below will help you keep your gear looking and performing (almost) as good as new for seasons to come.

• Store all gear in dry, cool, ventilated spaces. Avoid exposure to harsh elements.

• Wash worn clothes and used sports bags as soon as possible to avoid odors and bacteria growth. Using cold water, mild detergents, and a gentle cycle will help them last longer.

• Wash uniforms inside out to protect numbers and letters.

• Keep basketballs inflated to the manufacturer-recommended pressure level.

• Synthetic and rubber basketballs should be washed regularly using a rag, soap, and warm water, while leather basketballs should be washed using a leather cleaner.

• Never sit on basketballs.

• Only use the equipment for its intended purpose.

No matter where you are in your basketball journey, having the right gear can make all the difference in your performance and enjoyment of the game. If you’re ready to gear up for your next game, check out the wide selection of basketball gear and equipment available at Academy Sports + Outdoors!