Basketball Equipment

Six types of equipment, one page for each

The basketball player's equipment is divided into six categories, each with its own page.

• The bags carry the kit, the water bottle, and the shoes, from the everyday backpack to the sports bag for tournaments.
• The protective gear covers knees, ankles, elbows, and teeth, including shorts and compression undergarments.
• The accessories include caps, water bottles, headbands, socks, watches, and fitness training equipment.
• The sliders are worn after showering or changing, when your feet need some air.
• The baskets turn a yard or bedroom into a shooting court, along with spare nets.
• The care products include creams, ice packs, and first-aid kits for the club bench.

The match day bag, pocket by pocket

A well-packed bag means you won't have to play in wet socks or without water. Here's what it usually contains for most club players.

• The shoes, in a separate compartment or a pouch, to keep everything else clean.
• A full water bottle, because the gym fountain is never where you expect it to be.
• The protective gear you usually wear, like knee or ankle supports, plus a roll of tape if your physio uses it.
• A spare pair of socks and a towel for after the match.
• A pump and a needle if you're the one bringing the ball.

Playground or gym: the equipment changes

Outside, the sun, heat, and asphalt dictate the choices. A cap protects your eyes between games, an insulated water bottle keeps water cool longer, and a rubber ball handles the rough ground better. Indoors, it’s the falls on the hardwood floor and the contact in the paint that matter: padded knee pads, mouthguards for the big men, and compression sleeves for those who like to feel secured.

Eastpak, Kangol, adidas: the most common brands

Five brands cover the essentials of what basketball players take with them.

• Eastpak leads in bags with its sturdy backpacks, like the Day Pak'r, compact enough for classes but big enough for a full kit.
• Kangol, recognised by its embroidered kangaroo, styles the head with bucket hats, caps, and hats worn well beyond the court.
• adidas outfits feet post-game with its sliders and sandals, and rounds off with sports socks.
• New Era brings its flat-brimmed caps sporting the logos of American leagues.
• Errea, an Italian collective sports brand, produces the Tokyo foam knee pads, originally for volleyball and adopted by basketball players who often hit the floor.

Shoes, clothing, balls: the rest of the kit

The equipment complements the rest of the outfit. The basketball shoes are chosen based on your position and footwork, the clothing includes jerseys, shorts, and training sweats, and the balls are selected in the right size for age. For a franchise's colours, the NBA page brings together jerseys and fan items, and clubs can find team equipment in the clubs area.

Sales, new arrivals, and fast shipping on equipment

The good deals on equipment have their own pages. The special equipment offers show current discounts, and the new arrivals highlight the latest items added. Throughout the year, the Black Friday equipment comes first, followed by the Christmas equipment selection, then the equipment sales. In a hurry? The 24h shipped equipment page lists only items ready to go.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment is needed to start playing basketball in a club?

A pair of indoor shoes, a pair of shorts, a t-shirt, and a water bottle are enough for the first training sessions. The club usually provides the match jersey. A backpack and a spare pair of socks complete the kit. Protective gear comes later, depending on your playing style.

Are protective items mandatory in basketball?

No, there are no mandatory protective items in the rules. However, many players wear padded knee pads for falls, and big players often use a mouthguard. If you’re returning after an injury, consult a healthcare professional about what support is right for you.

Do volleyball or handball equipment work for basketball?

Often, yes. Volleyball knee pads are designed for landing, a motion that basketball players also make on defence. The bags, water bottles, and sliders are sport-independent. Just make sure the model isn’t too bulky for your running style.

How do you maintain your equipment between sessions?

Empty your bag as soon as you return and leave it open to dry. Hand wash knee pads and sleeves or use a mesh bag on a low temperature, then dry them flat. A water bottle should be rinsed daily and thoroughly cleaned weekly.

What hoop should you install at home?

For a bedroom, a mini-hoop can be fixed to a door and is enough to practise your shot. For a yard, a freestanding or wall-mounted hoop allows for playing at the official height, with the rim at 3.05 meters. Measure the available space in front of the backboard to maintain distance for shooting.