If you occasionally hit the court with friends, all you need is a ball and a decent pair of shoes. When you're looking for the right basketball equipment, it's important to choose the right products. But once you start playing regularly, you'll need a lot more than just a ball and a pair of shoes. In this blog article, you'll learn everything you need to know about the right basketball equipment and how to prevent injuries. There is a wide variety of products in the basketball equipment section that are tailored to different needs.
Introduction to basketball equipment
Basketball is more than just a game – the right basketball equipment is an essential part of every player's kit if they want to perform at their best on the court. Choosing the right equipment not only affects performance, but also safety during play. Whether for use in the gym, on the schoolyard, or on outdoor courts, the requirements for materials, sizes, and colors are diverse and depend on the intended use and target group.
Modern basketball accessories are made of different materials such as steel, plastic, or wood—especially for basketball hoops and equipment, robust and durable materials are essential. Materials and workmanship also play a major role in clothing and accessories to ensure comfort, protection, and freedom of movement. The various types of equipment, from basketballs and basketball shoes to protective gear, are available in numerous designs, colors, and sizes, so that every player can find the perfect choice for their individual needs.
The right combination of functionality, safety, and attractive design makes basketball equipment an indispensable part of every basketball game – whether in a club, at school, or on the outdoor court. By choosing quality and paying attention to your own requirements, you are laying the foundation for more fun, better performance, and a lower risk of injury on the court.
Basketball clothing and accessories – what you should have with you
As a basketball player, you need to be able to react quickly, sprint spontaneously, make precise passes, and defend effectively. To do this, your basketball equipment must support you. Shoes with good grip are particularly important for traction on the indoor floor. Also, choose clothing that offers you maximum freedom of movement. Here you can see at a glance what you absolutely need for basketball.
Basketball clothing:
- Basketball shoes
- Jersey
- Basketball shorts
- Socks
- Compression clothing
- Knee brace and ankle brace
Basketball accessories:
- Basketball
- Water bottle
- Ball pump
- Sweatbands for forehead and wrists
- Backpack
- Bag
- Headband
What the DBB equipment regulations say
According to the official guidelines of the DBB, specific items of clothing in black, white, and the main color of the game uniform are permitted. It is important that every team member wears identical colors. This includes compression socks, tights, sleeves, and protective gear.
Why do people wear sleeves when playing basketball?
Professional players in NBA basketball often wear compression socks and sleeves to improve their performance and minimize the risk of injury. The function of these sleeves is to support game quality and mechanics by improving grip and optimizing movement patterns. These pieces of equipment support the muscles through improved blood circulation, which can lead to faster recovery and less fatigue. They also offer a certain degree of protection by stabilizing the muscles and protecting them from bruising.
What is not allowed to be worn in basketball?
According to FIBA and DBB, all equipment worn by players must be suitable for basketball. Any items intended to increase a player's height or reach or otherwise provide an unfair advantage are not permitted. No player may wear items that could cause injury to other players.
These include
- Protective devices, bandages or supports made of leather, plastic, flexible plastic, metal or any other hard material for fingers, hands, wrists, elbows or forearms, or as head protection, even if they are softly padded.
- Items that could cause cuts or abrasions
How the right basketball equipment helps prevent injuries
Injuries in basketball occur mainly during rebounding under the basket. This is why center players are particularly prone to injury. A common cause of injury is contact with the opponent, with most injuries occurring during competitive games. The most common injuries in basketball are sprains or injuries to the capsular ligament apparatus. This usually affects the upper ankle joint, followed by the knee joint and hand.
There are special protective measures and equipment for children that are tailored to the needs of young basketball players. Injury prevention plays an important role, especially in clubs and schools, where many players train and play together.
With the right supports, such as knee supports or ankle supports, you can stabilize your joints and ensure that the impact is cushioned.
How to train your ankle specifically
The risk of ankle injuries can be reduced through targeted training. Exercises and training programs that focus on improving leg axis stability and balance are particularly recommended. Most programs for preventing knee injuries also have a positive effect on ankle injuries. You can find more helpful exercises in our blog post on stabilizing the ankle.
The right warm-up program
According to the Foundation for Safety in Sports, in order to prevent sports injuries, the warm-up for basketball should consist of four parts: mobility, elevation, activation, and potentiation. All phases should be completed within a total time frame of 10–15 minutes.
However, individual and age-specific differences must be taken into account, as well as the training content and intensity. This includes active and dynamic stretching, mobility on the floor, mobility exercises while standing, running in after the running ABC, and basketball drills to get you ready for the training session. This mobilizes the main joints, improves mobility, and increases body temperature.
The BetterGuard as part of basketball equipment
The BetterGuard, our intelligent ankle brace, is a revolutionary protection for basketball players. As an innovative product, The BetterGuard was developed specifically for the requirements of athletes. Developed as part of the NBA Launchpad, it works like a seat belt for the ankles.
Thanks to BG POWER, an intelligent mini piston, the brace offers exceptional freedom of movement during normal movements and effective stabilization during critical movements – three times faster than the human body can react. The BetterGuard stands for prevention instead of treatment and is a must-have for every basketball player who wants to improve their performance while preventing injuries.
Frequently asked questions about basketball equipment
Here we answer frequently asked questions about basketball equipment and injury prevention.
Are there any regulations for protective equipment in basketball?
Yes, there are specific clothing regulations for basketball set by FIBA. These rules specify what types of protective equipment and clothing are allowed, including color requirements and restrictions on advertising on equipment. It is important that the equipment protects the players without violating the rules of the game or negatively affecting performance.
How does the Betterguards ankle brace work in basketball?
The BetterGuard offers outstanding freedom of movement for basketball players thanks to the BG POWER, an intelligent mini piston. During normal movement, flexibility is maintained, but during critical movements, a damper activates to stabilize the ankle, three times faster than the body can. This enables effective prevention or, in extreme cases, at least a significant reduction in ankle injuries without compromising performance.
Does The BetterGuard fit in any basketball shoe?
The BetterGuard is designed to fit most basketball shoes. Its intelligent structure and design allow for easy integration with footwear without compromising comfort or freedom of movement. However, our ankle brace is best suited for low-cut shoes.
