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Basketball is one of the most popular sports in America. You only need a ball and a basket to have fun and enjoy hooping. What other equipment do you need for basketball? These 12 essentials for basketball players take your game to a new level.
1. Under Armour Performance Tech Pro Crew Socks
Footwork is vital for basketball fundamentals. Care for your feet with a pair of high-quality socks from Under Armour. These performance socks wick sweat and dry fast, thanks to their durable material. Basketball requires plenty of running, so the built-in arch support ensures the socks stay on your feet and limit fatigue. The medium cushioning means you can wear them anytime.
2. Nike LeBron XXI
It’s hard to go against The Chosen One when looking for shoes. LeBron James has a well-rounded basketball skill set, and he can thank his iconic shoes for his incredible game. Good sneakers are among the essentials for basketball players, and the LeBron XXIs deliver an excellent pair. These shoes have a quilted foam tongue and Air Zoom in the heel for maximum comfort.
3. HYCOPROT Men’s Compression Pants
How do you ensure peak performance on the basketball court? Some players use compression pants for an extra boost. Research shows compression clothing improves speed and promotes endurance, making it essential basketball gear. These men’s leggings from HYCOPROT get the job done by supporting your lower body and preventing friction as you move around the court.
4. SKLZ Agility Quick Ladder
Great basketball players can move around the court quickly, whether on offense or defense. How can you improve your speed and acceleration? The SKLZ Agility Quick Ladder is among the essentials for basketball players when warming up and conditioning. You get a 15-foot ladder with 11 rungs to better your footwork, balance and body control on the basketball court.
5. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Listening to your favorite music is a terrific way to get hyped before a game. One study showed that preferred warm-up music increases motivation in college athletes. Tune out the world with the high-tech Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. This gadget eliminates background noise, making it essential basketball gear when you need to focus. With these earbuds, it’s just you and the court.
6. Dr. Dish IC3 Basketball Shot Trainer
Shooting is a significant part of the game. If you consistently hit 3-pointers, opponents fear you each time you catch a pass. What equipment do you need for this essential basketball skill? The Dr. Dish CT+ makes practicing easy by rebounding the ball after every shot. Its advanced technology lets you do specific drills and monitor your stats over time.
7. GoSports Premium Sports Cones
Basketball’s beauty is letting you play and train alone or with nine other people. These sports cones from GoSports create excellent opportunities to practice your handles. Dribbling is one of the basketball essentials, so improve your game by setting up cones and practicing your crossover. This practice gear is also helpful in football, soccer and other fun sports.
8. WOD Nation Attack Speed Jump Rope
While they might not stand out as essential basketball gear, jump ropes are excellent tools. Using a jump rope targets your coordination, balance and leaping ability. Do you want to jump as high as Michael Jordan? This WOD Nation jump rope is a good starting point. This steel cable practice tool brings stability and flexibility, letting you adjust the rope with a wire cutter.
9. Franklin Sports Ball Pump Kit
You can play basketball in a gym or in your driveway. Regardless, you need a ball with enough air to bounce. The Franklin Sports Ball Maintenance Kit is your mobile assortment to support basketballs, footballs and other equipment. How much detail do you get? The kit has a pressure gauge to see how many pounds per square inch (psi) are in your basketball.
10. Wilson Customized Personalized Evolution Basketball
Basketball gear doesn’t get more essential than the ball itself. The Wilson Evolution Game Basketball is fantastic for indoor play due to its grip and overall feel. Each ball has composite pebbled channels to increase a consistent texture and improve smoothness. Wilson’s Cushion Core technology makes the ball softer and easier to grab when going for the rebound.
11. Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose First-Aid Kit
Injuries are an unfortunate reality in all sports. While basketball isn’t as rough as gridiron football, you want to be ready with medical tools to care for your players. Your basketball first-aid kit should include slings to protect injured ankles. The Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose First-Aid Kit contains bandages, cleansing wipes and medications.
12. “Back From the Dead”
Legendary basketball player Bill Walton passed away in May 2024. While he was a champion and MVP, injuries significantly impacted his career. How did Walton battle his bodily woes? “Back From the Dead” tells about Walton’s spinal collapse and how he defied the odds by recovering. Learning from the past makes this book one of the essentials for basketball players.
13. Grip Spritz Basketball Shoe Grip Spray
Your shoes should glide across the court like a professional ice skater. Unfortunately, the fluidity could make it easier to slip. Grip spray is one of your basketball necessities if you rely on athleticism to get by defenders and stop the fastest players. This Grip Spritz product has no sticky residue and makes your shoes feel newer.
14. GRIPEXX Shoe Wipes
Shoes can get dirty on the basketball court regardless of the location. What do basketball players use when they want to wear clean sneakers? They use GRIPEXX shoe wipes to mitigate the dust and dirt. These moist cloths are easy to transport and usable for other sports, such as volleyball and pickleball.
15. FNBX FlickGlove Basketball Shooting Aid
How can you average 30 points per game like Michael Jordan did? Start your training with the FNBX FlickGlove shooting aid. This equipment optimizes your shot mechanics by helping you follow through on each jumper. All it takes is muscle memory to increase your shot percentage. If you want to be a hooper, it’s one of the must-have basketball tools.
16. Crown x Starr Basketball Shooting Off-Hand Trainer
If you’re a great shooter, you scare opposing guards when you get into a groove. Learning how to make jumpers with your off-hand could make you unstoppable on the hardwood. This trainer is for right-hand players to wear on their left, as it perfects shooting skills and breaks bad habits. It’s one of the things you need for basketball practice to make your jump shot even better!
17. OCKLILY Basketball Backpack
Your journey could take you on the road, so a backpack becomes one of your basketball essentials. Get this OCKLILY compartment to fit your ball, shoes and personal belongings. The multicompartment and multipocket design ensures there’s room for everything! Count on durability, thanks to the polyester and nylon with waterproof performance.
18. YQXCC Arm Sleeves
What do basketball players wear to improve their aura and performance? YQXCC arm sleeves are an excellent start because of their comfort and durability. This equipment protects your arms from the sun when playing outdoor games, offering UPF 50+ protection. Moisture-wicking fabric makes the sleeves breathable despite the heat and your body’s sweat.
19. Aolabela Patellar Tendon Knee Strap
What gear do you need for knee safety when playing basketball? Get Aolabela’s strap to relieve pain from your patellar tendon. This two-piece equipment targets discomfort in your leg and provides the reliable support your body needs. It remains breathable, cool and dry during games and ensures long-lasting performance.
20. Basketball Playbook
Some basketball players freestyle their plays, though you can be even more effective with a playbook. Draw up plays for your team with handy full- and half-court diagrams and a notes section. Young coaches could practice designing the famous triangle offense or navigating zone defenses. These sheets are must-have essentials for great basketball teams who want to win.
Getting the Basketball Essentials
Whether a rookie or a seasoned veteran, you need the essentials for basketball players. Shoes, training tools and headphones are only the beginning of your hoops journey. Get your gear and head to the basketball court.
Originally posted 06/14/2022 – Updated 06/12/2025
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Author
Jack Shaw is a senior writer at Modded. Jack is an avid enthusiast for keeping up with personal health and enjoying nature. He has over five years of experience writing in the men's lifestyle niche, and has written extensively on topics of fitness, exploring the outdoors and men's interests. His writings have been featured in SportsEd TV, Love Inc., and Offroad Xtreme among many more publications.
