If you have ever learned the adage “use the right tool for the job,” then you have realized that this is applicable across most topics and subjects.
Using the correct gym tools to enhance your basketball training and gameplay skills is imperative to working effectively. The following list of products and tools will help you and your team elevate your skills and performance.
Contents
1. Professional Grade Basketball
It might seem obvious, but it is best to start with the most basic and essential equipment: a professional-grade basketball. Wilson is the ball manufacturer of the NBA and is a firm favorite amongst teams and clubs. The Evolution ball offers unparalleled grip and durability.
It is always imperative to keep the ball inflated to the correct level of inflation to ensure that it is perfect for gameplay. It is important to keep playing consistently with the ball to allow it to break in – so try and keep the selection of basketballs for practice to one or two.
2. Weighted Basketball
As you develop and hone your skills as a basketball player, working with a weighted ball is going to help dramatically to improve your technique. Weighted balls often come in options of three or six pounds.
Working with this tool enables you to improve your dribbling skills, jump shots, ball control, passes, and shooting technique. It also has the added benefit of providing a challenging upper body workout as you train, a win–win!
3. Jump Rope
In the age of increasingly sophisticated gym tools such as elaborate machines and AI-assisted gym programs, there is a reason that the humble jump rope is still a vital tool – it is simple, and it works wonderfully.
Jump ropes can be used to warm up before a game; they offer a very strenuous workout, and they improve with speed training.
Similarly, jump ropes are a cheap and economical tool for multiple purposes. Keeping several of these can help with conditioning and warm-ups. They are the perfect multi-purpose tool for a basketball team.
4. Agility Ladder
Again, there are hugely sophisticated and elaborate gym tools out there. Yet, a basic agility ladder is still a tremendously important tool around which dozens of helpful drills can be centered.
The premise of the ladder is to help develop quick feet and faster footwork and reflexes on the court. Having several agility ladders on hand will help ensure your team continues to drill down and focus on enhancing this core skill for basketball players.
5. Weighted Vest
Having players train in a weighted vest ensures they work on their explosive moves. Working on dynamic movements while wearing the vest develops this player’s strength, leading to more explosive movements on the basketball court.
You can adjust the vest’s weight so each player can tailor their training weights depending upon need. The vest also provides an upper-body workout throughout the training session.
6. Dribbling Goggles
Although these goggles might look silly, they are an excellent tool for beginner basketball players. Beginners tend to stare down at their hands throughout dribbling the ball, which leaves them vulnerable to opposing players and makes them oblivious to other plays and set-ups occurring on the court. The goggles prevent the player from looking down and ensuring they focus on the game.
7. Weighted Gloves
Much like the weighted vest and weighted ball, these weighted gloves help players with their ball handling skills, including dribbling, passing, and shooting techniques.
The gloves make ball handling more challenging and enhance the player’s dexterity when removed. The gloves have the added benefit of being able to be worn throughout gym workouts, alongside being worn for practice.
8. Drill Cones
Although a simple tool, plastic drill cones are hugely helpful for a basketball team. The lightweight cones can be used in many drills, dribble training, and warm-ups.
The cones are economical and very lightweight, so they can easily be transported around. The cones are great for any sport and are a great tool in a multi-purpose training facility.
9. The Right Shoes
Formal basketball sneakers are different from normal running shoes in various ways. Basketball sneakers offer more structure and support and have a much thicker sole.
Basketball is a fast and furious sport with the possibility of injury from rolled ankles. It is essential to wear the correct footwear to offer greater support while on the court.
10. Shooting Spots
Who doesn’t want to improve their three-point shots? These helpful shooting spots help players focus on their court positioning when taking longer-range shots.
The numbers can help coaches call out positions for their team to focus on shooting skills. The disks are lightweight, easy to move around, and bring to games and practices.
11. Foam Roller
It is essential to implement regular foam rolling as a part of your team’s stretching and cool-down exercise regime. Basketball is a high-impact and strenuous sport, so focusing on stretching and cooling down muscles is essential.
Alongside foam rolling after the games and practices, keep a foam roller at home, too, so you can continue to stretch while relaxing and watching Netflix.
12. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are the do-it-all item in any gym kit. These multi-purpose bands can be used for stretching and resistance training – they can even help with supported pull-ups!
Perfect for games or traveling with the team since the bands are lightweight and easy to transport without adding too much bulk.
Hopefully, this list will help you evaluate what tools your team needs to enhance their skill level and performance further.
Outside of the essential tools like footwear and balls, there is no magic wand; teams’ most significant assets are consistency and showing up every day!
