Introduction
Basketball is an intense, action packed, adrenaline rushing sport. And with a typical game of basketball requiring nearly 48-minutes of play, you’re definitely going to leave the court drenched in sweat. And while a good sweat never hurt anyone, having sweaty palms or hands while playing basketball can be detrimental to your success on the court.
Below, we are going to review how to relieve sweaty hands while playing basketball. In addition to including commonly used techniques to relieve both sweaty hands and palms while playing basketball, we will give you helpful hints and tips to reduce the amount of sweat your hands produce while playing basketball.
Disclaimer
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Why do Our Hands Sweat While Playing Basketball?
Sweating is a natural occurrence in life. And sweating itself is your body’s mechanism to cool itself. In fact, your nervous system automatically triggers sweat glands when your body temperature rises. However, and interestingly, your body is more likely to trigger sweating on your hands and palms when you are nervous.
While playing basketball, you are increasing your body’s internal temperature. Due to the stress, mental and physical exertion, and constant back-and-forth nature of a game of basketball, you are more likely to trigger your body’s sweat glands to help you regulate your body’s temperature.
In addition to the physical stress of a basketball game, many games may cause stress and internal distressing feelings. This can be true of a “big game” or even a pick-up game at your local park. Due to these feelings, your body may react by activating your sweat glands.
In addition to sweat glands being activated by internal rises to your body’s temperature due to physical exertion, they can also be activated when you feel nervous. These nerves can be sensitive to emotions, hormones, and other stressors. So, when you feel stressed, your body temperature rises, prompting your sweat glands to kick in to help regulate your temperature.
Why Should You Relieve Sweaty Hands and Palms While Playing Basketball?
Basketball is a sport that primarily relies on the use of both your hands and palms for success. From gripping the ball, to dribbling, to shooting the ball, to passing the ball to a teammate, your hands and palms are natural extensions of the ball and are your primary tools for success.
However, having sweaty hands or palms can cause you to have a disadvantage on the court. This is primarily due to the reduced grip sweaty hands or palms will cause. With a reduced grip, you are not only more likely to lose the ball during a dribble, pass, or shot, but will also have difficulty maintaining the ball for proper positioning while completing any of the above actions.
While sweating is natural and is your body’s reaction to a rise in internal temperature rise, you should take steps to alleviate and relieve those symptoms for better play. However, it is important to note, that if you are experiencing copious amounts of hand, palm, or overall sweating, then you should consult with a doctor or medical professional.
Copious, unwarranted sweating may be a symptom of a larger issue. We are not medical professionals and never claim to be. Basketball, quite simply, is a game. If you are experiencing bouts of sweating fits, then seek medical and professional help to ensure your own safety and health. The game can wait.
How to Relieve and Alleviate Hand or Palm Sweat While Playing Basketball
While sweating is a natural occurrence, thankfully there are a number of over-the-counter solutions to help alleviate sweaty palms or hands. As mentioned above, having sweaty hands or palms while playing basketball can be detrimental to your on-game success and can cause you to lose the ball during a shooting, passing, or dribbling action.
- Peak District Magnesium Carbonate – our personal favorite and recommendation to alleviate and relieve symptoms of excess sweat on your hands and palms while playing basketball is Peak District Magnesium Carbonate. Coming in a pack of two, Peak District provides an easy to use, hassle free, premium grip chalk through a chalk ball system that can be easily placed in your gym bag. Simply grab one ball between your hands and residue from the chalk will keep your hands and palms sweat-free.
- Cramer Firm Grip – Cramer Firm Grip is another great anti-sweat solution to keep your hands and palms sweat free while playing basketball. Designed to improve your grip during a game of basketball or other rigorous activity, Cramer’s is a perfect anti-slip solution that can be easily used and stored.
- Tourna Grip RX – Tourna Grip RX is a powerful solution to sweaty hands and palms. Dispenses as a liquid, Tourna dries quickly to a light powder, giving you a firm, secure grip. What we really love about Tourna is that it not only dries sweaty hands and palms, but also blocks sweat from the pores on your hand. Although it takes a few seconds to begin working, it works for nearly an entire basketball game, giving you the protection from sweaty hands you need.
Do NBA Players Use Chalk or Grip Powder?
A resounding yes. NBA players are famous for their use of chalk and grip powder to maintain sweat free hands and palms. If you watch any basketball game, you’ll see the likes of LeBron James and other NBA superstars using chalk, and even throwing it in the air before the start of a game.
The use of chalk by NBA players is meant to help their grip and maintain proper control of the ball. As NBA players exert great physical stress on their body’s, chalk and other grip powder helps them to maintain control of the ball during the game.
However, as these players play for upwards of 48-minutes per game, frequent reapplication of chalk or grip powder is common.
Alternatives to Chalk to Alleviate Hand Sweat While Playing Basketball
Although chalk and grip powders are the most common form of anti-sweat material, many NBA and basketball players prefer to utilize a simple towel or the bottom of their shoes for additional grip. Although wiping your hands or palms on the back of your shoes is not exactly hygienic, it is a simple and effective solution.