The Best Ways to Play Basketball in the Dark and at Night

As we enter the winter months, and with the sun setting earlier in the day, finding time to play basketball outside can become more challenging, particularly as the sunlight gives way to darkness.  However, for many of us ardent players, playing basketball in the dark and at night can be just as fun and enjoyable.

However, playing basketball in the dark and at night can still be a bit more challenging.  That is why, below, we are going to discuss the best ways to play basketball in the dark and at night.  These solutions should help you to continue to practice and shoot-around, even long after the sun has set.

Disclaimer

Please note, we here at Ball Are Life are affiliated with both the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs.  This means we may receive a small commission from any purchases made via our links below.  This is at no additional cost to you.  While we appreciate the additional commission, we would never recommend a product or service which does not align with our core values nor any product which we would not, and have not, used ourselves.

Why Play Basketball in the Dark?

Before we get into the best ways to play basketball in the dark, it is important to go over just why anyone would want to play basketball in the dark.  While we have previously discussed the best times to play basketball outside, those times typically don’t go past 9:00 PM and are typically within the daylight hours.

However, for many of us, juggling a full-time job, school, and other responsibilities can make playing basketball during the day prohibitively difficult.  Furthermore, with the necessities of life, playing basketball immediately after the end of work or school can be a challenge, further exasperated by responsibilities and errands.

But playing basketball in the dark and at night can be a refreshing experience.  No longer challenged by the beating heat of the sun, playing basketball in the dark can even be a bit euphoric, creating a sense of calm and serenity.  And while playing basketball at nearly any time of the day can have its benefits, playing at night can be even more enjoyable.

And lastly, playing basketball at night and in the dark can be extremely calming.  Just you and the basketball, you may find a level of peace and tranquility, unlike playing at any other time during the day.  Similarly, playing basketball at night and in the dark may be a great way to continue practicing your basketball skills and fundamentals.  

Considerations to Take Before Playing Basketball in the Dark

While playing basketball in the dark and at night can be a fun, euphoric, calming, and even peaceful experience, there are some considerations which should be taken into account before doing so.  Namely, playing basketball in the dark can increase the probability of injury.  Without a clear line of vision, you are more likely to trip and fall in the dark, which could lead to either minor or major injuries.

Similarly, playing basketball late at night and in the dark can be more difficult.  Again, without a clear line of vision, you may not be able to ascertain as-well as to where the hoop is, and your shot may be off its normal trajectory.

And lastly, playing basketball at night and in the dark may be a nuisance to your neighbors and family members.  Through dribbling the ball and shooting it against the backboard, you are likely to create some noise, which can be bothersome to others around you and people in neighboring homes trying to sleep.

How to Play Basketball at Night and in the Dark

Once you’ve considered both the pros and cons of playing basketball at night and in the dark, it is important to fully equip yourself and your surroundings to better assist you with playing in the dark.  Below, we are going to provide you with some recommendations to better play in the dark.

Astro Sports Gear’s Holographic Basketball – Astro Sports Gear’s Holographic Basketball is our top recommendation for the best basketball to play in the dark and at night.  With a patented, holographic technology embedded in the basketball, you will gain visibility and better line of sight as to where the basketball is.  We actually purchased one and have been really impressed with its capabilities and the basketball’s reflective abilities.

In fact, we partnered with Astro Sports Gear to give our readers an exclusive discount!  Just use the code BALLARELIFE at checkout and get an additional 15% off your entire purchase.

Illuminated Basketball Hoop – in addition, you may want to consider purchasing an illuminated basketball hoop.  These hoops are simply affixed to your already installed basketball hoop and provide lighting and colors to the hoop, allowing you to better see the hoop and its direction. 

While there are many to choose from, we love the Light Up Action Super Hoop.  It easily illuminates the hoop of the basketball rim, and you can choose from an array of color options, including white, green, red, and blue.  All the color options are controlled via an included remote and can be installed in under a minute.

Basketball Court Lights – if you are playing basketball at night in the comfort of your own home, we’d highly recommend investing in some basketball court lights.  These lights will illuminate your surrounding area and the area around the basketball hoop.

Now, if you’re really serious about providing some lighting to your basketball hoop, we’d recommend the Goalrilla LED Basketball Hoop Light, which is affixed to the back of the hoop and extends over the entire backboard, giving you more than enough lighting for your needs.

However, if you want to be a bit more cost-conscious, then a simple two-pack of floodlights should be sufficient for your needs and will provide you with nearly the same level of coverage.  These floodlights are also waterproof, ensuring that they won’t be damaged while placed outside.