There are a number of basketball equipment and facilities which are needed to run a proper, regulation game. From the court itself, to a proper basketball, to the basketball shoes worn by the players. However, keeping track of all of the equipment and facilities needed can be a difficult task.
That is why, below, we are going to provide you with the full list of basketball facilities and equipment needed to run regulation game. This is a comprehensive list and includes all the necessary and individual items you would need to play a proper, full-court game.
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A Basketball Court
No basketball game is complete without a basketball court. Whether you are playing in an indoor facility or on a court outside, the basketball court is the basis and foundation for any and all games.
For regulation NBA and college games, the court should be 94-feet long and 50-feet wide. However, those dimensions are slightly smaller for high school and junior high games.
The Backboard and Rim
Once you have found a suitable court, you will need to erect and install a basketball hoop. The hoop should include both a backboard and a rim.
In the NBA, the backboard is made from tempered glass. Tempered glass backboards are made from actual glass and are also typically safer than most other types of glass. It is hardened in the production process so as to make it 5 to 10 times stronger than regular, standard glass.
Tempered glass is particularly important in basketball for the fear of a backboard shattering during play. Loose glass can significantly injure players, referees, and spectators.
The process by which tempered glass is made makes it so that if the glass does break, it will break into small crumbs about the size od a marble. This is safer than large shards of glass, which would be more likely able to cut or injure a player.
The regulation height of the rim above the ground is ten feet. The rim is 18-inches in diameter and is typically able to fit two basketballs, side-to-side, in the rim.
The backboard itself, however, is 6-feet wide by 42-inches. The inner square on the backboard is 24-inches wide by 18-inches in height.
The Foul or Free-Throw Line
In a regulation game, the foul or free-throw line is exactly 15-feet directly in front of the backboard. It is centered to the backboard and is 16-feet wide, allowing for ample movement.
The Key
The key, also known as the lane or the paint, officially refers to the area on a basketball court that surrounds the basket. It is contained within the free-throw line and the two sides which run perpendicular to the free-throw line.
The backboard itself extends 4-feet out over the baseline and into the key and a half-circle of a 6-foot diameter extends past the foul line, away from the basket.
The Three Point Line
Speaking specifically for the NBA, a regulation sized three-point line is 23-feet and 9-inches away from the center of the rim. This distance differs for other leagues, with the three-point line in high school 19-feet and 9-inches away, in college it is 20-feet and 9-inches, and both FIBA and the WNBA at 22-feet and 2-inches.
Line Markings
The line markings on the court are all 2-inches wide and can vary by color.
A Basketball
No basketball game can begin without a basketball. Typically, for a regulation game, the basketball will be made of leather and for the NBA, the manufacturer will be Spalding. In addition, in the NBA, the pressure of the ball must be between 7.5 and 8.5 pounds per square inch.
The size of the ball should measure 29.5” around in circumference.
Basketball Jerseys
When playing in a regulation or official league, it is paramount that every player has a proper uniform or jersey. These jerseys are typically sleeveless, and shorts will be worn beneath. The jersey should be tucked into the shorts.
As we’ve previously mentioned and discussed, the jersey number must be unique for each player on a team. In addition, the digits on a jersey must be between 00-99, without the allowance of the numbers 0 and 00 on a team.
However, some leagues, most notably the NCAA, do not allow digits above 60. This is done to avoid confusion when an official calls or assesses a foul against a player and motions with their hands for the foul to be recorded.
Basketball Shoes
As important as an athlete’s jersey is their shoes. If you are looking to play basketball, it is absolutely critical that you wear proper basketball shoes. The basketball shoes should fit snugly and should leave little room for the foot in the shoe.
Basketball shoes are important as they have excellent cushioning which helps with impact when a player jumps. In addition, basketball shoes have ample support for a player’s ankle which can help to avoid an ankle or foot injury.
Basketball Socks
Real talk here, there is little noticeable difference between basketball socks and regular, cotton socks. So long as you are not wearing dress socks with your basketball shoes, you will feel support and. avoid blisters as you play the game.
Headbands
When it comes to wearing a headband, it is a completely optional and personal preference. Some players prefer to wear a headband as it helps to collect and absorb the sweat from the upper brow while other players find the use of a headband unnecessary and irritating.
Basketball Compression Sleave
Similar to the headband, a compression sleave is left to the discretion of the player. Wearing a compression sleave has been shown to help reduce swelling, it can increase blood flow, and also reduces fatigue. However, some players find compression sleaves to be distracting and difficult to shoot with.
Basketball Towel
Similar to a hand towel that you may place in your bathroom, basketball towels are smaller towels meant to help remove sweat from your body while you rest during the game. It is advisable to bring a basketball or hand towel to a game if you sweat profusely.
Sports Drink and Water
Probably the most important thing to bring to a game is a bottle of water and a bottle of your favorite sports drink. Whether it is Gatorade, Powerade, or Body Armor, having both a bottle of water and a bottle of a sports drink will help you to remain hydrated and to replenish electrolytes lost during play.
A Whistle
Whether you’re a coach or a referee, you will want to use a whistle during practice or the game. For coaches, using a whistle will help to gain your players attention and to bring attention to yourself.
As for a referee, a whistle is an essential piece of equipment for the game. You will need a whistle to blow when assessing a foul, calling a dead ball, or inbounding the ball, among others.
Wrist Bands
As with the compression sleave and the headband recommendations above, wearing a wrist band is a personal choice. However, many players, including players in the NBA, believe that wrist bands help them to absorb sweat that may collect down the arm.
Bags and a Backpack
Another piece of basketball equipment that you should be bringing to both a game and practice is a practical, semi-large bag or backpack. This bag should be large enough to hold all your gear, your drinks, and any other equipment and facilities you may choose to bring.
Ball Pump
While the ball on the court should be fully inflated, and there should be back-up basketballs, you may want to be even more prepared. As-such, bringing a ball pump should help you to avoid any interruption in play if the ball is. not fully pumped or loses air.
Basketball Clipboard
Finally, as a coach, you will want to bring a basketball clipboard with you to both practices and the game. A basketball clipboard will show the outline of the court and the baskets and will help you to draw up plays on both offense and defense for your team.