The Ultimate List of Basketball Training Equipment
Whether you’re an aspiring basketball player or are just looking to develop your fundamentals further, having the right equipment makes all the difference. Basketball, as with many other sports, requires intense training, practice, and dedication.
And whether you choose to practice alone or with a group of teammates, having the right equipment can help you develop your basketball fundamentals and further your overall basketball IQ. However, not all basketball equipment is created equally. Too often, products and devices will pop-up claiming to be the ultimate basketball development tool yet failing to produce any results.
That is why, below, we are going to discus and review the ultimate list of basketball training equipment. These are tools and products that have been independently vetted and verified by our team to ensure quality and results. So, before you go out and purchase a product that doesn’t work, we encourage you to read our list and purchase with confidence.
Wilson Evolution Game Basketball
Before you can get started practicing for basketball, you’re going to need a basketball to do so. And our top recommendation for the best basketball is none other than the Wilson Evolution Game Basketball. We’ve previously covered and discussed the Wilson Evolution Game Basketball in our review of the best grip basketballs and continue to stand by our original assessment.
The Wilson Evolution Game Basketball is the number one indoor basketball in America and on courts around the world. It offers a soft, natural touch due to its cushioned core, making the ball soft to the touch. In addition, the premium microfiber composite cover provides a grip that basketball players have come to love and depend on, making it our overall top choice for the best indoor and outdoor basketball.
SKLZ Control Training Basketball
While having a normal basketball is a must for any basketball player, for those of us looking to improve our handling, dribbling, and passing abilities, the SKLZ Control Training Basketball is a must buy. The SKLZ Control Training Basketball is not a “normal” basketball. Rather, it is weighted and heavier than normal basketballs.
This additional weight forces players to dribble harder and with more force to ensure the basketball reaches the tips of their fingertips. In addition, with the added weight, passing, shooting, and rebounding the basketball is significantly more challenging.
By forcing players to utilize additional strength during practice sessions, they can become more adept and improved when using a normal, non-weighted basketball. And although there are plenty of similarly weighted basketballs on the market and available for purchase, we have found the SKLZ Control Training Basketball to be the best.
GoSports Basketball Xtraman Dummy Defender
Honestly, we believe the GoSports Basketball Xtraman Dummy Defender is an absolute must buy when purchasing basketball training equipment. Simple in design, the Xtraman was developed by GoSports in collaboration with professional basketball players and coaches to mimic real-life defenders.
Standing in at 7-feet, the Xtraman is meant to compel and encourage players to learn how to shoot over taller defenders. In addition, at 7-feet, players will also be forced to arc their shots to ensure the Xtraman does not defend their shot attempts.
GoSports Xtraman Blocker Pop-Up Defenders
Another great product by GoSports, the Xtraman Blocker Pop-Up Defenders are simple pre-weighted collapsible blockers which can be placed throughout the basketball court. While these blockers aren’t as tall as the dummy defender mentioned above, they are a great tool to force players to dribble around and past the blockades and to the rim for the lay-up.
GoSports Big Paws and Padded Blocking Guards
At this point, it may seem that we’re being paid by GoSports to review their products. But honestly, they really do provide a wide range of useful basketball training equipment and we would be remiss to not mention their products. However, the GoSports Big Paws and Padded Blocking Guards are a bit different from their other products and training equipment.
Rather, the Big Paws and Padded Blocking Guards are meant to be held by a defending teammate or coach. with the Big Paws in hand, the teammate or coach can attempt to block, distract, or steal the ball from the offensive plyer. A great tool to force players to better control the basketball and a must buy for any basketball coach who is heavily involved in practice sessions.
SKLZ Reactive Catch Trainer
Not all basketball training equipment’s need to be on the court. In fact, to really improve your hand-eye coordination, it may be better to utilize a training tool off the court. And to do just that, we highly recommend the SKLZ Reactive Catch Trainer
A rubber, three-pointed device, the SKLZ Reactive Catch Trainer is meant to be tossed to a dribbling player, forcing them to continue dribbling while attempting to catch the product in midair. Great for point guards looking to improve their dribbling skills.
Baden SkilCoach Shooter’s Rubber Training Basketball
One of the simplest ideas, the Baden SkilCoach Shooter’s Rubber Training Basketball is also one of the most effective basketball training equipment there is. The Shooters Rubber Training Basketball is a normal basketball but outlined on the ball itself is a palm meant to coerce and assist new players on proper hand formation for shooting form.
If you’re a new player or are simply looking to improve your shooting ability, then this is a great tool. Simply place your hands on the pal outline of the ball and make perfect shots every time.
Truefocus Target – Basketball Shooting and Training Aid
One of the more interesting pieces of equipment, the Truefocus Target snaps on the net to provide players with a perfect bulls-eye target for shooting practice. When snapped onto the net, the Truefocus provides players with a recognizable target and helps improve shooting form and accuracy.
Dribble Stick 2.0
If you’re looking to take your dribbling skills to the next level, then the Dribble Stick 2.0 is the perfect piece of equipment to do so. With an adjustable pole and stick format, players will be forced t dribble beneath the sticks, ensuring the ball doesn’t touch or hit the sticks. Much harder than it first appears, the Dribble Stick 2.0 is a great tool to improve dribbling skills.
FlickGlove Basketball Shooting Aid
The FlickGlove Basketball Shooting Aid is another interesting product that, rather surprisingly, works. Meant to force proper follow through after taking a shot, the FlickGlove attaches to a player’s fingers and wrist, forcing a follow through when the ball is shot. Perfect for newer players and players looking to improve their shooting fundamentals.
Boaton Hand Grips
One topic rarely discussed when it comes to basketball training is hand, wrist, and forearm strength. Enter the Boaton Hand Grips. Ranging in weight from 30-pounds to 60-pounds, the Boaton Hand Grips are portable and easily fit in your pocket. Meant to strengthen your hand, finger, wrist, and forearm strength, utilizing these grips throughout the day will give you better ball handling.
Dribble Cap
The Dribble Cap is similar to the old-school method of placing a plastic bag over a basketball to improve dribbling and handling skills. By adding additional resistance and friction to the ball, players are forced to adapt to the newer movements of the ball, resulting in improved basketball handling. A simple piece of training equipment and perfect for players who are looking to improve their dribbling skill.
INNSTAR Vertical Jump Trainer
Want to increase your vertical lift by 8-inches in just 15 weeks? With the INNSTAR Vertical Jump Trainer, you can. By providing extra pressure to your legs and butt, the product forces you to utilize additional strength and force to lift off from the ground. Repeated use will help strengthen your leg muscles, resulting in a higher vertical.
Basketball Dribbling Goggles
Too often, players will look down when dribbling. This is incorrect and can impede their ability to properly dribble and view the court. With a pair of basketball dribbling goggles, players downward vision will be restricted, forcing them to dribble and handle the basketball with their hands and keeping their eyes up and forward.