Equipped for a Slam Dunk: A Guide to Basketball Equipment

Part of the appeal of basketball is its simplicity. The only basketball equipment that cannot be done without is the basket and the ball. The court itself can be considered part of the “equipment,” in that is essential to a regulation game. However, many versions of basketball are played that do not conform to regulation court dimensions.

The ball itself is a large, rubber-cased inflatable. It is surprisingly firm, which is a necessary attribute in order to ensure proper bounce for dribbling and other basketball maneuvers. It is recognizable for its characteristic orange color and bumpy skin. The bumps and grooves on the outside of the basket ball help it grip the surface of the court and help players get a hold on it.

The net or basket is the second most essential piece of basketball equipment. A net is placed under the hoop, which is usually made of metal. The net helps slow the ball after it has gone through the hoop and directs it straight downward, to make it easier to grab the ball after the point has been scored. Above the hoop is the backboard. The backboard is about twice the width of the hoop. It typically features a red square directly above the hoop to aid a player's aim. The backboard prevents the ball from constantly being thrown off court when a basket is missed. Hitting the backboard and bouncing back onto the court is called a rebound, and it is a major feature of the game.

An informal type of basketball can be played without the use of a regulation court. Such games are common in parks among friends, or sometimes “one on one.” However, for any official game, the court is very important. So important that for real games, the court itself can be considered essential basketball equipment right along with the ball and the basket. Where shots are made makes a difference in their point value. There are lines at different distances from the each basket that denote the value of a shot from that point. Also, the boundary lines of the court are very important for determining when the ball has gone out of bounds.

Shoes may not be officially basketball equipment, but don't underestimate their importance to the sport. Not only are quick moves on your feet central to winning a basketball game, but a lot of basketball culture has become connected to having the right kind of shoes. If you've even heard of Air Jordan's, then that proves the point.