Category: BASKETBALL

KIDS FOOTWEAR BUYING GUIDE: BASKETBALL SHOES

by Gerrard Woods, Director, Sportsmart

Sportsmart stocks a wide range of children’s footwear for a variety of sports.

Our buying guides provide some useful information to help parents know what features to look for in shoes for their kids.

Our footwear staff can help with further information and fitting in-store, to help ensure kids get the best shoes for their needs.

BASKETBALL SHOES

Cushioning

The material between the upper and the sole of the shoe.

Cushioning provides shock absorption, which is important for comfort and protection against ground impact – i.e. running and jumping.

Ankle support

Where the upper is raised around the collar of the shoe to provide support to the ankle. In the case of basketball shoes, this may cover the ankle bone.

Ensures stability of little ankles to help avoid injury.

Outsole grip

The bottom of the shoe that is in contact with the court surface.

Gives greater court traction, which allows kids to move around easier and ensures the shoes last longer.

 

HOW TO: PERFECT YOUR JUMP SHOT TECHNIQUE

Firstly, position yourself for the shot. If you’re stationary, take a short step forward to create momentum and rhythm for the jump. If you are dribbling, pivot on the balls of your feet to square yourself to the basket. Make sure your knees are bent and hold the ball with both hands close to your body.

If you a right-handed shot, the left hand should act as a guide on the side of the ball while your right hand is the trigger (positioned square/in front of the face). The opposite applies for left-handed shooters.

Jump as high as possible, although the height of the jump is not as important as the timing.

As you take off (jump), bring the ball up, making sure to keep it close to your body until it is above your head, which is usually at the peak of the jump. Shooting the ball from above your head makes it difficult for defenders to block the shot. The shooting elbow must be bent.

In executing the jump shot, remember to steady/position/balance yourself before shooting and to jump up rather than forward.

Swish…

Sportsmart Moorabbin Bat and Ball Manager, Tom Kilpatrick

CHOOSING BASKETBALL SHOES

Sportsmart Footwear Manager, Ryan Meggs

Q. Why is it important to get the right basketball shoes?

Basketball demands a lot from your feet, ankles and knees, which is why it’s important to choose a basketball shoe that’s right for you with plenty of cushioning, support and grip.

Q. What are the key features to look for when selecting basketball shoes?

• Cushioning for comfort against impact (i.e. running and jumping)
• Ankle support as well as mid-foot and heel stability to keep the shoe and foot rigid to help avoid injury
• Outsole grip for greater court traction and durability.

BASKETBALL & NETBALL TRAINING TIP: AGILITY

To be competitive when playing, the ability to quickly change direction is important. During a game, players need the skill to be able to accelerate and decelerate, create short, sharp movements by working through tight spaces and accelerate towards the ball – all while using speed and quick footwork to create space to set up play. Achieving this gives players an advantage over less agile opponents. Try the following exercises to help improve your agility:

• Double feet jumps over mini hurdles

• Ladder drills (using an agility ladder, available at Sportsmart):
–       Running with high knees (one foot in each square)
–       Single/double jumps and side-to-side jumps along the ladder
–       Run-throughs (one foot in each square, then try variation of two feet in each square)

• Short sprints (20–50m) and running on the spot as fast as possible, then sprinting to a point and back at maximum pace.

• Cone sprints: Set up cones diagonally over a distance of 20–30m. Sprint to one cone then change direction and sprint to another cone etc as fast as possible. Repeat this process.

• Cross sprinting (sprinting with change of direction): Start at the middle point of an area then sprint to the top point, then straight back to the middle. Repeat this process by running to either side as well as up and down.

Personal trainer, Tavia Ambler
(0433 826 944)

AND1 NBN Mid

This is a great value boot aimed at the entry level or casual player.

The NBN Mid – as the name suggests – is a mid-cut boot, which offers great ankle support as required in a game of basketball. It also has a durable supportive upper for support of all movements. The traditional herringbone outsole provides the right amount of grip needed on a basketball court. 

Sportsmart Footwear Manager, Ryan Meggs

Outwit and outplay

Basketball is a great team sport. Each player has to be in tune with their team-mates to outwit and outplay the opposing side. It is also such a fast-paced game, which certainly keeps the adrenalin pumping – whether you are a player or a spectator! When I played during secondary school, we didn’t make many finals, but getting on that court with my team-mates was always the highlight of my week.

Gerrard Woods
Director, Sportsmart