Equipment

BASKETBALL
To play basketball, all you need is a ball!
The FIBA approved standard size of the ball is Size 7. The size 7 ball is used in Singapore games from the secondary school level onwards. 

For the primary school standards, pupils learn the game by using the size 5 synthetic rubber ball. We recommend the use of the synthetic rubber ball as this is the same one used in the primary schools' basketball championship as well. The synthetic rubber ball is also relatively cheap and can be bought from sports retail outlets at Queensway Shopping. It should costs between $15-$20. (Walk away if the stall owner insists that it costs above $20) 

There may be different graphics and colours printed on the ball. The best thing to look out for is the GR5 printed on its colour bands. 

BASKETBALL SHOES
At the entry and beginner levels, a pair of sneakers, running or jogging shoes are all you need to pick up the sport. You should always wear shoes when playing basketball as improper footwear can lead to sports injuries. A pair of sports shoes helps protect the feet and lessens the impact on the knees, ankles and soles when you are moving around. 

If your child is serious about picking up the sport of basketball, consider investing in a pair of basketball shoes for him/her. The main advantage between the basketball shoe and a normal pair of running shoes is the level of protection which is accorded to the feet. 

This has to do with direction. A runner/jogger is often only required to run in a forward manner. A basketballer runs in all directions. So a pair of basketball shoes provides greater stability when changing directions, the shoes are made to lock down against the feet even as they twist and turn.  

The second advantage is impact. Basketballers jump really high to shoot or to rebound the ball. As such the shoes are made to withstand far greater impact than the striding action of a runner or jogger. Vertical jumps, lay-ups, jumpshots, rebounds all create a massive amount of impact on the feet, ankles and knees of basketballers. A good pair of shoes help to protect the basketballer. 

What to look our for :-

These are some features to look at when shopping for a pair. Your child should put both the left and right shoe on and proceed to jump around in the store. Move from side to side and front to back. Move in as many directions as possible to test the various parts of the shoe. Jump on the shoe bench and off the shoe bench to test the impact cushioning.

In general, basketball shoes now come in "high-cut" and "low-cut". Your child should start with a high-cut shoe as he is learning to play as it affords greater protection. The low-cut designs became popular only in the last decade as the NBA game was filled with faster and speedier players who needed to "slash and cut" as they drove to the basket. It is a very specialised shoe built more for point guards who required greater flexibility and agility. Start with the high-cut and change only when your child's proficiency and game develops. 

Traction - Deep grooves which run at angles to provide grip on the courts. Same idea as tyre threads. 

Cushioning - Very important feature. Your child should feel that the cushioning is helping to lessen impact when landing AFTER a jump. Cushioning should be stiff and aim to protect the ball(front) and heel(back) of the feet. 

Heel Support - There should be a stiff plastic plate to support the heel, this is a crucial piece of technology to aid jumping and movement on the court. In higher end models, the support may even be made of carbon fibre. Feel the heel support for stiffness and it should extend upwards to just below the ankles. 

Lockdown Stability - The shoe needs to wrap comfortably around the whole foot. This allows for greater lateral (sideways) movements when the player is playing. If your child's foot is sliding as he moves and jerks from side to side, the laces are too loose or the lockdown is poor. For basketball it is also important to lace ALL THE WAY UP. 

Breathable Mesh - For comfort and to allow the foot to breathe. As basketballers play and train, the feet can get really warm.