(iC3 by Airborne Athletics/Amazon)
Basketball season is here, but it really is a year-round sport. Inside in the colder, rainy weather and outside when the sun is shining and the temperatures are on the rise, players are on the courts 365 days a year. But let’s face it, we could all use a little help in certain aspects of the game. Investing in some basketball training equipment can certainly help you elevate your play.
Whether you’re interested in improving your shooting, passing, dribbling, footwork, strength or anything else, there is no shortage of basketball training equipment to help you refine your game. We’ve compiled a list below of some of the most popular gadgets to help you decide what training tools would be best for you.
So keep reading below to see some of the most highly-rated and effective basketball training equipment aids on the market today.
And if you’re interested in the item pictured above, learn more about the iC3 Basketball Shot Trainer here.
Note: the following list is in no particular order
1. Unique Sports Dribble Specs Basketball Training Aid
(Unique Sports/Amazon)
Everyone could use a little help with their handle and the Dribble Specs from Unique Sports is designed to do just that. This is how the goggles work: The lower portion of the lens is covered to prevent you from looking down at the ball while you dribble. That way you keep your head up so you can concentrate on the game in front of you and improve your ball-handling skills. Also, it won’t interfere with shooting as the upper portion of the lenses are clear.
The goggles are made of a soft plastic so comfort won’t be a problem. Each pair is also fitted with an adjustable strap, so you can get a custom, secure fit by tightening or loosening the band. The goggles are one size fits most.
Price: One pair for $4.42 (36 percent off MSRP); 6 for $19.98; 12 for $38.79
Buy the Unique Sports Dribble Specs Basketball Training Aid here.
2. Baden SkilCoach Heavy Trainer Rubber Basketball
(Baden/Amazon)
The SkilCoach Heavy Trainer Basketball by Baden is designed to help you improve all aspects of your game — shooting, passing, dribbling, and overall arm strength. The basketball, which is made of rubber, is available in the official size (29.5 inches and 40 to 44 ounces) and an intermediate size (28.5 inches and 36 to 40 ounces). Most official basketballs weigh about half of what the Baden SkilCoach Trainer does.
Using a heavier ball will increase the strength fingers, wrists, and forearms — vital parts for basketball, especially when it comes to dribbling and passing. If used regularly, you can expect crisper, tighter passes and a more powerful, quicker dribble. Usable both indoors and outdoors, the rubber outer cover is extremely durable and will last you for years worth of practicing.
If you want to check out an alternative to the Baden heavy ball, learn more about the Spalding TF-Trainer Weighted Trainer Ball (3 pound) here.
Price: 29.5-inch ball for $24.99 (23 percent off MSRP); 28.5-inch ball for $30.00
Buy the Baden SkilCoach Heavy Trainer Rubber Basketball here.
3. Sklz Shot Spotz Basketball Training Markers
The SKLZ Shot Spotz Basketball Training Markers are a great game-improvement tool for players of all skill levels. The set features five (5) 8-inch all-weather rubber disks (numbered 1 through 5), which can be placed all around the court for a variety of training games and drills.
It includes nine (9) training drills and games to help improve your overall game, including shooting, passing, and dribbling. The all-weather digital timer, with carrying case included, can be used to time various drills, games, and shootouts for fun competitions between friends and teammates. Helping to improve court sense and floor positioning, the Shot Spotz Markers also come with detailed instructions for each game, contest, and drill.
For a slightly different and less expensive version, check out the Hot Shots 7.5-Inch Basketball Training Markers here.
Price: $19.60
Buy the Sklz Shot Spotz Basketball Training Markers here.
4. Jay Wolf’s Basketball Shooting Strap by Star Shooter
(Star Shooter/Amazon)
The Basketball Shooting Strap by Star Shooter will help eliminate wrist rotation in your non-shooting hand, one of the biggest causes of missed jumpshots. Created by professional shooting coach Jay Wolf, the strap, which fits on either arm, prevents your off-hand from interfering and to promote a more accurate and effective one-handed shot.
It’s also effective in training your weak hand for layups and inside shots. Simply affix the strap to your less dominant hand and see improvement in your traditional non-shooting hand after some dedicated practice. It is recommended you shoot 30 minutes a day for two weeks before you begin seeing improved form and consistent results.
Shooting straps are quite popular. For another option, learn more about the Wrap Strap Basketball Shooting Aid by HoopsKing here.
Price: $19.95
Buy the Jay Wolf’s Basketball Shooting Strap by Star Shooter here.
5. Sklz Dribble Stick Basketball Dribble Trainer
Another product from Sklz is their Dribble Stick, which serves a variety of functions. Obviously, its main purpose is to improve ball-handling. It includes four (4) smaller sticks that can be attached to the main frame for various drills. It promotes better hand positioning and stance as those smaller, adjustable sticks act as if a defender is trying to swat the ball away.
But beyond dribbling, the stick can also be used as an agility trainer. Doubling as a plyometric training station to improve coordination and explosiveness, the Sklz Dribble Stick is suitable for players of all ages and skill levels.
Price: $99.99
Buy the Sklz Dribble Stick Basketball Dribble Trainer here.
6. FitDeck Illustrated Exercise Playing Cards for Guided Workouts
(FitDeck/Amazon)
FitDeck Illustrated’s Exercise Playing Cards are a simple and practical way to guide you through a variety of workouts, basketball included. Available in a 56-card deck, you’ll get a detailed exercise on each card, including shooting drills, off-the-dribble moves, in-the-paint moves, and ball skills, among others. These easy-to-follow tutorials are geared toward players of all ages and skill level.
FitDeck’s workout cards aren’t just limited to basketball, though. Also available are exercise explanations for yoga, stretching, dumbbell training, resistance tube training, and core workouts. The cards are designed to make working out and improving your game simple and fun.
Price: $14.99
Buy the FitDeck Illustrated Exercise Playing Cards for Guided Workouts here.
7. DribbleUp Smart Basketball With Included Virtual Trainer App
Take your dribbling skills to the next level with the DribbleUp Smart Basketball with an included virtual trainer app. The ball has a sensor on it, which is tracked by the app on your cellphone. Simply place your phone on the included stand and choose from a variety of training programs. The app will track your performance and give you a grade upon completion of the exercise.
The ball itself is available in official size (29.5 inches) and junior size (28.5) at regulation weight. And don’t worry about wear and tear — the ball has a microfiber composite cover and can be used indoors and outdoors. All you need is the ball, the app, and some dedication and you’ll be on your way to a great on-court handle.
Price: $69.99 (13 percent off MSRP)
Buy the DribbleUp Smart Basketball With Included Virtual Trainer App here.
8. Ball Hog Gloves Weighted Anti-Grip Ball Handling X-Factor Gloves
The weighted X-Factor Gloves from Ball Hog Gloves are designed to strengthen your fingers and hands, which will help improve your on-court skills. The anti-grip and heavier gloves will promote hand speed and overall strength for crisper passes, quicker dribbling, and better range on jump shots.
The gloves add about a pound of extra resistance per pair and will surely have you feeling the burn after a strenuous workout. Go through your individual or team drills like passing, dribbling, catching, and shooting and you’ll soon notice the difference in your hand, finger, and wrist strength.
Price: $49.99 plus $4.99 shipping
Buy the Ball Hog Gloves Weighted Anti-Grip Ball Handling X-Factor Gloves here.
9. Sklz ShotLoc Basketball Shooting Trainer
Another reason why your jumper might be a bit off is because you’re getting too much of your palm on the ball at release. The Sklz ShotLoc Basketball Shooting Trainer will help eliminate that. Made of soft, flexible polyurethane, the ShotLok prevents the ball from resting in your palm, which will ultimately help in a proper, more consistent release. The band also forces your fingers to get proper width and placement for added ball control and follow-through.
The ShotLoc is available in four different sizes — extra small, medium, large, and extra large. It is made of anti-fungal and anti-bacterial materials, which will certainly come in handy during those demanding practice sessions.
Price: Starting at $14.99; price varies depending on size and availability
Buy the Sklz ShotLoc Basketball Shooting Trainer here.
10. Sklz D-Man Basketball Trainer for Offensive and Defensive Drills
No playing partner, no problem. The D-Man Basketball Trainer for Offensive and Defensive Drills by Sklz is the only competitor you need. The mannequin keeps its “hands up” and mimics what you’d find an opponent doing on the court during game action. The D-Man sits an on an adjustable pole which can go from 6.5 to 8 feet for varying defensive looks and difficulty levels whether you’re working on your shooting, passing or dribbling.
The D-Man Trainer can be set up within minutes and also includes ground stakes for added stability and a 100 percent money back guarantee. The lightweight mannequin can be broken down in no time for easy transport and storage.
Price: $57.59
Buy the Sklz D-Man Basketball Trainer for Offensive and Defensive Drills here.
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