"If you are going to train right, you've got to have the right equipment." This applies as much to basketball shoes as it does to any other type of sporting equipment. Choosing basketball shoes is generally straightforward as many are similar in design. Most tend to be high cut at the ankle to provide extra stability, given the stresses placed on a player`s ankle in running, turning and jumping, with many rapid changes of direction.
There are several essential considerations when contemplating the purchase of a good pair of basketball shoes:
1. Lace-up shoes are preferred over Velcro closures as they keep the foot set well back in the correct position in the heel of the shoe. Velcro-fastening shoes often allow the foot to slide forward, restricting its proper performance and placing undue pressure on the toes.
2. Basketball shoes with a broad toe are essential for comfort and the prevention of pressure on the toes. Shoes that are too narrow can lead to general discomfort whilst playing and the formation of blisters, calluses and corns, bruised nails and even ingrowing toenails.
3. Basketball shoes should always be tried on in a standing position, for correct fit, as the feet broaden and lengthen in this position. For greatest comfort during play, there needs to be a gap of ¼" to ½" between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. Trying on shoes whilst sitting down can lead to the unintentional purchase of shoes of the wrong size, leading to the problems described in 2. above.
4. The sole of basketball shoes needs to be generally rigid, flexible only at the ball of the foot near the toes and not in the arch area.
5. The heel of a basketball shoe is the one area that should feel firm and snug-fitting, to minimize the foot slipping forward during play.
6. Conventional wisdom is that basketball shoes with leather uppers are superior to those made from synthetic materials, from a perspective of durability and "breathability." However, technological advances in basketball shoe manufacture have lead to shoes with synthetic uppers, or a combination of leather / synthetics, which compare favorably with all-leather uppers.
Leading Brands of Basketball Shoes
The Air Jordan 2010 features a revolutionary layered toe construction that has an independent forefoot support cover. This innovative design allows the Air Jordan 2010 to mimic the actual foot`s flexibility, stability and movement while assisting a player`s agility in the game. Nike has also unveiled its latest Air Max Lebron VII. The new offering boasts the new custom Max 360 Air sole with 80% more air than the previous model. Specially contoured with a thinner forefoot and deeper heel for more strategic cushion effect, it features full-grain leather upper and patented leather details. The latest model Adidas TS Commander LT is 6oz. lighter than previous shoes, featuring an innovative dual midsole construction and superior cushioning on top with added support on the bottom. It has a perforated mid-foot design which ensures that the foot stays cool during competition. It retains the Adidas' fat stripes design which enhances mid-foot support and overall stability. DC shoes offer an extensive range of skate and basketball footwear.
Pistol Pete's Homework Basketball Training Series
Pistol Pete's Homework Basketball on 4 DVDs ($95.99) is without a doubt the most in-depth basketball instructional series ever produced. No other video series can offer the one-of-a-kind drills that made Pistol Pete Maravich one of basketball's brightest stars.
From the basic fundamentals to the advanced tips to the game-breaking strategies, it's all here. It's a way of looking at the game... a way of mastering the game... that is unmatched by any other instructional series. Pistol Pete Maravich... the name still rings in the ears of basketball fans across America. Who can forget the floppy socks, the behind-the-back passes, between-the-legs dribbling, and the wondrous assortment of shots that made him a magician in the game.
In the glow of the steel mills of Pennsylvania he began to sharpen his skills through the unique approach to the game created by his father, Coach Press Maravich. From this legacy was birthed this instructional series.
