Youth Basketball Training Equipment List- 25 Essential Gears

Youth Basketball Training Equipment: Basketball in general requires very little equipment to play. Basketball courts can be found in almost any park or playground, all over the country. In most cases, the only thing needed to start a game is a basketball.

But coaching is another matter entirely. Teaching the fundamentals of the game and more advanced techniques requires specific tools and accessories that new coaches may be unfamiliar with. These pieces not only make coaching easier, but also maximize the benefits that players derive from training.

25 Essential Pieces of Equipment for Coaching Basketball

1. Basketball

Basketballs come in many sizes, styles, and prices. When buying balls for your team, consider the age, physique, playing ability of your players, and the environment they will be playing in. This will help you determine the appropriate size, material, and texture for the balls. 

Related: How To Plan A Good Basketball Practice

2. Whistle

A whistle is an essential piece of equipment that no coach should be without. They are commonly used to catch players’ attention, and to signal specific plays or maneuvers. The most effective coaches combine whistles with verbal cues when teaching players complex techniques. Whistles are especially important in large gyms where there is plenty of noise and activity.

3. Cones

A set of tapers is essential for setting up shooting and dribbling drills. Coaches may purchase as many cones as they need depending on the size of the team and the complexity of the techniques being taught. These are relatively inexpensive, costing about $10 each at most major sports retail outlets. 

4. Ball hog gloves

Gloves that make it more difficult to control the ball might seem counterintuitive. But they make perfect sense when training players for real-world playing scenarios. Ball hog gloves add another layer of difficulty to playing maneuvers, making players work harder to develop ball-handling techniques. When they are in a game situation and are no longer wearing the gloves, players will generally perform a lot better.

5. Weighted basketball trainers/shoes

Like basketballs, weighted trainers or basketball shoes come in different sizes and weights. The official size commonly used for coaching weighs three pounds. By wearing these shoes while training, players can develop their jumping and maneuvering ability. 

Also Check: What Basketball Shoes Should I Get?

6. Agility ladder

Agility ladders help players develop footwork and improve leg mobility. These are both essential skills for players of all levels and playing positions. Agility ladders allow for several footwork combinations, all of which challenge and improve footwork and general performance to play.

7. Weighted Speed Vest

Weighted speed vests help improve speed and reaction times. Because of the added weight, these vests encourage players to push harder and exert more effort. This improves their overall performance come game time.

8. Air Relax Leg Recovery System

The Air Relax Leg Recovery System shortens the recovery process after an injury by maximizing the recovery period and helping players heal faster. Consequently, they can get back to playing sooner than they normally would. 

9. Resistance Sprints Parachute

Resistance sprints parachutes aren’t designed specifically for basketball, but they can be beneficial for players looking to improve their speed and enhance their performance. Commonly used to improve sprinting speed, they are also useful for developing long distance running performance. 

10. Control Basket Set

A control basket set helps improve ball-handling performance. It comes with three balls, each in different weights and sizes. The smallest ball helps improve speed, while the medium ball enhances touch and tactile ability. The largest ball helps improve players’ hand and finger strength. 

11. Dribble Stick

The Dribble Stick helps promote ball control by forcing players to dribble above or below varying heights. Regular use of the stick improves ball handling and control, and helps develop players’ ability to direct the ball where they want it to go. 

12. Weighted Ball

Weighted basketballs are very similar to regular basketballs in terms of appearance and feel. But they weigh much more and some are considerably larger than regular ball. These help strengthen the grip, improve dribbling performance, and develops snappier passing skills. 

13. GoSports Padded Blocking and Training Pads

These are amazingly versatile tools that can be used for defensive training. They can also help improve playing techniques while minimizing the risk of injuries related to jumping, lunging, or bending over. 

14. All Net Shooter

These All-Net Shooters help improve ball control by spreading out the hand. Regular use enables players to control shot direction more effectively and prevent fumbling.

15. Jump Rope

Jump ropes can be invaluable for warming up and stamina building. It also improves lower leg elasticity and increase speed and quickness when starting on a run.

16. Blackroll

Foam rollers don’t really have a direct improvement on playing technique, but they can help reduce injuries and hasten recovery. These are especially useful for players with tight hamstrings and lower back pain.

17. Dribbling Goggles

These goggles help correct the common beginner mistake of focusing on the ball while dribbling. They effectively direct the player’s vision to the front, helping develop the skill of dribbling by feel.

18. Basketball Defender Dummy

This is the ideal solution for players that don’t have a live defender around. With an adjustable height that places a hand across your face, it can prepare you for the most demanding game situations. 

19. Outdoor Basketball

If you don’t always have the opportunity to practice indoors, this is the ideal ball for you. It withstands outdoor conditions remarkably well, so you don’t have to scratch up your good ball when playing outside. 

Related: Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes

20. Tennis Balls

Tennis balls can be surprisingly useful for developing dribbling skills. They could also help you improve hand-eye coordination and train you to stop staring at the ball while dribbling. 

21. Blocking Pad

Blocking pads can be useful for stimulating defensive plays. They are also much easier on the body than the sharp elbows of a human defender. Use them for learning how to handle contested layups and driving shots home with persistent contact. 

22. Plyo Box

Plyo boxes are amazingly useful for developing vertical jumps. They can be set to three different heights for maximum intensity or a mild workout depending on your needs. 

23. Resistance Bands

Some of the best players in the world use resistance bands to increase core strength, develop speed, and enhance power. They are also useful for building leg strength, warm-ups, and stretching.

24. Double Double

If you have trouble missing shots when performing rebounding drills, this is the tool for you. It helps you replicate game situations more accurately, which can be helpful when going for a rebound. 

25. Shooting Spots

These are ideally suited for practicing three-point shots. They are safer to use than cones and are much more portable and easy to carry around. 

Final thoughts about coaching basketball 

For basketball players and coaches, getting great results is often about maximizing the time spent in the gym. Having the right equipment can be crucial, as they allow players to perform drills and training exercises that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. 

The tools and equipment listed above should give any coach a good start in training their players. We will continue to add to this list over time as we discover more useful basketball equipment and accessories so check back often!