# BasketballTested

> Basketball gear guides: shoes, indoor and outdoor basketballs, portable and in-ground hoops, training aids, protective gear and youth equipment, for players, parents and coaches.

BasketballTested publishes basketball gear reviews, buying guides and reader discount codes. Every review states who the product suits, the current price from the brand's own store, and any active reader code.

## Key pages
- [Reviews](https://basketballtested.com/reviews): every product we recommend
- [Buying guides](https://basketballtested.com/guides): how to choose
- [Glossary](https://basketballtested.com/glossary): basketball gear terms defined
- [How we test](https://basketballtested.com/testing-methodology)

## Topics
- [Shoes](https://basketballtested.com/category/shoes): Basketball shoes by court, cushioning, traction and fit, including youth sizes.
- [Basketballs](https://basketballtested.com/category/basketballs): Leather, composite and rubber basketballs in every size.
- [Hoops & court](https://basketballtested.com/category/hoops): Portable, in-ground and wall-mounted hoops, backboards, rims, nets and court flooring.
- [Training & protection](https://basketballtested.com/category/training): Shooting aids, ball returns, dribble trainers, agility gear, knee pads, braces and sleeves.
- [Apparel & bags](https://basketballtested.com/category/apparel-bags): Basketball shorts, jerseys, compression wear, socks and bags.
- [Teams & coaching](https://basketballtested.com/category/team-coaching): Team uniforms, custom gear, benches, coaching supplies, drill sets and youth equipment for teams and schools.

## Buying guides
- [Ankle Braces for Basketball: Lace-Up vs Stirrup vs Sleeve](https://basketballtested.com/guides/ankle-braces-for-basketball): Lace-up and stirrup-style ankle braces limit the rolling motion behind most basketball ankle sprains, and a large 2011 study of high school basketball players found lace-up braces reduced the rate of acute ankle injuries. Compression sleeves feel supportive but give little mechanical support. Make sure a brace fits inside your shoe; if you have an injury, follow your doctor or athletic trainer.
- [Basketball Size Chart by Age: Sizes 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7](https://basketballtested.com/guides/basketball-size-chart-by-age): Size 7 (29.5 inch circumference) is the official ball for men's high school, college and pro play, and for boys 12 and up. Size 6 (28.5 inch) is used in women's and girls' basketball from about age 12. Size 5 (27.5 inch) suits ages 9 to 11, and size 4 (25.5 inch) ages 5 to 8. Youth leagues set their own rules, so check with yours.
- [Basketball Training Aids: What Each One Actually Trains](https://basketballtested.com/guides/basketball-training-aids-guide): The best training aid is the one that gets more good repetitions of the skill you need. Ball returns and rebounder nets multiply shooting reps alone; shooting machines do it faster for teams and serious players; dribble goggles and handling balls build ball control; agility ladders and bands build footwork and strength. Start with a ball return if you shoot alone at a home hoop.
- [How to Choose Basketball Shoes: Fit, Traction, Cushioning and Cut](https://basketballtested.com/guides/how-to-choose-basketball-shoes): Buy for fit first: a snug heel and midfoot with about a thumb's width of room at the toe, in the socks you play in. Then match traction to your court (multidirectional patterns for indoor, harder rubber for outdoor), cushioning to your weight and game, and cut to comfort. Research does not show high tops prevent ankle sprains on their own; if you have a history of sprains, ask about an ankle brace.
- [Indoor vs Outdoor Basketballs: Leather, Composite and Rubber](https://basketballtested.com/guides/indoor-vs-outdoor-basketball): Genuine leather balls are for indoor hardwood only; they need a break-in period and wear out quickly on asphalt. Composite (synthetic leather) balls grip well from day one and come in indoor and indoor-outdoor versions. Rubber balls are the most durable and cheapest for driveways and playgrounds. Match the ball to the surface you play on most.
- [Portable vs In-Ground Basketball Hoops: Backboards and Installation](https://basketballtested.com/guides/portable-vs-in-ground-basketball-hoop): Portable hoops sit on a base filled with water or sand, move when needed and suit renters and casual play, but wobble more. In-ground hoops are set in concrete, with thicker poles and larger tempered glass backboards that play closest to a gym. Compare backboard size and material (tempered glass, acrylic or polycarbonate), height adjustment, pole size, overhang and anchoring.

Contact: info@basketballtested.com