Equipment

To play basketball, all you need is a basketball!

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 Centre. It should costs between $15-$30. Nowadays you can also get the correct size rubber basketballs at Decathlon for lesser.

There may be different graphics and colours printed on the ball. Choose one that you like!

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 provided for 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.

The main brands of basketball shoes are Adidas, Nike and Under Armor. While these are brands that do make great shoes, they tend to be more expensive as they have commercial deals with famous basketballers. For a great pair of basketball shoes which do not cost as much, we can find them at Decathlon.