Top 16 Best Basketball Training Equipment That Will Help You Improve Your Game

The basketball equipment that you opt to purchase hinges heavily on what your desired outcomes on the basketball court are. The best basketball training equipment will invariably help you increase the height of your vertical jump, sometimes by as much as 15 inches. 

The level of success you achieve with this will invariably hinge on how well you take to the training equipment in question. Beyond jumping better and jumping higher, this article will also explore basketball training that has been designed to help you improve in other facets of the game, like dribbling and shooting.


Best Basketball Training Equipment That Increases Your Vertical Jump

INNSTAR Vertical Jump Trainer

The manufacturers of this training equipment make the claim that you will increase your vertical jump by at least eight inches if you use this product correctly over a period of no more than 15 weeks. There will always be exceptions that make the rule but if you are somebody who harbors ambitions of increasing their vertical jump, this might just be the perfect item for you.

The science behind this product is that it helps increase the capacity in your lower limbs. That specifically has to do with the strengthening of your thigh, glutes, and calf muscles, while also providing greater stability in the ankle, knee, and hip joints. 

This jump training equipment has been specifically designed for people who have not taken part in any other form of systemic jump training before, or people who are basketball beginners. 

While the vertical jump is most associated with basketball, this equipment is useful for people who need to increase their vertical jump for high jump, long jump, volleyball, and even badminton.

A compelling feature of this product is that it allows you to make adjustments according to your needs and goals. So, that means you are able to choose a level that best suits your physical strength. So, when you do make the purchase, it would probably be prudent of you to purchase resistance bands that are available for all strength levels.

Features:

  • Package comes in six different styles.
  • Package comes with a waist belt.
  • Package comes with two resistance bands.
  • Package comes with two foot-straps.
  • Package comes with a carry bag.


Synergee 3 in 1 Wood Plyometric Box for Jump Training and Conditioning

Insofar as basketball training is concerned, it seldom gets more simple than this. This is a wooden plyo box, designed for plyometrics. In other sections of this website, we go into considerable detail on how you can increase the height of your vertical jump through plyometrics training.

A box like this features prominently in the plyo training regimens that we have suggested that you try out. The point is that the possibilities tend to be endless with an item like this. The exercises you can take part in can include, among other things, box jumps, elevated push ups, weighted step ups.

A box like this will invariably go through a considerable amount, given some of the training that we have touched on in the paragraphs above. With a product like this the jury will always be out on just how long the box will last. This particular box is made from premium plywood, so it is built to withstand quite a lot. 

The maximum weight capacity for the box is 450lbs, and comes with a solid manufacturer’s guarantee.

Features:

  • Package comes in four sizes and styles.
  • Package comes with screws and pre-drilled holes.
  • Package requires some assembly.


Yes4All 3 in 1 Foam Plyo Box

This is an outstanding training tool for people who want to take part in jump training, crossfit, MMA, and general conditioning training. This is not just a jump training box, but it is a stylish jump training box. A defining feature of the box is that it is cut out in a rectangular prism shape.

That is a dynamic design because it allows you to actually switch the box multiple ways, according to your training needs. Square boxes can be a little limited like that. 

Something which is always subjected to some level of scrutiny when considering a purchase like this is the durability of the box, which is obviously a valid concern. However, what very few people spend nearly enough time talking about is whether the box will have a physical impact on you. How will your calves, shins, ankles, and knees handle the impact of the box for some of the jump training regimens?

Well, this box has you covered on that front too, because of the thick anti-slip surface, the ultra-dense foam core, and the durable leather PVC cover.

Features:

  • Package comes in four sizes and styles.
  • Box is made from high density PE foam and PVC covering.
  • The box weighs 15 lbs.
  • The box has height increments markings on it.


Vert Shock Program

The biggest selling feature of the vert shock program is that it has been designed to help you increase your vertical jump a substantial amount in just eight weeks. The vertical jump range we are talking about here is anything between nine and fifteen inches higher than when you started the program. 

The basic premise of the program is that it goes beyond the conventional jump training systems, by placing tremendous emphasis on shocking your muscles into exceeding expectations and producing extraordinary results, through sheer intensity and application more than anything else. Because of the training methods advanced by the vert shock program, there has been some mixed feedback on whether it produces the desired results.

Not everybody is a fan, especially those who are essentially beginner athletes. The program can feel like a lot to take in, while selling people seemingly impossible dreams. If you harbor any ambitions of achieving success with this program, though, you will be expected to complete it in three critical phases. They are the pre-shock phase, the shock phase, and the post shock phase.

Features:

  • Package comes with a main guidebook.
  • Package also comes with video instructions.
  • Package features hacks that will help you increase your vertical jump.
  • Package features a weakly email check-in system, to monitor progress.
  • Package features a jump training diet checklist.
  • Package features a guide on how to detect things that sabotage your vertical jump.


Steph Curry Masterclass

The premise of the Stephen Curry Masterclass is actually quite simple. It is a series of video and audio resources designed to provide meaningful insights into one of the most successful athletes to ever play the game. If you are even remotely curious about what is required to become one of the most successful basketball players on the planet, this is the ideal product for you.

The masterclass provides meaningful insights on the physical sacrifices that professional athletes like Steph Curry make, by offering some guidance on what training to do, why you should do it and when you should do it.

The masterclass is available on a typical subscription service which you could find almost anywhere online. Failing which, you could also just purchase the masterclass at an online vendor like Amazon or eBay.

Features:

  • Package features lessons on shooting stance, alignment, and mechanics.
  • Package features lessons on shooting practice.
  • Package features lessons on shooting off the catch.
  • Package features lessons on ball handling foundations.
  • Package features lessons on shooting off the dribble.
  • Package features lessons on creating space from your defender.


Jumpsoles

This product has been marketed as a training system that will help you increase your vertical jump by as much as ten inches. Once again, this is one of those products that might be better suited to more experienced athletes than basketball players who are still growing accustomed to intense physical activity.

Jump soles, by their very design are awkward to operate with, and achieving the desired stability to train well in them can prove exceedingly difficult. If you are somebody searching for additional speed or pace, whether that be on the basketball court or on an athletics track, this will also be the ideal training item for you.

The basic premise with a training product like this is that it increases the strength in your ankle and knee joints, which also increases the explosive output in your legs. So, that is a reference to stronger calf muscles, stronger thigh muscles, and stronger glutes.

Features:

  • Package features a pair of jump soles.
  • Package is available in three sizes.



Best Basketball Training Equipment For Dribbling And Shooting

ZO ATHLETICS Weighted Basketball

The basic premise for this basketball is that it weighs a little more than your standard basketball would weigh, a design that is meant to enhance your dribbling ability. You see, a heavier basketball will invariably be more demanding on your fingers, hands, and arms. The greater intensity that comes with dribbling under these circumstances endures that you have stronger fingers, hands and arms.

This is a detail which might not matter as much when competing at youth and amateur level, but when you encounter more skilled basketball players the difference in those strength levels will begin to count for something. The game will require that you dribble faster and for longer, in a more challenging environment overall.

Features:

  • Basketball is made from leather material.
  • Basketball weighs 3 lbs.
  • Basketball available in size 7 or 29.5 inches.
  • Basketball designed for young players and beginners.


HoopsKing Basketball Dribble Goggles

These goggles, glasses, and specs are designed to prevent you from looking at the ball while dribbling. Looking at the ball while dribbling is a terrible habit to develop as a young player and it is pretty hard to break that habit as you get older. This is one detail that tends to separate the good from the great on the basketball court. 

A compelling feature with these goggles is that you will be able to adjust them according to your needs, and your skill level, and they work just as great, regardless of whether you are taking part in stationary or moving drills. 

Something else worth noting about the product is that the online instruction is compatible with your phone, tablet, or computer. Another useful takeaway with this product is that you can also apply this concepts to enhance your football or soccer skills, where being able to play with feel rather than sight is just as important.

Features:

  • Package comes with an online dribbling video.
  • Package includes ten goggles.
  • The glasses and specs are designed to fit all people.


FlickGlove Basketball Shooting Aid

The quality of your shot hinges heavily on your form and shot mechanics. The logic behind the bands is that they help you build up your muscle memory when training. When competing in a basketball contest, there is no time to think about your form. This thing needs to be second nature, and the gloves will help you achieve those objectives on the basketball court.

The beauty about these straps is that they are adjustable, which means that your development will not hit some kind of plateau. This can be a great shooting aid.

Features:

  • Package comes with three resistance gloves.
  • Package is available in three styles and colours.


GoSports Basketball Xtraman Dummy Defender Training Mannequin

This basketball training item has been designed for players who do not necessarily have somebody to train with. A compelling feature about this product is that it can be deemed suitable for players who are still learning to play ball and more seasoned competitors in equal measure. Both target groups can expect to benefit from the use of this training aid.

While the primary motivation for the manufacturers of this product would have been to assist lonely players with their training, players practising in groups can also expect to extract some value from this.

Regardless of what the desired outcome is, the goal is essentially to provide some context to all of your dribbling and shooting drills, which promotes a certain degree of muscle memory, along with some strategic acumen.

Features:

  • Item is made from nylon-mesh material.
  • Item comes with a carry bag (21" x 7" x 5").


Dribble Stick 2.0 Basketball Fitness Training Sticks

A compelling feature about this product is that it is not just about the training tool itself. The dribble stick comes with a downloadable and accessible training app, which offers you meaningful guidance on how to extract the most value possible from using this. It gives you comprehensive access to the most suitable drills and helps you execute those drills with significant aplomb.

Features:

  • Package comes in two styles and colours.
  • The product dimensions are ‎17.87 x 11.2 x 4.02 inches.


Spalding Shot Arc Training Aid

This shot training aid has been designed to attach directly to a standard basketball hoop. It is also worth noting that it is the official training for those competing in professional basketball leagues, like the NBA in the United States. 

Another compelling feature of the training aid is that it is suitable for people who want to use both an indoor or outdoor basketball hoop, without ever having to compromise on your desired outcomes.

About those desired outcomes, the primary goals for anybody considering the purchase of this shot training aid would be to improve shooting and ball handling skills on the basketball court. This will be achieved by helping your improve your aim. 

The thing about a shot arc like this is that it sits slightly above the actual rim, once you have attached the two. That promotes a 50-degree arc trajectory 

The key detail here, though, is that the short arc snaps right on and off quite easily, which is one less headache for you to think about.

Features:

  • Shooting aid is available on one style and colour.


Baden SkilCoach Shooter's Rubber Training Basketball

The basic premise for this basketball is that it has print designs on the actual ball, which offer you some meaningful guidance on how to grip the ball when you are about to shoot. This could be guidance on how to grip the ball when shooting with one arm, or guidance on how to grip the ball when shooting with two arms.

The print design also helps you make better judgements on what technique to adopt when shooting the basketball. A really fancy development with this ball is that it has been designed to help both left-handed shooters and right-handed shooters. There are prints or graphics available to offer guidance for both groups of shooters.

In every way that matters, this is also a very good basketball, and not just some training gimmick. It is a durable product that has been designed to withstand both outdoor and indoor use. 

The ball will always give you a true bounce, and it will travel consistently through the air every time that you take a shot. Baden basketballs generally have a very good reputation, and that does not become an exception here either.

Features:

  • Ball comes in two sizes (27.5 inches and 28.5 inches).
  • Basketball is made from rubber material.


Patella Tendon Knee Strap

When you purchase this training item you are actually knocking over several birds with just the one stone. The tendon strap is primarily a device that helps protect the knee from any knocks that might be sustained on the basketball court.

However, the tendon strap is also useful during training because of the support that it provides to your knee when you are recovering from an injury or anything in that sphere, when just being able to function is the basic requirement.

In addition to that the tendon strap can function as a performance enhancing tool, if you are somebody grappling with a preexisting condition of some kind. That could be tendinitis , arthritis, or bursitis. 

That performance enhancement function can also extend to some form of compression, which involves improving the blood circulation in your body while you are training. Improved blood circulation invariably leads to more oxygen being transported to parts of the body which need it most during training. That means you will be able to train for longer, and at a greater level of intensity. That makes this one of the most valuable training items on the market today.

Features:

  • Strap is available in one size.
  • Made from neoprene material.
  • Fabric types included in the strap include nylon, SBR, spandex, and cotton.


Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads

The primary function for any padding of this kind would invariably be protection. In this instance, we would be talking about the protection of the knee. The kind of protection that this padding offers will give you the freedom that you feel you need to throw caution to the wind when you are training on a basketball court. 

That means you can put your body on the line a bit, whether that be when you are entering a collision, when you are blocking a potential score, when you are preparing to score yourself, and when you are trying to keep the play alive if the ball is threatening to go out of bounds. 

This is particularly valuable when you have already sustained some kind of knock to your knee, and are recovering from the bruising that is invariably associated with a knock like that. When you are already hurt, putting your body on the line again is not that easy to do, because there is a psychological block that you will need to overcome. Having padding like this offers you that additional piece of mind. 

Padding like this allows you to try and exceed your limits when you are on the basketball court. That is just as valuable as any vertical jump, dribbling, or shooting equipment that you might desire for training on a basketball court.

Something else about this training item which makes it compelling is that it is not a clunky piece of equipment, which among other things means that it doesn’t cover the whole leg. That makes for a more comfortable fit than compression sleeves or leg braces. This is the kind of protective equipment that invariably also helps enhance your performance on the basketball court too.

Features:

  • Pads are available in two sizes.
  • Pads are made from polyester, eva, latex, and rubber materials.


GuardLab APEX Lite Mouthguards

Once again, we are fundamentally dealing with protective equipment here. But as we have alluded to elsewhere in this article already, being able to train and compete without feeling like your body is in harm’s way, goes a long way to enhancing the quality of your basketball preparation and the quality of your overall basketball performance.

This particular mouthguard doesn just protect you though. It also fits comfortably while also protecting you on the basketball court. 

Wearing a basketball mouthguard is not just about having that piece of mind when competing, but it is also about being able to compete without feeling any distraction, being able to play without actually knowing that the mouthguard is there. That is a clarity of thought that money cannot buy.

Features:

  • Guard is available in five styles.
  • Guard is available in three sizes.



Conclusion

Purchasing the right training equipment is only half the job done. While the training equipment featured here can be a useful resource for anybody who wishes to use it, the onus really is on you the athlete to try and extract the most value out of that equipment. 

It would also be prudent of you to note that training equipment which might work well for one athlete will not necessarily work well for you. Before you consider the purchase of any training equipment, you need to have sufficient clarity on what it is that you can and cannot do. 

Not everybody can wear jump soles and not everybody can commit to intense plyometrics programs.