There are many different types of basketballs as seen here at Academy Sports' and Outdoors on Sunday March 28, 2010.

The Way the Ball Bounces

It all about the way the ball bounces. But which ball bounces the best? With so many different choices, it’s hard to decide which ball is best for play.

Every basketball has a different texture, and sometimes color. The texture is dependent on whether the ball is meant for indoor or outdoor play. The most popular balls for younger players are basketball that can be used indoors and outdoors. Vanessa Roberts, parent of a 7 year-old Justin says “I chose the indoor/outdoor ball so my son can play on the basketball goal in our backyard and in the gym at the local YMCA without messing up the ball.”

The most popular ball according to Academy Sports' and Outdoors sales associate Matthews Smith is the Wilson Evolution. Also, the NCAA endorses this ball as their preferred basketball for their collegiate games. Smith went on to say that the ball is popular because of the soft texture, which is very important to guards and shooters.

The Wilson Evolution ball is one of the most preferred balls by basketball players according to a sales associate at Academy Sports' and Outdoors.

According to Terrul Henderson, high school basketball coach in Port Arthur, TX, the preferred basketball for he and his team is the Spalding TF-1000. This ball has an extraordinary grip and is very good at absorbing sweat. Spalding is also the official sponsor of the NBA, but Spalding has created a ball only to be used by the NBA. They have recently changed the NBA ball’s texture to the dismay of coaches and players.

Overall, there are many choices of basketballs, and it should be left in the player’s hand to decide which ball best fits their needs.

Soundslide #1

It's Got to be the Shoes…

Since its inception in December of 1891, the sport of basketball has always been a popular sport. As of late, one of its biggest sights has been the shoes. Though the shoe may seem fashionable, it is actually one of the most important pieces of equipment on the court. The wrong shoe could be very detrimental to a player, not only in the play of the game, but also cause a wear and tear of one’s body that should not take place.

“The proper shoe is just as important as the proper play,” Brittany Taylor, Finish Line basketball shoe saleswoman.

Shoes should be decided pending what position and/or style of play the player plays. Power players or post what to look for a shoe with excellent cushioning and stability as they will be doing a lot of vertical jumping which can take a toll on a player’s knees. All-around or wing players what a shoe with moderate ankle support and cushioning. This is the most common shoe. It is for the player who does everything from driving to the basketball, to running the fast break, to going inside to grab rebounds. Fast players or guards should chose a more lightweight shoe with moderate support and much flexibility. This shoe will allow them to be lighter on their feet and make different types of cuts that will not be restricted by a lot of ankle support.

When shopping for a shoe, keep some of these things in mind:

• Shop later in the day when your feet are swollen, because your feet swell when you play.

• Measure your feet.

• Wear the same thickness of sock that you will be playing in,

• Try different brands.

• Walk around and jog in the store making quick starts and stops

• Lace the shoes up tightly

• Make sure the big toe is separated from the toe of the shoe by about a thumb nail’s length.

• Bend the shoe in half, if it flexes at the arch, you don’t want it.

There are many different brands of basketball shoes, two of the top selling are Nike and its leading subset, Air Jordan. Though these two are the top selling, try on different styles, to make sure you find the one that best fits your needs.

Finding the perfect basketball shoe is an art, but once done a player's game can be taken to the next level and have all the fans saying "It's Got to be the Shoes."

Soundslides Test