How to pick the right basketball shoes

As a basketballer, you know that choosing the right shoes is essential. Wearing the wrong type or ill-fitting basketball shoes can affect your performance, speed, and agility, and can even cause injury.

So how do you make sure that you pick the right ones to suit you? Here are our top tips to show you how to choose the right sneaker..

How to choose basketball shoes

There are a lot of different factors that go into picking the perfect basketball shoe. So, what do you need to consider before you start shopping? When it comes to basketball shoes, you need to keep a couple of different things in mind:

The Style of Basketball Shoe Matters

You might have heard your teammates discussing the benefits of high-top shoes versus low-tops and wondered what they were talking about. Referring to the height of the basketball shoe around the ankle, basketball shoes are available in high, mid or low heights and each of these styles offer different benefits to the player. 

  • High-tops: The upper of the shoe wraps high around your ankle, providing an extra layer of support and stability, but this extra coverage often makes the shoe a little heavier.
  • Mid-tops: These provide a happy medium for players in terms of ankle support, allowing for increased flexibility.
  • Low-tops: This style of shoe is built for speed and agility, but they offer minimal ankle support due to their lower profile.

Your choice of shoe height will depend on your personal preferences, as well as what type of basketball player you are. 

What Position Do You Play?

Different positions often wear specific shoes to match the types of moves you make. If you mainly play a certain position, it’s a good idea to try and pick basketball shoes that match that position. Here’s a breakdown of the style of basketball shoes worn by position.

  • Guards: This position requires quick movements on the court, so Low-top basketball shoes are great as they can help with fluid movement. These shoes offer little ankle support, so this is something to keep in mind if your ankles are on the weaker side.
  • Forwards: High-top basketball shoes offer additional coverage and support and come with extra weight, making high-top shoes a popular choice for larger, more aggressive forwards.
  • All-round players: If you’re an all-round basketball player, you’ll need to find a basketball shoe that can offer a bit of everything to suit your playing style. Mid-top basketball shoes provide ankle support, while also offering more flexibility in this shoe, making them a great  choice for multi-position basketball players.

How To Choose Basketball Shoes Size

Having the correct size is very important when it comes to getting the right basketball shoe fit, you want to make sure that your foot has enough room at the front, is firm on your foot but not too tight.

You can test this yourself when you are trying shoes on, start by measuring your feet, making sure that you have a thumbnail length between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. If your shoes feel a little larger than your normal shoes when you follow the “thumbnail test”, it is important to keep in mind that when we exercise our feet can swell and expand. It can sometimes take a few wears to break in the shoe, but if you are finding that your shoes are causing blisters or callouses, your shoes may be too small.

Shoe Aesthetics

So you know what type of shoes you should pick to suit your position, and you know your perfect basketball shoe size, but have you considered what aesthetic statement you want your shoes to make?

Basketball shoes are a great way to make a style statement out on the court;  choose a design that shows off your personality and taste with bold colours and design elements. You can even match your shoes to your team colours!

In Australia, basketball shoes are as at home in the streets as they are on the court, so when it comes to picking the right shoes for basketball, you need to make sure they are the best pair for you!

Keeping the above in mind when shopping for basketball shoes can help you play hard and stand out. For a huge range of basketball shoes and other baller gear, look no further than And1.

We live and breathe basketball, so are proud to offer Australia’s best selection of basketball shoes, apparel and accessories. Start shopping to buy basketball shoes right here.

5 Expert Tips for Buying Basketball Shoes Online

When you’re balling, what you choose to wear on your feet matters. With the overwhelming amount of basketball shoes available online, finding good basketball shoes that best suit you may seem tricky. To make sure that you get the best kicks, you’ll want to know how to choose and buy basketball shoes online. 

This article discusses what makes basketball shoes different from regular sports shoes, how to choose the best basketball shoes that suit you, and the best online store to buy basketball shoes from.

What makes basketball shoes different?

While you might think that you can get away with wearing your regular old sneakers when playing basketball, if you are really dedicated to the game then investing in specially-designed basketball shoes will be well worth it. Basketball shoes are specifically designed for the intensity of the game, with constant jumping, starting and stopping, and short bursts of running. This is why basketball shoes are designed to act as shock absorbers and provide ankle stability. This means that basketball shoes are often much bulkier than standard running shoes or cross trainers.

Tip #1 Learn the different basketball shoe styles to see what best suits you

Your typical basketball shoes get separated into three main sections: the upper, the midsole and the outsole. Each of these separate sections of your shoe has different qualities that will affect durability and performance. Identifying which of these features fit your needs and playing style is vital to helping to choose the correct basketball shoe to suit you.

THE UPPER

The upper portion of basketball shoes is the part that covers the top of your foot, where the laces are and around your ankle.  Basketball shoes are available in high, mid or low heights; and each of these styles are best suited to a different style of player:

  • High: With high-top basketball shoes, the upper section wraps around your ankle, providing an extra layer of stability and additional support. 
  • Mid: For mid-top basketball shoes, the upper material sits right at the ankle to provide some coverage without an all-enclosing design, giving wearers a happy medium in terms of ankle support.  Mid-tops also allow for increased flexibility when compared to high-tops.
  • Low: Low-top basketball shoes are built for speed and agility, but offer minimal ankle support due to their low profile style. 

While the different height profiles seem like they may offer more protection from ankle injuries, that may not be the case, in a study from 2001, researchers looked at more than 10,000 Australian basketball players, and didn’t find that high or low-top basketball shoes were a contributing major risk factor for ankle injuries. Instead, increased risk was linked to prior injuries, whether a player stretched or not before the game, and the type of shoe itself. So in regards to which type of height profile you should choose, think more about what is comfortable to you rather than worrying too much about ankle support.

THE MIDSOLE

A basketball shoe’s midsole is essentially the footwear’s cushioning, making this section of the basketball shoe one of the most essential parts of a shoe’s performance. Most midsoles are composed of various foams, with some types offering reduced weight, and others offering more durability.

THE OUTSOLE

A basketball shoe’s outsole is normally made of a rubber or synthetic material and is the point of traction for the shoe. When shopping for basketball shoes, choosing a relatively flat and wide outsole will help to provide you with maximum balance. If you are looking for added grip, choose outsoles that feature a herringbone or hexagonal pattern, as these are designed to prevent you from slipping on the basketball court.

Tip #2 Choose your basketball shoe based on your position

If you favour a particular position when you are playing basketball, it is a good idea to choose the type of basketball shoe best suited to the needs of that position. Here’s a breakdown of some common shoes worn for each position.

  • Guards: This position requires short and sharp movements on the basketball court, so the more light-weight low-top basketball shoes can help with quick movement.
  • Forwards: High-top basketball shoes come with extra weight, which can be popular among forwards. 
  • All-Around Players: If you’re an all-rounder on the court, you’ll need to find a shoe that offers a bit of everything. Mid-top basketball shoes provide moderate amounts of ankle support, but still give you flexibility to move around which is great for multi-position basketball players.

Tip #3 Make sure you get the right size!

This may sound like an obvious tip, but it is so important that it is definitely worth including in this guide. Some people go too small and end up with a product that’s constricting and uncomfortable while others go too big and this can lead to a rolled ankle and other injuries.  It can be a good trick to read customer reviews on a basketball shoe, as people tend to leave comments saying if a shoe runs small or large. If it runs large, then you’ll want to go a half size smaller and if it runs small, then you’ll want to go a half size larger.

When playing basketball or doing any other type of exercise our feet tend to heat up and swell a little, so to ensure you always have the right fit you always need a little extra space in your shoe to accommodate for this, about a thumb’s width from your largest toe. 

Tip #4 Look the part

When shopping online for a new pair of basketball shoes, you also want to consider how they look. Basketball shoes should not only function well, but make a style statement, too.

You can show your personality by choosing color schemes and designs to suit your preferences, or if you’re looking to rep your team on the court, choose your favourite style in your team colours. 

Tip #5 Make sure you are buying from a reputable stockist

When playing basketball, like any sport, the equipment that you use matters, and basketball shoes are just like any other piece of sporting equipment. A good-quality and well-fitting pair of basketball shoes protects your ankles, and should be supportive and comfortable. 

When buying basketball shoes Australia online, make sure the store you are buying from has a good return policy, so that you can return or exchange your shoes if they don’t fit or feel exactly right.

So now that you have all the tips you need to find your perfect basketball shoes, you might be wondering where to buy basketball shoes online? 

And1 is your one-stop shop to help you find everything you need to play ball and look pretty damn good while doing it. They have the best range of basketball shoes Australia-wide and also offer a huge range of basketball apparel and accessories.

Teaching Your Kids Basketball Skills – Everything You Should Know!

Basketball is a great sport for your child to play; it encourages hand-eye coordination, fitness, teamwork, and most importantly, it is lots of fun! But there are some important basketball skills your child will need to know before they can become the next Lebron James. Read on to learn some of the essential basketball skills and drills for kids to master. 

Ball Control Skills

Ball control skills are an integral part of youth basketball skill development; all players need to feel comfortable with the ball when playing basketball and this can be achieved by handling the ball as much as possible by practicing the following ball control skills:

Catching and Passing

Catching and passing are the most essential skills to learn and perfect when playing basketball.  While catching is a basic motor skill typically developed by children at an early age,  practice and repetition is advised and this skill can be incorporated into other drills and games to help players improve their skills.

Passing the ball is also integral to playing basketball and there are a variety of different passing techniques, including chest pass, push pass, bounce pass, and overhead pass.

  • CHEST PASS 

The chest pass is often the default pass, best used when you are a reasonable distance from your pass target, by passing the ball from your chest with two hands, aiming for your teammate’s chest.

  • PUSH PASS 

This pass is similar to the chest pass, except you push with one hand while taking a step to create space from your defender.

  • BOUNCE PASS

The bounce pass is frequently used when your on-ball defender has their hands high, or when they are taller than you and you still need to make a pass. Aim for the bounce to occur at the ¾ mark of the distance between yourself and your target, so the ball arrives at their chest.

  • OVERHEAD PASS

You can use the overhead pass to quickly move the ball from one side of the court to the other. 

Drill:

If training in a team, have two lines of players set up at one end of the court in pairs, about 3 metres away from each other, and facing their partner.  Players both start running down the court parallel while passing the ball back and forth. It’s important that players mix up their pass types, (chest, bounce etc) and move quickly. This can also be done with yourself and your child, and to make it competitive, each time a pass is missed or dropped, both players have to do one burpee to encourage accurate passing and catching. 

Dribbling

Dribbling is another important skill when playing basketball; essentially bouncing the ball repeatedly with control. The purpose of dribbling is to move the ball around the basketball court when a pass is not possible or to improve a player’s position before passing or shooting. A player may dribble the ball with either hand and can change hands but cannot dribble with both hands at the same time. Once a player stops dribbling, they must pass the ball or shoot; they cannot dribble again. It is important to be able to dribble while not looking at the ball; you need your focus to watch for other players and obstacle.

Drill:

Set up five chairs or cones down  the basketball court in a row, about a metre apart. One at a time, dribble as fast as possible up the court while weaving around the obstacles. This drill forces players to use both hands while keeping their eyes off the ball to watch for the obstacles. Make it more competitive by timing players to see who can compete for the best time, or if training alone, have your child try to beat their own best time. 

Shooting

Shooting is the most significant basic basketball skill which all players need to practice, after all, scoring points helps teams to win! Practice where possible with a standard basketball hoop and backboard, the rectangle on the backboard provides a helpful guide of where to aim when you are shooting within the key area; if the player is standing directly in front of the hoop, then the player should aim to hit the centre of the rectangle on the backboard. If the player is standing on the left of the key, then they should aim for the left-hand top corner of the backboard, and vice-versa for the right hand side. With enough practice, shooting hoops should become easier. 

Drill:

HORSE is a very fun and simple game you can play with a whole team, or just two players. The rules are relatively simple, whichever player was chosen to go first will choose a spot to shoot from. If their shot makes it in the net, all of the remaining participants must attempt the exact same shot. If any of the players fail to make the shot, they will receive a letter of the word “horse,” starting with “H.” When a player misses five shots, acquiring each letter of HORSE, they are eliminated. The winner is determined when there is only one player left standing. This game is fun to play and encourages healthy competition between players, while also encouraging players to practice shooting from different and more challenging positions.

Rebounds

Players should always “follow the shot” when shooting in case the ball does not go in so that they can be in a good position to contend for a rebound. Rebounding is all about positioning; as soon as a shot goes up, the defensive player should turn, facing the basket to watch where the ball goes, while being aware of the offense player, aiming to keep them away from the ball.

Drill: Three players, one on the left corner of the free-throw line, one in the middle of the free-throw line and the other at the right corner set up a defensive position, while three other players take an offensive position, opposite the defenders. The coach shoots the ball and the defensive players practice blocking the offensive players while all six go for the rebound. This can also be done to some extent one on one, where your child can practice defending the rebound from different positions, while you shoot, and your child can block you from taking the rebound while aiming to secure it for themselves.

Defence and strategy skills

There are two basic defensive strategies in basketball: man-to-man, and zone. Each has different advantages and drawbacks.

Man-to-man defence

In this defense strategy, each player is assigned to guard a player on the other team. 

When playing, the defensive player simply follows wherever his or her offensive player goes, limiting their opportunities to shoot, rebound, and pass to teammates.

The easiest way to teach players to keep track of who they are guarding is by memorising the opposing player’s jersey number. 

The advantage of this defence strategy is that it is easy for players to ensure the other team is covered and enables the defensive team to put effective pressure on the offensive. The disadvantage mainly lies where players are mismatched, and slower or weaker defenders may have trouble keeping up with their offensive opponents. 

Zone defence

Zone defense is a strategy in which each player covers a specific area of the court, and the defender begins to guard an opponent when the opponent enters the defender’s designated zone. Once the offensive player leaves the defender’s zone, the defender continues guarding their zone instead of following the offensive player as they would in a man-to-man defense.

There are many in the basketball world who believe zone defense can be detrimental to young players, and indeed some leagues have even banned using this defense tactic for younger age groups, because it can limit the development of individual and team skills. That being said, once teams have mastered their fundamental skills and have man-to-man defence down pat, zone defence can be a useful tactic to have up your sleeve. 

The main advantages of zone defense are that it requires less endurance, so your team should have more energy throughout the game, plus this defensive strategy makes it harder for the offense to exploit a team’s weaker defenders since their teammates can step in to help them.

Drill:

The best drills for learning these two defence types, are simply to play the game! Organise some friendly games with another team, or if your child’s team is big enough, they can play 3-on-3 or 4-on-4 games to practice the different defence strategies.

By practicing these basic basketball drills for kids, your child’s confidence playing basketball will grow. Now that you have the basic skills for basketball, your child will need the proper sporting equipment as well! 

And1 is all about supporting players from their very first game, up to their 3-pointer that will decide the grand final game. And1 specialise in basketball shoes Australian players love and offer an extensive range of basketball footwear, apparel, and accessories to turn your junior player into the next superstar. 

Top 10 Best Team Sports For Kids To Play & Benefits

One of the best ways to mould social skills in kids is having them engaged in a sport or two. Getting them involved in team sports is a great way to ensure a holistic child development. With lots of sports available for kids these days, you may find it challenging to tell the best for your child.

Here are the top ten team sports for your child and why they are important:

1. Basketball

Basketball has a long history, but a simple sport when it comes to set up and equipment. The primary requirements include the basketball and hoop, and a large enough recreation centre, and good basketball shoes. Basketball is one of the few no-contact sports that pose minimal risk to your child. Its simple moves, like passing, dribbling and spilling, build character, dexterity and teamwork.

2. Soccer

Whether you choose to call it football or soccer, it’s safe to say that this sport is among the most popular team sports in the world. It is played in virtually every country around the globe, regardless of the name. Soccer helps kids with balance and improves foot dexterity. It also teaches kids teamwork, discipline, fairness, and builds muscle strength, coordination, flexibility, weight distribution, lung capacity, and cardiovascular endurance. It can be played by kids who are 4 years old and above.

3. Swimming

Swimming is an effective way to address your kids’ fear of heights and water. This valuable life skill can never be forgotten once learnt. Swimming classes give your child the benefit of one-on-one instruction from the coach while enjoying social interaction with teammates. It helps your child focus on skill development without the pressure of comparison. Swimming is a great way to keep your child physically engaged and entertained.

4. Cycling

The bicycle holds fond childhood memories for most people around the world. Every child loves the freedom of riding around on two wheels. Cycling teaches children balance and weight distribution. It is advisable to start your child on a tricycle from 2 to 5 years, then switch to training wheels. For health reasons, it’s important to keep multispeed and multi-gear bikes at bay until your child hits 9 years of age.

5. Inline skating

Inline skating is one of the most popular sports among kids of all ages these days. Children can begin inline skating from the age of 4, provided they have good motor skills. As your kids start learning, it is important for you to get a professional instructor to guide them and teach them safety precautions. You should also get your child a helmet, knee and elbow pads. Skating helps children develop patience, proper weight balance, reflex coordination, agility, increases muscle strength, and improves cardiovascular endurance.

6. Hockey

Whether field or ice hockey, this sport builds endurance, leg strength, dexterity, and vision. Children will learn how to move around the rink at 10 miles per hour while keeping their eyes on the puck. Hockey has a longstanding fighting history and while it has gone down, it’s still a likely possibility. You can keep your child safe by getting them the appropriate protective equipment, but I may not keep your child totally injury-free.

7. Baseball and Softball

Many kids have grown up admiring star baseball players. Baseball is a beloved sport that improves hand-eye coordination, arm strength, and balance. It will also help them learn teamwork, discipline and social skills. Children as young as six years old can play baseball. They should start out with softball and graduate to hardball once they grow older.

8. Cricket

Although cricket is a difficult game at first, once your child gets the hang of it, they’ll never forget it. There are lots of other sporting activities your child can do with cricket equipment without going into the full game. Cricket helps build arm strength and physical endurance.

9. Running

This is probably the easiest and most cost-effective sporting activity in the world. Running comes naturally once a child starts walking and develops proper balance. It’s not only fun, it instils a sense of confidence, builds endurance and leg strength. It improves focus, concentration, and cardiovascular fitness. Running regularly builds child immunity, lung capacity and reduces the occurrence of common colds and the flu.

10. Tennis

Tennis is one of the sports that allows your child to become a good celebrity as a role model. It has gained a lot of clout among kids and builds a healthy competitive spirit. It gives your child the ability to think quickly, develop agile feet, build arm strength, proper hand-eye coordination, and visual accuracy. It also improves muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness.

Why are team sports important?

Sports are essential in a child’s development for the following reasons:

  • Fitness

The most obvious advantage of team sports is physical fitness. Sports build cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, agility, hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, build lung capacity and improve immunity. They also fight childhood obesity, boredom and keep your kids physically and mentally engaged.

  • Confidence

Playing in a team allows your child to discover hidden abilities and know that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. This allows the child to feel good about themselves and instil a sense of achievement once they see their abilities applied in a team. It also actively battles shyness and prevents anxiety and depression.

  • Discipline

Team sports need the discipline to develop teamwork. Following the rules of a particular sport will build discipline and avoid unruly behaviour. This discipline will serve them well as adults since it can be extrapolated to the workplace, handling finances, and conflict resolution. On top of these, the discipline gained helps in anger management, since most sports have strict rules about lashing out in anger or physical altercations.

  • Social skills

Playing as a team teaches children important social skills and how to live with people of different backgrounds, races, religions and cultures.

Why your child should play basketball

Your child can play lots of sports to enhance their discipline, physical fitness, and teamwork. But many of these sports don’t come close to basketball when it comes to an all-round well-developed child. It’s also a career sport, and your child may just be a future NBA legend. If you are looking to inspire your child into playing basketball, and hopefully becoming a star, you need to get good basketball shoes for them.

Please contact us today for more information on basketball, and all basketball equipment and accessories.

Basketball Equipment For Kids: Shoes, Uniforms, Gear & More!

It’s the start of a new basketball season and you’re just as anxious as your child, even more so!  There’s always a push to do better than last season. If anything, your child has been thinking about the shots they missed, that time they should have passed the ball earlier, and so on.

If you’ve been around the basketball court for some time now, you may have heard your child’s coach tell them that they’ll only play as well as they have practiced, no more no less. That is a hundred percent true! But it’s hard to train right without the right equipment and that is especially true when talking about basketball gear for kids.

Here’s a list of the essential basketball equipment for your child.

1. The Correct Basketball Size

What is the right kids basketball size? Is the basket always the same size? Until 2018, there were never any standard guidelines to answer these questions – each basketball organization played by its own rules.  A child had to deal with a different set of circumstances in each league.

However, basketballs are like shoes. They are not a one-size-fits-all affair. An age-appropriate basketball helps a child to take control of the ball which boosts their skill development.

According to the official FIBA basketball rules (International Basketball Federation), the size and weight of the ball is different across different age groups. Check out this list.

  • Men & boys aged 15 years and up use an official size 7 basketball, measuring 29.5” and weighing 22oz.
  • Boys aged 12-14 and girls/women ages 12 & up use an official size 6 basketball, measuring 28.5” and weighing 20oz.
  • Children aged 9-11 years should use the standard youth basketball. This is the official size 5, measuring 27.5” and weighing 17oz.
  • Children aged 5-8 years should use a size 4 basketball measuring 25.5 inches and weighing 14oz
  • Children aged 4-8 years old should use a size 3 basketball (known as a mini-basketball), measuring 22 inches and weighing 10oz
  • Children aged 2-4 years – micro-mini basketball- should use a size 1 basketball measuring 16 inches and weighing 8oz.
  • Toddlers between 0-4 years old should use a toy basketball size measuring 9-20 inches and weighing 1 to 5oz.

2. A Hoop

The standard rim size is 10 feet. If children had to work with this height, they’d only be working to throw the ball hard enough and not necessarily aiming to make a shot. That’s why coaches and basketball regulators agreed on reducing this height to help kids enjoy the game and develop their skills.

The basket should be 8 ft. off the ground for kids between 7-8 years and 9 ft. for ages 9-11 from the ground. This helps them shoot better and increases the opportunities to make better shots.

The basket in basketball can refer to the hoop or the act of shooting. According to Basketball Victoria, the basketball ring should be made of solid steel and have a minimum inside diameter of 450mm and a maximum of 459 mm.

To help players see and aim more precisely, an open net is attached to each ring in 12 places with gaps smaller than 8mm. Depending on the design, the basket is fixed on one or several legs, and the hoop can include a jack system to fold during dunks.

To accommodate the needs of younger kids and toddlers, manufacturers have adopted adjustable hoops and baskets to use outdoors or indoors. Some rims can be adjusted up to 2.5 ft. and are portable

3. The Right Shoes

Probably the most important thing on your child’s basketball equipment list, getting the right basketball shoes is an important task. It can be tempting to buy bigger shoes to accommodate the fast growth of children’s feet. But this works against them on the court. Bigger shoes invite sliding while shoes that are too small can cause blisters and even injuries.  Running shoes are not designed for quick side movements and so aren’t suitable to use as basketball shoes.

The right basketball shoes are specifically designed to provide enough ankle support and great traction on the court.  The midsoles of the shoes take on the most pressure and lose their ability to cushion your child’s feet fast.

The right treading supports fast side-to-side movements even in slippery indoor courts.  The treat should be about an inch thick.  Ensure you always buy fitting shoes even if it means buying a pair more often than you wish.

If your child plays 5 to 6 times per week, purchasing new shoes every 2-3 months is ideal. Buy replacement shoes every 4 to 6 months for those who play 2 to 3 times per week.

Experts say wearing shoes for an extended period of time puts a strain on the foot, leg, and related soft tissue and bone structures. The stress will eventually cause a fatigue injury, rendering the player unable to participate in his or her sport. You can significantly reduce overuse injuries by making regular shoe replacements.

4. A Team Uniform

A uniform is just more than a requirement. It builds a team spirit -a way of saying ‘we’re a team and we’re in this together’. It also helps to teach children discipline because they can’t just get on the court in whatever they like.

A basic basketball uniform features a loose sleeveless jersey, loose knee-length shorts and well-fitting shoes. When it comes to safety, the basketball uniform serves in the following ways.

The loose fit jersey and shorts make it easier to move unhindered. The right shoe size supports ankle movement, makes the player agile and prevents injuries.

A uniform gets the player’s mind off of what they’re wearing to the game.  Additionally, the uniform helps in identifying the teams and offering support by wearing team jerseys. You can wear your child’s jersey to encourage them on the court.

5. A Quality Gear Bag

A basketball bag is essential for more than just carrying the ball. Most bags will have different compartments to allow your kid to carry their basketball,shoes, a change of clothes, their water bottle, phone, and snacks.

Because this is such an essential piece of basketball equipment, the last thing you need is a poor quality material or one that adds unnecessary weight. It should also be water-resistant and have quality zips and stitching.

Ensure you invest in a comfortable bag. The straps should be padded, and help in distributing weight evenly across the body. A sternum strap which runs between the shoulder straps will also help to provide additional comfort.

6. Protective Gear

You can’t promise your child a hundred percent injury-free basketball games but you can ensure they wear protective gear to prevent it. Apart from teaching them how to wear them correctly, you need to get the right gear including:

  • Knee and elbow pads: These are designed to withstand falls.  The exterior is typically hard and strong, almost always made of premium plastic. The interior is filled with padding made of impact-absorbing foam or the chemical called polyurethane.
  • Mouth guard: A mouth guard is meant to protect against breaking or losing teeth in case of a fall. They can be especially fitted by your child’s dentist, or you can get fit-at-home ones from your local pharmacist.
  • Braces. If your child has a history of trips and falls on the court, you can get bracing for protecting the ankles, knees and elbows.
  • Eyewear: If your child wears glasses and cannot wear contact lenses, then consider investing in special sports goggles or safety sports glasses to ensure they can safely see while playing.

Now that you have the list of essential basketball gear for kids, it’s time to start shopping! If you’re after quality, functional and stylish basketball equipment for your little basketball superstar, check out the wide range of footwear and clothing at And1. Shop now or contact us today!

The Pros and Cons of Buying Basketball Shoes Online

Thanks to online shopping, being busy no longer stands in the way of going shopping.  You can get anything you want online- except some sunshine of course! And with COVID-19 sending more shoppers online, there’s bound to be an influx of online stores-some offering great deals & quality products and others cashing in on bloated markups and cheap rip-offs.

According to Statista, footwear revenue in Australia is projected to reach US$1,432million in 2021 with a CAGR of 5.04% between 2021 and 2025. That’s a clear indication that online shopping for shoes is pretty much here to stay.

But buying basketball shoes online is a bitter-sweet affair. There’s always a chance that you may not get what you’re hoping for. Other times, you get just the right fit on your feet to help you perform better on the court.

This article will help you understand the pros and cons of buying basketball shoes online.

The Pros

Whether you’re shopping for your children or yourself, the following list highlights the benefits of buying online versus spending your time in a brick & mortar store.

Online Stores Never Close

Round the clock shopping means you don’t have to wait to leave work or have to leave the house to go shopping. You can use the same computer at work to browse for shoes and get what you want.

First Access to New Releases

You can get instant notifications, early access or an email newsletter about new releases so you never miss out on a owning the latest shoe release. Email signups or newsletters also provide access to shopping discount codes, sales, and new-release information to keep you at the front of the line.

Variety of Brands and Stores

These days, an online store is a point-of-entry for every ecommerce business. Everyone from the largest brands to your local athletic start-up has a solid online presence. This gives the customer much easier access to all their favourite brands and styles.  Competition is cutthroat stiff online and this plays out to the consumer’s advantage.

Multiple colors

Where certain local stores may be out of stock or don’t stock a certain colourway, size or style, online stores typically offer an entire range to the consumer. This is especially helpful when you’re shopping for children. If their teammate has a certain shoe colourway, they may want to shop the exact same model.

Quite often, you can request custom colourways, designs or additions, you can choose custom colours -although this may mean waiting for longer for it to arrive. But it’s worthwhile when you get exactly what you wanted.

Different styles

If your child’s school changed the jersey and you’re looking for their team’s right shoe match, you have better chances of finding the right basketball shoes online than in a physical store.

Wider size array

For those with larger or wider feet, it’s harder to find shoe sizes at either end of the size spectrum in a physical store than an online store. You can also get extra width or smaller width if need be.

DYOR – Do Your Own Research

Firstly, you can compare styles, colours, and the compare durability from reviews online. Secondly, you get to compare prices from different stores and brands before settling on one. The time you save by simply not commuting to and from multiple retails stores allows you to read more reviews, deep-dive into forum communities and really get to understand what shoe is right for you.

Free shipping

Free shipping has become a standard offering for so many ecommerce stores these days. Most retailers offer it standard or with certain promotions, while with others, you can “unlock” free shipping by spending over a certain amount. This is great when you’re buying several pairs or buying new shoes every season.

Brand New Out Of The Box

Physical retail stores allow customers to try shoes on. By the time you’re buying a pair, it may have been worn by hundreds of feet. This isn’t an issue online, all shoes are brand new out of the box. So you can rest assured knowing your new purchase is made for you!

Cons

Not all great things come without drawbacks. Here’s a shortlist of ‘cons’ to consider when purchasing your new basketball shoes online.

Are these shoes the real deal?

If it’s too good to be true, it quite often is. In other words, the online shop is trying to sell you substandard shoes by offering a huge discount, for example, ‘get 80% off or buy 3 pairs at the price of one’. Worse, when you realize that the shoes are substandard; these stores refuse to accept the returns.

And1 is the sole distributor of And1 branded shoes in any store in Australia. All of the other stores that sell And1 basketball shoes are supplied from our warehouses. So, don’t fret, you’ll get the same quality, comfort and performance.

Uncomfortable Fits

It’s hard sometimes to tell your size online. For example, the shoes may come in UK sizes which are different in the US. You may also forget to include your foot’s width and end up with an uncomfortably or painfully tight shoe. In case you have tapered feet, you may end up sliding on the court because there’s too much free space inside. And1 provides a sizing chart so that you can get the perfect fit. Check it out here.

Shipping Regulations

Shipping costs are not always shared upfront in every online store. For instance, you may buy a shoe for $50 only to find out the shipping fee pushes the product out of your original budget. The best thing to do is to find this out before you make a purchase. And1 products offer free deliveries for orders above $100.

Varying Sizes across Manufacturers

A size 6 from one brand may be a size bigger or smaller from another brand. Often, this brings friction between the disgruntled customer and an online store with an unfair return policy, charges for return shipping, etc.

The And1 size chart will help you get the right shoe in UK, US, EUR, AUS and CM.  If you’re still unsure, you can visit our stockist page to find your closest retailer and try them out.

Unfair Exchange and Return Policies

Some stores require special return paperwork. You may also have to pay return shipping fees for returning your new basketball shoes.  If you can’t meet these regulations, you’re stuck with shoes you can’t use and lost money.

And1’s customer support is open to guide you on returns and exchanges. The customer support agent will help answer your questions and concerns, and assist with exact instructions on how to return or exchange an item. Customer service is a top priority to And1 and ensuring their customers are happy is the number one goal.

Actual Product and Description Don’t Match

This is a common problem where dishonest online stores show a different picture from what they have. In some cases, their appearance may be awkward, or the quality is unacceptably poor.

At And1, we will offer a refund, store credit, or an exchange on any item purchased from And1 if the product has a genuine manufacturing fault or does not match with the description you were given.  If you want an exchange but the shoes are unavailable, we can get you a refund or a store credit of the same value as the shoes you bought.

Buy Basketball Shoes from And1

Can’t find the right basketball shoes for you or your loved one? We’ve got you covered. Shop now or contact us  today to experience the difference that quality basketball shoes can make.

5 Reasons Basketball Is The Right Sport For Your Kids

It has been widely acknowledged that sport can have a positive effect on a kid’s development. As the popularity of basketball surges worldwide, we have provided the five most significant reasons as to why basketball, in particular, is the right sport for your kids.

1. The mental health perspective

In a world where mental health issues are becoming more widely acknowledged and discussed, basketball could be one of the best sports for your kids to try out. Unlike traditional solitary sports such as golf or tennis, basketball is a very social sport and could help your child develop their self-confidence. This can also occur in a more gradual manner than in sports such as Australian football, which have large teams and can often be overwhelming. Some kids aren’t comfortable in large groups, so basketball could be a great starting point as there are only 5 players from each team on the court at one time.

Basketball is also a universally fun game to play, which means it may offer mental health benefits for your kid – it has been proven that there is a link between taking part in sport and the production of endorphins, the happy hormone. Basketball can also help to reduce stress by acting as an outlet or a distraction for pent up emotions.

2. Social Growth, Respect and Communication

In addition to this, another reason why basketball is the right sport for your kids is that these increased levels of social interactivity can greatly improve their communication. For example, when participating in a game, it is expected for players to come together as one, therefore providing your kids with the opportunity to learn appropriate ways of communicating with their peers. They will also develop a sense of teamwork, recognising the role they play within a group, which again is a great transferable skill. This will prove useful throughout their life and will help your kids understand how to better communicate their emotions and how to respond in a more appropriate way when others are upset or hurt, developing empathy.

3. Practical development

As well as the previous psychological reasons as to why your kids should play basketball, more practical developments must of course be taken into account. Basketball can be very strategic, so your children will have the opportunity to develop proficient critical thinking skills, learning how to use tactics to their advantage. This is another major benefit of playing basketball – its cognitive nature allows for the development of problem-solving skills that will be greatly beneficial throughout your kid’s life.

4. Physical development

As basketball is a physically demanding sport, it proffers all sorts of physical benefits for your kids. For example, the significance of hand-eye coordination in basketball is immense. In general terms, basketball greatly relies upon hand-eye coordination to ensure safe passes of the ball between players and when shooting at the hoop. This can have profound benefits for your kid’s developing eyesight and more general athletic practice, eventually leading to greater overall health.

5. Health benefits

Last but not least is the benefits basketball has in terms of health. It is a fast-paced sport, and there are various situations where a player may have to out-run another player. This means that stamina and agility – among other skills – are crucial. Stamina is built up through regular but balanced examples of prolonged physical activity, therefore, it can be developed in your kids through regular games. This will lead to great physical and health benefits, allowing them to build up muscular and cardiovascular strength, for example.

Stamina, in specific relation to basketball, however, would be greatly aided by the type of shoe that your children will wear to play. This is because different types of shoes are created for different types of feet, for example, wide shoes. Ultimately, the right shoe will positively impact your kid’s sporting performance. At AND1, we recognise this, which is why we stock a wide range of shoes for every foot type. We have created guides to greater aid your selection, and have dedicated members of staff on hand to help you with any further queries. For quality basketball shoes Australia wide, contact us at AND1 today.

Best Basketball Shoes for Wide Feet

Feet, like every other part of the human body, come in all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, for people who have feet that are wider than average, finding shoes that fit comfortably can be a challenge. At And1 Australia, we believe that everyone should have the most comfortable basketball shoes available. That’s why we offer a range of some of the best wide basketball shoes available.

Read on to discover how to find styles of basketball shoes that are going to provide the space and comfort your feet need, as well as the pick of the best basketball shoes for wide feet 2021.

Measure your feet accurately

Whilst it’s common for children to have their feet measured each time they buy new shoes, the same can’t be said for adults! Whilst the length of a foot may not change significantly over the years, factors such as fluctuations in weight, injuries, medical conditions, or joint problems can all cause a variation in foot width, which will require wide fit basketball shoes.

We recommend measuring your feet before purchasing basketball shoes, to check their width. The easiest way to do this is to draw around them: see our sizing guide for how to do this. Once you’ve accurately measured your feet, check our generous sizing – you may be surprised to see that basketball shoes such as the Attack 2.0 Mid or the Tai Chi Mid are exactly right for your needs.

Look for “give” in the design

Good basketball shoes for wide feet are those that provide more rigid support towards the rear of the shoe, and have a softer, stretchier material covering the lower part of the foot, particularly the area which covers the little toe across to the interior (medial) side of the foot. Basketball shoes such as the Tai Chi Mixtape offer a durable fabric upper that has plenty of “give”, exactly where wide feet need it, without skimping on ankle support.

Consider the fastenings

If you have wider feet, fastenings can play a critical role in determining how comfortable the shoe will be. Look for shoes that use velcro fastenings for a beautifully adjustable fit. Laces that start low on the shoe are also a helpful feature, enabling the width to be varied in order to accommodate a wide foot. The Gamma 2.0 features an adjustable velcro strap, which perfectly suits those looking for wide foot basketball shoes.

Men’s sizes provide more width

As a general rule, men’s feet tend to be slightly wider than a female foot of equivalent length. For this reason, men’s basketball shoes will be a centimetre or so wider than the equivalent female-orientated shoe, even if the size is the same. For female basketball players with wider feet, simply buying a male-orientated shoe could mean you end up with the additional room and width your foot needs.

We provide the basketball shoes Australia sports lovers can depend on to provide excellent value and a great fit, no matter what size or shape your foot might be.

High-top vs Low-top Basketball Shoes, The Difference and How to Choose

So your old basketball shoes are worn out and you’re in the market for a new pair. Naturally, you are going to want to know which type of shoe is best, high-top or low-top? And it’s no wonder you’re confused because there is so much misinformation out there it can be difficult to know who to believe.

Die-hard high top basketball shoes owners swear by them and wouldn’t wear anything else, while low top wearers shudder at the thought of going back to high-tops. A look at what the pros wear won’t help either, because they are pretty much split down the middle. Around half of all professional basketball players wear low-tops while the other half wear either high or mid-tops.

So we thought it would be a good idea to get to the bottom of this high vs low-top debate once and for all. Once you are armed with the right information, it’s actually pretty straightforward which one to choose. Let’s start by looking at high top vs low top individually to compare their pros and cons.

High tops

High-top basketball shoes, also known as high cut basketball shoes get their name from their high collar, which was originally designed to protect and support the ankle. But today’s high-tops are more sophisticated than that. The latest shoes provide impact protection and cushioning, thereby reducing stress on the ankle, knee and lower back.

Now you know that it makes sense to always go for high-tops, right? Not necessarily! While they do provide extra support,even the best high top basketball shoes can restrict ankle movement. This could cause a problem for shooters and guards whose game thrives on being lightning quick around the court.

High-top pros

  • Good ankle support
  • Soft cushioning for impact protection
  • Stronger, providing higher durability

High-top cons

  • Reduced ankle movement
  • Heavy construction
  • Reduces response time

Low-tops

Low top basketball shoes are familiar to almost everyone since they look very much like a standard running or tennis shoe. But they are actually very different beasts. The low-top wasn’t traditionally used in basketball until Kobe Bryant, – who else? – introduced them professionally in 2007.

The low-top shoe was inspired by traditional soccer boots which allow for greater movement and flexibility around the pitch. Kobe thought he could transfer some of this flexibility to the basketball court. And so the low-top basketball shoe was born. And Kobe was right, pretty soon almost all attacking players were wearing them.

Low-top pros

  • Lightweight and responsive
  • Greater flexibility, allowing for good foot movement
  • Gives the player more control

Low-top cons

  • Not as strong as high-tops
  • Less ankle support, increasing the risk of injury
  • Less cushioning for the ankle and knee joints

Which one should you choose?

It should be obvious now that each shoe type is designed with a different type of player in mind. High-tops are for big guys who typically don’t move around the court so much, while low tops are ideal for guards or shooters who require quick feet and good flexibility.

But what if you are somewhere in between? We are not all super-athletic professional basketball players, are we? This question can be answered by considering your physical body size. Big players, regardless of which position they play, put increased pressure on the ankle and knee joints, so would benefit from high-tops.

Smaller, more athletic players should be able to get away with wearing lighter, low cut basketball shoes. But there are no rules, so ultimately the choice will come down to which shoes you feel most comfortable in. The best advice you can get is to try both of them out to see which one suits your game best.

Which position do you play?

Still can’t decide? We’ve put together this position guide which recommends the most appropriate shoe for each of the five main basketball positions:

Point guard

This player is usually the team’s best ballplayer and passer. They need to be quick on their feet and ideally small framed. So it makes sense for them to wear low-tops. A high-top shoe in this position could restrict movement and badly impact their passing play.

Shooting guard

Shooting guards typically cut across the court a lot, so they need to be able to change direction quickly. Players in this position will benefit from wearing low-tops. The lighter shoe will also allow them to run quickly, which is great for attacking play, while high-tops will restrict their ability to cut across the court.

Small forward

The small forward is one of the most versatile players on the team. They need a combination of good dribbling and ball-handling skills. Because these players need to be light on their feet, they too will benefit from wearing low-tops. High-tops will slow them down and affect their dribbling skills.

Power forward

The power forward plays down the centre and is usually the team’s most dependable scorer. Because forwards need to be strong, they are usually big framed which naturally restricts their agility. Therefore, the high-top shoe is the recommended choice because it provides the strength and support such players need.

Centre

The centre or pivot plays near the baseline closest to the basket. The centre is usually the tallest player on the team and needs to be skilled at both shooting and gathering rebounds. Because they are very tall and don’t cut across the court very much, centres will benefit from wearing high-tops.

What about mid-tops?

If you are still having trouble deciding, there is, of course, another option – the mid-top. These halfway house shoes provide a good combination of support and flexibility. Mid-tops have become popular fashion accessories in recent years, so check out our colourful basketball shoes Australia players will love today.

Many non-professional players love mid-tops for the support they provide without restricting play too much. But some professional players have also taken to wearing them. From a professional perspective, mid-tops are most suitable for power forward positions, but smaller framed centres will also benefit from them.

Conclusion

All that being said, there are no hard or fast rules about which shoe is best. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you are a forward player and prefer playing in mid-tops, then go for it. No one is going to stop you. The one caveat is, should you find you are getting injured often, it’s a good sign you are wearing the wrong type of shoe. To help find the best basketball shoe to suit you and your basketball playing style, speak to the experts at And1. Shop now or contact us today!

The Best Basketball Shoes to give this Christmas

If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the basketball lover in your life, then we’ve put together an elite list of the best 5 basketball shoes to give this Christmas.

1. For the serious ballers – THE ATTACK 2.0 MID

With a pair of the ATTACK 2.0 MID under the tree, your loved one can supercharge their game with this latest incarnation of the classic design. It has a micromesh upper and full heel-to-toe Harmonix RX cushioning to make every step a breeze, plus an interior footbed to anchor every land. The low collar guarantees flexibility for those who want to stay agile and unpredictable. Plus in three iconic colourways – white, red and purple – there’s a choice for every taste.

2. For the limited edition junkie – ATTACK LOW – LIMITED EDITION

In a neutral black and white, or out-there fluorescent pink, green and orange ombre design, these ATTACK LOW-TOPS command attention. They were a limited edition run and there’s still a chance to snatch these up for basketball fans who are looking for a larger-than-life identity to match their aggressive approach on the court. Complete with an injection moulded shank for stability, they have a double-mesh front for breathability and are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

3. For those who love a reinvested classic – TAI CHI MID

The AND1 TAI CHI is one of the most iconic basketball shoes styles around, and it makes a welcome return in four fresh and invigorating designs. It’s been updated with a form-fitting profile from leather and nubuck for a classic look that can be worn on and off-court. For those still in the game, it’s got a low profile design for better agility and court feel, while the EVA footbed keeps everything locked in place and the mesh tongue improves airflow. A mid-budget basketball shoe that’s perfect for those old-school lovers who relish a comeback.

4. For the best of budget – BASELINE MID

The perfect budget buy for emerging basketball fans who want to go from court to street, these BASELINE MID kicks offer a great entryway into the sport but are by no means basic. Benefiting from a heel-to-toe footbed, with a welded upper and herringbone design outsole for better traction, they’ll show your star-to-be how to stay light on their feet and ready to adapt.

5. For the up-and-comer – TAKE OFF 2.0

The TAKE OFF 2.0 is the perfect new pair for the next future superstar. A new release this season, these child’s basketball shoes have a cutting-edge lightweight sole that makes it super-easy to fly high while the anchored midsole helps your budding basketball hero find their feet. Designed for indoor and outdoor use, they’re a versatile pair for junior players.

For the best selection of AND1 basketball shoes Australia wide, check out the range today.