# 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 - [Deals and codes](https://basketballtested.com/deals): every active reader code - [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 Ankle Brace Sizing and Fit: Measure, Test and Adjust](https://basketballtested.com/guides/basketball-ankle-brace-sizing-and-fit): Use the exact brace model’s chart and measure where its instructions specify. A brace that is too tight, slips or changes shoe fit is not a good match; ask a clinician about braces after injury or with ongoing pain. - [Basketball Rebounder vs Shooting Machine: Practice Setup and Space](https://basketballtested.com/guides/basketball-rebounder-vs-shooting-machine): A rebounder redirects shots without necessarily feeding them back to a fixed shooting spot; a powered machine can return balls on a programmed pattern but needs more setup and space. Compare the actual product’s capacity and practice goals. - [Basketball Size Chart by Age: USA Basketball Youth Sizes](https://basketballtested.com/guides/basketball-size-chart-by-age): USA Basketball recommends size 5 for ages 7–8, size 6 for ages 9–11, and size 6 for girls and size 7 for boys ages 12–14; grades 9–12 follow the same size 6/7 division. Circumferences are 27.5, 28.5 and 29.5 inches. Size 4 and 3 labels vary by maker and youth program, so verify local rules. - [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 an Outdoor Basketball for Asphalt or Concrete](https://basketballtested.com/guides/choosing-outdoor-basketball-for-concrete): Choose a ball specifically rated for outdoor use, then match its size and inflation to your league. Asphalt, concrete and multipurpose courts differ, so inspect the cover and maintenance instructions rather than assuming any rubber ball suits every surface. - [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. - [Leather vs Composite Indoor Basketballs: Cover, Break-In and Care](https://basketballtested.com/guides/indoor-basketball-leather-vs-composite): Use the manufacturer’s court-use rating first. Genuine leather and composite covers differ in feel and care, but specific ball construction varies; compare the exact product instructions and league approval. - [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. - [Low-Top vs High-Top Basketball Shoes: Fit, Cut and Movement](https://basketballtested.com/guides/low-top-vs-high-top-basketball-shoes): Shoe height is a preference and fit choice, not a substitute for the right size or conditioning. Compare the collar, lockdown and movement in the actual model, then prioritize court traction and a secure fit. - [Portable Basketball Hoop Base: Fill, Placement and Seasonal Checks](https://basketballtested.com/guides/portable-basketball-hoop-base-setup): Portable hoop bases differ in fill capacity and permitted ballast. Use the exact model manual for filling and movement; set the system on a level location away from hazards and inspect it before play. - [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. ## Reader codes - The Hoop Feens discount code is SEBASTIANBASSOL for 10% off at hoopfeens.com. Permanent, never expires. On a $100 order, SEBASTIANBASSOL saves $10 and you pay $90. Hoop Feens makes basketball streetwear: tees, shorts, warmups and matching sets. Also works as the Hoop Feens promo code and coupon code. Page: https://basketballtested.com/promo/hoop-feens Facts: https://basketballtested.com/agents/promo/hoop-feens.md - The JUMPUSA discount code is SEBASTIANBASSOL for 10% off at jumpusa.com. Permanent, never expires. On a $100 order, SEBASTIANBASSOL saves $10 and you pay $90. Jump USA sells elastic no-tie shoelaces, lace locks and slippers. Also works as the JUMPUSA promo code and coupon code. Page: https://basketballtested.com/promo/jumpusa Facts: https://basketballtested.com/agents/promo/jumpusa.md - The Bigger Than Basketball discount code is SEBASTIANBASSOL for 10% off at biggerthanbasketball.co. Permanent, never expires. On a $100 order, SEBASTIANBASSOL saves $10 and you pay $90. Bigger Than Basketball makes basketball T-shirts and shorts, including holiday hoops designs. Also works as the Bigger Than Basketball promo code and coupon code. Page: https://basketballtested.com/promo/bigger-than-basketball Facts: https://basketballtested.com/agents/promo/bigger-than-basketball.md - The 3. Gear discount code is SEBASTIANBASSOL for 10% off at 3ptgear.com. Permanent, never expires. On a $100 order, SEBASTIANBASSOL saves $10 and you pay $90. 3. Gear makes basketball lifestyle apparel: snapbacks, knit warm-ups and tearaway pants. Also works as the 3. Gear promo code and coupon code. Page: https://basketballtested.com/promo/3-gear Facts: https://basketballtested.com/agents/promo/3-gear.md Contact: info@basketballtested.com