If there is one thing that athletes want to avoid, it is the feeling of embarrassment. For a basketball player, no matter what level, there are few outcomes worse than losing your footing as you are about to make a play. There are steps that can be taken to avoid this situation, no matter what level of play we are discussing. The steps are simple, and can be the difference between winning and losing.
Causes of Slipping
Slipping on a court comes from one of two factors. Either the surface you are playing on is not being properly kept, or you have not taken the steps necessary to keep the traction desired with your basketball shoes. One common cause comes from playing in worn out sneakers. As the sole wears out, the level of traction decreases. If the sneakers are not worn out, then there are a few steps that can be taken to avoid slipping.
Prevention/Solution
One way to prevent slipping on the court comes from keeping your basketball sneakers clean. When you play on outdoor courts, your sneakers can pick up anything from small pebbles to chewing gum. If you do not maintain your sneakers, they will lose traction. It is important to pull any items that may have entered one of the grooves out. While these issues should not plague those who play indoors, there is still the issue of dust buildup. Regularly wiping the bottom of your sneakers with your hands should keep the dust off and the level of traction up.
Types of Prevention
If you look on the sideline of a serious basketball program, there are many items which are typically found. One of the more important ones is known as Slipp-Nott, a traction pad. This product is unlike any other. There are plastic sheets on top of the pad, and when a player steps on them, all the items that have built up under their sneakers are removed and stay on the pad. When one sheet loses adhesiveness, you simply rip it off and use the next one on the pad. It is used at every playing level, including the NBA. This will be the most effective way to solve your problem, and should help to avoid any untimely slips while playing.
Significance
Another aspect of preventing slipping has to do with the court you are playing on. You must regularly sweep the court in order to keep dust from accumulating on the bottom of your sneakers. By keeping your court clean, you will be able to cut down on traction issues.
Benefits and Drawbacks
While the Slipp-Nott pad will be more effective for preventing slipping, it is not a typical item for the casual player. Thus, the major drawback comes from the realistic use of the item. For the more competitive players and coaches, the pad is worth the investment and can be kept with the rest of your equipment.
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