Inventions Basketball Players Love

The game of basketball has evolved dramatically from the days of two peach baskets and a soccer ball. There have been many inventions that have helped revolutionize the sport of basketball over the past century. Not only have these inventions allowed for better performance on the court, but they have given the game a sense of style and showmanship.

One invention that would revolutionize and change the game forever is the breakaway rim. During the 1970s, high flying players such as David Thompson and Julius Erving could be seen soaring through the air for emphatic slam dunks. This created the need for a rim that was flexible and had the ability to spring back. In 1975, an assistant coach of St. Louis University asked a local worker named Arthur Ehrat to help develop a rim that could support slam dunks. He was able to use a spring from farming equipment to develop a rim that would bounce back after 125 pounds of pressure was applied. Not only does the breakaway rim protect the goal from abuse, it also protects the players from getting painful wrist injuries. Today’s powerful NBA players like Dwight Howard and Lebron James rise above the rim for thunderous dunks on breakaway rims. The breakaway rim emits an exciting, earth-shattering sound during a slam that sends enthusiastic fans into frenzy. The breakaway rim is a staple at every slam dunk contest across the country.

Inventions basketball players love include the shooting sleeve. A basketball sleeve is an accessory that basketball players wear on the arm that goes from the bicep to the wrist. It is made of nylon and spandex and is designed to keep the arm warm, especially the shooting arm. It is just as much a fashion statement these days as it is a muscle support to give compression and warmth to tired muscles. Allen Iverson popularized these sleeves back in 2000 when he was recovering from bursitis in his right elbow. From the recreational weekend warrior to the elite NBA player, they can all be seen sporting basketball shooting sleeves to help maintain that hot shooting touch from the outside. Shooting sleeves have a coolness factor that adds a certain swagger and style to your game.

There is one invention that no basketball player can be play without. The basketball shoe is essential for any player who takes to the court. Many different types of basketball shoes have been developed through the years for comfort and performance. The original Converse All-Star basketball shoe was the only choice for many years. Each year, there are new innovative and creative shoes that are developed.  The door is wide open for the opportunity to create new basketball shoes. Inventions basketball players love the most are probably basketball shoes. Basketball sneakers can not only make or break a player’s game, but can display their sense of style and enhance their on-court personality. It goes without saying that sneakers are just as popular off the court as on the basketball floor. 

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