How to Keep Your Shoes From Slipping on a Basketball Court

Simple methods can reduce the risk of slipping on a basketball court.

Even Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson could slip and fall at key points in their games; it's part of basketball. Still, by taking some precautions before the game and by maintaining your basketball shoes in impeccable condition, you can reduce your chances of sliding on the court. After all, you don't want to slip with the game on the line. And even worse, you don't want a fall to cause an injury.

Things You'll Need

• Dust mop
• Sticky mat

Instructions

1. Dust mop the gym floor prior to a game to lessen the chance of slipping on the court. Removing the dust and other debris will provide players with better traction for their shoes.

2. Wet your shoes slightly before going on the court. To do this, lick your fingers and then run your fingers along the bottom of your shoes. It's a tactic many professional basketball players use to help the traction of the shoe. You can do this several times throughout a game.

3. Step on a sticky mat before entering the game. Sticky mats help remove the dirt and dust from the soles of shoes, much as lightly wetting your shoes does. This gives shoes better traction, which decreases the chance of slipping on the court.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear basketball shoes with the best traction possible. Make sure your shoes are well taken care of; wear your basketball shoes only while on the court. Do not wear them outside, where things such as dirt or salt to remove snow can stick to your basketball shoes. Clean your shoes before and after every game.

References

• "CleanLink"; A Game Plan for Cleaning Gym Floors; Lauren Summerstone; February 2009
• "Layups: The Basketball Coaching Blog"; How to Make your Basketball Shoes Sticky on the Gym Court; January 2010
• "iOnline Basketball"; Basketball Sticky Mats; August 2011
• "Youth Basketball Tips"; Best Basketball Training Equipment