As a kid, I was often a spectator in the local basketball matches held in the city. One thing that always made me curious was why do basketball players usually wipe their shoes? I was keen to know the answer to this query so that if it provides an edge to the player in the game, I could benefit from it. After some research and talking to some players, I finally got the answer to my query.
Basketball players often wipe the outer sole of their shoes with their hands to improve the grip of their shoes on the court. Indoor basketball courts are usually made up of concrete or hardwood kind of materials, which makes it slippery. Hence, to prevent any possible accident or injury, basketball players wipe the outer sole of their shoes.
Wiping of shoes may not be needed if a basketball court is like an ordinary floor, but if it’s vice versa, players automatically resort to wiping the outer soles of their shoes.
Why Is It Necessary To Wipe The Outer Sole Of The Basketball Shoes?
After playing on a basketball court for just a few minutes, the sole of the shoes catches dirt and debris from the field. The earth reduces the friction between the shoes and the floor, making the ground feel slippery. If a basketball continues playing this way, he may end up having an accident during the match.
However, if he wipes the sole with his hands, the friction between the shoes and the basketball court is recreated. This also develops a firm grip of a player on the ground while playing basketball.
Benefits Of Wiping The Basketball Shoes
If a player is comfortable while playing, there are several benefits that he will be able to achieve against his opponents. Let us have a look at what these benefits are for the players.
Basketball shoes with a good grip can undoubtedly help the players in running fast during a match. If a player maintains this grip of its shoes by wiping its boots now and then, he will be able to outrun its opponents in making a goal. Whether you are defending a goal or attacking the other team to make a goal, a good grip of the shoes will enable the player to carry out both of these roles efficiently.
Score big goals
Scoring goals require absolute precision and concentration on the field during a game. If a player is comfortable with his shoes because of its grip, he will score a goal even if he is not so close to his basket. On the other hand, if a player’s shoes are giving him a hard time, he may not score a goal even if he near the basket. There a good grip that is maintained throughout the match is essential for a player.
Avoid having accidents.
Basketball is a game that involves running and jumping in the field to score a basket. A strong bond between the shoes and the area enables the player to run without slipping and to land on the feet rather than on the ground while jumping. If this strong bond is affected in any way, a player may have an injury while playing.
Players can have an edge over the opponents
There are several basketball tricks, such as hesitation dribble, cross over, etc. A good basketball player can use these tricks to dodge his opponent. However, all of these tricks require an excellent grip between your shoes and the court so that you can easily manage to escape and slip away from your opponent safely.
Alternatives To Wiping Basketball Shoes
The players usually damp their hand with their sweat or lick the palm of their hands to wipe the sole of their shoes. Regardless of its many benefits, we cannot ignore that it’s an unhealthy practice that may cause the players to get sick. Such players should consider several other alternatives:
- Players can keep a small piece of dampened cloth in their pockets, which they can use now and then to wipe the sole of their shoes.
- Stepping up on an adhesive traction board will maintain the grip between your shoes and the ground. You can use the traction board before the start of the match and during the interval.
- It is advisable to keep changing the basketball shoes as soon as they feel they are wearing out because old and worn out shoes do not provide an excellent grip to the person wearing it.
I am sure, now, you have a complete understanding of why professional basketball players wipe the sole of their shoes. You can use this to uplift your performance in your matches. Moreover, you can also opt for healthier alternatives listed above.