10 Best Basketball Training Equipment 2025 in the United States

The Spalding Back Atcha® Ball Return Training Aid - Yellow is designed to be a helpful tool for those looking to improve their basketball shooting skills, specifically free throws and perimeter shots. One of its main strengths is its ability to return the ball in a 90° arc, which can save time during practice sessions by keeping the ball on the court and reducing the need to chase after it.

The easy installation feature makes it convenient for users to set up on most home rims, and it's designed for outdoor residential play, catering to those who prefer practicing in their driveways or backyards. Additionally, the product is lightweight at 0.5 pounds, making it easy to handle and attach to the hoop. The yellow color makes it easy to spot, and its durable plastic material ensures longevity with regular use.

While this training aid is excellent for shooting practice, it does not cover other aspects of basketball training such as dribbling, rebounding, or agility drills. Users looking for a more comprehensive training setup might need additional equipment. The Spalding Back Atcha® Ball Return is ideal for unisex adults looking to focus on improving their shooting accuracy in a convenient and efficient manner.

The SKLZ D-Man A Trainer Defensive Mannequin is a versatile and portable basketball training aid designed to simulate a defender during practice sessions. One of its primary strengths is its ability to mimic real-life game situations, helping players improve their shooting arcs, dribbling, handling, and passing skills by navigating around a 'defender' with hands up.

The adjustable telescoping pole, ranging from 6.5 to 8 feet, offers variability in defense options, making it suitable for players of different heights and skill levels. This flexibility allows the equipment to grow with the player, providing long-term value. Its lightweight plastic construction and the inclusion of a base and ground stakes ensure easy setup, breakdown, and stability in various environments.

The D-Man's portability makes it convenient for both individual and team practice sessions, allowing coaches to focus on players' form and technique without the need for a human defender. However, despite its usefulness, the mannequin may not fully replicate the dynamic movements and unpredictability of a live opponent, which could limit the realism of certain practice drills. Additionally, its high price point might be a consideration for those on a budget. The SKLZ D-Man is an effective training tool for basketball players looking to enhance their skills independently or in a team setting, particularly when live defenders are not available.

The SKLZ Weighted Training Basketball is designed to improve handling and control by challenging your arms, wrists, and fingers with its weight, thereby boosting strength and conditioning for better ball control during dribbling and gameplay. Its regulation size of 29.5 inches ensures that skill development is realistic and easily transferable to actual game situations.

The ball’s heavy weight of 3 pounds makes handling a regular game-time ball feel effortless, aiming to enhance speed and precision during play. Crafted from synthetic leather, the ball is durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for intensive practice drills both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, the black color helps distinguish it during practice, aiding focus.

However, the weight of the ball might be too heavy for younger or less experienced players, and the synthetic leather, while durable, may not provide the same feel as genuine leather. This basketball is best suited for adult players looking to improve their dribbling and handling skills significantly.