Basketball players need shoes with good grip and traction to maneuver the quick turns and direction changes that occur during a game. Indoor playing surfaces can easily become slick and hazardous.

Choosing the right basketball shoe is one of the most important decisions a player can make. Basketball involves running, jumping and quick changes in direction that require good quality shoes. When selecting basketball shoes, athletes must consider several factors to make the best choice.

Basketball is a game of speed, quickness, agility and jumping power. You also have to make quick decisions, and make them while you are dribbling and weaving around defenders. When you find an opening and it comes time to plant your feet and shoot the basketball, numerous muscles are being used.

Basketball sizes vary depending on the league or governing body for a particular basketball game. Basketballs are measured by circumference, inflation pressure or weight. According to USA basketball, balls should be made of leather or synthetic leather.

Isaac Newton's first law of motion states that an object at rest tends to stay at rest, while an object in motion tends to stay in motion unless an external force acts upon it. When a basketball player shoots, it would appear that there is nothing to obstruct the ball.

Training for basketball isn't just about building leg strength and increasing your jumping power -- upper-body strength is critical too. Stronger shoulder, chest, back and arm muscles can give you the edge over your competition when it comes to stealing, blocking, dunking and passing.

One of the most impressive parts of basketball is watching a player’s hang time. Not only do you want to see who can hang in the air the longest, but you also want to know how to get that long hang time. When you understand the science behind hang times, you can figure out how to increase your own.

Whether a basketball player remains calm or experiences performance jitters depends on how effectively he responds emotionally to daily situations when something is at stake.

Basketball can be a healthy activity, one that increases stamina, strength and coordination while also promoting teamwork. Like any sport however, basketball has its disadvantages.

According to a 2011 Harris Interactive Poll, football is the most popular sport in the United States, with basketball checking in at third. However, the similarities between the two sports end there, as the two have little in common besides being two of the most popular team sports.

For many people, playing basketball is a fun and effective form of exercise. While other vigorous aerobic activities offer some of the same benefits, the additional advantages basketball offers makes it an enjoyable and even important part of their lifestyles.

While you will need your basketball to be inflated to play with, several reasons might account for wanting to take the air out of the ball.