How to Make Sneakers Not Slippery on the Basketball Court

Slippery soles on basketball shoes could cause significant injury if a player is quickly cutting to the hoop or is attempting a jump stop. If his legs go out from underneath him due to a slip, he could fall on his backside or cause ligament damage in an ankle or knee. Some manufacturers market creative shoe treads to ensure good grip on the slick finish of the hardwood courts, though the gym environment makes slippery surfaces inevitable.

Instructions

    • 1

      Sweep the court. Dirt collects on the soles of sneakers and makes the players feel they have no traction. While it seems like a fairly clean environment, gymnasiums can have filthy areas under bleachers, and spectators may carry in dirt from outdoors if they are allowed onto the court in street shoes.

    • 2

      Rub the bottom of your shoes with a wet towel to remove dirt. At the end of each time-out or break in the action, have a team manager toss you the towel. Regular shoe cleaning during the game will reduce the likelihood of a slip.

    • 3

      Buy a sticky mat, and place it at the scorer's table. Shaped like a doormat, many varieties have a tacky substance applied to several layers of removable film. Players can wipe their shoes on this mat prior to taking the court; when the film no longer provides grip, the sheet can be peeled off to reveal a fresh sticky surface.