How to Add Traction to Basketball Shoes

Basketball involves sudden stops and starts on both offense and defense. Good basketball shoes give traction for sudden stops on the wooden court. However, even the best shoes collect dust from the floor during a game, and lose traction. Losing traction means slipping while on defense, allowing the man you are guarding to get away from you. Finding ways to improve traction before and during a basketball game will help improve your game and prevent potential injury from slipping.

Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a special mat for shoes called Stick'Um. Place it on the basketball court sideline and step on it before a practice or game. Rub the bottom of your shoes on it to remove dust. During timeouts repeat stepping on the mat if you have lost traction during a game.

    • 2

      Obtain B Sharp Traction Action solution from a sporting goods store. Wet a towel with an ounce or two of the chemical and wipe the bottom of the shoes shortly before a practice or game. Repeat at halftime of a game, if necessary.

    • 3

      Lick your fingers while on the court if your traction decreases and wipe the bottom of each shoe with your wetting fingers. Professional basketball players can be seen doing this during their games. The bit of moisture removes dust from the court giving you temporarily improved traction.

    • 4

      Store your basketball shoes in a cool, dry part of your house in their original box to keep dust away when not in use.

    • 5

      Check the traction on your basketball shoes for wear. Replace them with new shoes if you notice damage or loss of natural grip.