How to Make Basketball Shoes Sticky

Having shoes that are sticky to avoid slipping on the basketball court is important to any basketball player. The process to ensure your shoes have traction should take place, at minimum, before every game that you participate in. Some players like to make their shoes sticky before each half and even before each time they check in to the game. The theory is the stickier the shoes are the better you will be able to push off from side to side without slipping. Sticky mats are sold online and at sports supply stores.

Things You'll Need

  • Damp towel
  • Sticky mat
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wipe the soles of your shoes off with your bare hands. You can clean them while you are wearing the shoes. Wiping off the soles of the shoes will allow you to remove any loose dirt or debris that may have built up on the shoes. Dirt and debris will cause your shoes to become slippery when competing.

    • 2

      Step and stand on a damp towel that you have placed on the floor in front of you. Standing on a damp towel will cause any remaining dirt or debris on your shoes to stick to the towel or will allow it to be easily removed. Stand on the towel for about 10 seconds. Your toes and heels should be touching the wet surface of the towel. Step off and again wipe the soles of your shoes with your hands. This procedure will help to dry the soles as well as remove any dirt and debris that has clumped up.

    • 3

      Step onto the sticky mat that you have placed on the floor in front of you. The sticky mat is the final step that will remove all remaining dirt, debris, and moisture from your basketball shoes. The mat adds a sticky quality to your shoes that will allow you to jump, cut, and move faster. Stand on the sticky mat for a minimum of 10 seconds.