You may not have to put one in your back yard.  A whole lot of people just put up a rim and backboard. As long as you have the height on the garage, this will work just fine. You should have a hard surface to run around on since the paved driveway usually leads to the garage.

If you want to put in a back yard basketball court, go ahead. You will get lots of exercise. You will have freinds that want to come over and hang out to play on your new outdoor sports courts.  If you are going to do this, there are things to consider.

The basketball court cost can get pretty expensive depending on what you do.

First you will need a spot in the back yard that is relatively flat.  If not you can always grade it to make it level.  This may require the use of heavy equipment. This is something you do not want to do yourself. It may seem like something you can do yourself until the project is actually started.  Only a few inches of grading can be a real back breaker.

The next thing you want to decide is how big.  Do you want a full basketball court? Do you want a half court?  This decision may also be determined by the amount of space you actually have for a back yard basketball court.  Take into consideration also if you have woods, there is a street right by where the back yard game courts are going to be and if you will have to be chasing stray balls a long way.

Now is the time to pick what type of material your court will be.  Really you have 2 options. One is asphalt.  The other is concrete.  They both will work just fine.  The asphalt will probably be a lot hotter because of the color.  Cement will be cooler due to its white color.  You will also be able to see the lines on cement better if you decide to actually paint the lines on there.

Now you have to decide which outdoor basketball hoop to get.  Do you need one for a haf court or did you decide to go with a full court basketball layout. A full court back yard basketball court will require two hoops.  Be sure you get a good quality hoop. One that can stand up to the weather where you are.  You do not want to be replacing these every few years. It can get expensive.

After you get you surface down, you will probably have to buy some new shoes.  You should have different pairs. One for indoor use and one for outdoor use.  The ones for outside use on your home court should only be used outside. Playing outside shoes will pick up dirt, oil residue and other things.  Do not track that on an indoor court.

Back yard basketball courts can provide families exercise and bonding time with their children.

There are places you can find these shoes.  At the end of the particular sports season, start looking through stores. They will probably have a clearance.  You can also get a cheap basketball shoe if the store has a bunch of discontinued models from a particular brand.  Malls have more than one shoe store in them. Take your time and walk through each one of them.  Compare prices and you may end up with a better deal.

A cool way to compare prices

If you really want to find out where the best deal is, here is a way to do it.  As far as I know you can do this with an Iphone.  I do not know if you can do this with any other phones.  The Iphone has an application available called red laser. What this does is read the barcode of what you are considering to buy.  You open up the application.  Take a picture of the barcode.  The application then goes out to the internet and brings back prices for that specific thing.  Now you can see who has the best price for what you want to buy.  A smart way to find a cheap mens basketball shoes or even womens and kids.

You can also look online.  Some of the online stores do not have a brick and mortar shop. This allows them to sell basketball shoes for cheap.  They have no electric, water, sewer bills and other things that are necessary in a physical store front.  Check around different websites to see what the price difference is.  You may be surprised at how much you can save by doing an extra 5 minutes of surfing the web.

I would not recommend getting your very cheap basketball shoes from a vendor on a street corner.  Most of the time these shoes are knock offs of the real thing.  They are so cheap that they will probably fall apart in a few weeks.  The vendor you got them from will probably be no where to be found.

To see how to tell if your cheap basketball shoes are the real deal, read my previous post about what to look for and how you can spot something you will not be happy with.

Nike Hyper dunk Low

This is a lightweight shoe that can be used by players at all skill levels.  It has the Nike flywire engineering to give support yet keeping the shoe as lightweight as possible.  The heel has an air sole to provide cushioning.  The wedge in the midfoot part  of the shoe provides stability when moving side to side.  The herringbone pattern provides superior traction.

Nike 1/2 Cent

This is an awesome looking shoe.  This shoe is actually a combination of  other shoes in the hardaway shoe line.  It has foamposite 1 with upper air cushioning.  This shoe is on the more expensive side but provides a host of features for the avid basketball player.  I wouldn’t call this shoe a very cheap basketball shoe.  You may be able to find it at a lower price by doing some searching.

No matter what shoe you decide to get, to an individual it may be considered a cheap basketball shoe because they have found an excellent price for it.

The brand name companies have a big advantage over other athletic shoes being sold at clearance prices.  Nike and Adidas along with New Balance are more money.  The reason is the way they are made. They are manufactured in a way to protect the athlete from sustaining injuries.  The shoes sold at a much lower price are really not as good as the top brands.  The price will be so drastically lower, that the craftsmanship will not even come close to major brands.

When you are looking for clearance athletic shoes, look for the top brands.  They will not be as much as newer models. They will however, be less than the price a brand new pair that has just been introduced.  They will save you money.

Be sure to look online for clearance athletic shoes to. You may find a great deal on a new pair of athletic shoes.

Adidas Superstar 2G

This shoe is high end in the comfort department.  The upper part is a full grain leather that is really soft, yet it provides ankle support.  the middle of your foot is cushioned well.  the out sole is a herringbone design to give excellent grip.  It has white laces, a white shoe with 3 black stripes positioned on a vertical angle on both sides of the sneaker.

Superstar 2 – Little Kids

The first low top basketball shoe to feature an upper portion that is leather.  It has been around for more than 40 years.  The middle of the 197o’s, most of the NBA players donned these shoes to their feet.  These clearance athletic shoes look just like the ones made for adults.  But, They are for kids.

Clearance athletic shoes do not have to be a cheap shoe.  Just think, If you buy 3 pair at the low price, you got the third pair for free.

Every sport requires different equipment. Hockey will have stuff that is needed than football.  Soccer will have less stuff you need to play the game than hockey.  Baseball will require other equipment than track and field.  What do all of these and every other sport (except swimming) have in common?  Athletic shoes.  You will need at least one pair of shoes for every sport. They are all different athletic shoes.

You can’t very well play basketball with a spiked baseball shoe now can you.  You can’t play soccer with a pair of hockey skates.  You could get into the hundreds of dollars in buying shoes.

Enter discount athletic shoes.

New shoes can cost a whole lot of money.  Why pay full price when you don’t have to.  Buying discount athletic shoes in the mall really will not be that much of a discount.  Those stores have overhead that needs to be paid.  Discount kids athletic shoes are not that hard to find.  Just do a search on your computer to see what comes up.  Clearance shoes online will be a cheaper shoe than going to a retailer. Most of the time.  Online there is no store lease payments that have to be met. The overhead is greatly reduced. This allows these sites to offer discounted womens athletic shoes, discounted men’s athletic shoes and other sport shoes at a reduced price.

Do a little digging and you can find an athletic shoe discount without to much trouble.

A discount athletic shoe could be a way to save you from breaking the bank.

Adidas Attitude Hi

This shoe has attitude.  Just look at the color combination.  It is black, yellow and white.  Anyone that sees you wearing this shoe will let them know you have attitude.  These high top sneakers have yellow laces to go along with the attitude projection that the color combination of the actual shoe screams out.  This pair of discount athletic shoes has a padded collar and a cushioned insole to take the impact off your foot, ankles and knees.

Adidas Superstar 1 Premium

This is a retro shoe that has been around since 1969.  Nothing like the good old days.  A rubber shelled toe lends itself to extra protection in this area.  The metallic suede on this shoe will attract the attention of anyone that is paying attention.  The top part of the shoe is suede and gives support and protection to the ankle area.  It is a lightweight shoe.

Discount athletic shoes can save you a bundle on a bundle of shoes.

He is on his way to becoming the greatest player of his time.  Everyone knows who the last player was to set this standard.  When Lebron James went to the clevland they were by far the worst team in the league.  Today, they are one of the top teams in the NBA.  All thanks to this amazing player.  Lets not forget to give his Lebron basketball shoes a little credit to for keeping his ankles nice and secure and avoiding injury.

These sneakers can also do wonders for your game along with adding that flash and style.  Not only does this player sell a whole lot of basketball sneakers, but he also leads the way in jersey sales to.  The Lebron shoes are the more important piece of equipment here.

Nike Zoom Lebron VI Basketball Shoes

These shoes have a white to in the front one third.  The back two thirds are blue with the famous nike swoosh in white on both sides.  The sole color is a combination of white and blue.  These sneakers use laces to secure them to your feet.  A good looking shoe that is not very flashy.

Lebron V basketball shoe

This pair not only provides protection for your feet by incorporating a zoom air unit for cushioning, but also features a carbon fiber spring plate that has groove to allow for flexibility. It also has a rubber outer sole so traction, quick start and stop will not be a problem.  This shoe uses a combination of laces with a velcro strip that goes over top of the laces for even more of a firm fit.

Nike zoom Lebron 3

This is as clean as it gets.  An all white shoe with minimal accents of gray around the bottom sole and on the toe.  This is a low top basketball shoe.  It has the nike symbol outlined in gray on the back of the ankle part.  This mens basketball shoe will not only give you the performance desired on the court, but also that nice clean look off the court.

Lebron basketball shoes come in many different colors and styles.  Just pick the right one that expresses your own style.

When you love the sport of basketball so much and want to play all the time, there are some things you should be doing.

Keeping in basketball shape

This sport requires a lot of running around and constant movement. If you are standing still, your not playing the sport the right way.  You should keep in shape.  Whether it be spending time on the treadmill or taking a long, fast walk around your neighborhood a couple times a week.  Keeping in shape will allow you to play the whole game without getting cramps or becoming exhausted.  It really is no fun when you can’t breath or keep up with your man.  You become a liability to your team.

Then there is the most important piece of equipment there is in the sport of basketball.

The basketball sneakers

Without basketball sneakers, players would look really silly running around in a different type of shoe.  They would be slipping all over the place.  They would also be risking serious injury to themselves. If you are older and have a job that requires the use of your legs (just about all jobs do except for the ones where you sit at a desk) and  do get hurt, you could lose your job.

Getting the right basketball sneaker is essential to playing the game and playing the game well.  The right b ball shoe will let you make those quick starts to drive to the basket leaving the defender chasing behind you.  The right shoe will let you make those quick cuts and change direction leaving the defender twisted up like a pretzel wondering what the heck just happened.

The right basketball shoe should give you the ankle support to do all of the above mentioned moves.  It should also fit very well and be comfortable to wear during a whole game.  If your bball shoes hurt, you won’t play up to your potential.  Older people have more stress on their ankles and knees from many more years of pounding.

Make sure you get the basketball shoe that will make you the best player you can be while also being a pleasure to wear.

The converse sneaker were started back in the late 1930’s by a man named Marquis Converse.  Before starting the Converse rubber shoe company, he was a manager at another shoe company.  The collection that Mr. Converse started and to this day is still being made is that of the Chuck Taylor basketball shoes.

In 1947 the company released a white sneaker that was just a similar model to the black ones but in white.

As a kid all of us had our black chuck taylors on to play bball in the driveway of the kids house down the street.  We would stay out till 2 maybe 3 am in the morning from Friday to Saturday nights.  Of course our parents did not mind as they knew where we were and what we were doing.  Any time someone mentions or I see a pair of those chuck taylor basketball shoes, it takes me back to good old days of just hanging out with friends without a worry in the world.

Today there are Converse sneakers in different colors and styles.  The company has come a long way.  These sneakers are no longer looked at as an inexpensive basketball shoe for those that can not afford a better one.  Converse sneakers are now somewhat of a fashion statement, especially for those of us who want to go retro.  The price of them today also reflects position in the basketball shoe industry.  They have moved up the chain.

Take a look an explore the different types of sneakers that converse offers. You may find something you like that will fit your style.

Missoni x converse chuck taylor Hi

A weird name for a sneaker produced by this company.  The name comes from the design on the sneakers themselves.  Missoni is a luxury clothing company.  This clothing company has joined converse to create a fashionable yet functional line of Chuck Taylors.  This particular line comes in a distinct color combination and pattern.  They boast the Missoni design of a zig zag pattern that can found on their clothing.  The toe of the sneakers is white.  This white is carried around to the bottom of the zig zag pattern as the midsole.  There is brown in the zig zag pattern that provides a nice contrast to the other colors.  You will find an embossed brown leather converse sneaker logo on the ankle of these high top sneakers.  Of course since they are partnered in this sneaker with Missoni, you can find their tag on the back of the heel of the high top.

Converse Pappalardo Pro

This is another pairing of a sports figure.  This time it is not with a basketball player.  It is with a skater.  The company is going after all segments of athletes.  The way this shoe is made with its color combination lends itself more towards males that would wear it.  The colors are not that drastic as to discourage females from wearing it.  The upper of these converse sneakers is make of a navy blue suede.  The mid sole is white and is separated from the blue by a red stripe.  There are two white stripes with the converse sneaker logo in between.  The Pappalardo name appears towards the heal outside of the white stripe.  This is a product red.  Meaning it is in part to raise money for the cure of aids.

There are many other variations and styles of converse sneakers.  Look around and I am sure you find one that will match your personality.  There is nothing like going “old school” if you were around for the black Chuck Taylor Days.

Womens basketball shoes will  be a little different.  They generally have smaller feet.  Therfore the womens basketball shoes will made to accomodate this.

There are different types of players in this womens sport of basketball just like the men.

The Fast Players

These players are quick on their feet.  They can make sharp cuts, stop on a dime and pull up for a shot with lightening precision.  In order to do this a womens basketball shoe needs to be light weight, give ample ankle support and have excellent traction.

The Power Players

Power players are usually found at the low post.  Good traction is essential to keep them from slipping  and sliding while banging around inside for rebounds or making that power move to the basket.  Good ankle support is also needed to hold your position while the other players try to move you out of the paint.

All Around Players

All around players have both speed and power and like to play on the perimiter and inside the paint.  All around womens basketball shoes should be considered for this type player.  The basketball shoe should have  good traction, support for the ankles and not to heavy on the feet.

Whether your a all around, power or fast and quick player,  Womens basketball shoes will let you keep up your game.  you just have to decide what kind of player you are to pick the right shoe for you.

Nike Hyperize-womens – This shoe features Nikes flywire technology.  It has open mesh to allow your feet to breath.  The heel is injected to provide the player with support and stability.  It has a zoom air unit in the heel and lunar life foam towards the front.  The traction pattern featured is herringbone and a solid rubber outsole.  These shoes go for about 125.00, but can be found for around 111.00.

Nike Zoom Soldier III Womens – These womens basketball shoes were inspired by maybe one of the best basketball players around today.  That would be leBron James.  The uppers are made of both full grain leather and synthetic leather.  They have lightweight lockdown straps for support.  They have a cushioned midsole and zoom air units to provide maximum comfort.  The herringbone outsole has hex grooves to allow for a more natural motion.  These womens basketball shoes go for around 110.00 but can be found in the price range of 99.00.

Adidas Pro Model 8 Team Color – This shoe has a synthetic patent leather upper to last longer and withstand the wear and tear of the sport.  The insole is cushioned and is also removable.  It has climbacool which provides cooling of the whole foot all the way around.  The trade mark 3 stripes of Adidas womens basketball shoes are interchangable on this particular shoe.  This allowing you to match any team colors.  The midsole is made from fitfoam that will shape to your foot.  The price range of this shoe is around 80.00.

The trademark of these basketball shoes are the three stipes that are the same color.

The Addidas company is the second largest brand name selling and manufacturing basketball shoes in the world.  These bball shoes are endorsed by superstars such as Kevin Garnett, Tracy McGrady and Gilbert Arenas.

A company does not get to be the second largest by putting out inferior products.  Addidas gets to that point by putting out high quality basketball sneakers.

Some of quality that they are know for are……..

Adidas Street ball 08-Most kids play basketball on the street.  The addidas company recognized this and put out a sneaker dedicated to those that play on the street.  This sneaker was not designed to be a looker, but to withstand pounding of play on the blacktop or cement.  They are not the ugliest shoes out there either.

Addidas Men’s Illrahna Response Basketball Shoe – This shoe is made of synthetic patent leather that makes it very durable and has a high gloss to it.  Its has a built in molded sock liner for extra comfort and to provide more stability.  It also is a higher cut to help support the ankle.  A lightweight material that cushions the foot call adiprene absorbs the impact to reduce the stress on your knees and make you more comfortable in the shoe.   This is an indoor shoe and costs anywhere between 30.00 and 60.00 dollars.

Addidas Men’s Superstar 2G Basketball shoe – This shoe is make of real leather.  Like most of the addidas shoes it is compreshion molded for lightweight cushioning.  This bball shoe can be used on the basketball court or the street.  The real leather upper provides a soft and comfortable feel.  It has a torsion system that acts like an arch support for the foot providing cushioning for the mid-foot area.  The outsoles are made to wear better on the spots that get the most wear.

Adidas Crazy 8 for Men shoes – This may have been one of the best basketball shoes ever.  A retro look in a limited edition of an original shoe.  These sneakers weigh 3 pounds.  Thats one and half pounds per foot.  The black with the red accent looks cool.  They have good grip and won’t make those annoying squeaky sounds on the court.  They are comfortable to wear.  They may look a little chunky in person compared to the picture.  All in all a good shoe to play basketball in. The price range of this shoe is anywhere from 65.00 to 126.00.  you can find them on sale for about 69.00.

Addidas being the second largest sneaker maker puts out quality merchandise.  Check it out for yourself.

Parents should make sure that their children are wearing a good kids basketball shoe.  This will help prevent injury.  A good shoe will give the foot support and also give the ankle the support it needs so the child greatly decreases the chances of turning the ankle.  The longer a child can go without an injury the better.  Once an injury occurs the likelyhood of repeating the situation increases.

When you are looking at kids basketball shoes, whether they are air force 1 or some other brand, make sure you get a quality brand that offers the support a child needs.  The child will enjoy the game much more too if the shoes their wearing are comfortable and they have confidence in the performance that the shoe will provide.

You don’t have to spend a fortune either.  There are many outlets that offer discount basketball shoes.  These are high quality kids basketball shoes at a discounted and affordable prices.

Some of the top brands and specific basketball shoes for kids are…

Nike Kid Lebron IV – This shoe actually has memory foam in the upper collar.  This provides flexibility and support that is probably the closest you’ll ever get as the foam molds to the contour of your ankle.  It has a full length air unit that gives a comfortable and responsive ride to the feet.  Solid rubber herringbone pods provide great traction needed for those quick moves and bursts of speed.  These shoes retail for 60.00.  You shouldn’t have a problem finding a discount basketball shoe in this brand for around 30.00

Adidas TS Creator J – This is a mid-height basketball sneaker made by adidas.  This is made with synthetic leather.  The synthetic leather is perforated to allow the foot to breath.  The insole and midsole boast light weight cushioning to provide comfort and support. The bottom is non-marking and will provide traction on the court and on the street.

Adidas Floater OG – This shoe makes you look like an allstar.  The upper part is made of a highly durable synthetic leather.  The lining inside this shoe allows your foot to breath.  The cushioned insole that provides a dampening effect for the knees is removable.  They are light weight and have a herringbone pattern on the bottom for great traction. This shoe will run around 47.00

Jordan 1 Flight Mid – A kids basketball shoe inspired by the legand Michael Jordan.  This shoe was created with superior comfort and styling in mind.  The upper part is made of both real and synthetic leather.  The toe is perforated to provide the ability to let air in and out.  Your heel will be cushioned by the airbag incorporated into the heel.  The sole is made of rubber with flex grooves placed in specific places for traction and flexability.  These Kids Basketball shoes can will range in price about the 60.00 mark.