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So, you’ve watched the NBA finals that captured Steph Curry’s dazzling moves, Kyrie Irving’s ball wizardry, and LeBron James’ brute power. You aspire to fly like Jordan and finesse like Durant. But to bring your own game to the court, you need the right gear.
Basketball is fortunately far less demanding in this respect. Basic clothing, some footwear, and a suitable ball is all you really need to get started. But regardless of whether you’re heading to a weekend pick-up game or playing for the championship, having the right gear for the job goes a long way in improving your performance.
Of course, the type of equipment that fits this description seldom comes cheap. To help you get your hands on the best basketball essentials, consider the following tips for affording what you need on a budget.
Second-Hand Retailers
Both physical and online second-hand sporting stores are great options for finding pre-loved gear at a fraction of the original price.
Some popular local options include Preloved, Play It Again Sports and Kits ‘n Boots. The likes of eBay, Craigslist and Amazon are also worth looking into. It might take some research, but it’s not uncommon to find a hidden gem or two that offers killer value for money.
Out-of-Season Sales
It’s no secret that performance-oriented basketball clothing comes at a premium. Add a swoosh or a trio of stripes onto the piece and you’ll be paying even more.
However, that’s not to say you can’t find branded garments at far less their retail price. This is especially true during out-of-season sales when great deals on a variety of clothing are aplenty. You’ll just need to practice some patience while waiting for them to come around.
Loans
A less conventional approach, but not without a few benefits. Taking out a loan to acquire your basketball equipment is a great idea as you can ensure that you have enough money to invest in the best possible equipment.
This means you can actually save in the long run, as you won’t have to replace certain items as often, which is especially true for shoes that get worn out quickly on the court. At the same time, choosing an option such as online payday loans direct lenders like BingoLoans can help you build a credit score, which is useful for many aspects of life.
If you choose to take this approach, make it simple with an online application at a reputable provider. This way, you don’t even have to leave home.
Community Giveaways
If you come across any chances at freebies, don’t hesitate to shoot your shot. You don’t necessarily have to win an item you don’t already have, as this can open up the opportunity to make a trade with your fellow players for something you’re more in need of.
Acquiring all the gear you need is a relatively simple process if you know what to do. Consider the above approaches and you should soon be ready to hit the court in style.