Rookie Season: Gear and Tips to set your child up for success
- jillnday
- Sep 18
- 2 min read
Starting a new sport can be exciting — and a little overwhelming! Here are some gear suggestions and practical tips to help you navigate your child’s first season of basketball.
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What Equipment Do They Need?
Shoes: Athletic shoes with good traction. Basketball shoes are great but not required at the beginner level.
Comfortable clothing: Shorts and a shirt that allow for free movement. Shorts without pockets are preferred so fingers and hands don’t get caught while dribbling or defending.
Basketball:
Size 5 (26.5) → standard youth size- typically up to age 11
Size 6 (27.5) → ages 12–14 or women’s leaguesCheck your league’s regulations to confirm the correct size. For the first season, an outdoor ball is a practical, affordable choice.
Water bottle: Always bring a labeled water bottle to practice and games.
Hair and Safety Tips
Hair: Pull hair back and out of the face. Most leagues don’t allow hard hair accessories (think bobby pins, metal clasps, claw clips, etc). Soft headbands, sweatbands, or braids work great.
Jewelry: Remove all jewelry before practice or games. Newly pierced ears can be covered with athletic tape or small bandages.
Glasses: Optional, but a sports strap or goggles can help keep glasses secure while playing.
More Helpful Info for your First Season:
Basics of Rec League Basketball
Beginner-friendly: All recreational leagues are designed for beginners. Coaches know that some kids are brand new and are prepared to help them learn.
Focus on fun and skill development: The goal is teamwork and learning the game, not winning every match.
Guaranteed playing time: Most leagues ensure each child plays a certain number of minutes or quarters, giving everyone a chance to develop their skills.
Parent Tips
Encourage effort over performance: Learning comes before scoring.
Expect nerves: First practices and games can be intimidating — this is normal!
Leave the coaching to the coach: Cheer from the stands, but avoid giving directions. Your child will have more fun and learn better when you support rather than instruct.
Starting a new sport can feel overwhelming, but basketball is one of the easiest to jump into. With the right gear, a supportive attitude, and a focus on fun, your child will be ready to enjoy their first season and start building skills for years to come.
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