Sports world is constantly developing. And, the use of technology is just one aspect that has a tremendous impact on the way we see, play and experience this modern sport.
Advances in the use of technology in this sport over the past 200 years have not only significantly changed professional sports, but have also affected sports at the grassroots level.
Small basketball may not have action replay and GPS tracking technology used by professionals. However, the improvements made in electronic applications, apparel and online resources, are all examples of how technology is helping youngsters become the next generation of Basketball!
Let’s discuss some examples of technology use in basketball and how it affects this sport!
Using technology in basketball
Basketball shoes
When we think of the word “technology,” our brains often imagine electronic advances and their applications. However, the improvements made to basketball apparel over the past century are the Basketball Uniforms of the 1900s.
Revolution from an invention perspective! Did you know that in the early 1900s, basketball players would wear sandal shoes everyday (flat shoes) to play games ?! Just think about the impact it will have on the player’s feet!
The first ‘basketball shoes’ were introduced in the 1960s when basketball games were switched to indoor play. These shoes add an upper sole and are white, like the image shown.
It was not until the 1970s that the design of basketball shoes began to focus on preventing injuries. The increasing popularity of basketball games and shoe companies affects the development of basketball shoes. The goal is to better protect the players and increase their playing performance.
Basketball is a high-impact sport that requires rapid acceleration and deceleration, sudden and sharp change of direction, instant stopping, high jump and balance and constant stability. Because of this, basketball players are at a higher risk of injury.
Particularly for the knees, ankles and lower body. Basketball shoes today are designed with heel counter, gel layer and stable straps to help prevent injuries to modern players.