PACK IT.
PLAY YOUR GAME.

Pack your uniform, basketball shoes, socks, water bottle and any equipment your team asks you to bring. Add a towel, a change of clothes and a separate bag for worn gear. Check the venue and team instructions before you leave.

The essentials

• Uniform or training clothes: check the correct singlet, shorts and any home/away requirements.
• Basketball shoes and socks: check that both shoes are in the bag. Keep shoes separate from clean clothes where possible.
• Water bottle: take a filled bottle and check whether the venue has refill facilities.
• Your basketball, if required: confirm the size your team uses and whether players need to bring one. Label it.
• Personal items: pack any usual items you need, following your family’s and team’s arrangements.

Useful extras

• Small towel and a clean top for after the session.
• A bag for worn clothing so it stays away from clean gear.
• A snack that suits your own needs and the venue’s rules.
• An extra pair of socks.
• A labelled pump if you normally carry one and your team needs it.
• A light layer for travel and waiting between games.

The night-before reset

Empty the bag first. Remove old food, rubbish and damp clothing. Check the uniform and shoes, refill what needs replacing, then pack the essentials together. A list inside the bag is more useful than relying on memory when everyone is trying to leave.

Keep a small pouch for items that otherwise get lost at the bottom. Give each item a regular place, and label the bag and bottle with a name or contact arrangement your family is comfortable sharing. Avoid putting a child’s full personal details on a public label.

Before leaving home

• Confirm the venue, arrival time and court or team meeting point.
• Check which uniform is needed.
• Check transport and who is collecting the player.
• Add the filled bottle and any refrigerated snack just before leaving.
• Make sure the basketball is included if the coach has requested one.

After the game

Unpack the same day where possible. Take out food and worn clothes, let shoes dry in line with their care instructions, and note anything missing. This turns the next pack into a quick reset instead of a search through yesterday’s gear.

For parents and younger players

Use the checklist together at first, then let the player tick off the items they can manage. Keep a short version near the bag. Team requirements vary, so add your club’s specific instructions rather than assuming every player needs identical equipment.

Copy your quick checklist

• Uniform / training kit
• Shoes + socks
• Filled water bottle
• Ball, if required
• Towel + change of clothes
• Bag for worn gear
• Personal essentials
• Venue + time + transport checked

Common questions

Do I need to bring my own basketball?

Ask your coach or venue. Some sessions provide balls; others ask players to bring the appropriate size. Team instructions should decide what goes in your bag.

What size basketball should I pack?

Use the size specified by your club or competition. Age groups and competition rules differ, so confirm with the organiser rather than choosing by appearance alone.

Next: create a better place to store your gear.

Practical planning guide by Kid on Court. How we create our guides.