The Black Friday of Indoor Sports

Basketball: ball size and shaft height

A basketball is chosen according to the category: size seven for men, size six for women and youths, and size five for mini basketball. Indoors, a composite leather surface is preferred as it is softer to the touch and more grippy than rubber. For shoes, a high-top design supports the ankle and reassures big players who jump a lot, while a low-top, which is lighter, allows more mobility for guards. Cushioning is placed at the heel for landings and at the forefoot for responsiveness. A loose, sleeveless jersey made from mesh allows the arms to move freely when shooting.

By sport

Indoor sports are organised by discipline:

• Basketball, shoes, balls and jerseys.
• Handball and volleyball, balls, shoes and knee pads.
• Racket sports, tennis, padel and badminton.
• Combat sports, gloves, protective gear and kimonos.

Handball and volleyball: shoes, protective gear and ankles

In handball, sudden footwork and jumping for shots put a lot of strain on the ankles: the shoe must provide a rigid heel counter and a wide, non-marking rubber sole for grip on the court. Goalkeepers wear padded shorts or trousers at the hips to dive without injury. In volleyball, movements are shorter but jumps are more frequent: the shoe increases cushioning under the forefoot, and knee pads protect during defensive dives. A flexible ankle support or strapping, applied by a physiotherapist after a sprain, secures the recovery.

The rest of the Black Friday

The Black Friday also comes in different themes: football, running, lifestyle, equestrian, winter sports, top brands, on the page Black Friday.

Rackets and combat sports: how to equip yourself properly indoors

For badminton, a lightweight racket, between eighty and ninety grams, with a light head promotes speed at the net, while a racket with a heavy head adds power to smashes. In padel, increasingly played on indoor courts, the racket is chosen based on its shape and the density of its foam. For boxing and kickboxing, gloves are measured in ounces: ten or twelve for hitting the sac, fourteen or sixteen for sparring, to protect the partner. The mouthguard is shaped to fit the teeth with heat, and a protective cup is essential as soon as punches are exchanged.

Frequently asked questions

When should you replace indoor shoes?

As soon as the rubber becomes smooth and slipping increases, or when compressed cushioning is felt in the knees after sessions. For a player training three times a week, a pair typically lasts about a year.

What Christmas gift for an indoor sports player?

A match ball in the correct size, a sac big enough for shoes, or reinforced technical socks at the heel. For a pair of shoes, it's best to know their exact size and sport.

How to avoid ankle sprains indoors?

A complete joint warm-up, shoes laced up to the top, and regular proprioception work, on one foot or on an unstable surface, strengthen the ankle. After an initial sprain, an ankle brace minimizes the risk of re-injury.

How to clean a mouthguard?

With cold or lukewarm water after each session, using a soft toothbrush, then let it dry in its ventilated box. Hot water would deform it, as it is designed to mold to heat.

What outfit for playing volley indoors?

A lightweight shirt, fitted shorts that don't hinder diving, and high socks that protect the shins during slips. Knee pads complete the outfit, especially for defensive players and liberos.