It is important to pack the essential items in your bag for a travel basketball tournament. In this article I am going to give you a list of necessary items to pack in your player’s bag so they will be ready for a travel basketball tournament weekend.
Travel basketball players all over the nation travel every weekend for basketball tournaments and they do it without their parents. Now I am confident the moms and dads ask the question, “what should I pack in my child’s bag for a travel basketball tournament?” Afterall, this is a great question because your kid is going off for an entire weekend with their team and coach and you want them to have what they need to survive.
I have coached travel basketball teams for years and spent many nights away with a group of players. I was lucky because most of the parents ensured their kid had everything needed for their basketball tournament. However, I have seen it all and I want to share my experiences by creating a list of items your child should pack in their bag for a weekend travel basketball tournament.
Pack Two Bags for Travel Basketball Tournaments:
If you are a new basketball parent I want to let you in on a little secret. This one might be common sense but you never know. Players need to bring two bags. They need a small overnight bag or really small rolling suitcase and a backpack. The small overnight bag has their essentials and the bag (basketball bag) has everything they need at the gym. Most teams will offer a matching basketball backpack as a package to the uniforms.
Small Overnight Bag:
My son always used a drawstring bag for his essentials. It was easy to carry and he could often times just throw it into his backpack.
Look for drawstring bags that have a shoe compartment that is large enough for a pair of basketball shoes. Zippered compartments and a place to store water bottles is also important. Check out a list of various bags below.
The small overnight bag should be packed with the following: The appropriate number of clothes needed for the weekend, toiletries, socks (don’t forget basketball socks!), underwear and all of the items you would bring on a normal trip.
Please put extra snacks in the overnight bag. Your player will tell you it’s not necessary but trust me, it is necessary for those late night hunger kicks. Plus they can replenish their basketball bag that they will bring with them to the gym.
Pack an extra pair of tennis shoes just in case there is in an outdoor area at the hotel and they decide to play a pick up game. This is so they are not tempted to run around in their nice new basketball shoes.
Must Haves in the Basketball Bag:
1. Basketball Shoes
Purchase a nice pair of basketball shoes with the proper support around the ankles. Look for shoes that fit comfortable and are not too big or too small. Travel players typically wear slides to the game and only use their basketball shoes on indoor courts. What does this mean? This is one of those critical must have items.
On rare occasions players get to the game and realize they forgot to pack their basketball shoes. My son did this early in his basketball days so I always double check for shoes!
2. Slides
Slides or regular tennis shoes are a must. The reason: You don’t want your player wearing their basketball shoes to and from the gym. The slides can be worn to the gym until he or she changes into basketball shoes. Remind them to secure their slides in their backpack when not being worn so they are not misplaced!
3. Water Bottle
Make sure to pack a water bottle of your choice that can be refilled throughout the day. There are many tournaments that provide fluids but some simply don’t. As a coach, I constantly had to purchase water or other fluids for players who didn’t have money or a water bottle. Make sure your player has a bottle that he or she can refill.
4. Warm-Up Shirt
The shooting shirt helps keep players warm in freezing cold gyms. The best shooting or warm up shirt should is likely the one that is purchased from the team. Most teams will have a package uniform deal. Having matching warm-ups is ideal for uniformity and morale.
If your team doesn’t have standard matching shooting shirts feel free to find something at your nearest sporting goods store or click on the image above for a link to Amazon.
5. Extra Socks
Ok, your basketball player is gonna want the cool customized socks and that’s ok. But please pack an extra pair in their backpack just in case!
6. Knee Compression Sleeves/Pads
Compression sleeves or knee pads are not required but are helpful during game play. They help protect knees when diving on the floor for the ball.
7. Headband/Wristband
Headband and wristbands can be a pretty inexpensive addition to your player’s wardrobe. These items keep sweat from dripping into eyes and onto the floor.
8. Portable Phone Charger
You will want your child to have a fully charged phone during the day especially if they are traveling without you. They will be using it to play games and it will lose charge throughout the day. If you give them only one charger it will be left in the hotel room and not available during the day. Be sure to pack a charger or small battery pack in their bag.
9. Snacks
Put a pack of granola bars, raisins, or any other snack in their bag. This will make it easy for them to get a little energy between games just in case there is no time for a meal.
10. Spending Money (cash)
Some basketball teams will include meals but some may not include food in the budget. In this case your child will need cash or a credit card to pay for meals during their trip.
11. Mouthpiece and Container
A mouthguard is a pretty essential item. They are not fun to play basketball with them in their mouth but can really help to protect their teeth.
12. Headsets
Kids love music! The kids on my team would have their headsets on all the time! This is an essential item.
Conclusion:
These are just a few of the items that will be helpful to pack in your basketball player’s backpack. Having this list and knowing it’s complete will give you peace of mind!
