When it comes to playing basketball, we women often doubt ourselves, worried that we don't have the skills to become a great basketball player ourselves. Maybe it's because we're shorter than men, or maybe it's because we don't think we can run fast enough. But that's not the case! Women's basketball is becoming an increasingly popular sport with the gentler gender - this year we even have the first ever European Women's Basketball Championships. Check out Grosbasket's great tips to step up your game and which basketball gear the most successful female basketball players like Teja Oblak in Ajša Sivka rely on. Grosbasket is passionate about women's empowerment, so exclusively on Women's Day, 8.3. we are offering a 30% discount on all women's basketball products!

Believe in yourself!

Many women who want to become basketball players feel that they are at a disadvantage compared to male basketball players or strong and experienced opponents before they start training. Ironically, believing that you are not as fast or as strong as someone else is your first disadvantage. To make real progress, I urge you to believe in yourself and to show up at practice in that mindset. Young basketball players like Lea Bartelme and Zoja Štirn are also aware that real success starts with a positive mentality and they encourage us that if you set a goal, stick to it and don't give up at the first obstacle or challenge. Even when things don't turn out as expected, let this teach you something and prepare you for the future. Every time you step on the court, believe that you are the best in your role. Instead of thinking about what others can do better, think about all the strengths you bring to the table.

Get quality basketball equipment

If you are just starting out in basketball, one of the first important steps is to make sure you have the necessary and high-quality basketball equipment. It will keep you comfortable during practice and during the game, protect your body from injury and motivate you to always get back on the field. Check out the most important basketball equipment items that every basketball player should have in her closet!

Proper basketball shoes

Before you head out on the court, make sure you are wearing good quality, well-fitting basketball shoes. If you do not have the right shoes, please do not play basketball, as you could permanently injure yourself and be away from the court for a long time. We recommend high top basketball sneakers, as this type of model offers ankle support and excellent traction on the court. Grosbasket has the most popular models of basketball shoes for aspiring female basketball players, trusted by successful players such as Teja Oblak and Ajša Sivka.

Basketball clothing

You will need at least two or three pairs of basketball shorts to practice basketball. These shorts should be loose fitting, but should also fit nicely around the waist. An excellent length for basketball shorts is about halfway to the knee. Another item you will need for your workout is a T-shirt, which should be loose fitting. Grosbasket has a range of colours and beautiful designs to choose from.

Basketball underwear

As basketball is a very intense and dynamic sport, it is important that your chest is protected from impact and that it does not get in the way of your movements. In Grosbasket stores you will find supportive sports bras that will completely transform your game.

Knee protection

Playing basketball is bound to knock you to your knees more than once. To keep your knees safe, buy knee pads, which are great for protecting your knees from injury, but also keep you feeling calm.

Basketball

When choosing a basketball, first consider your age and height. Basketballs usually come in different sizes for depending on the player and are often age specific. They generally fall into three categories:

• A ball used in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) recommends this for players over the age of 15. The ball measures 75 centimetres, also known as a size 7.
• The second ball option is the one commonly used by women 12+ and boys 12-14. This is the official ball of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and is also used for women's high school and college games. It measures 72 centimetres, also known as a size 6.
• The last size is used by boys and girls aged 9-11 years. This is the standard youth basketball found in most stores and measures 70 centimetres and is known as a size 5.

Turn excuses into opportunities for progress

Something very important that I have learnt in the last few months about personal growth and life in general is that we will never get "there". You probably know what I'm talking about, don't you?

"When I'm strong enough, trained enough, wake up at 5.30 every day and have a successful career, I will ..."

I have realised that such a time will never come, because we will always want something more or be a better version of ourselves. So don't wait for "that moment" and instead enjoy every day of the journey, every workout, every victory and every defeat! Turn your excuses into opportunities for progress, such as:

• "She's bigger than me, but I'm faster!" - Work on stopping her entry passes so you don't have to cover her while defending.
• "She is very good at going right and laying with her right" - Make her go left every time.
• "My teammates don't want to pass to me." - Overcome the opposing team's strategy by getting second-shot opportunities for yourself and your team.

Let your excuses be an opportunity for progress and improvement.

Treat training sessions like games

In principle, the players who take every training session seriously and as an opportunity to improve are the ones who advance the fastest and become leaders on the court. Every time you train, you improve a little bit, and if you give your best in every training session, you will soon see great results! Be the first in line for the drills. Throw yourself on the ground for missed throws. Be loud, because there's nothing worse than a really good basketball player who is quiet and doesn't get his teammates involved in the game by being a loud leader. Not only will putting in the hard work on the little details help you, it will also help your teammates. The more effort you put into defending the best player on your team for 2 hours a day, 5 days a week, the easier it will be for them and for you in a 40-minute game against the opposing team.

Inspire other basketball players with determination and discipline!

The best basketball players are not always the ones who are leading their team points-wise, but the ones who show up on time for every practice and always give their best. May your hard work inspire and encourage other players. Instead of looking for excuses or reasons to quit, let the difficult challenges toughen you up. Follow in the footsteps of successful women's basketball players like Nike Barić, Teja Oblak and Eva Lisec and get your basketball gear from Grosbasket, who will celebrate your successes and progress with you! To reward women for their efforts and success, this Women's Day on 8 March, use the coupon code WOMEN30 to get 30% off all women's basketball products!