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In a game of inches, enhancing performance through equipment could be the difference between sinking the winning shot or committing a costly turnover. Here is a simple guide to help boost your contributions.

Footwear

Footwear manufacturers have followed the weight reduction trend. The new adidas Crazy Light 3 ($139.99 MSRP) is just 9.3 ounces, making it the lightest basketball shoe on the market. Named for the former NBA MVP, the Rose 773 ($109.99) features a SPRINTWEB and an articulated forefoot that lets you feel the increased quickness in every step.

Nike is the dominant brand in basketball footwear. The two highlighted models for this year are the Zoom Soldier VIII ($124.99) and sixth generation of the hot-selling Hyperdunk ($139.99) with Flywire technology and basketball-specific cushioning. For the first time ever, Jordan brand shoes are available to Team Express and select team dealers. The new Prime.Fly ($115.99) is the featured model.

While newer to basketball, Under Armour has made immediate strides with its Anatomix Spawn ($99.99) and Spine Predator ($89.99).

Socks are often overlooked, but they are critical to overall footwork. New antimicrobial moisture management helps keep players cool and prevents feet from slipping. Nike’s Air Jordan Dri-Fit Crew sock ($15.99) is a worthy recent addition.

Turned ankles can sideline a player or minimize productivity. The most popular brace among athletes, trainers and coaches is the adidas SpeedWrap adiZERO ($29.99).

Accessories

Basketball is a contact sport. Protective gear is now commonplace with all major manufactures producing padded compression shirts and shorts. McDavid has become an major player with its patented HexPad Technology integrated into a wide array of arm sleeves, ankle and knee braces.

Practice makes perfect and training aids advance that process. KBA Heads Up Glasses ($4.99) sharpen dribbling and ball handling, aiding confidence when facing active defenders. Shooting Gloves ($12.99) assist with hand positioning to sink jumpers and the Shooter’s Ring ($17.99) creates a smaller rim to promote more accurate shots.

Kevin Udell is Vice President of BasketballExpress.com and TeamExpress.com, which outfits teams at competitive prices on 50,000-plus items from adidas, Easton, Louisville Slugger, Nike, New Balance, Rawlings, Reebok, Wilson, Under Armour and other premium brands. For more information, please call 866.868.5855.

Related: Shop our selection of new 2013-14 basketball gear.

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Presidents Day weekend starts today, and we’re celebrating in style!

Now through Tuesday, you can take 15% off all orders at Basketball Express. There is NO minimum order.

Just use the promo code JSBKSP88 at checkout. Shop now.

Related: Browse our selection of closeout basketball equipment.

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For our customers in the San Antonio area, you can SAVE UP TO 80% OFF RETAIL on major brand sports equipment this month.

We opened up a temporary location at the corner of Perrin Beitel and 410. We’re clearing out warehouse inventory of baseball, football, softball, basketball, volleyball, soccer and athletic equipment.

Here are the details

• What: Sports equipment clearance sale
• Where: 8611 Perrin Beitel RD, San Antonio (The NW corner of Perrin Beitel and Loop 410)
• When: Thru June 24
• Hours: Monday thru Saturday (10a-8p), Sunday (11a-6p)

Related: As always, you can visit our retail store at 1003 Nakoma, just north of the airport!

These offers continue through Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and they expire December 23.

(Click for more info)

Related: Shop our entire selection of closeout basketball gear.

These offers expire December 23.

(Click for more info)

Related: Shop our entire selection of closeout basketball gear.

Player Protection Performance

McDavid’s protective equipment provides the padding to keep basketball players at peak performance and free of injury. Made with a padding system that bonds dozens of individual athletic foam pads permanently into fabrics, McDavid’s HexPad Technology is lightweight, durable and comfortable — giving the player the padding he needs to do battle on the hardwood.

Adidas’ new Men’s Crazy Light Basketball Shoes weigh in at 9.8 ounces apiece.

That makes them lightest shoes in the game.

They’re lighter than any other shoe out there. That means you’ll run faster, make better cuts and you won’t get fatigued as easily.

The Men’s Crazy Light Basketball Shoes feature some revolutionary new technology.

The Sprint Web upper shaves weight without sacrificing performance, and the Sprint Frame heel gives you all the support you need to take over. They feature a high-cushion IMEVA midsole and light foam inlay in the shoe.

Get a pair for $129.99 at Basketball Express.

Related: Shop our entire selection of men’s basketball shoes.

We’re clearing out our warehouse this weekend in San Antonio! That means we’ve drastically marked down prices on all sorts of equipment.

Here are the details:

What: Massive clearance of equipment, uniforms, apparel and footwear.
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., now through June 12
Where: 12955 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX (Map)

Related: View our clearance items online.

At 12.2 ounces apiece, Nike’s Men’s Hyperize TB Basketball Shoes are designed for serious court speed.

They’re ultra-lightweight. That means you’ll have less shoe to carry around, and less shoe = more speed.

The open mesh upper features Nike’s patented Flywire technology for superior support. The herringbone rubber outsole provides traction, while the full-length Phylon midsole combines with a Nike Zoom Unit heel, Lunar Foam in the forefoot and low-profile cushioning for unsurpassed comfort.

Get a pair for $124.99 at Basketball Express.

Related: Shop our selection of basketball shoes.