Whether you’ve just started playing basketball or you’re simply curious about the ins and outs of the game, one question might come to mind: do basketball players wear cups? It’s a fair question to ask, considering the physicality and high-contact nature of the sport. In this post, we delve into the world of protective gear in basketball and answer the all-important question, do these athletes really suit up with more than just their jerseys and shorts? Let’s take a closer look.
Answer To The Question Do Basketball Players Wear Cups?
Basketball is a sport where you, as a player, want to move freely with no interferences in your movements. So, even though there’s a risk of taking a hit in the groin, the discomfort and restriction of wearing a protective cup might seem like a drawback.
The cumbersome feeling of a cup could interfere with your agility and quickness on the court. Thus, despite the potential for injury, most basketball players choose comfort and flexibility over the added protection that a cup could provide. In this case, the slight risk is often deemed worth taking for the sake of maintaining optimal performance.
Groin Injuries For Basketball Players
While lower extremity injuries are common in basketball, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all injuries due to the high intensity movements like jumping, running, and pivoting, groin injuries aren’t as prevalent. Compared to sports like hockey or soccer, basketball isn’t considered high risk for hip or groin injuries. Studies found that hip injuries only accounted for 6.2% of all injuries sustained by NBA players, with knee and ankle injuries being much more common.
What Are Some Other Ways Basketball Players Could Protect Their Groin?
As a basketball player, one of the most effective ways to protect your groin is by wearing compression shorts. These specially designed garments apply pressure and induce compression in the groin area, thereby enhancing blood circulation, which is instrumental in managing and healing potential groin injuries.
The stabilizing effect of the compression supports muscles and soft tissues in the groin, hamstring, and quadricep regions, significantly reducing pain and swelling associated with injuries. Particularly, compression shorts with appropriate directional support not only guard the injured area but also provide targeted support to your groin muscles.
By wearing these shorts during physical activities or as part of a rehabilitation plan for groin injuries, you can add an essential layer of protection for your groin.
Conclusion
So although basketball players get hit in the groin here and there, the nuissance of wearing a cup simply isn’t worth the hassle and the detriment of their game. If you want groin support without effecting your overall game, consider getting compression shorts that offer the appropriate level of stabilization and protection.
