Basketball sleeve

A basketball sleeve, like the wristband, is an accessory that some basketball players wear. Made out of nylon and spandex, it extends from the biceps to the wrist. It is sometimes called a shooter sleeve[1] or an arm sleeve.[2]

Allen Iverson (#3) wearing a basketball sleeve in a Denver Nuggets game.

Origins

Allen Iverson began using a basketball sleeve during the 2000-01 season due to bursitis in his right elbow.[3] Afterward, fans wore the sleeve as a fashion statement,[4] and by 2008, the sleeves were the most popular non-apparel items sold by the league, according to an NBA Store spokesperson.[5] Other players, including Ray Allen, Vince Carter, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Paul Pierce, John Wall, Kyrie Irving, Dwyane Wade, Paul George, Kobe Bryant,[6] and LeBron James[2] have worn the sleeves as well.

Iverson continued wearing his basketball sleeve long after his elbow had healed, which led Steven Kotler of Psychology Today to suggest that the sleeve may act as a placebo to prevent future injuries. [6] Basketball sleeves are also sometimes referred to as basketball shooting sleeves. Some players believe the mild compression they provide helps keep their shooting arm warm and improves circulation. Although some studies show improved circulation and reduced soreness, there has been no definitive study on the use of basketball sleeves.[7]

Kobe Bryant wearing a basketball sleeve during an international game.

References
  1. "Iverson fans: what's up with your sleeve?". Detroit Free Press. December 7, 2008. Retrieved on January 8, 2009.
  2. David Lee Morgan. "LeBron's arm sleeve will multiply". Akron Beacon Journal. January 4, 2007. Retrieved on January 8, 2009.
  3. Chris Broussard. "Now a Leader, Iverson Turns Image Around". New York Times. June 5, 2001. Retrieved on December 31, 2008.
  4. Larry Platt. Only the Strong Survive. Harper Collins, 2003. 9.
  5. Rovell, Darren (May 16, 2008). "Headbands Help Boost NBA's Bottom Line". SportsBiz. CNBC.
  6. Steven Kotler. "". Psychology Today. April 17, 2008. Retrieved on January 8, 2009.
  7. "Sports Compression Sleeves: Do They Really Work?". Archived from the original on 2014-03-18. Retrieved 2014-03-14.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.