Basketball players often wear knee sleeves, like those from Under Armour, to enhance performance and protect their knees. With the physically demanding nature of the sport, which involves playing 82 games in a short five-month period, protecting the knees is crucial. Knee sleeves are designed to offer compression, which helps reduce the risk of injuries, alleviate knee pain, and improve blood circulation. This added compression ensures a tight fit that provides extra stability and comfort during gameplay, making it ideal for preventing injuries rather than treating existing ones.
Knee sleeves differ from knee braces, which are used for post-injury support to stabilize and rehabilitate the knee. Sleeves, on the other hand, are preventative, offering support and protection during physical activity. They are made of high-quality materials that provide comfort and durability, which makes them popular among players.
The Under Armour knee sleeve is particularly valued for its material quality, fit, and cushioning, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 for material and overall performance. However, users should be mindful of proper maintenance, as delaying washing can result in odor build-up.
Overall, for basketball players who prioritize knee protection and want to maintain a comfortable and secure fit during games, a knee sleeve is a smart choice over a knee brace, focusing on injury prevention and performance support.