Why Do NBA Players Wear Shooting Sleeves?

The shooting sleeve is one of the most popular accessories in basketball. Some of the best players and deadliest shooters in the game rock them on a nightly basis. But do you know why they wear them?

Shooters gonna shoot.

The shooting sleeve is one of the most popular accessories in basketball.

Some of the best players and deadliest shooters in the game rock them on a nightly basis: LeBron, Buddy Hield, Ja Morant, Trae Young, Lamelo Ball.

But what are shooting sleeves for? 

Judging by the name it would seem that shooting sleeves help you … well … shoot better.

Do they? 

Perhaps the best way to answer that question is to first look at their history.

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The History of the Shooting Sleeve: From A.I. to Just About Everyone

Where did the shooting sleeve come from?

The shooting sleeve was first popularized by Allen Iverson in the early 2000s. He first donned it in a game against the Toronto Raptors on January 21, 2001.

A.I. had been suffering from a persistent bout of bursitis (inflammation in his elbow). To make sure he could stay on the court, A.I.’s trainer, Lenny Currier, suggested slipping his arm into what looked like a pantyhose. For all intents and purposes, it was simply a piece of cut-out compression cloth. This would go on to be the first prototype of what we now know as the shooting sleeve.

With the new invention draping his right arm, A.I. went on to drop 51 points on 50% shooting from both the field and from three. It goes without saying - he decided to keep wearing it.

For the rest of the season, A.I. averaged 35 points per game, putting a stamp on his 2001 MVP campaign. He stayed true to the sleeve even after his injury healed and kept rocking it until the end of his legendary career.

Soon after that first game, several sporting goods brands reached out to Iverson to create a professional version of Currier’s prototype. Iverson agreed and the shooting sleeve burst onto the scene throughout the league in full force.

Today about half the players in the NBA play in shooting sleeves. Kobe started wearing one during his MVP campaign of 2007. And LeBron can still be seen rocking his on a nightly basis. Even players in other sports have caught on - from Odell Beckham Jr. to Serena Williams.

That’s ELITE company. But the question remains, do shooting sleeves actually make you a better shooter?

Shooting Sleeve Science

Let’s take a look at the science.

Starting with the basics, the sleeve is primarily worn for compression. Arm sleeves from reputable sources are specifically designed with advanced fabrics for optimal elasticity to compress your arm. The snug fit provides support and stability to the muscles and joints. They also increase blood flow and keep the arm warm, aiding recovery. 

In addition, many sleeves include padding to protect sensitive areas of the arm, such as the elbow. They can prevent scratches, rug burns, and other minor contact injuries.

So, as in A.I.’s case, if you have an elbow injury or a history of elbow-related ailments, the shooting sleeve may help you stay on the court and shoot better by providing stability and support to your arm.

But if you’re a healthy hooper, there doesn’t seem to be any scientific evidence that suggests a shooting sleeve will increase your shooting percentage by any considerable amount. 

You look good, you play good

But hold on just one moment. 

The NBA’s best must be wearing the thing for a reason.

But what reason? 

We’ve got an idea. It’s why A.I. never ended up taking his off - even after his elbow healed. In the wise words of NFL Hall of Famer and style icon “Prime Time” Deion Sanders: 

“If you look good, you feel good,
Feel good, play good
Play good, they pay good
They pay good, you live good”

A little drip can go a long way in boosting your confidence and helping you be your best self on the court. And if you’re a hooper, you know that confidence is key.

Now, we’re not saying a shooting sleeve alone will transform your game. The most important part of being confident is going out there and doing the thing - working on your game and being basketball obsessed. 

But there’s nothing like a little on-court swag to act as a catalyst to get you out of a rut or to take you to the next level of domination.

So be like A.I. rock the sleeve - but be warned - you might never want to play another game without it.