Printable: Game Day Bag Checklist
Print this and tape it inside your kid’s gear bag so nothing gets forgotten on game day or practice night.
Peewee / Youth (Ages 5–10)
| ✓ | Item | Notes |
|---|
| ☐ | Basketball (Size 5) | Check with league — some provide game balls |
| ☐ | Basketball shoes | Non-marking soles required for gym floors |
| ☐ | Shorts | Athletic shorts, not jeans or cargo shorts |
| ☐ | Practice shirt or jersey | Moisture-wicking, not cotton |
| ☐ | Water bottle (full) | Fill before leaving the house |
| ☐ | Extra socks | In case they get sweaty or wet |
| ☐ | Snack | Granola bar, fruit, or pretzels for after practice |
| ☐ | Small towel | For wiping hands/face during breaks |
Junior High (Ages 11–14)
| ✓ | Item | Notes |
|---|
| ☐ | Basketball (Size 6) | For warmup — team usually provides game ball |
| ☐ | Basketball shoes | Proper basketball shoes, not running shoes |
| ☐ | Game jersey / practice jersey | Keep game and practice jerseys separate |
| ☐ | Shorts | Basketball shorts with drawstring |
| ☐ | Compression shorts | Worn under game shorts |
| ☐ | Protective cup | Recommended for physical play |
| ☐ | Water bottle (large, full) | 24+ oz, insulated preferred |
| ☐ | Extra socks | Basketball socks, not ankle socks |
| ☐ | Ankle braces | If worn — put them on before shoes |
| ☐ | Deodorant | They are at that age now |
| ☐ | Post-game snack | Protein bar, PB&J, or chocolate milk |
High School (Ages 14–18)
| ✓ | Item | Notes |
|---|
| ☐ | Basketball shoes (game pair) | Some players have separate game/practice shoes |
| ☐ | Game jersey + shorts | Follow team uniform rules |
| ☐ | Warmup gear | If provided by the team |
| ☐ | Compression gear | Shorts, shirt, sleeves as needed |
| ☐ | Protective cup | |
| ☐ | Ankle braces | McDavid, Zamst, or Active Ankle |
| ☐ | Water bottle (32+ oz, full) | Insulated — stays cold through the game |
| ☐ | Pre-game snack | Banana, granola bar, or toast with PB |
| ☐ | Post-game recovery snack | Protein bar, chocolate milk, or PB&J |
| ☐ | Extra socks + shirt | For changing after the game |
| ☐ | Deodorant + body wipes | Nobody wants to ride home with a stinky kid |
| ☐ | Foam roller (optional) | For pre/post game muscle work |
| ☐ | Resistance band (optional) | For warmup activation |
| ☐ | Phone charger | Because they will forget |
Dad Pro Tips: Buy used where possible. Label everything with a permanent marker. Tape a copy of this list inside the gear bag lid. Repack the bag the night before — not 10 minutes before you leave.
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