Basketball Tournament Checklist: What to Pack (AAU & Travel)

Updated November 2, 2026 · 4 min read

We earn a commission when you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. How this works.

Buying on Amazon? Try Prime free for 30 days

Fast, free delivery on eligible items. Renews as a paid membership unless you cancel.

AAU, travel and school basketball tournaments often pack three or four games into a weekend, sometimes in different gyms. Gyms can be cold between games and hot during them, and concession stands close early. This checklist covers what players need in their bag, plus what parents should bring for a long day in the bleachers.

Tick items off as you pack. Your checks are saved on this device, so you can come back to the list, and you can print it for the car.

A youth basketball game in a school gym — Photo: U.S. Marine Corps, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Player bag checklist

Pack the night before and let your player check it off, so nothing is left in the locker room.

Game gear

Basketball shoes, laced and clean (some gyms do not allow street shoes on the floor) · basketball shoes · kids shoes
Spare shoelaces
Game ball for warm-ups (check the right size for the age group) · indoor basketballs · ball size by age
Ankle braces or sleeves, if your player wears them · ankle braces
Knee pads or sleeves · knee braces
Mouth guard · mouth guards
Basketball backpack with a separate shoe pocket · basketball backpacks

Uniform

Reversible jersey or both home and away jerseys
Game shorts
2 pairs of basketball socks per day · basketball socks
Warm-up shirt or shooting shirt
Hoodie or warm-up jacket for between games
Slides for walking around the gym
Hair ties and headbands
Compression shorts or tights

Health, food and recovery

Body care

Small towel for sweat
Athletic tape and pre-wrap
First-aid kit: blister pads, bandages, pain relief
Instant ice packs
Foam roller or massage gun for sore legs between games · massage guns

Food and drink

Large water bottle, plus extra water
Electrolyte drink or packets
Easy snacks: bananas, granola bars, trail mix, peanut-butter sandwiches
A real meal between games
Small cooler · coolers

Parent and spectator checklist

Gym bleachers are hard and the days are long.

Comfort for parents

Folding chairs or bleacher seats · folding chairs
Stadium seat with back support · stadium seats
Blanket for early mornings and indoor gyms that run cold · stadium blankets
Portable phone charger
Cash for admission, parking and concessions (many venues charge per day)
Tournament schedule, bracket and venue addresses saved offline

Extras

Hoodie or light jacket (gyms can be cold)
Seat cushion or stadium seat for bleachers, if allowed
Book or tablet for siblings
Hand sanitizer and wipes

Tips for a basketball tournament weekend

Check the venue for each game. Big tournaments spread games across several gyms.
Arrive 45 minutes early for check-in and warm-ups.
Keep shoes in the bag until you are on the court floor, so dirt and snow stay off the soles.
Bring a second pair of socks for every game day: wet socks cause blisters.

Other tournament checklists

Get basketball events on your phone

Add our sports calendar to your phone. New events and date changes appear automatically, free, with no sign-up.

Choose your calendar

Google Calendar Apple Calendar (iPhone/Mac)Outlook

On Android, use Google Calendar. On iPhone, tap Apple Calendar and confirm “Subscribe”. You can remove it any time from your calendar settings.

Follow for event reminders:Facebook Instagram Pinterest YouTube

Basketball events coming up

See the full sports calendar →

Got questions?

Frequently asked questions

What should I pack for a basketball tournament?

Basketball shoes, spare laces, a ball, ankle braces or sleeves, mouth guard, both jerseys, shorts, two pairs of socks per day, a hoodie, slides, a towel, water, snacks and a first-aid kit.

What should I pack for an AAU basketball tournament?

The same as any tournament, plus extra socks and shirts for multiple games a day, snacks for long gaps, and the schedule for every gym your team plays in.

What should basketball parents bring to a tournament?

Cash for admission, a phone charger, a hoodie for cold gyms, a seat cushion if allowed, water, snacks and hand sanitizer.

What should a basketball player eat during a tournament?

Easy carbs and fluids: bananas, granola bars, sandwiches and plenty of water and electrolytes, with a real meal between games.

Do basketball players need two pairs of shoes?

It helps. Many players keep one clean pair for the court and wear slides or sneakers everywhere else.

What do you wear to a basketball tournament as a parent?

Comfortable layers, a team shirt and comfortable shoes. Gyms can be warm when full and cold when empty.

Buying on Amazon? Try Prime free for 30 days

Fast, free delivery on eligible items. Renews as a paid membership unless you cancel.

Start your free trial on Amazon

NexoWell Sprint team

We research sports gear for players, coaches and sports parents. We compare specs, read verified buyer reviews and name one clear pick for each kind of player. How we pick · Affiliate disclosure

Basketball Tournament Checklist: What to Pack (Free Printable)