5 Things to Do With Your Old Gun or Dr. Dish Basketball Shooting Machine

If you’ve been around the game of basketball long enough, chances are you’ve used—or maybe even owned—a Gun or Dr. Dish basketball shooting machine. These training tools have helped countless athletes improve their shot, build confidence, and maximize practice efficiency. But like all training equipment, eventually it’s time for an upgrade. Whether you’ve got an old shooting machine gathering dust in your gym or garage, or it’s just no longer meeting your needs, here are 5 things you can do with your old Gun or Dr. Dish.

1. Trade It In for Up to $4,000 OFF a New Dr. Dish Machine

Looking for the best Gun trade-in value on the market? Look no further than Dr. Dish’s shooting machine Trade-in Program. Dr. Dish offers up to $4,000 OFF a brand-new, top-of-the-line shooting and rebounding machine when you trade in your old one—even if it's not a Dr. Dish model.

This is not only the easiest option but also the most cost-effective. Instead of struggling with how to dispose of a bulky and outdated shooting machine, you can turn it into savings on a newer, faster, smarter model that fits today’s basketball training standards.

Bonus: You’ll also save on removal, disposal, or recycling costs—which can be surprisingly high and logistically frustrating with large equipment like a basketball shooting machine.

💡 Pro tip: Check out Dr. Dish’s current trade-in promotions here to see how much your old machine is worth.

2. Donate It to a Local Boys & Girls Club or Community Center

If your old shooting machine still works but just isn’t meeting your advanced training needs, consider giving it a second life in your community. Local gyms, YMCA branches, schools, and youth centers often operate on tight budgets and would be thrilled to receive a donation that benefits young athletes.

Not only is this a generous way to support the next generation, but you may also be eligible for a charitable tax deduction when donating to a registered nonprofit.

3. Sell It on Facebook Marketplace or Buy/Sell Groups

Believe it or not, there’s a strong market for used sports equipment—especially in online communities. Listing your old basketball shooting machine on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, or sports-specific buy/sell groups can help you recover some cash and clear out valuable space.

Tips for a successful sale:

• Include original product specs, photos, and usage condition.
• Mention how the machine has been maintained or serviced.
• Highlight that the model is eligible for trade-in if a buyer wants to upgrade later.

4. Repurpose It for DIY Projects or Spare Parts

For the crafty or mechanically inclined, old shooting machines can be broken down and repurposed for parts. Wheels, nets, motors, and frames can find second lives in home workshops, DIY rebounders, ball carts, or other training setups.

This option is perfect if your machine isn’t functional enough to sell or donate, but still has usable components. Bonus: you’ll keep it out of the landfill.

5. Recycle It Responsibly—But Know the Cost

Large training solutions like the Gun or Dr. Dish aren’t as easy to dispose of as you might think. Their size and mixed materials (metal, electronics, plastic) make recycling complicated and expensive. You’ll likely need to:

• Transport it to a specialty recycling facility
• Pay disposal or electronics handling fees
• Schedule special equipment pick-up

Which is exactly why trading in your old machine (see #1) is often the most practical and affordable option. Recycling should be your last resort when donation or resale isn’t feasible.

Whether you're upgrading your training program, downsizing your space, or just giving your shooting machine a new purpose, you’ve got several great options. From Gun trade-in deals to helping local youth programs, your old shooting machine doesn’t have to gather dust—it can keep giving buckets!