The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Basketball
At this point, we are a multiple-basketball size and use household. I need the larger size to practice in the driveway to prepare for my old man noon ball games and my 10-year-old son needs a size down for his practice. Then layer in that I am coaching a 5th-grade indoor basketball team (I had to buy a high-end Wilson Evolution to use as a game ball in our league) and we have indoor and outdoor balls in multiple sizes laying around the house. I am going to give you my best tips on how to choose a basketball for your specific purpose so you don’t have to store 7 different balls like we are right now.
Understanding Different Types of Basketballs
First, let’s delve into the various types of basketballs available. They come in different forms designed for specific use cases, including indoor, outdoor, indoor/outdoor, and specialty basketballs.
Indoor Basketballs – Indoor basketballs are typically made of full-grain leather. They offer an excellent grip, but they’re also more susceptible to wear and tear when used outdoors. These basketballs are ideal if you’re mostly playing indoors, on hardwood courts for instance.
Outdoor Basketballs – These are made with tougher materials such as rubber or durable synthetics. They are designed to withstand the rough surfaces of outdoor courts, concrete, or asphalt. If you often play street or backyard games, these basketballs might be a better fit for you.
Indoor/Outdoor Basketballs – As you might have guessed, these basketballs are versatile enough to be used in both settings. They’re typically made from composite leather, providing a balance between durability and good grip.
Specialty Basketballs – These include junior basketballs, mini basketballs, and training basketballs. They are generally used for specific training purposes or for younger players starting to learn the game.
What Size Basketball Should I Get
Basketballs come in various sizes. For adults, the standard size is 7. Women and youth players often use size 6, while younger players (usually below 9 years) use size 5 or smaller. Selecting the right size is important to ensure your kids have the right ball for their level of basketball. We have another detailed post about basketball sizes with detailed charts.
Here’s a general guideline so you can choose the best basketball size for your needs:
| Age Group | Size |
|---|---|
| 13 and up (men) | Size 7 |
| 12 and up (women), Boys aged 9-12 | Size 6 |
| Under 9 (both genders) | Size 5 |
Material Matters: Leather, Composite Leather, and Rubber
Basketballs are usually made from one of three materials: leather, composite leather, and rubber. Each comes with its own set of pros and cons.
Leather basketballs offer an excellent grip and feel, which makes them a popular choice for professional and indoor games. However, they can be pricey and need a break-in period before they reach their optimal performance.
Composite leather basketballs are versatile, offering good durability and grip. They can be used both indoors and outdoors and do not require a break-in period. They are more affordable than leather basketballs, making them a popular choice among a wide range of players. Pro tip: If you buy a nice indoor\outdoor composite basketball you won’t want to use it outside if you have a cement playing area. The scuffs start showing quickly and it upsets you enough you will stop using it. I bought a nice Baden Contender and it is exactly what happened to me.
Rubber basketballs are the most durable and cheapest option. They’re a good choice for beginners, children, or for outdoor play. However, they might not provide the same feel or grip as the other materials. I have bought several balls from 5 Below and we still use (Spalding) one and the other lasted about one week (Baden). Still, for 5 bucks a ball, I am ok with it.
Importance of the Right Basketball Weight
Just like the size, the right weight of a basketball also matters. A standard men’s basketball (size 7) weighs about 22 ounces, while a women’s basketball (size 6) weighs about 20 ounces. A heavier or lighter ball can affect your shooting and dribbling skills, and in some cases, might lead to injuries.
| Basketball Size | Weight (ounces) |
|---|---|
| 5 | 17-18 |
| 6 | 20 |
| 7 | 22 |
Understanding Brands and Price Range
There are several reputable brands to consider when buying a basketball. They include Baden, Spalding, Wilson, Molten, Nike, and Under Armour, among others.
- Baden
- Spalding
- Wilson
- Molten
- Nike
- Under Armour
Each brand offers a variety of basketballs at different price points. You will need to find a balance between cost, durability, and performance. I have found that each manufacturer has balls spanning price points and quality. As I said earlier, our Baden outdoor ball was 5 bucks at 5 Below, but Baden has high end balls going for as much as 75 dollars.
Key Features to Consider
Some other features to consider when choosing your basketball are:
- Grip and texture
- Bounce consistency
- Inflation
- Air retention
A good grip can improve your handling and shooting, while consistent bounce can enhance your overall control of the ball. Additionally, you’ll want a ball that maintains its inflation and bounces well over time. That Spalding that is pictured above now has absolutely no grip. You can’t see the lines or the writing. We finally bought a new Champro Super Grip 300 at Play It Again Sports for about 20 bucks and it is really nice to have grip back.
By the way, my son and I thought it was too small. As I was posting this picture I saw that it is a 27″ junior ball. Ugh! May I refer you back to getting the size right?
Making the Purchase
You can buy basketballs from all kinds f brick and mortar stores (I mentioned 5 Below and Play It Again Sports (used and new gear)), Dick’s, Target, Walmart, or online from the usual suspects. In person, will allow you to check for any defects and try it out before making the purchase. Just use the following checklist
- Determine the size based on who the basketball is for (gender, age, and the league they are playing in)?
- Will it be used indoors, outdoors, or both?
- Is it a practice ball or a game ball?
The answer to these 3 questions should filter your list and then you can decide how much or little you want to spend to make your final decision.
Conclusion
And there you have it! The ultimate guide to choosing your perfect basketball. Remember, the right basketball for you will depend on your personal needs and preferences. So take your time to go through these points before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard size of a basketball for adults?
For adult males, the standard basketball size is 7, and for adult females, it’s size 6.
What are indoor/outdoor basketballs made from?
Indoor/outdoor basketballs are typically made from composite leather, which provides a balance between durability and grip, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor courts.
How much does a standard men’s basketball weigh?
A standard men’s basketball (size 7) weighs about 22 ounces.
What brands make the best basketballs?
Several reputable brands offer quality basketballs, including Baden, Spalding, Wilson, Molten, Nike, and Under Armour. The ‘best’ brand often depends on individual preference, use case, and budget.
Where can I buy a basketball?
You can purchase basketballs from sporting goods stores, both physical and online. When buying, ensure to check for any defects and make sure the basketball suits your preferences.
Troy Wallace
Troy Wallace is Certified Basketball Speed Specialist and shares his experiences in trying to stay as healthy as possible to stay on the court. He is active in coaching youth basketball in YMCA, Team Work Sports Nebraska, and, currently, in the Jr. Warriors program in Omaha, NE. Visit Troy's Full Author Bio Page or email him directly.
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