Be a basketball champ with the right basketball balls
On paper, the game of basketball might seem like a simple one – you just need to get the ball inside the hoop; but those who play the game with passion will tell you that it is so much more. The game is about speed, agility, teamwork, strategy and of course the quality of the court, the ball and your shoes too. If one thing is out of place, so is the entire game and that is why, having the best quality basketball balls at hand is so crucial.
Did you know that basketball was invented by a college instructor in a Springfield college? He wanted a sport that allowed multiple people to play at once, include an immense amount of physical activity and could be played indoors or outdoors with the same amount of ease! Two hoops were placed on the opposite side of the ground at a height of 10 feet and the idea was for each team to put the ball into the opposite team’s hoop. Because the ball had to be bounced across the floor, the quality of the ball became essential and hence was both the game of basketball and the need for good quality basketball balls!When you decide to come to SportsBunker, you can be sure that your search for anything sports related will end here – not only do we offer you the largest range of sporting goods and accessories, we also aim to provide you with all the information that you might need to make the right choices.
Picking the right basketball makes all the difference
If you were to look at it; in order to play a game of basketball, you don’t need much – you need a court, 2 hoops, and mainly a good quality basketball. And as long as you have an even number of people, you can actually create two teams and play! Unless you have a ball that is good enough to play with, there is not much that you will be able to do. Almost all the balls will come with an inflatable rubber bladder that will sit inside layers of fiber. And on the outside, you will have a surface that is made with either rubber or leather or even a composite synthetic material.
Based on the material that is used, the size that is being picked, your game will change, which is why it is important that you pay attention to the various factors associated with a ball. Whether you are buying a Spalding basketball or a Cosco, these are pointers that need to be kept front and centre!
First considerations in buying your basketball ball
The very first thing that you need to consider is your own age or the age of the players for whom you are buying the ball. Given that there are several sizes of balls to pick from, keeping the age factor in mind becomes essential.
Now, the basketball balls fall in 3 main categories:
- The full-size ball is used by the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation recommends the usage of this ball for players over the age of 15. This is also known as a size 7 ball.
- Known as the size 6 ball, this one is most commonly used as the official ball of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and can be used by boys in the age group of 12 to 14.
- The size 5 ball is considered the standard youth ball – it is used by children in the age group of 9 to 11 years.
At SportsBunker, you will be able to choose from a variety of size options too – whether you are looking for a Cosco basketball or a Spalding, you will get them here.
The most common basketball ball sizes
Size 7
- Has a circumference of 29.5” and a weight of around 620 grams
- Official size basketball for high schools, colleges and professionals
- One of the most common sizes
Size 6
- Has a circumference of 28.5” and a weight of little over 550 grams
- Used for boys in the age group of 12 to 14
- Official size for women’s professional leagues
Size 5
- Has a circumference of 27.5” and a weight of under 500 grams
- Standard size for children in the age group of 9 to 11
- Suitable to develop correct form as well as technique
Size 4
- Has a circumference of 25.5” and a weight of less than 400 grams
- Suitable for children in the age group of 5 to 8
- Easiest to handle and small, allowing for children to enjoy the game
The material makes a difference – which material is best for your game
Basketball balls are generally made of 3 types of materials – leather, synthetic or rubber; the first generally being the most expensive variant and the last being the most cost effective one.
- Leather – Made with genuine leather, these balls are most commonly used only in professional leagues and are normally considered the most comfortable material. With usage, the balls will become even softer, which is why they are most commonly used only in indoor courts.
- Synthetic – These are made with composite leather and are produced synthetically, which means that they are stronger than leather versions. Not only do these balls not need any breaking in, they are also usable indoors and outdoors.
- Rubber – These are the most affordable and the most durable too. Best suited for beginners and for outdoor play, these balls can offer an enhanced grip, even when playing in the rain or on dirt. If you are looking for a ball that you can use anywhere and comes in several colours and patterns, then a rubber ball would be a good option.
Where will you play?
Where are you planning to play will also influence your choice of balls – will you be needing an outdoor basketball or an indoor one? When the surface of the court changes, it will need a change of the ball too. Outdoor courts will normally have a slightly abrasive surface, which means that if you play with the wrong ball, it could lead to the ball tearing easily.
- Indoors – If you are planning to play indoors, then you will need a ball that has a slightly ‘forgiving’ structure, because in an indoor court, the surface of the court might be more delicate. You can use an all-leather basketball, which is what is most commonly used in schools and colleges.
- Outdoors – Because outdoor courts are a lot more rugged, the balls also have to match them, which means that you need balls that are stronger and more durable. A leather ball will not work for outdoor surfaces, but you can look at synthetic, composite leather or even rubber balls.
In case you are someone who plays both on indoors and outdoor courts, then you might want to invest in 2 separate balls.
FAQ
- What is the best ball for basketball?
There are several recognised and reputed brands when it comes to basketball balls – Spalding, Cosco and Nivia basketballs are all good quality options and on offer at SportsBunker.
- How much is the cost of a basketball ball?
The cost of a ball depends on the brand, size and material with which it is made. At SportsBunker you can find basketball balls to fit all budgets.
- Is a rubber basketball good?
If you are a beginner or intend to play on outside courts, then a rubber basketball ball would be a good option, as these are more durable.
- Is it bad to use an indoor basketball outside?
In general, leather basketballs are used on indoor courts and these are said to be slightly delicate. If you use them on outdoor courts, there is a strong chance that they will tear or get damaged.
- How firm should a basketball be?
The firmness of a basketball ball will decide how much it will bounce – too hard it will bounce above your elbow and too soft means it will not bounce at all. This is why an average firmness is the best option.
- How do I properly inflate a basketball?
You can use a ball or a tyre pump with the needle attachment to inflate the ball. Remember to check the PSI mentioned on the ball.
- What is a basketball color?
Although the most traditional basketball ball colour is orange, you can find other colours too. At SportsBunker, you can explore a range of colour and design options.
- What is basketball diameter?
The diameter of a ball will depend on the size. The diameter can vary from 29.5” in the full size ball to 25.5” in a smaller size ball.
- How heavy is NBA basketball?
The official NBA ball tends to weigh 22 oz or around 620 grams.
- How do you store a basketball?