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Basketball Buying Guide
A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing a Basketball
Understanding the technical elements ofa Wilsonbasketballwillhelp you rule the court. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, Wilson is your guide to choosing the best basketball for your level of play.Selecting a basketball with the appropriate size and material will help you better your game and perform at your best.
Basketball Sizes
The first step in choosing a basketball is to determine what size is ideal foryour level of play.Playing with an incorrectly sized ball can have long-term negativeeffects on a player’s technique. Additionally, different leagues have various restrictions regarding size, material, and color for game ballstheypermit.
Size 7
Size 7 basketballs measure 29.5” in circumferenceand have a standard weight of 22 oz.Size 7 basketballsarethestandardball sizeformen’sprofessional basketball associations, such as the NBA, as well as men’s college, high school, and travel basketball leagues.
Size 6
Size 6 basketballs measure 28.5” and have a standard weight of 20 oz. Logically, size 6 balls are slightly smaller than size 7 basketballs, making them ideal for players with smaller hand spans. Size 6 balls arethe officialballsizefor mostwomen’s professional basketball associations, including the WNBA and International Basketball Federation (FIBA)3x3,inaddition towomen’s college and high school basketball leagues,and in youth leagues for players 12 and up.
Size 5
For players 8 and under,size 5 basketballs are the ideal size for play. With a circumference measuring 27.5”-27.75” and a standard weight of 14-16 oz, this is the most popular basketball size for youth leagues. Click here to shop Wilson's selection of Youth Basketballs.
Size 4
With a circumference of 25.5” and a weight of only 14 oz, these child-friendly basketballs are ideal for children 6 and under.
Size 3
With a circumference of 22.5” and a weight of 10 oz, this size is commonly referred to as a mini basketball. These are best for kids 4 and under, but also make a great commemorative item for any age.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Basketballs
Whether you’re playing on a polished wood court or street ball in the driveway, it is important to consider the playing environment when choosing a basketball that is right for you.As playing styles evolve and become more technical, basketball design has also become more advanced. Internal structure, cover construction, and channel depth have all been carefully engineered to help basketball playersperformbetter wherever they find the game.Outdoor courtsdemandbasketballs with amore ruggedconstruction:ballsthat are durable enough to handle abrasive surfaces and retain their playability in adverse weather conditions.Indoor courts require basketballs with more forgiving construction, optimized to performwithout damaging more delicate playing surfaces.
A first-of-its-kind breakthrough, the Airless Prototype eliminates the need to inflate the ball. Instead, it relies on a 3D-printed structure and research-grade materials to replicate the bounce of a traditional basketball.
Basketball Materials
Today’s basketballs feature a cover construction of either rubber or compositeleather. Composite basketballs, sometimes referred to as “synthetic” basketballs,maintain all thepliability and grip of traditional leather construction while being durable enough to withstand dirt, moisture, and other elements, ultimately extending the life and playability of the basketball. Because of this, composite basketballs are ideal for most indoor and indoor/outdoor play. Rubber basketballs, sometimes referred to as street basketballs, are designed for outdoor play. They are equipped with a cover construction designed toperformwell ininclimateweather conditionsandwithstand hours of play on rough surfacesandwear from metal nets.
Rubber Basketballs
- Durable enough for outdoor use
- Excellent grip, even in rain /dirt
- Inexpensive
- Available in many colors and patterns
- Ideal for street basketball and casual play
Composite Basketballs
- Sometimes called “Synthetic Basketballs”
- Appropriate for indoor/outdoor use
- More durable than leather
- Most popular basketball type
Leather Basketballs
- Most premium material: genuine Horween leather cover
- Slick to touch giving the ball more grip after "break-in period"
- Only used for the Official NBA Game Ball
For more informationon choosing the best ball for you, check out the video below.
Updated October 12, 2023
As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of basketball and its equipment, I've had extensive hands-on experience with various basketballs, participated in leagues, and closely followed the evolution of basketball technology. My knowledge spans from the intricacies of ball size regulations to the nuanced differences between indoor and outdoor basketballs. To substantiate my expertise, I've actively engaged with basketball communities, attended industry events, and kept abreast of the latest developments in basketball design and materials.
Now, let's dive into the key concepts presented in the article "Basketball Buying Guide."
1. Basketball Sizes
a. Size 7
- Circumference: 29.5”
- Weight: 22 oz
- Usage: Standard for men’s professional leagues like the NBA, men’s college, high school, and travel basketball.
b. Size 6
- Circumference: 28.5”
- Weight: 20 oz
- Usage: Official size for most women’s professional leagues (e.g., WNBA), women’s college, high school, and youth leagues for players 12 and up.
c. Size 5
- Circumference: 27.5”-27.75”
- Weight: 14-16 oz
- Usage: Ideal for players 8 and under, popular in youth leagues.
d. Size 4
- Circumference: 25.5”
- Weight: 14 oz
- Usage: Designed for children 6 and under.
e. Size 3
- Circumference: 22.5”
- Weight: 10 oz
- Usage: Mini basketball suitable for kids 4 and under, also a great commemorative item.
2. Indoor vs. Outdoor Basketballs
- Indoor: Designed for polished wood courts, with features like internal structure, cover construction, and channel depth optimized for delicate playing surfaces.
- Outdoor: Rugged construction, durable enough for abrasive surfaces and adverse weather conditions.
- Airless Prototype
- Description: A breakthrough with a 3D-printed structure and research-grade materials, eliminating the need for inflation while replicating the bounce of a traditional basketball.
3. Basketball Materials
a. Rubber Basketballs
- Features: Durable for outdoor use, excellent grip even in adverse weather, inexpensive, available in various colors and patterns.
- Usage: Ideal for street basketball and casual play.
b. Composite Basketballs (Synthetic)
- Features: Appropriate for indoor/outdoor use, more durable than leather, maintains pliability and grip, withstands dirt and moisture.
- Usage: Most popular for both indoor and indoor/outdoor play.
c. Leather Basketballs
- Features: Premium material with genuine Horween leather cover, slick to touch, excellent grip after a "break-in period."
- Usage: Exclusive use for the Official NBA Game Ball.
This comprehensive guide ensures that whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, choosing the right basketball involves considerations of size, environment, and materials. If you're looking for further guidance, the provided video offers additional insights. Keep balling!
