We are often asked, "what basketball should I buy for my son or daughter?" First, you need to know that basketball sizes vary by age group, gender, and the level of play or league. There are four standard basketball sizes used in game play; 29.5" circumference, 28.5" circumference, 27.5" circumference, and 25.5" circumference. Below you'll find more information on these four sizes, including the recommended age groups for each.
Use this handy basketball size chart to determine which basketball is best for you or your player(s):
29.5" Basketballs
Men and boys ages 15 years old and older use basketballs that measure 29.5" in circumference and weigh 22 ounces. 29.5" basketballs are also referred to as "official size" or "size 7" basketballs. Men's leagues such as the NBA, college and high school use 29.5" basketballs. For boys, a 29.5" basketball should be used for ages 15+.
28.5" Basketballs
Women, girls ages 12+, and boys ages 12-14 use basketballs that measure 28.5" in circumference and weigh 20 ounces. 28.5" basketballs are also referred to as "intermediate" or "size 6" balls. Women's leagues including the WNBA, college and high school use 28.5" basketballs. Girls in 12+ leagues and middle school boys (ages 12-14) also use 28.5" basketballs.
27.5" Basketballs
It is recommended that boys and girls ages 9 to 11 use basketballs that measure 27.5" in circumference and weigh 17 ounces. 27.5" basketballs are also referred to as "junior" or "size 5" balls. The 27.5" circumference is the most common ball size used in youth basketball leagues.
25.5" Basketballs
Boys and girls ages 5 to 8 are recommended to use basketballs that measure 25.5" in circumference and weigh 14 ounces. 25.5" basketballs are also referred to as "rookie" or "size 4" basketballs.
Why Is Using The Proper Basketball Size Important?
First and foremost, players need to use the correct size basketball to develop proper ball handling and shooting techniques. It is especially important for young players to use the proper size/weight basketball during their development. Bad habits are likely to occur if a young player is using a basketball that is too big or is too heavy. The proper size basketball is necessary to teach proper hand placement for shooting with one hand, as well as for the correct way to pass and dribble.
Secondly, there's a good chance that a young player will lose interest in playing if he or she is not using the right size basketball. If the basketball is too big or too heavy for smaller players to properly grip and shoot, it is likely that they'll find the game less enjoyable.
Using the proper basketball size is a big factor in giving your budding hoops star the best shot at success and fostering their desire to play.
Comparing Indoor & Outdoor Basketballs
The main difference between indoor and outdoor basketballs is in the material of the ball. Indoor basketballs are made of either full grain leather, synthetic leather, or composite leather. Generally, it takes a few uses for a full grain leather indoor basketball to be "broken-in," and thus easier to grip. A leather basketball should not be used outdoors because the concrete surface of an outdoor court causes the leather to roughen and wear, ultimately ruining the ball's grip. Both composite and synthetic leather indoor basketballs do not require a "break-in" period like a full-grain leather ball. However, the overall quality of composite and synthetic leather balls is less than that of regular leather basketballs.
Outdoor basketballs or "street balls" are made of rubber and are durable enough to withstand concrete surfaces without effecting the ball's grip. The grip on a rubber basketball is generally easier to control, making them a good ball to use for beginning players.
Basketball Sizes: A Quick Guide for All Levels of Play
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Basketball sizes vary by age, gender, and level of play. The official size of the basketball used by the NBA is 29. 5 inches in circumference. That’s the same size used throughout men’s college and high school basketball leagues. The WNBA uses a slightly smaller ball, measuring 28.5 inches in circumference.
For international play, specifically FIBA, the basketball used is what’s called a Molten GL7 for men and Molten GL6 for women. These basketballs typically feature two different colors and are slightly bigger, with a 30.7-inch circumference for the men’s ball and a 29-inch circumference for the women’s.
Boys in middle school (or ages 12-14), use a 28.5-inch ball, as do all women and girls ages 12 and up. For anyone, male or female, between the ages of nine and 11, a ball size of 27.5 inches in circumference is recommended and is the most commonly sized ball used in youth basketball leagues.
Boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 8 use a basketball between the sizes of 22 inches and 24.5 inches in circumference, depending on the individual’s hand size, which can be determined by a coach or parent by measuring from the bottom of the individual’s palm to the tip of his or her middle finger.
An NBA basketball must be inflated to a pressure of 7.5 to 8.5 PSI. The WNBA uses the same pressure regulations.
In the NCAA, inflation requirements are given in weight, with the men’s ball having a maximum weight of 22 ounces and the women’s ball having a maximum weight of 20 ounces. In FIBA play, the official rules state that the ball “be inflated to an air pressure such that, when it is dropped onto the playing floor from a height of approximately 1,800 mm measured from the bottom of the ball, it will rebound to a height of between 1,200 mm and 1,400 mm, measured to the top of the ball.”
What is the Diameter of a Basketball?
A standard NBA basketball has a diameter between 9.43 and 9.51 inches. In the WNBA, the basketball has a diameter of between 9.07 and 9.23 inches. Basketballs used in the NCAA are between 9.39 and 9.55 inches for the men and 9.07 and 9.23 inches for the women.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Basketballs (a.k.a. “Street” Basketballs)
Basketballs used for indoor and outdoor play differ in their material. Indoor basketballs are made of full-grain leather; basketballs meant for outdoor use are made of rubber.
Though basketballs made for indoor use may initially feel smooth to the touch, after a few uses they becomes somewhat broken in and easier to grip, much like a baseball mitt. Leather basketballs should not be used outside, because the concrete surface of an outdoor basketball court causes the leather to roughen and wear, which eventually ruins the ball’s grip.
Some indoor basketballs are made of composite or synthetic leather. The upside is that they don’t need to be broken in like a regular leather ball. But generally speaking the quality is not as good.
Outdoor, or “street” balls, employ a rubber surface because it can absorb the rougher surface of a concrete court without sacrificing the ball’s grip. A rubber ball is also a good choice for beginners because it is the easiest ball to control.
Best Selling Basketball Brands
The three best selling basketball brands are Spalding, Nike and Wilson. As the official ball of the NBA, Spalding is perhaps the most recognized basketball manufacturer. Nike and Wilson are also popular thanks to the variety of textures, technologies and color schemes they offer.
A typical official-size men’s basketball retails on average between $30 and $60. Both the NBA and WNBA use Spalding basketballs, while the NCAA and most youth leagues use Wilson. As mentioned previously, FIBA and international leagues use Molten as its basketball provider.
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Basketball sizes vary by age, gender, and level of play. The official size of the basketball used by the NBA is 29.5 inches in circumference. That’s the same size used throughout men’s college and high school basketball leagues. The WNBA uses a slightly smaller ball, measuring 28.5 inches in circumference.
For international play, specifically FIBA, the basketball used is what’s called a Molten GL7 for men and Molten GL6 for women. These basketballs typically feature two different colors and are slightly bigger, with a 30.7-inch circumference for the men’s ball and a 29-inch circumference for the women’s.
Boys in middle school (or ages 12-14), use a 28.5-inch ball, as do all women and girls ages 12 and up. For anyone, male or female, between the ages of nine and 11, a ball size of 27.5 inches in circumference is recommended and is the most commonly sized ball used in youth basketball leagues.
Boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 8 use a basketball between the sizes of 22 inches and 24.5 inches in circumference, depending on the individual’s hand size, which can be determined by a coach or parent by measuring from the bottom of the individual’s palm to the tip of his or her middle finger.
An NBA basketball must be inflated to a pressure of 7.5 to 8.5 PSI. The WNBA uses the same pressure regulations.
In the NCAA, inflation requirements are given in weight, with the men’s ball having a maximum weight of 22 ounces and the women’s ball having a maximum weight of 20 ounces. In FIBA play, the official rules state that the ball “be inflated to an air pressure such that, when it is dropped onto the playing floor from a height of approximately 1,800 mm measured from the bottom of the ball, it will rebound to a height of between 1,200 mm and 1,400 mm, measured to the top of the ball.”
What is the Diameter of a Basketball?
A standard NBA basketball has a diameter between 9.43 and 9.51 inches. In the WNBA, the basketball has a diameter of between 9.07 and 9.23 inches. Basketballs used in the NCAA are between 9.39 and 9.55 inches for the men and 9.07 and 9.23 inches for the women.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Basketballs (a.k.a. “Street” Basketballs)
Basketballs used for indoor and outdoor play differ in their material. Indoor basketballs are made of full-grain leather; basketballs meant for outdoor use are made of rubber.
Though basketballs made for indoor use may initially feel smooth to the touch, after a few uses they becomes somewhat broken in and easier to grip, much like a baseball mitt. Leather basketballs should not be used outside, because the concrete surface of an outdoor basketball court causes the leather to roughen and wear, which eventually ruins the ball’s grip.
Some indoor basketballs are made of composite or synthetic leather. The upside is that they don’t need to be broken in like a regular leather ball. But generally speaking the quality is not as good.
Outdoor, or “street” balls, employ a rubber surface because it can absorb the rougher surface of a concrete court without sacrificing the ball’s grip. A rubber ball is also a good choice for beginners because it is the easiest ball to control.
Best Selling Basketball Brands
The three best selling basketball brands are Spalding, Nike and Wilson. As the official ball of the NBA, Spalding is perhaps the most recognized basketball manufacturer. Nike and Wilson are also popular thanks to the variety of textures, technologies and color schemes they offer.
A typical official-size men’s basketball retails on average between $30 and $60. Both the NBA and WNBA use Spalding basketballs, while the NCAA and most youth leagues use Wilson. As mentioned previously, FIBA and international leagues use Molten as its basketball provider.
READ MORE:
Basketball Court Dimensions and Hoop Height: A Quick Guide
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Basketball size varies by league, governing body, and gender and age of students. Basketballs differ from each other in weight, pressure, circumference and material of manufacture. According to the official rules of the game, the game projectile must have a spherical shape, be made in orange and have 8 black inserts and seams.
The official size of a basketball is numbered 7, it has the following characteristics: weight (mass) is - 567-650 grams, circumference - 749-780 cm, atmospheric pressure - 0.56 - 0.63 kg / cm 2 . This is the largest ball, and now look at the rest in the table:
Size
Circumference (cm)
Weight (grams)
Pressure (kg/cm 2)
Where applicable
7
749-780
567-650
0.56 - 0.63
Professional Men's Basketball, Boys 14+
6
724-737
510-567
0. 56 - 0.63
Women's professional basketball, girls 12+, boys 12-13
5
690-710
470-500
0.56 - 0.63
Boys and girls 10-11 years old
3
560-580
300-330
0.56 - 0.63
Boys and girls 4-9 years
Pass the Basketball Test
Basketballs are made from natural leather or synthetic leather - the pressure is the same for all sizes. It is worth remembering that a correctly inflated ball of the correct size is important to ensure quality training and skill development for players of different ages.
For games held under the auspices of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the ball is inflated to air pressure so that when it falls onto the court from a height of 1.8 meters, it should bounce to a height of 1.2-1.4 meters (measured by the top of the game ball).
Indoor and outdoor basketballs
There are no differences between the versions of the game in terms of size, but there are other nuances regarding manufacturing. Indoor balls are made of genuine leather, and outdoor balls are made of rubber.
Leather basketballs intended for indoor use should not be used outdoors. Concrete or asphalt surfaces cause the leather to become rough and wear out quickly, eventually resulting in poor hand-ball contact. Also, some balls for playing inside are made of composite or synthetic leather, but their quality leaves much to be desired.
For outdoor play, manufacturers make balls with a rubber surface, as it is able to interact better with rough field surfaces. Rubber basketball will be a good choice for beginner players as it is much easier to control and develop skills.
Best Selling Basketball Brands
Basketball is very popular all over the world, which means that ball manufacturers do not have to sit idle, because they need to compete, create a quality product and, accordingly, make a profit. Here are the 3 best selling basketball brands in the world.
Spalding (USA)
Wilson (USA)
Molten (Japan)
Spalding makes balls for the most popular league in the world, the NBA. Wilson is in demand with the NCAA and most of the youth leagues in the United States of America. But Molten is the main supplier of game equipment for FIBA tournaments, European championships and even the Olympic Games.
Note that on average for men, a standard size 7 basketball sells for $30-60.
Basketballs have changed a lot since the beginning of the game in the late 19th century. Today, technology has made it possible to make very high-quality and even smart balls. This was not always the case, because decades have passed and the balls have undergone many changes and improvements, although at the very beginning, James Naismith, the founder and father of basketball, used a soccer ball to play, which his students threw into peach baskets.
A new wave of basketball ball design, sweat throughout the appearance, will stand out flawless technology. This applies to the panels of the game projectile - now there are 8 of them, and the new composite structures have only two. New modern balls are constantly advertised by manufacturers. There are those that can control humidity, have more pimples - dots, and are even able to track the entire process of the game and in live mode and send information (strength of throw, rotation, impact) to Android or iPhone. Such a ball is 94FiFty.
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How to choose a basketball - Internet portal Sportmaster Media
2 minutes.
There are only two criteria to consider.
Basketball
This is a material about the choice of a basketball. We also have a text about the best basketball players in history - read it to know who you should look up to.
Just starting to play basketball and don't know how to find the right ball? You are at the right place, now we will tell you everything. With the help of this guide, you will learn how to correctly select a game projectile based on just two basic criteria.
Pretty obvious, right? Basketballs come in different sizes, usually the game shell is selected according to the age and height of the basketball player. Base balls are divided into three categories:
Size 7
Full size ball used in the National Basketball Association (NBA) tournament. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) recommends such playing equipment for training and matches of athletes over 15 years old. The circumference of the ball is 749-780 millimeters, it weighs 567-650 grams.
Size 7 Basketballs
$51.99
wilson | Basketball ball Wilson NBA Forge Plus
Buy
1,199 ₽
Demix | Basketball ball Demix DSB Streetball
Buy
Demix | Basketball ball Demix Skywalk
Buy
3 499 ₽
Demix | Basketball ball Demix DB4000 Composite
Buy
1 399 ₽
Demix | Basketball ball Demix Triple Double 7
Buy
2 399 ₽
Demix | Basketball ball Demix Fast Break
Buy
Final price
Demix | Basketball ball Demix Buzzer 7
Buy
2 999 ₽
Demix | Basketball ball Demix DB3000 Microfiber
Buy
5 199 ₽
wilson | Basketball ball Wilson Ncaa Highlight 295 BSKT
Buy
wilson | Basketball ball Wilson Nba Team City Collector Bos Celti
Buy
wilson | Basketball ball Wilson Nba Team City Collector LA Lakers
Buy
6 299 ₽
Molten | Basketball ball Molten FIBA BG3800
Buy
Size 6
This size is most commonly used by girls over 12 and boys 12-14. For example, such a ball is played in the championship of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), they are also driven in women's tournaments among senior schoolgirls and university students. Circumference - 724-737 millimeters, weight - 510-567 grams.
Size 6 basketballs
$19.99
Demix | Basketball ball Demix 3x3
Buy
3 499 ₽
Demix | Basketball ball Demix DB4000 Composite
Buy
6 299 ₽
Molten | Basketball ball Molten FIBA BG3800
Buy
11 699 ₽
Molten | Basketball Molten FIBA BG4500
Buy
6 899 ₽
Molten | Molten FIBA BG4000 basketball ball
Buy
5 999 ₽
Molten | Molten BG3200 basketball ball
Buy
Size 5
Very young basketball players — boys and girls 9-11 years old — play with this ball. This is a standard basketball for children with a circumference of 690-710 millimeters and a weight of 470-500 grams.
Size 5 basketballs
1399 ₽
Demix | Basketball ball Demix Triple Double 5
Buy
Final price
Demix | Basketball ball Demix Buzzer 5
Buy
6 899 ₽
Molten | Molten basketball ball
Buy
Demix | Basketball ball Demix BR805
Buy
5 999 ₽
Molten | Molten BG3200 basketball ball
Buy
The choice of ball depends on the coverage of a particular court. Outdoor basketball courts are usually rough enough to withstand harsh weather conditions, so it's a good idea to come to them with only the most durable game equipment. Soft balls on such surfaces are likely to deform.
Leather basketballs are used in professional leagues and are made from genuine leather. This is the most comfortable material for playing, the longer you use such a ball, the softer and more pleasant it feels.
Leather basketballs should only be used indoors.
Second type - synthetic leather . This is a high-tech material that imitates natural leather in all respects. In the manufacture of such products, very thin fiber and high-quality polyurethane are used - the game projectile will be resistant to deformation, it can be driven both indoors and outdoors.
There are also balls made of composite leather . Skin fibers and trimmings are combined by various methods, resulting in a soft and elastic ball. This is a sensitive material, so it is better not to take such game equipment outside the halls.
It is especially important for young players to use the proper size/weight basketball during their development. Bad habits are likely to occur if a young player is using a basketball that is too big or is too heavy. The proper size basketball is necessary to teach proper hand placement for shooting with one hand, as well as for the correct way to pass and dribble.
Generally, it takes a few uses for a full grain leather indoor basketball to be "broken-in," and thus easier to grip. A leather basketball should not be used outdoors because the concrete surface of an outdoor court causes the leather to roughen and wear, ultimately ruining the ball's grip. Both composite and synthetic leather indoor basketballs do not require a "break-in" period like a full-grain leather ball. However, the overall quality of composite and synthetic leather balls is less than that of regular leather basketballs. 
5 inches in circumference. That’s the same size used throughout men’s college and high school basketball leagues. The WNBA uses a slightly smaller ball, measuring 28.5 inches in circumference.
Outdoor Basketballs (a.k.a. “Street” Basketballs)
A rubber ball is also a good choice for beginners because it is the easiest ball to control.
The official size of the basketball used by the NBA is 29.5 inches in circumference. That’s the same size used throughout men’s college and high school basketball leagues. The WNBA uses a slightly smaller ball, measuring 28.5 inches in circumference.
Outdoor Basketballs (a.k.a. “Street” Basketballs)
A rubber ball is also a good choice for beginners because it is the easiest ball to control.
Basketballs differ from each other in weight, pressure, circumference and material of manufacture. According to the official rules of the game, the game projectile must have a spherical shape, be made in orange and have 8 black inserts and seams. 
56 - 0.63 
Indoor balls are made of genuine leather, and outdoor balls are made of rubber. 
Wilson is in demand with the NCAA and most of the youth leagues in the United States of America. But Molten is the main supplier of game equipment for FIBA tournaments, European championships and even the Olympic Games. 
New modern balls are constantly advertised by manufacturers. There are those that can control humidity, have more pimples - dots, and are even able to track the entire process of the game and in live mode and send information (strength of throw, rotation, impact) to Android or iPhone. Such a ball is 94FiFty. 
We also have a text about the best basketball players in history - read it to know who you should look up to. 
For example, such a ball is played in the championship of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), they are also driven in women's tournaments among senior schoolgirls and university students. Circumference - 724-737 millimeters, weight - 510-567 grams. 
This is a standard basketball for children with a circumference of 690-710 millimeters and a weight of 470-500 grams. 
Soft balls on such surfaces are likely to deform. 
