Basketball Sizes: A Quick Guide for All Levels of Play
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NBA and College Basketball Sizes
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.
Youth Basketball Sizes
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 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.
Basketball Inflation and Pressure Regulations
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 men and 9.07 and 9.23 inches for 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 become 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 their basketball provider.
READ MORE:
Basketball Court Dimensions and Hoop Height: A Quick Guide
Helpful Stretches for Basketball Players
AAU Basketball, Explained
How to Build a Basketball Body
Share This Story!
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NBA and College Basketball Sizes
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.
Youth Basketball Sizes
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 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.
Basketball Inflation and Pressure Regulations
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 men and 9.07 and 9.23 inches for 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 become 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 their basketball provider.
READ MORE:
Basketball Court Dimensions and Hoop Height: A Quick Guide
Helpful Stretches for Basketball Players
AAU Basketball, Explained
How to Build a Basketball Body
Share This Story!
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What Size is an NBA Basketball?
Have you ever wondered what size is an NBA basketball? Sometimes our curiosity leads us to some questions that turn out to be quite significant. We think this may be one of them. Have you ever picked up a basketball and notice that the size or weight is different from what you are accustomed to?
Inevitably this would lead you to ask why this ball is different from the ones I’ve been using. That then would cause you to think about the different basketballs in terms of their sizes and weights. The size of a basketball is quite crucial as it relates to who is using the ball and when (in what league) they are using the ball.
Today, we will be providing you with all the information you need to know about basketballs, their sizes, weights, and uses.
Is there a Standard Size Requirement for an NBA Basketball to Have?
The NBA is one of the most organized leagues in any sports in the world. The NBA is the highest level of basketball competition available to be viewed and played. Surely, at this level of competition, nothing gets done by chance.
Surely there is a standard when it comes on to one of the most important equipment used by this league. So, to answer your question, yes, there is a standard size for basketballs being used in the NBA. Just like you, if a professional basketball player that has been using basketballs for almost all their lives, picks up a ball that is different from a game ball, they will notice the difference in its features.
A basketball with a different size could cause a professional player to adjust how they use it to get the same results. It is imperative that there is a standard requirement for basketballs being used in the NBA. The NBA uses a basketball that is 29.5 inches in circumference. This basketball is known as a size 7.
What Should be the Weight of an NBA Basketball?
The weight of a basketball can severely change its trajectory when it is passed or shot. If you take shots with three basketballs that are of different weights, yes, there are basketballs with different weights, you will notice that your shot will not go to the same place without you making adjustments to compensate for the weight difference.
Similarly to taking shots, when attempting to make passes over certain distances with balls of different weights, changes will be required to get the pass on target all the time. Some players find it easier to shoot heavier basketballs because it’s easier to aim these basketballs. They also maintain their trajectory longer than those that are lighter.
On the other hand, you may have some players that prefer lighter basketballs because they are easier to control when dribbling. The NBA has a standard when it comes to the weight of basketball. This way, no player has a competitive advantage or disadvantage if they put in the work on the training ground. The NBA uses a fairly precise pressure regulation. NBA basketballs must be inflated at 7.5 to 8.5 PSI.
Do College and High School Leagues Use the Same Size of a Basketball? How About the WNBA’s Basketball?
At the Collegiate and High School level, the basketball size is size 7. This is the same as the NBA. This basketball measures 29.5 inches in circumference. This size basketball being the standard for the high school, college, and NBA league, allow players to get accustomed to the ball at an early stage without having to make adjustments as they progress through the Leagues.
Most basketball leagues around the world use the same standard size 7 basketball so, if you go to your gym or local ballpark, the basketball you will be using to play pick-up games is likely the same size as the one used in the NBA.
The WNBA is a bit different. Generally, women tend to have smaller hands than men. A basketball that is appropriately proportioned to the size of your hand is typically easier to manipulate. With that said, this is one reason why the WNBA uses a slightly smaller basketball than the men’s league.
The WNBA basketball size is a size 6. A size 6 basketball measure is 28.5 inches in circumference. If men use this basketball, they will notice the difference even though it is quite small. A difference in basketball’s size will affect how the basketball is held, which affects everything you do with the ball after you hold it.
Because the ball is smaller, women with smaller hands than men can be more efficient in games.
How Important It is to Have a Proper Basketball Size?
The size of the basketball that is being used by an individual is extremely important. The weight is equally important as well. The basketball is controlled by a person’s hand throughout games, so a basketball should be in proportion to the average hand size of the group it is being manufactured for.
Smaller basketballs are typically harder to control when shooting if larger players use them. You may be wondering how this is true if your hand would cover more of the basketball’s surface when the ball is smaller. Let’s reason it out for a minute.
If your hand covers more of the ball’s surface, it does not make it easier for you to take a shot with that ball, because the mechanics involved when taking a shot do not require the use of your entire hand.
To shoot the ball efficiently, your fingers must be strategically placed at specific areas on the basketball. For this to happen, there needs to be sufficient space on the ball for you to set your fingers. Ask yourself this question. Why are smaller players typically better shooters than bigger players? The answer is simple. Smaller players generally have smaller hands than bigger players. Because bigger players have bigger hands, they have it harder to control the basketball.
On the other hand, smaller players have more space on the ball to place their fingers accurately when taking shots. We are not saying that bigger players can’t shoot the ball accurately. You do have big players that are great shooters.
However, this is much harder for them to accomplish. It takes a lot more time and effort than it would for smaller players to become great shooters. On the flip side, if the basketball is too big for the player, then it is equally difficult for them to control. Imagine taking your child to the park and giving them a size 7 basketball to use.
It will be visibly evident that the child struggles to dribble, shoot, and pass the basketball because of its size and weight. Using a basketball that is too big will definitely affect how a player performs on the basketball court. We hope that explanation helped you to understand why it is important for players to have the correct basketball to play with.
Recommended Basketball Size by Age
You do have some players that are blessed to grow more than the average size players, but for the most part, players within a particular age group generally have similar body sizes. Because of this, basketball can be manufactured at standard sizes for age groups. Let’s take a look at the different age groups and the basketball sizes recommended for each age group.
We will start with the young kids, the b-ball babies. Both boys and girls below 8yrs should use basketballs that are roughly around 24 inches in circumference. You do have some kids that are a little smaller so 22 inches can be given it to them. You can determine your child’s hand size by counting their hand from the bottom of the palm to the tip of your middle fingers.
For the boys and girls that are a little older between the ages of 9 and 11, their basketball should be around 27.5 inches in circumference. This basketball is a size 5 basketball. Size 5 basketballs are commonly used in youth basketball tournaments around the world.
You do have some parents that want their children to use the size 7 basketball, which is the standard NBA basketball, at a young age because they want them to get accustomed to the feel of the ball quicker. They also believe that this will make their children stronger. Some coaches share this belief, but not all.
The counter-argument to this belief is that a child using a basketball that is too large at such an early age may impede their development. Because the larger basketball is unwieldy for the child, the child may take longer to develop the basic skills of the game, such as passing, dribbling, and shooting.
Boys in middle school take a step closer to the big leagues. If your boy is between the ages of 12-14 it is recommended that they use a basketball that is 28.5 in. This is a size 6 basketball. This basketball is used by all women and girls that are 12yrs and older. At the ages of 12 to 14, the boy is now stronger and more capable of handling a larger ball, but may not be suited for the size 7 basketball.
When the boy begins high school, they will graduate to the size 7 basketball. This is the size of the basketball that will be used throughout high school and college basketball games. This is the standard size for basketballs that are used around the world in most basketball leagues. The size 7 is the adult size basketball. The WNBA uses the same size 6 basketball recommended for all girls 12yrs and over.
Wrapping Things Up: Size of an NBA Basketball
The NBA has a standard official size basketball that they use. This extremely popular league around the world would not leave it up to chance when it comes on to the balls being used at its games. Everything needs to be uniformed, including the equipment.
The official size of an NBA basketball is the size 7 basketball that is used by boys from the high school league through to the collegiate level. Until next time ballers, make sure you are balling with the right ball.
If you found this post helpful, you’re definitely going to like our other basketball FAQ articles here.
More interesting basketball FAQ posts here:
> How High is an NBA Basketball Hoop?
> How Much Air Pressure Should a Basketball Have?
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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
A full-size ball that is 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 of age. The circumference of the ball is 749-780 millimeters, it weighs 567-650 grams.
Size 7 Basketballs
New Collection
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Puma | Basketball ball PUMA Basketball Top Leather
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New collection
2 449 RUB
3 499 RUB
Demix | Basketball ball Demix DB4000 Composite
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1,199 ₽
Demix | Basketball ball Demix DSB Streetball
Buy
Demix | Basketball ball Demix Skywalk
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1 399 ₽
Demix | Basketball ball Demix Triple Double 7
Buy
2 399 ₽
Demix | Basketball ball Demix Fast Break
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Final price
Demix | Basketball ball Demix Buzzer 7
Buy
2 999 ₽
Demix | Basketball ball Demix DB3000 Microfiber
Buy
6 299 ₽
Molten | Basketball ball Molten FIBA BG3800
Buy
15 199 ₽
Molten | Basketball Molten FIBA BG5000
Buy
5 999 ₽
Molten | Molten BG3200 basketball ball
Buy
$1,819
$2,599
Demix | Basketball ball Demix BCL1000 Microfiber
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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.
Basketballs size 6
-30%
New collection Demix | Basketball ball Demix DB4000 Composite
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6 299 ₽
Molten | Basketball ball Molten FIBA BG3800
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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 now
Size 5
Very young basketball players — boys and girls 9-11 years old — play 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
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Demix | Basketball ball Demix Buzzer 5
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Demix | Basketball ball Demix BR805
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5 999 ₽
Molten | Molten BG3200 basketball ball
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The choice of ball depends on the surface 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.
The simplest type is balls made of rubber . They are usually the most accessible and are intended for use by beginners. They feel worse than others, but they will last longer - these can be safely used on boxes even with concrete coating.
To score 3-pointers in every game, you need quality equipment that will make you feel comfortable on the court. Look for clothes, shoes and accessories for basketball in a special section on the Sportmaster website.
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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 is 749-780 cm, atmospheric pressure is 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 brands of basketballs
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 world's most popular league, 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.
”
As mentioned previously, FIBA and international leagues use Molten as their basketball provider.
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.
5 PSI. The WNBA uses the same pressure regulations.
Indoor basketballs are made of full-grain leather; basketballs meant for outdoor use are made of rubber.
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.
We think this may be one of them. Have you ever picked up a basketball and notice that the size or weight is different from what you are accustomed to?
So, to answer your question, yes, there is a standard size for basketballs being used in the NBA. Just like you, if a professional basketball player that has been using basketballs for almost all their lives, picks up a ball that is different from a game ball, they will notice the difference in its features. 
This basketball measures 29.5 inches in circumference. This size basketball being the standard for the high school, college, and NBA league, allow players to get accustomed to the ball at an early stage without having to make adjustments as they progress through the Leagues.
A difference in basketball’s size will affect how the basketball is held, which affects everything you do with the ball after you hold it. 
Imagine taking your child to the park and giving them a size 7 basketball to use. 
You do have some kids that are a little smaller so 22 inches can be given it to them. You can determine your child’s hand size by counting their hand from the bottom of the palm to the tip of your middle fingers.
Everything needs to be uniformed, including the equipment. 
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. 
This is the most comfortable material for playing, the longer you use such a ball, the softer and more pleasant it feels. 
They feel worse than others, but they will last longer - these can be safely used on boxes even with concrete coating. 
56 - 0.63 
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. 
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. 
