How many inches is a basketball

Basketball Sizes: A Quick Guide for All Levels of Play

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.”

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.

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.

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
• Helpful Stretches for Basketball Players
• AAU Basketball, Explained 
• How to Build a Basketball Body

Share This Story!

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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.”

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.

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
• Helpful Stretches for Basketball Players
• AAU Basketball, Explained 
• How to Build a Basketball Body

Share This Story!

Basketball Dimensions & Drawings | Dimensions.

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Basketball

Basketball sizes come in variations for different ages, genders, and level of play. The official NBA and competitive professional basketball is 29.5” | 74.9 cm in circumference with a diameter between 9.43”-9.51” | 24-24.2 cm. Professional basketballs must be inflated to a pressure between 7.5-8.5 PSI and cannot exceed the maximum weight of 22 ounces. When choosing a basketball, consider whether the play environment will be primarily outdoor or indoor because indoor basketballs perform best as full-grain leather constructions and outdoor basketballs are better as rubber.

Basketball sizes come in variations for different ages, genders, and level of play. The official NBA and competitive professional basketball is 29.5” | 74.9 cm in circumference with a diameter between 9.43”-9.51” | 24-24.2 cm. Professional basketballs must be inflated to a pressure between 7.5-8.5 PSI and cannot exceed the maximum weight of 22 ounces. When choosing a basketball, consider whether the play environment will be primarily outdoor or indoor because indoor basketballs perform best as full-grain leather constructions and outdoor basketballs are better as rubber.

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Height:

9.43”-9.51” | 24-24.2 cm

Width:

Depth:

Length:

Weight:

Circumference: 29.5” | 74.9 cm
Diameter: 9.43”-9.51” | 24-24.2 cm
Pressure: 7.5-8.5 PSI
Weight: 22 ounces (maximum)
Material (Indoor): Full-grain leather
Material (Outdoor): Rubber

Birthday:

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Basketball elevation

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November 14, 2020

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Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players score points by shooting (throwing) a ball through an elevated hoop located on either side of the rectangular court. To advance the ball down the court, players must bounce the ball (dribble) or pass it to a teammate.

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6'9" | 2. 06 m

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December 30, 1984

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LeBron James

206.000

1984.00

1810000

6'7" | 2.01 m

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June 29, 1991

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Kawhi Leonard

201.000

1991.00

1400000

6’10” | 2.08 m

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September 29, 1988

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Kevin Durant

208.000

1988.00

1100000

6’6" | 1.98 m

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July 6, 2000

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Zion Williamson

198.000

2000.00

848000

6’10” | 2.08 m

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March 11, 1993

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Anthony Davis

208.000

1993.00

578000

6’6" | 1.98 m

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February 17, 1963

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Michael Jordan

198.000

1963.00

499000

6’3" | 1.91 m

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November 12, 1988

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Russell Westbrook

191. 000

1988.00

496000

6’8” | 2.03 m

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May 29, 1984

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Carmelo Anthony

203.000

1984.00

489000

6'7" | 2.01 m

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February 28, 1999

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Luka Dončić

201.000

1999.00

478000

6’11" | 2.11 m

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December 6, 1994

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Giannis Antetokounmpo

211.000

1994.00

472000

5’9” | 1.75 m

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February 7, 1989

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Isaiah Thomas

175.000

1989.00

471000

6’3" | 1.91 m

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March 14, 1988

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Steph Curry

191.000

1988.00

431000

6’5” | 1.96 m

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August 26, 1989

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James Harden

196.000

1989.00

419000

6’6” | 1. 98 m

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August 23, 1978

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Kobe Bryant

198.000

1978.00

393000

7’1” | 2.16 m

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March 6, 1972

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Shaquille O’Neal

216.000

1972.00

327000

6'7" | 2.01 m

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September 14, 1989

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Jimmy Butler

201.000

1989.00

307000

6’4” | 1.93 m

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January 17, 1982

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Dwyane Wade

193.000

1982.00

294000

6’1" | 1.85 m

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May 6, 1985

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Chris Paul

185.000

1985.00

287000

7’0” | 2.13 m

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March 16, 1994

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Joel Embiid

213.000

1994.00

207000

6’2” | 1.88 m

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July 15, 1990

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Damian Lillard

188. 000

1990.00

206000

6'9" | 2.06 m

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August 14, 1959

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Magic Johnson

206.000

1959.00

203000

6’6" | 1.98 m

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February 20, 1963

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Charles Barkley

198.000

1963.00

176000

6’8” | 2.03 m

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March 3, 1998

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Jayson Tatum

203.000

1998.00

160000

7’1" | 2.16 m

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August 21, 1936

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Wilt Chamberlain

216.000

1936.00

145000

6'9" | 2.06 m

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December 7, 1956

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Larry Bird

206.000

1956.00

144000

7’2” | 2.18 m

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April 16, 1947

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

218.000

1947.00

139000

7’0” | 2. 13 m

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February 19, 1995

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Nikola Jokić

213.000

1995.00

135000

6’0” | 1.83 m

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June 7, 1975

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Allen Iverson

183.000

1975.00

129000

7’6” | 2.29 m

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September 12, 1980

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Yao Ming

229.000

1980.00

107000

7’0” | 2.13 m

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June 19, 1978

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Dirk Nowitzki

213.000

1978.00

83000

6'9" | 2.06 m

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February 12, 1934

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Bill Russell

206.000

1934.00

82000

6’11" | 2.11 m

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April 25, 1976

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Tim Duncan

211.000

1976.00

82000

6’3" | 1.91 m

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February 7, 1974

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Steve Nash

191. 000

1974.00

76000

7’0” | 2.13 m

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August 5, 1962

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Patrick Ewing

213.000

1962.00

67000

6’11" | 2.11 m

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May 19, 1976

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Kevin Garnett

211.000

1976.00

61000

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Backboards

9.43”-9.51” | 24-24.2 cm

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Basketball

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Hoop & Backboard

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Basketball size 7,6,5,3 (weight, diameter, pressure)

Home / All sports / Basketball size 7,6,5,3 (weight, diameter, pressure)

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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.

1. Spalding (USA)
2. Wilson (USA)
3. 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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Basketball size: FIBA ​​and US standards

Basketball is believed to have appeared on December 21st 1891 year old. Then James Naismith, a physical education teacher from America, in order to interest students in sports, decided to hang two baskets in the hall and offered to play. The task is to throw the maximum number of points into the opponent's basket. There was no basketball back then. Used equipment for rugby and soccer. The first basketball appeared a couple of years later. It was not perfectly even, round and had a dark brown color. In addition, it flaunted lacing, which gave the players a lot of problems. The first smooth inventory appeared only at 1935 year. After another 20 years, the color has changed. Television workers noted that the dark brown ball was hard to see on the screen. It was decided to change the color to yellow. Interestingly, for more than 50 years there was no single standard, there were more than fifty shades from light brown to orange. Over time, uniform requirements began to form. Today we will tell you about the size of basketballs, what they are made of, and also look at the most famous models.

The outcome of a duel depends on many factors. Not only the physical fitness and talent of the athlete, the form and surface on which the game takes place, determine the winner. The ball plays an important role. The trajectory of movement and adhesion to the surface depend on its quality, shape and size.

What are

There are several signs of classification. Everyone knows that basketball is not limited to the space of the hall, it can also be played on the street. For each surface there are balls made of different materials. So, let's analyze the issue in more detail:

1. INDOOR. Equipment of this nature can only be played indoors on a smooth surface. Features a soft surface. It should be noted that indoor is categorically not suitable for playing outdoors. Otherwise, you will simply waste your money, as the ball will quickly fail.
2. OUTDOOR. Designed for playing on asphalt or hard ground. Made from synthetic materials. They are distinguished by a durable top layer, it does not wear out with frequent contact with a hard coating.
3. Universal. Manufacturers claim that such balls behave equally well on any surface, but in practice this is not at all the case. Even if you saw the marking "INDOOR / OUTDOOR", pay attention to the material of manufacture. If the ball is made of rubber, then it is suitable for asphalt, and if made of leather, then be prepared that it will quickly deteriorate on the street. It is better to leave it for training on a wooden or rubber platform.

In order to figure out what size basketballs are, it is necessary to take into account the age and gender of the player. For example, a child who has just started training will not be able to play with an adult ball:

1. For men. Their diameter averages 76 cm, weight - 600 gr.
2. Women play with fewer implements. The average diameter is 73 cm, and the weight is 560 gr.
3. Projectiles with a circumference of 70 cm and a weight of up to 500 g are intended for children.

In addition, this sports equipment is made of various materials:

1. Rubber designed for training on hard asphalt surfaces. As a rule, they are inexpensive, but the service life is not long.
2. Synthetic leather gear is resistant to all sorts of deformations and prevents air leakage. It is believed that such balls can be played both in the hall and on the street.
3. Made of composite leather are perceived as an analogue of shells made of natural fibers. Such inventory is soft, elastic. They can only be played on playgrounds made of wood and rubber.
4. Genuine leather shells are considered to be of the highest quality and durability. These are the balls that are played in competitions.

FIBA ​​Standards

FIBA ​​is an organization that unites all national basketball federations. It is she who determines the main directions of the development of world basketball. According to FIBA ​​rules, the ball must meet six requirements. They concern weight, circumference, rebound and coefficient of friction.

The table shows the FIBA ​​standards:

US standards

In America, the standards differ slightly. Just like in FIBA, the weight of the ball in basketball should be in the optimal ratio with the age and gender of the player. So, for the NBA, shells with a circumference of 29.5 inches are suitable, and weighing 623 grams. The Women's League uses a 28.8" 567g inventory.

From 9 to 11 years old they use balls of 27 inches and 842 grams, and from 4 years old they start playing with shells of 25 inches and no more than 397 gr weight.

Ball pressure

This indicator is extremely important. After all, it directly affects the quality of the game. It is impossible to show good results both with an inflated and a deflated ball. Interestingly, FIBA ​​does not have clear requirements regarding this issue. The only mention says that the projectile must be inflated to such a state that when it falls on the platform from a height of 180 cm, it bounces off approximately 130 cm in height.

Manufacturers

Be sure to look at the manufacturer when choosing a ball. It is known that companies with a name produce balls more expensive, but of high quality. We offer to consider several recognized leaders in the market for the production of the equipment in question:

1. Spalding. It is this manufacturer that supplies shells for the games of the Major Basketball League and the Super League. By purchasing such a ball, be sure that you have a quality product in front of you.
2. Wilson. The company became famous thanks to the Solution model. This ball is of excellent quality. A distinctive feature - absorbs moisture. It is worth noting that in Russia it is a great success.
3. Nike. A company that is good in everything. Few people know that in addition to sportswear and shoes, Nike also produces balls. They are selected by the Euroleague and a number of basketball associations in the Philippines.

How much will it cost

Be prepared that the minimum price for a good accessory that will last more than one year starts from $30. So, for example, Wilson Evolution costs $50, and Nike Elite costs $48. Slightly cheaper, at $ 35, the simplest Spalding will cost.

What to look for when choosing

The projectile must be well inflated in order to bounce well off the surface. It's easy to check. Throw the ball to the floor with outstretched arms. He should jump up to the waist. Or try putting your thumb on it. Ideally, it will bend by about 4 mm.

The shape also indicates the quality. There should be no bulges on the surface. Knock the ball, it should jump straight up straight, but not to the sides.

It is worth noting that the balls do not like dust and humidity. Therefore, play on a dry site, and then carefully clean the projectile from dust.

If you are a professional basketball player, it is better to purchase a high-quality projectile from leading manufacturers, made of modern synthetic materials.

Deciphering the marking

To understand exactly what kind of accessory is in front of you, it is important to understand the applied marking. So, the size will be indicated on the projectile:

Adult men and women play with balls of 6 and 7 sizes, size 5 is suitable for teenagers, and children who have just started playing need the smallest and lightest, at number 3.

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