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How to give a basketball more grip
How to give a basketball more grip
Slippery Basketball? Get The Grip Back In 5 Steps – Get Hyped Sports
When you play a game outside in the rain and dust, your basketball will eventually become almost impossible to dribble or catch. A slippery basketball can be a pain, especially as you start failing to make shots and lose control of the ball across the court.
You must clean the basketball with a wet cloth and soapy water, ensuring that you move in circular motions to get between the dots on the ball. If you have a leather ball, you must dry it and apply the leather cleaner, while rubber balls can be left to dry before using again.
As easy as it may sound, people learn a few things through only practice and making mistakes while cleaning their basketballs. Because of some basketballs’ relatively high cost, we need to ensure that you are not damaging the surface while cleaning the ball.
How To Get the Grip Back On A Leather Basketball
Leather basketballs are what you will find being used in official games, most school gymnasiums, and, if you are lucky, in your court.![]()
These balls are all handmade and cost a significant amount more than their composite rubber counterparts, which is why they require more care.
Many pro athletes have made it clear that these basketballs feel significantly different from the other and are generally better.
Understanding how to clean a leather basketball will be the difference between having it for a lifetime or having a cracked mess within a year. A basketball with a grip will give you more control and help you palm it.
Find A Flat Surface
To start the process, find a clean flat surface that can get wet and place the leather basketball on it, preferably something on the ground.
Ensure that you can hold the ball in place with one hand so that the ball won’t roll away and get dirty again later on.
Many people try to do this on a table or work surface that they have access to, only to find that the table needs to be cleaned once the process is done.
When using a clean surface on the ground, either a garage floor or just a patio, you can sweep away or hose away from any residue that stays behind.
Hold Ball
This is ironically the most challenging part of the process because the ball will get highly slippery before you can get a proper grip on it.
Many people recommend deflating the ball slightly to ensure it is easier to grip while initially washing it before applying the leather care.
You should ensure that you can grab onto the ball simultaneously, ensuring that the ball cannot randomly slip out of your hand while cleaning.
Getting a good grip on the ball means that you are not pushing it down too hard or that you may lose your grip on the ball.
Use Rag and Dish Soap
This will be the first stage of cleaning the ball; the leather will be damaged if you dunk the ball into the water or use too much.
We recommend that you get a rag and soak it in mildly hot water, spreading a few drops of dish soap onto the rag instead of the ball.
Using the rag, you should start cleaning the ball in a circular motion, turning it around, so you get every part of the ball.
If the rag is too wet or you have too much soap, a residue will be left behind; after everything is cleaned, use a dry cloth to wipe away any excess water and soap.
See Our Complete List Of Helpful Basketball Articles Here.
Leather Cleaner
This step will not be required every time and should only be done once the ball is older than a year. After you have cleaned the entire surface of the ball and it has dried completely, you need to move it to a dry surface and start treating the leather.
You cannot simply use any leather cleaner; most sports equipment stores will have the right leather cleaner and treatment for leather basketballs.
If you use the wrong type, you can cause the ball to be more slippery than ever, ruining the ball almost permanently. If you’re looking for a leather cleaner, we like this one.
Use Circular Motion
The most crucial part about cleaning the basketball is moving in a circular motion, ensuring that you get into the grooves of the ball.
The circular motion will clean between the dots of the ball, ensuring that it is spotless before applying anything else.
When drying the ball, you need to follow the same motion, ensuring no moisture is trapped between the dot and the grooves of the ball.
If you apply leather treatment or cleaner, you need to follow the motions to ensure it gets everywhere.
Get The Grip Back On A Plastic Or Rubber Basketball
Plastic, rubber, or composite balls are vastly different from the leather basketballs used in professional basketball games. These balls are significantly less expensive than their counterparts and are a lot easier to clean than leather basketballs have ever been.
The steps may seem similar to what they are for leather basketballs, but they are not nearly as complicated. Many people enjoy these balls when practicing and having fun because they are easier to clean and allow you to care a bit less about how and where they are used.
Add Water And Soap In Sink
The most significant difference is that we wash these balls in the sink, either in the kitchen, the bathroom, or the sink used in the washroom.
Because the material is not sensitive to excessive water and soap, you can be rougher and more thorough when cleaning.
Usually, filling the sink with an inch or two of hot, soapy water will be enough to clean every part of the basketball thoroughly.
This provides enough water to do everything needed, and the hot water will aid in cleaning off any substances like oil, sweets, or cooldrink on the surface.
Cover Entire Ball with Soapy Water
Before cleaning the ball thoroughly, we recommend turning it around in the water for a few minutes, ensuring that every part has soaked in the water. This will make it easier to start scrubbing, having water everything, and the loose dirt and dust away to reveal the stains.
Rubber and composite materials can be stained with more stubborn dirt and fluid, almost absorbing it into the fabric. To clean these stains, you need to have the water-soaked onto the surface of the basketball, not merely splashed or on the surface.
Wash With Rag or Brush
Now that the ball is wet and hot, you can grab a brush or rag and start scrubbing away, moving in any way you are comfortable.
You do not have to be too careful as the materials are resilient and are not easily damaged by your motions while cleaning them, even in hot water.
A brush is an easy way to get into the grooves of the basketball, while the rag is perfect for cleaning the dots and more expansive surfaces of the ball. To ensure that you are not having a problem cleaning the ball, we recommend doing this with one hand holding onto the ball while the other brushes.
Leave In Sunny or Windy Area
Unfortunately, plastics, rubbers, and composite materials never clean when dried with a towel. You will have to leave the ball in a slightly sunny, indoor area or with a fan on it to get it dry entirely, usually going it for half a day or more.
This ensures that the surface is not wet when you start dribbling the ball on the courts, which will cause more problems as the wetness soaks up dust and dirt. We highly recommend that you make sure it is dry; otherwise, you will have to start from the beginning again.
Conclusion
Basketballs may be inexpensive or extremely expensive, but they will always be easy to clean, with only leather basketballs requiring extra attention to how you are cleaning them.
We recommend following these steps to ensure you can perfectly dunk on anyone that challenges you.
Whatever you do, please don’t let a leather basketball soak in water for more than a few minutes!
How to Restore Grip on a Basketball
No matter how good you are in basketball, the ball sometimes slips from your hand. It’s not your fault; it’s the basketball. Knowing how to restore grip on a basketball will give you those winning moments.
A basketball is the most abused part of a game. It takes constant the pounding, changing hands from players, and hitting different parts of the court. It is also susceptible to natural elements. Without proper care, the basketball loses its grip. The player misses three-point shots and turns over the ball.
What Makes a Basketball Lose Grip?A good grip on a basketball requires a player’s skill and the condition of the basketball.
Over time it gets dirty and becomes slippery, and deteriorates without the proper upkeep. A basketball should be adequately cared for to exceed its lifespan, perform as expected, and to show a player’s skills on the court. These are the things that you must know on how to make your basketball more grippy.
1. A Basketball in the Wrong Court
The type of basketball you’ll use depend on the kind of court you’re playing. A basketball made of rubber is made for outdoor play on concrete flooring, leather basketballs are made for indoor courts on a wooden surface, and synthetic basketballs are suitable for indoor and outdoor spaces.
You’ll find yourself in trouble if you carry your leather basketball outside.
2. Giving way to dust
Dust and dirt will find their way to your basketball’s surface. If left soiled, it will accumulate over time and occupy the crevices making the basketball slippery. You’ll find a hard time dribbling, shooting, and passing, adversely affecting your game.
Avoid this by frequently wiping your basketball with a towel.
Mix water with a mild cleansing agent for your leather basketball and dry it with a towel. Leaving it wet will damage the surface.
Rubber and synthetic basketballs can be left in damp conditions for long, but not the leather types.
3. Exposure to the Elements
Don’t leave your basketball exposed to the elements for so long. Extreme weather conditions can affect the quality of any basketball.
Extensive exposure to UV rays will alter the color and can change the shape affecting play. A wet basketball surface will cause it to lose its grip.
4. Improper Air Pressure
An over-inflated ball can cause lumps, and slamming it on the floor or bouncing it off the wall can cause tearing. An under-inflated basketball won’t bounce properly.
A tip is to drop the ball from above your head, and if it bounces back to chest level, you’re ready to play.
5. Wrong Storage
When you’re not using your basketball, store it in a basketball bag.
Avoid placing any objects on top which can change the shape.
The rack railings can cause your basketball to become non-spherical instead of the round shape if placed too long.
How to Get Grip Back on a BasketballPlaying with your rubber or synthetic basketball outside exposes it to water and dust becoming slippery. Your play is affected. You miss easy shots lose control of your dribble, or make bad passes. If you know how to restore grip on a basketball, you’ll apply wet cloth and soapy water moving in circular motions to get between the dimples on the ball. Top it off with a dry cloth and leave it to dry before resuming play.
A leather basketball requires a different approach to get back its grip. Since it’s expensive, we must ensure no damage to the ball while we clean.
1. Flat Surface
Find a flat surface, preferably on the ground, that can get wet and where you can hold the leather ball with one hand without rolling over and getting dirty again.
It could be a patio or a garage floor that can be easily cleaned of any residue by hosing.
2. Hold the Ball
If you know how to fix a slippery basketball, you’ll avoid soaking your leather ball with water. It will help if you have a good grip on the ball to avoid any slip out. Pushing it too hard or gently might cause the ball to slide or get loose.
Consider deflating the ball a bit so you can have a good grip while washing.
3. Use Rag and Soap Dish
Too much water will damage the leather. Soak a rag in hot and apply a few drops of liquid soap on the rag and not the ball.
Start cleaning the ball by wiping the rag in a circular motion, be sure that every part of the ball is covered. Use a dry cloth to wipe the ball. This medium will remove any residues from the excess water or soap.
4. Apply Leather Cleaner
After the basketball has been thoroughly cleaned and dried, move to a dry surface and apply a leather cleaner. Do not use a leather cleaner that catches your eyes.
Winding up with the wrong type will cause your leather to be more slippery, causing permanent damage. Go for a leather cleaner provided by reputable sports equipment stores.
Remember that application of a leather cleaner is not required every time you clean and it is done after the ball is over a year old.
How to Clean a BasketballYour basketball has been trashed a million times. It bounced off the floor and the backboard, swished the net through a layup or jump shot, changed hands among players, and was exposed to dirt, grime, and bacteria. Cleaning it will provide a good grip and increase your basketball’s lifespan. It will also save you from playing with a dirty basketball.
But, do you know how to clean basketball?
Basketballs are made from different materials requiring different cleaning techniques. Once you know the material you can clean it to make it look like new and perform well.
1. Rubber Basketball
Rubber basketballs are the most abused basketballs from the pounding on the concrete floor and exposure to dirt.
It gets dirty very quickly but can be easily cleaned with these steps.
- Pour warm water into a bucket.
- Add drops of liquid soap with warm water and mix thoroughly.
- Dip a soft cloth in the mixture and scrub the surface thoroughly.
- Repeat if you don’t get the desired outcome. Apply more force.
- Check the exterior and scrub as needed until every bit of dirt has been removed.
- Wash with clear warm water.
- Use a clean cloth to eliminate remains of water and detergent.
2. Synthetic Leather Basketball
Synthetic leather basketballs are used either for outdoor and indoor play. The proper care will improve its durability from the rough treatment on concrete surfaces.
- Prepare a mixture of warm water with liquid soap.
- Rinse the basketball with water thoroughly to remove any signs of dirt.
- Dip a clean cloth to the mix and apply it on the ball’s surface.
- Repeat as needed until the surface is clean and non-sticky.
- If there are nasty stains, use elbow grease or a leather cleaner.
3. Natural Leather Basketball
Natural leather basketballs are easy to clean with many types of leather cleaners in the market. Get one from a reputable sports equipment store. Use the steps in cleaning a rubber basketball when it is covered with mud before applying a leather cleaner.
- Check the bounce of the ball; if it does not reach your chest, inflate it.
- Purchase a leather cleaner or a leather shampoo. Avoid products that soften the leather.
- Place enough in a container.
- Dip a clean cloth and apply it to the surface of the ball.
- Dry the surface of the ball with a clean cloth.
- After cleaning, store in a cool, dry place.
Wrapping Things Up: How to Restore Grip on a BasketballConstant pounding and exposure to the natural elements will fill the crevices on the dimples of a basketball. The basketball will be slippery if left unclean. You can avoid turnovers if you know how to restore grip on a basketball and enjoy those winning moments.
Fortunately, all types of basketball are easy to clean. Rubber and synthetic basketballs need warm water and detergent to remove unwanted materials that cause a slippery ball. The application of a leather cleaner or shampoo will restore the grip on a leather basketball.
Did you find this post helpful? Then you may also like our other basketball FAQ articles here.
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> How to Install a Ground Basketball Hoop?
> How to Add Grip to Basketball Shoes
> Can You Bring a Basketball on a Plane?
KP top 10 rating
Basketball originated in Massachusetts as an attempt to make physical education classes more fun and varied.
Then this sport began to gain popularity in educational institutions in the United States. At the beginning of the 20th century, basketball was formed into a professional sport with the formation of club teams. Gradually, this game is gaining worldwide popularity and stands out as an independent sport in other countries. Basketball's evolution culminates in its inclusion in the 1919 Summer Olympics.36 and around it grows a whole industry.
Modern basketball is divided into amateur and professional. The main attribute of the game is the ball. What does he represent? The ball must be in the form of a sphere of a certain shade of orange with a classic pattern and black seams. Standard has eight inserts. In competitions, it is customary to use balls of the 7th size, the mass of which ranges from 567-650 grams, and the circumference ranges from 749 to 780 mm. But in other cases, balls of other sizes are used. Also, basketballs are universal (can be used indoors and outdoors), only for the street and only for playing indoors.
Today there are many brands that produce balls. They differ in quality and price. Our top 10 best basketballs of 2022 will help you navigate this variety. And our expert Artem Samsonov will give some recommendations on choosing a ball that suits your goals.
Top 10 rating according to KP
1. Wilson Reaction PRO
Wilson Reaction PRO. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Wilson Reaction PRO is a professional basketball. Suitable for indoor and outdoor play. Production material - high quality composite leather based on polyurethane. This ball is characterized by a soft hit and good grip. The camera is made of butyl, a fairly high-quality material. The size of the ball is 7. There are eight glued panels in total. The advantage of this model is the original ball, officially approved in England.
Pros and cons
Grippy, good rebound, material quality
May stain leather a bit with black paint
2. TORRES Block
TORRES Block. Photo: market.yandex.
ru
This model was originally created for amateur games. The design of the ball is traditional, but the coloring is different from the usual standard. But there is no problem in this. But the ball is great for training passes and shots. Can be used for both outdoor and indoor play. The top layer is made of durable rubber, resistant to all sorts of negative impacts. The ball will also work well on hard surfaces. The chamber is made of butyl. The ball itself belongs to the 7th size category. A nice bonus: the kit includes a needle for pumping.
Pros and cons
Light, bright design, needle included
Not everyone likes the color scheme
3. Spalding TF-250 All Surface
Spalding TF-250 All Surface. Photo: market.yandex.ru
The Spalding TF-250 All Surface basketball has a classic look. A great option for training and local competitions. The ball is declared by the manufacturer as universal: that is, it can be used for games in the hall or in the open air.
The tire is made of polyurethane, the model is quite wear-resistant. The camera, already quite familiar, is made of butyl. The ball has been certified by FIBA. The standard size - 7 - is optimal for the game.
Pros and cons
Price, workmanship, good option for beginners
Heavy wear from asphalt
4. Molten BGF5X
Molten BGF5X. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Molten BGF5X is a size 5 ball specially made for training in sports facilities. According to the manufacturer, the surface of the ball is made using a revolutionary technology that makes it as comfortable as possible to hold in the hand and improves rotational stability, which increases the accuracy of throws and passes. The top layer of the ball made of polyurethane securely closes the butyl chamber. The purpose is universal: you can play in the hall and on the street.
Pros and cons
Workmanship, production material
High price
5. Jogel JB-400 #7
Jogel JB-400 #7.
Photo: market.yandex.ru
Jogel JB-400 No. 7 - this ball model is designed for training basketball players. It has good grip and interesting design. The material of the upper layer is synthetic leather, which allows you to use the ball in the hall and on the street. Regarding the camera: everything is standard here - it is made of butyl. The model complies with FIBA size and weight requirements. Size category - 7.
Pros and cons
Price, brand
Ripped off on asphalt
6. Larsen RBF7
Larsen RBF7. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Larsen RBF7 is an outdoor ball model. The upper material is made of foam rubber, which allows you to adequately withstand the wear and tear from playing on hard surfaces. However, the ball may behave unpredictably when played indoors. Size category - 7. The camera is also made of rubber. A good option for a beginner who wants to get acquainted with basketball.
Pros and cons
Price, durability
Not suitable for the hall
7.
Dobest PK-884 Dobest PK-884. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Dobest PK-884 is more suitable for amateurs, both indoors and outdoors. The tire is made of polyurethane, gives the ball a good margin of safety. Standard butyl chamber without unique techniques. Ball size 7. It is worth noting the eye-catching design and coloring.
Pros and cons
Play comfort, material quality
Hardness
8. WELSTAR BR2814D-7
WELSTAR BR2814D-7. Photo: market.yandex.ru
This basketball has the most colorful color, unlike the rest in our rating. Optimal for the amateur level - it's fun to play outside with friends and warm up in the hall. The top layer of rubber makes the product durable, and the butyl chamber gives elasticity and reliability. A good price is one of the advantages of this ball. Size category - 7.
Pros and cons
Price, bright appearance
Not suitable for professional use
9. ATEMI BB500
ATEMI BB500. Photo: market.
yandex.ru
ATEMI BB500 is a budget ball, the purpose of which is to play in the hall or on the street, subject to the presence of a special rubberized coating. Playing on pavement will shorten the lifespan quickly. The material of the upper layer was rubber, with a good indicator of strength and resistance to mechanical damage. The butyl chamber is reinforced with nylon thread for greater reliability. The ball has good aerodynamic properties. Pros: nice color scheme in appearance. A good option for the amateur level.
Pros and cons
Price, material
Not suitable for asphalt
10. Petra BB-042
Petra BB-042. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Petra BB-042 — a basketball at a low price. The most budget option of our rating. Suitable for amateur play. A good solution for a beginner - will allow you to master the basics of basketball. The size of the ball is 7. The material of the tire and the chamber is rubber.
Pros and Cons
Slippery
How to choose a basketball
When choosing a basketball, you should pay attention to the following characteristics: very important factor in its selection.
It is customary to divide the balls into three classes:
- for the street (Outdoor),
- for the hall (Indoor),
- universal (Indoor/outdoor).
Outdoor balls with maximum wear resistance. As a rule, they are made from synthetic materials. Sharpened for hard surfaces such as asphalt or rubber. A feature of this type is the rigidity at tactile contact.
Indoor models show good adhesion to parquet. Leather and synthetic materials are used for manufacturing, balls with a composite coating are especially good. But playing on the street with him is a rash decision, as the ball will quickly become unusable.
General purpose basketballs made of rubber. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use. They are quite tolerant of wear and feel good on the parquet flooring of the hall. Often they have an additional coating of synthetic or composite material.
Size
The officially approved ball size for men's competitions is number 7, which is characterized by a weight of 567-650 grams and a circumference of 749-780 mm.
Size 6 is the standard size for a women's basketball and has a mass in the range of 510-567 grams and a circumference ranging from 724 to 737 mm. For mini-basketball games, a size 5 ball is used. It can be determined by the circumference within 690-710 mm and weight 470-500 grams. Usually such competitions are held for children no older than twelve years. And size 3 is used in basketball training to hone dribbling. The ball of this size category has a weight in the region of 300-330 grams and a circumference of 560-580 mm.
Material of manufacture
The material used to make the ball is a significant factor to consider when purchasing. Professional balls are usually made from composite materials. Universal balls must have high strength, because they are made from synthetic raw materials. For the hall, the best solution would be a ball made of genuine leather. If a basketball is marked "Supreme Leather", then this indicates the use of extra-class leather.
Quality
The easiest way to check the quality of a ball is to bounce it.
A well-made and properly inflated ball should bounce to a height of about 130 centimeters. But there is another way: raise the ball to the level of your head and let it go. Then he should bounce to the level of the belt. It is also important to inspect the nipple. The durability of the ball depends on its performance. Flexibility is another sign of quality. After a short play, the ball should not become soft. It is important to remember that a special nozzle is needed when pumping, a football needle is not the best option. Also, do not kick and sit on a basketball. Careful operation significantly extends the service life and contributes to the adequate "behavior" of the ball during the game.
General recommendations
If you need a basketball for playing outdoors, then the best solution would be an Outdoor type ball in size 6. In order to get really high-quality sports equipment, it is better to buy balls from well-known brands, they are responsible for the reputation of their product .
Optimally, if the material of manufacture is synthetics. In the case of a modest budget, a universal rubber ball will perform quite well.
TOP 5 sneakers with the best grip
The traction of a basketball shoe is one of the most important characteristics of a basketball shoe.
The quality of the game, the speed of movement, the comfort and safety of being on the court depend on its level.
We have collected the most tenacious selection of the 5 best models for playing basketball and below we will tell about each of them in more detail.
Adidas TRAE YOUNG 1
Collaboration with famous basketball player Trae Young turned into something more than just sneakers.
Buy: Adidas TRAE YOUNG 1 .
Unique signature style, low profile, thick textile mesh in a one-piece construction and great cushioning.
Cushioning on this shoe is a combination of Lightstrike foam throughout the foot and Boost in the heel.
This combination keeps the responsiveness of the shoe high.
The outsole is flat and stable, preventing the foot from turning in, even during the most abrupt and maneuverable stops and movements. In the middle part of the foot, the outsole pattern is made in the form of zigzags, the middle part is in the form of straight lines, and underneath there is a circular pattern expanding from the center. This outsole design with a multi-directional pattern gives excellent grip and prevents slipping.
Nike GIANNIS IMMORTALITY
Milwaukee Bucks basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo's shoes.
Buy: Nike GIANNIS IMMORTALITY .
Thin, ventilated engineered mesh jacquard upper with fuse overlays in high-wear areas.
Full Phylon midsole with small cutouts to reduce weight and improve cushioning.
The most important thing is the traction of this model. The outsole features a classic herringbone outsole pattern.
The deep-groove rubber outsole itself is partially divided by three grooves for superior traction and flexibility. This allows the rubber to flex better when doing Giannis' favorite side-to-side Eurostep. The sole does not collect a lot of dust, makes a characteristic sound during active movements and is wear resistant.
Adidas DAME 8
The 8th signature shoe from Damian Lillard.
Buy: Adidas DAME 8 .
Breathable mesh upper. Cushioning in the Dame 8 is handled by Bounce Pro instead of the usual Lightstrike.
The sole is made of durable rubber that prevents slipping.
The tread pattern is made in the form of wavy lines leading to the toe and slightly to the side panels. The outsole grips the parquet very well. The rubber density of these sneakers allows you to play not only in the hall, but also on street surfaces.
Anta KLAY THOMPSON KT7
The signature model of Golden State Warriors shooting guard Clay Thompson is the perfect balance of style, comfort and unique features.
Buy: Anta KLAY THOMPSON KT7 .
The main feature is the Nitrospeed midsole, which provides powerful cushioning with its low weight. Smart S.A.M technology in the heel area absorbs shock, reduces pressure on the joints and provides additional heel support.
Traction is provided by a durable rubber outsole with a unique pattern. A wavy diagonal wide line runs from the heel to the toe area, and on the outside of the sole there are patterns in the form of "blobs" that add stability and more grip.
Nike LEBRON WITNESS VI
Next in line are LeBron James's signature shoes from the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers.
The upper is made of an inexpensive and rather thin mesh textile reinforced with nylon threads. This version of the shoe replaces the Zoom Air cushioning with the classic Max Air cushioning for superior shock absorption and responsiveness.
Buy: Nike LEBRON WITNESS VI .
