HOW TO BREAK IN THE WILSON OFFICIAL NBA GAME BALL
Learn expert tips and tricks to break in your Official NBA Leather Game Ball.
When you receive your Official NBA Game Ball, it will initially feel stiff and rough to the touch. Don’t worry— that is exactly how it’s supposed to feel.
The Official NBA Game Ball is made with genuine leather which means it will require some breaking in. If you are not used to breaking in your basketball, that means you’re probably used to playing with a composite ball.
Composite balls are made of synthetically produced material that feels like leather. Synthetic basketballs can be used on both indoor and outdoor surfaces. It is a matter of preference when selecting your preferred Wilson basketball. Different players have preferences for feel, softness, touch and moisture management.
Most composite basketballs can be used right out of the box or need minimal break-in, while the NBA Leather Game Ball will 100% need to be broken in— this nuance is part of what makes it special.
“Properly breaking-in an NBA Game Ball makes a world of a difference,” says Ben DeLaCruz, Sr. Product Line Manager for Performance Basketball & Partnerships. Ben has been at Wilson working on product for nearly 8 years.
“Over time the leather becomes soft with a feel that every hooper can appreciate, but you must put in the time to get it to that state. Every NBA Game Ball goes through this process before ever making it to tip-off.”
WHY SHOULD I BREAK IN MY LEATHER GAME BASKETBALL?
Simply put, breaking in your leather basketball will give you better control and grip.
Image from left to right: NBA Official Game Ball (leather), Authentic NBA Indoor/Outdoor Ball (composite)
SO, WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE LEATHER BASKETBALL BREAK-IN PROCESS?
Don’t be confused when your ball arrives stiff and rough to the touch— that is normal.
Dribbling drills will help to speed up the break-in process.
You will notice your ball start to darken as it becomes ready for gameplay.
The more you play with the ball, the better it will start to feel.