HOW TO CHOOSE A BASKETBALL
Selecting the ideal basketball for your playing style allows you to play your best, no matter where the game takes you. Let Wilson be your guide to understanding the technical aspects of choosing the perfect basketball.
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO CHOOSING A BASKETBALL
Understanding the technical elements of a Wilson basketball will help you rule the court. As makers of the Official ball of the NBA, the Official ball of WNBA, and the Official ball of the NCAA, sind wir bei Wilson Basketballexperten und helfen euch bei der Auswahl der richtigen Größe und des richtigen Materials, damit ihr euer Spiel verbessern und eure beste Leistung bringen könnt.
STEP 1 - CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE BASKETBALL
The first step in choosing a basketball is to determine the ideal size for your level of play. Playing with the wrong size ball can have long-term negative effects on a player’s technique. Additionally, different leagues have various restrictions regarding size, material, and color for the game balls they permit.
SIZE 7 BASKETBALLS
STANDARD BALL SIZE FOR MEN'S PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL
Size 7 basketballs measure 29.5” in circumference and have a standard weight of 22 oz. Size 7 basketballs are the standard ball size for men’s professional basketball associations, such as the NBA, as well as men’s college, high school, and travel basketball leagues.
SIZE 6 BASKETBALLS
STANDARD BALL SIZE FOR WOMEN'S PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL AND YOUTH LEAGES AGES 9 AND UP
Size 6 basketballs measure 28.5” and have a standard weight of 20 oz. Logically, size 6 balls are slightly smaller than size 7 basketballs, making them ideal for players with smaller hand spans. Size 6 balls are the official ball size for most women’s professional basketball associations, including the WNBA and International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3x3, in addition to women’s college and high school basketball leagues, and in youth leagues for players 9 and up.
SIZE 5 BASKETBALLS
MOST POPULAR BALL SIZE FOR YOUTH LEAGES AGES 8 AND UNDER
For players 8 and under, size 5 basketballs are the ideal size for play. With a circumference measuring 27.5”-27.75” and a standard weight of 14-16 oz, this is the most popular basketball size for youth leagues.
SIZE 3 BASKETBALLS
BEST BASKETBALL FOR CHILDREN 4 AND UNDER
With a circumference of 22.5” and a weight of 10 oz, this size is commonly referred to as a mini basketball. These are best for kids 4 and under, but also make a great commemorative gift for any age.
STEP 2 - CHOOSE AN INDOOR VS OUTDOOR BASKETBALL
Whether you’re playing on a polished wood court or street ball in the driveway, it is important to consider the playing environment when choosing a basketball that is right for you. As playing styles evolve and become more technical, basketball design has also become more advanced. Internal structure, cover construction, and channel depth have all been carefully engineered to help basketball players perform better wherever they find the game.
Outdoor courts demand basketballs with a more rugged construction that are durable enough to handle abrasive surfaces and retain their playability in adverse weather conditions. Indoor courts require basketballs with more forgiving construction, optimized to perform without damaging more delicate playing surfaces.
STEP 3 - CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATERIAL
Today’s basketballs feature a cover construction of either rubber or composite leather. Composite basketballs, sometimes referred to as “synthetic” basketballs, maintain all the pliability and grip of traditional leather construction while being durable enough to withstand dirt, moisture, and other elements, ultimately extending the life and playability of the basketball.
Because of this, composite basketballs are ideal for most indoor and indoor/outdoor play. Rubber basketballs, sometimes referred to as street basketballs, are designed for outdoor play. They are equipped with a cover construction designed to perform well in inclimate weather conditions and withstand hours of play on rough surfaces and wear from metal nets.
Rubber Basketballs
Durable enough for outdoor use
Excellent grip, even in rain /dirt
Inexpensive
Available in many colors and patterns
Ideal for street basketball and casual play
Composite Basketballs
Sometimes called “Synthetic Basketballs”
Appropriate for indoor/outdoor use
More durable than leather
Most popular basketball type
Leather Basketballs
Most premium material: genuine Horween leather cover
Slick to touch giving the ball more grip after "break-in period"
Only used for the Official NBA Game Ball.
