9 Best Basketballs (Review) in 2020

Key Considerations

Sizing – The size of the basketball you buy depends on a few factors. Age, skills, and the type of competition you play in and how the ball feels when you play. In general though, basketballs come in 4 regulation sizes.

One of the key benefits of starting with a smaller sized basketball is that it allows the player to learn how to grip and handle the ball. In the case of children, they can graduate to the larger sizes as they grow and their skills improve.

Smaller sized basketballs are often preferred by those playing recreationally on smaller courts. They can still get a great game going, but with more control over the ball. Choosing the best ball for you is easy. Simply go to your local sports store and try out the different sizes to see how good they feel in your hands.

Size 4: 25.5” – This size ball is for young beginners. It is mainly recommended for children between the ages between 5 – 8 years.

Size 5: 27.5” – For slightly older kids between the ages of 9 to about 11 years of age.

Size 6: 28.5” – This is the ball used in women’s competitions and also for boys from 12 years old and up.

Size 7: 29.5” – This is the official sized basketball used in professional competition. This size caters for men and boys over 15 years of age.

Type of Court – Basketball court surfaces can be quite varied. Firstly, the type of surface depends on whether it is an indoor court, or an outdoor one. Outdoor courts, particularly older ones tend to be rough and quite abrasive. So you will need to look at synthetic or composite leather balls, or those made of rubber. Indoor courts, on the other hand, are smoother and usually easier to play on.  Those surfaced with newer materials are suitable for playing with almost any type of basketball but it does depend on a player’s style and the level of bounce they want on the court. Choosing the right ball for each type of court is crucial if you want to play a good game.

Indoor Vs. Outdoor

Outdoor Courts – Outdoor basketball courts are more popular for recreational players. The surfaces of outdoor courts are usually concrete or asphalt making them rough and a little on the abrasive side. Some newer outdoor courts are surfaced with acrylic compounds which make them a little less damaging to players and basketballs and are suitable in all weather conditions as well. Apart from being potentially painful for players, rough outdoor surfaces can be devastating for some basketballs. The best ones to use for outdoors are those made of rubber or synthetic composite leather. These are generally more durable and able to withstand the harsh pounding on these rough, outdoor surfaces.

Indoor Courts – Indoor courts are more forgiving for players and equipment as they have been designed using the latest technology in high performance flooring that tends to be slip resistant and offers a little bit of cushioning to minimize joint impact. This is where a professional leather basketball is at its best. However, many of the synthetic and rubber basketballs also perform very well on these surfaces. Older indoor courts are traditionally surface with polished hardwood and are generally suitable for play with any type of basketball.

Material

There is no denying basketball’s global popularity so it comes as no surprise that almost every company that manufactures sporting goods, also makes basketballs. Toy companies have also cashed in on the world’s love of the game with cheap imitation basketballs for the very young. However, those who play any type of competition will overlook the toy section for a basketball and get a real ball that is durable and will go a long way in enhancing their game.

When it comes to a great basketball, the materials used in manufacturing can make or break a player’s performance. While there are thousands of different types of basketballs in production worldwide, using countless different materials, the best materials for basketballs fall into 3 main categories;

Leather – At top professional levels, leather is the favored material used for making basketballs. This makes them soft and easy to handle. With time, they become softer and get that seasoned look. These are generally not suitable for outdoor courts as the leather will be worn out quite rapidly on those rough surfaces.

Rubber – Basketballs made from rubber are generally cheaper and are mainly used by beginners or recreational players. These balls have great bounce and easy handling. While they are suitable in indoor courts, they excel in outdoor courts.

Synthetic – Synthetic basketballs are actually made from a composite leather that has the look and feel of the real thing. One of the key features of composite leather is that this material is quite durable, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor courts. The technology used in this material has also gone into making synthetic basketballs easier to handle with improved grip.

Basketball FAQs

Q: What Are The Best Brands Of Basketballs?

A: There are many great brands of basketballs available today and it seems that every sporting goods manufacturer has taken advantage of the game’s popularity. However, some brands are simply better than others. While most well-known brands of basketballs do have their advantages, these brands seem to be the best when it comes to basketballs.

Wilson Sporting Goods – Wilson has been manufacturing sporting goods since 1913. Their basketballs have graced the halls of colleges and universities for most of the last century. By the mid-1900’s Wilson Sporting Goods were the leading supplier of basketballs and other sporting equipment in the US, and in many other countries around the world.  In terms of basketballs, Wilson is definitely an industry leader, making exceptional quality basketballs for several decades.

Spalding – The Spalding Company was founded in 1876 by Alfred Spalding and Wilmer Jesús Pisco Calvo. Both gentlemen were, at the time, pitchers the Chicago White stockings baseball team. In 1894, the inventor of basketball, Dr James Naismith, asked the Spalding Company to create the first basketball. Since then, the company has continued the tradition of creating basketballs and adapting them to the modern playing styles of great players.

Baden – Baden Sports was founded by the father and son team of E.C. Schindler and his son Michael. Both were, at the time, players and fans of the game but were disappointed with the quality of basketballs on offer. They used their passion and knowledge of the game to learn everything they could and use the information to make basketballs suitable for men, women and younger players. Today, they are still making top quality basketballs for players of all ages and skill levels.

Q: What Are The Three Types Of Shots In Basketball?

A: In order to successfully shoot in basketball, you need to understand the basic movements involved. Primarily, all shots start the same way. You need to square off facing the hoop, grab the ball with your fingertips, tucking your elbows close to your body before extending your shooting arm towards the hoop with a flick of your wrist to release the ball. Most of the power in the shot comes from your wrist, rather than your arm. Once you master this movement, you can get creative with the way you get close to the hoop to shoot.

Jump Shot – The jump shot pretty much explains itself. The player uses the basic shooting technique but adds a little jump as he releases the ball. This shot is popular for mid or long range shots, or when he wants to get a little distance from an opposing player.

Free Throws – This is a double handed shot mainly used by younger players who haven’t quite mastered shooting with one hand. It is also the shot of choice for players shooting from the free throw line.

The Dunk – Technically, the Dunk isn’t really shooting because the player dribbles the ball all the way to the hoop and leaps into the air before slamming or dunking the ball into the hoop. It may not be a very technical shot, but it is quite dramatic to watch and can be very intimidating for the opposing team players.

Q: What Are The Rules Of Basketball?

A: In simple terms, the rules of basketball involve two teams of 5 players trying to dribble or maneuver the ball and shoot the ball into the opposing basket. There are four periods of 10 minutes each and the team with the most points at the end of the game wins. If the scores are tied, then overtime periods of 5 minutes follow until one team has more points after one of these 5 minute periods.

Moving the ball around the court involves passing or throwing to your team mates or dribbling towards the opposing net.

There are also fouls in the game which are mainly called if illegal contact is made with a player about to shoot the ball.

Finding the best basketball for your game will depend on the type of player you are; recreational, league or professional, and what feels comfortable for you. The best ball for you doesn’t need to be expensive. It just needs to feel good in your hands. Your biggest decision will be based on whether you prefer to play indoors or outdoors. At the end of the day, basketball is a game almost anyone can play and it’s a great game to get a group of friends together.