When choosing a basketball, the first question is what size is right for you.
Basketballs are available in mini size 1. Officially, basketballs are also available in size 3 for children aged 5-7 years. In school and club basketball, the main sizes are size 5 for ages 7- 9 years, size 6 for ages 10- 14 years and size 7 for 15 years upwards. The official size for all senior Women’s club and school basketball is size 6.
Remember, it is a good idea to practise with the size ball you will use in games.
Indoor or Outdoor ball?
Once you have decided on the size, then you need to decide if you want a ball to use outdoors, or a ball for indoors.
The outer layer of an outdoor basketball is made of rubber. They are affordable and durable and are great to play with. The outer layer of an indoor basketball is either composite leather, or leather. They are even better to play with, but cost more to buy. Match basketballs are indoor balls.
You can use an outdoor basketball indoors, and you will have great fun- but it won’t have the feel or bounce of an indoor ball match ball.
You can use an indoor basketball outdoors, but it will wear quickly on the rough ground and probably isn’t the best use of your money.
Outdoor basketballs are the most popular.
Outdoor Ball
If you have decided to buy an outdoor ball, search for one that has a soft-touch exterior. Look for a ball that is made up of 12 panels. There are channels or grooves between each panel, and they give great grip. Perfect for when you are lining up a shot.
Some outdoor basketballs are made for schools, with the main priority being affordability and a tough and durable exterior. This is good if you want a lot of basketballs at a base cost, but these balls generally do not have a soft touch and generally do not play as well.
Indoor Ball
If you want an indoor ball, the composite leather balls are great value for money. These balls will be 12 panel with grip channels, the same as an outdoor ball. The exterior is grippy, the feel is good, and the bounce is great. But if you want the ultimate, then you will look at leather match balls. Be careful not to use these balls outdoors and don’t leave them in the heat of your car. And don’t accidentally leave it behind in the gym.
A good ball will have a Butyl bladder. This is the balloon like lining within the ball that keeps the air in and keeps the shape of the ball. Butyl bladders are excellent at retaining air, which makes life a lot easier.
Ball Care.
With all basketballs, inflate to the manufactures recommended setting. This will be printed next to the ball valve. Don’t over inflate. Use a lubricant on the inflation needle before you insert it into the ball valve. Don’t insert the inflation needle dry, and don’t try to use saliva on it. The ball valves are delicate and it will tear if a needle is inserted dry, time and time again. The ball will then constantly become flat, which is frustrating when all you want to do is play.