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Find The Basketball That Is Best For You!!!

Posted on July 16, 2008

Once you’ve had the misfortune of being stuck playing with a heavy, over inflated, rubber basketball…you’ll understand that using a good basketball is pretty important.  Not even Kobe Bryant can make 5 baskets in a row with a ball like the rubber one mentioned above…and if you’re playing outside then it’s going to be brick city all day long.

So what type of basketball is right for you?

Basketballs, generally, are fashioned from 4 different types of material.  Each one has different levels of flexibility and durability.


Rubber Basketballs: Rubber basketballs are well suited for outdoor play because they are extremely durable and water resistant.  Rubber basketballs usually have a deeply contoured surfaces which makes them fairly easy to grip.  These balls also come in a variety of sizes.

Synthetic Leather Basketballs: Synthetic leather basketballs are pretty good for indoor, as well as outdoor play.  They are made from a unique material which gives them the look and a feel of an actual leather ball, but with more strength and water resistance.  Synthetic leather basketballs are perfect for general play or practice.

Composite Basketballs: Composite basketballs have become rather popular due to their excellent tackiness, feel and playability.  They are also much less expensive than leather basketballs.  The covers on composite basketballs are a blend of leather and synthetic materials.  They are suitable for indoor use and are ideal serious competition.

Leather Basketballs: Leather basketballs are the most popular type of basketball.  They deliver the best performance, with a sure grip and playability that will elevate your ball game.  Leather basketballs are usually the official basketballs in competitive organizations.  They are perfect for serious competition and serious practice.

In summary:

  • The rubber basketball is durable, great for indoor/outdoor recreational play.
  • The synthetic leather basketball has the feel of leather, good overall hardiness.  It’s a nice game ball for schools.
  • Composite balls are top quality.  They are for indoor use only and they don’t need to be broken in.
  • Leather basketballs are the best quality basketballs available.  They, like composite balls, are for indoor usage only.  They are the most expensive basketballs on the market.

What size Basketball is right for you?

Age Of User Diameter Circumference Size
Up to 7 7" 22" 3
Under 12 8" 25" - 28" 4 - 5
15 and up (Women) 9" 29" 6*
15 and up (Men) 9" 30" 7**


*(Size 6 is the official Women’s Size Basketball)
**(Size 7 is the official Men’s Size Basketball)

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