The game is down to the final 10 seconds: The point guard has the ball at the top of the key, makes a move, begins a drive and accelerates toward the basket before kicking it out to a teammate for the wide-open, game-winning jump shot. We have seen it perhaps hundreds of times over our lifetime, and each time the ball does everything it is supposed to--it is inflated perfectly, bounces rhythmically and passes and shoots accurately. We take it for granted that a basketball will do what's expected. But there are many different kinds of basketballs besides the high-priced leather basketballs used in organized sports, including outdoor balls, indoor balls and basketballs good for both.
What to Look for
Purchase the ball that suits your needs. If you are going to play outdoor basketball, a rubber-coated ball will have the most durability. If you are going to play indoors, a leather ball is best. For most people, a composite ball that is good for both outdoor and indoor play will get the job done. In addition to picking a ball suited for the surface of your choice, consider several technological advances that improve the control a player has while dribbling, passing or shooting. The Wave basketball features grooves that improve the control a player has over the ball. The grooves do not impact shooting, passing or dribbling, but give you more confidence that you have control of the ball. The Neverflat basketball does not to be inflated for the first year of use. The Infusion basketball comes with a built-in mini-pump that will fill the basketball and then retract when it is at its proper level. The official size of a men's basketball has a circumference of 29.5 inches; the women's basketball measures at 28.5 inches.
Common Pitfalls
Unless you are purchasing a ball for a child under the age of 8, always buy a standard size basketball. Allowing a young player to use a smaller basketball builds a false sense of confidence. It's one thing to dribble, shoot and pass a smaller basketball; it's quite another to do it with a standard size ball. A player who can handle a smaller basketball might not be able to handle a bigger one. Also, the basketball needs to be replaced once the tread wears off. Most basketballs have raised dots to help the player have more control. Once those dots have worn away, you need to purchase a new ball.
What to Look for
Purchase the ball that suits your needs. If you are going to play outdoor basketball, a rubber-coated ball will have the most durability. If you are going to play indoors, a leather ball is best. For most people, a composite ball that is good for both outdoor and indoor play will get the job done. In addition to picking a ball suited for the surface of your choice, consider several technological advances that improve the control a player has while dribbling, passing or shooting. The Wave basketball features grooves that improve the control a player has over the ball. The grooves do not impact shooting, passing or dribbling, but give you more confidence that you have control of the ball. The Neverflat basketball does not to be inflated for the first year of use. The Infusion basketball comes with a built-in mini-pump that will fill the basketball and then retract when it is at its proper level. The official size of a men's basketball has a circumference of 29.5 inches; the women's basketball measures at 28.5 inches.
Common Pitfalls
Unless you are purchasing a ball for a child under the age of 8, always buy a standard size basketball. Allowing a young player to use a smaller basketball builds a false sense of confidence. It's one thing to dribble, shoot and pass a smaller basketball; it's quite another to do it with a standard size ball. A player who can handle a smaller basketball might not be able to handle a bigger one. Also, the basketball needs to be replaced once the tread wears off. Most basketballs have raised dots to help the player have more control. Once those dots have worn away, you need to purchase a new ball.
