In many ways, youth basketball is similar to the version played by adults. However, it does have modifications in the rules and equipment to account for children's age and size. One modification is that children use a smaller ball to allow for better control during catching, passing and dribbling.
Basketballs are available in different sizes and weights. A size 5 basketball is normally considered a youth basketball. It has a 27-inch circumference and weighs about 17 oz. A size 6 basketball is known as a women's basketball. It has a circumference of about 29 inches and weighs about 19 oz. The largest ball is a size 7 and is a regulation men's ball. It has a circumference of about 30 inches and weighs around 21 oz.
Basketballs can also be made out of different materials. The most common materials used are genuine leather, synthetic leather and rubber. Genuine leather balls are made for indoor play, used by professional teams and are the most expensive. Leather balls cost around $90. Synthetic leather balls have a similar feel to leather but are more durable and cost less. They can be found for about $50. At $20, rubber balls are the least expensive but are also less durable.
What to Look for
Children 7 and under should use a ball made from foam or rubber. It should weigh no more than 8 oz. and have a circumference no larger than 22 inches. A foam ball costs around $10. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, if the child is 8 or 9 years old, he'll need a size 5 ball. If he is 10 or 11 years old, he should use a size 6 ball, and if he is 12 or 13 years old, he can use a size 7 ball. Your best option for a child who is at least 8 years old is a synthetic leather basketball. It will last the longest, can be used outdoors and is moderately priced.
Common Pitfalls
Many people make the mistake of buying a rubber basketball for their child. Rubber basketballs are not very durable and warp easily from temperature change. These balls must be replaced often and, in the long run, end up costing more than the synthetic alternative. The only exception to this is if you are buying a ball for a child who is 7 or younger. In this case, a foam or rubber ball is preferred because it is lighter and easier to handle.
Ball size is also important. If a child is using a ball that is too large, then she may have difficulty controlling and passing the ball, according to eric.ed.gov, a library of education information. By playing with a smaller ball, the child will be able to learn skills with the proper form and control.
Basketballs are available in different sizes and weights. A size 5 basketball is normally considered a youth basketball. It has a 27-inch circumference and weighs about 17 oz. A size 6 basketball is known as a women's basketball. It has a circumference of about 29 inches and weighs about 19 oz. The largest ball is a size 7 and is a regulation men's ball. It has a circumference of about 30 inches and weighs around 21 oz.
Basketballs can also be made out of different materials. The most common materials used are genuine leather, synthetic leather and rubber. Genuine leather balls are made for indoor play, used by professional teams and are the most expensive. Leather balls cost around $90. Synthetic leather balls have a similar feel to leather but are more durable and cost less. They can be found for about $50. At $20, rubber balls are the least expensive but are also less durable.
What to Look for
Children 7 and under should use a ball made from foam or rubber. It should weigh no more than 8 oz. and have a circumference no larger than 22 inches. A foam ball costs around $10. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, if the child is 8 or 9 years old, he'll need a size 5 ball. If he is 10 or 11 years old, he should use a size 6 ball, and if he is 12 or 13 years old, he can use a size 7 ball. Your best option for a child who is at least 8 years old is a synthetic leather basketball. It will last the longest, can be used outdoors and is moderately priced.
Common Pitfalls
Many people make the mistake of buying a rubber basketball for their child. Rubber basketballs are not very durable and warp easily from temperature change. These balls must be replaced often and, in the long run, end up costing more than the synthetic alternative. The only exception to this is if you are buying a ball for a child who is 7 or younger. In this case, a foam or rubber ball is preferred because it is lighter and easier to handle.
Ball size is also important. If a child is using a ball that is too large, then she may have difficulty controlling and passing the ball, according to eric.ed.gov, a library of education information. By playing with a smaller ball, the child will be able to learn skills with the proper form and control.
