There are a wide variety of basketballs available on the market. When looking to buy one, there are a number of things you consider while making your decision...
Type of Ball
There are four main types of basketballs you can purchase
Other Notes
Type of Ball
There are four main types of basketballs you can purchase
Rubber
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Indoor / Outdoor
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Synthetic / Composite Leather
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Full Grain Leather
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Ball Sizes
Size 3 / Mini Basketball- More of a novelty ball
- Rarely used in actual play
- Good for a first ball for a player ages 5 and under
- Commonly used by players ages 5-9.
- Mainly available in rubber only
- 'Youth' name normally found on the ball.
- Found at specialty sporting good stores
- Commonly used by boys ages 10-13 and girls / women ages 10 and up
- Commonly marked with a '28.5' (which is the circumference of the ball)
- Commonly used by boys / men ages 14+
- Most common ball found in most sporting good stores
- Commonly marked with 'regulation' or 'official size' on it
Brands
There are dozens of different ball manufactures on the market. Like most things, you will get a slightly better and longer lasting product is you stick to the recognized name brands. The high end brand of ball to look for include...- Wilson (the official ball of Basketball Manitoba)
- Spalding
- Rawlings
- Molten
Storing Your Ball
To ensure your composite leather ball has a long life, store it in a cool, dry place. Rubber balls are pretty much indestructible, but keep it clean and dry to ensure it has a long life!Other Notes
- It is suggested you write your name and phone number on your ball if you plan to you it in a public place (tryouts, camps, leagues, etc)
- Don't sit on your ball as it could create a 'bulge' on the side of it, shortening its life.