A basketball ball comes in all shapes and sizes and each one is designed with a different player in mind.

In this blog we are going to go through the different basketball balls that suit the various ages and genders of players.

Plus, we’ll differentiate balls for both indoor and outdoor basketball.

Intersport Elverys is proud Retail Partners with Basketball Ireland and we have a huge range of top products and advice for you to check out.

Basketball Ball Factors to consider

Age and gender are the two most important factors when it comes to the correct basketball ball size.

Whether you are some one is playing indoor and outdoor also matters.

As we have discussed in our blog, How High is a Basketball Hoop, getting the right size for your child is really important to allow them play to their full potential.

First, age and gender are taken into account when the NBA (National Basketball Association) recommends basketball players.

To ensure a perfect match between a player and the ball they use, these suggestions are based on the average height and hand size of the individual.

First, age and gender are taken into account when the NBA (National Basketball Association) recommends basketball players.

To ensure a perfect match between a player and the ball they use, these suggestions are based on the average height and hand size of the individual.

Basketball Ball Sizes: Age & Gender

Children

A size 3 ball would be ideal for children between the ages of 4-6.

However, a size 5 ball is suggested for older children, between the ages of 7 and 10.

Children typically have smaller hands, therefore it seems natural that their ball would be smaller as well so they could play more easily and with a better grip.

Larger balls might frustrate kids by making it challenging for them to master fundamental basketball drills.

Basketball might be more entertaining and slightly simpler to grasp for younger children with a smaller, more appropriate ball.

Teenagers – Seniors (Male)

The suggested size is a size 7 for males and older, teenage boys (12 and older).

According to the National Basketball Association (NBA), a size 7 basketball is the recommended size for males, based once more on the comfort and grip of an average-sized hand.

You can’t go wrong with this Molten Outdoor Size 7 Bastketball for some casual play.

Teenagers – Seniors (Female)

And lastly, a size 6 basketball is advised for women and girls 12 years of age and older.

Because women’s hands are often smaller than men’s, size 6 basketballs are made to assist women perform better.

The official basketball size for women, according to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), is a size 6.

Basketball Indoor and Outdoor Balls

Some people aren’t aware that there are such a thing as indoor and outdoor basketballs.

The key difference is the material, with a hard more durable surfaced basketballs designed for outdoor use.

Indoor Basketball

Basketballs used indoors are made of full-grain leather.

The concrete surface of an outdoor court can cause the leather to wear away, which would ultimately impair the ball’s grip, hence leather basketballs should only be used indoors.

Despite being pricey, full grain leather basketballs are ideal for an indoor court since the leather offers a stronger grip and feel.

Before a game, indoor basketballs need to be used a few times so they may get soft and comfortable to hold.

Outdoor Basketball

Rubber is used instead of leather to make outdoor basketballs because it can adapt to a concrete outdoor court’s rougher surface better.

Basketballs for outdoor use don’t need to be broken in due of their rubber construction. Rubber basketballs typically rebound more forcefully than indoor basketballs.

The better choice for beginners is a basketball made of rubber and composite material (leather and plastic). The cost of using an outdoor court is FREE, and these balls are intended to last on uneven surfaces.

Outdoor basketballs are always the ideal choice because they are more economical and provide more bounce, whether you want to play for fun or for exercise.

Conclusion

If you want to learn more about the game, then why not check out our blog on the Ultimate Guide to Basketball Courts?

Or else, check out our fantastic range of top basketball balls below.