| 1. Baden | 2. Molten | 3. Spalding |
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Basketball gathered a lot of fame across the globe from the time it was introduced to the world. The game emanates style, passion, power, skill, and inclusivity on a giant scale. Witnessing such powerful plays happening on digital media, it is only natural that we would want to try our hand with it. And that’s when the struggle for deciding on the best indoor basketball begins.
Whether you are a complete newbie or a seasoned player who wants to try a new ball, choosing a basketball is never easy. People who aren’t well acquainted with the nuances of this game would think of a basketball as just another ball.
But the players or even the aspiring players know better. Buying the right basketball for yourself or your child takes a considerable amount of research and knowledge.
SHOW ME THE BEST INDOOR BASKETBALL NOW!Are you someone who is looking for a new indoor basketball but don’t know where to start? Do all the different brands and ball sizes and ball specifications drive you crazy? Do you wish you had a better understanding of all of that so you can make an informed choice? If you answered yes to any of these questions, we have the right answer for you.
Here is an elaborate guide on helping you put your money in the right type of indoor basketball. No basketball is essentially bad or unworthy. It is about one’s specific preferences that make a certain basketball a winner over the rest.
Along with some great information, we have also reviewed a number of different indoor basketballs for you. You are sure to find your favorite in our reviewed list. So, let’s dive into it.
Types Of Basketballs
One of the ways a basketball is categorized is in terms of the material used in its making. There are majorly three types of material which you should be aware of. The base material defines a lot of things like the durability, the bounce, etc. of the ball.
1. Genuine Leather Basketballs
Leather basketballs are very reliable when you are playing indoors. If you use leather basketball for outdoor play, it will be chewed up in no time. Once you hold it for the first time you might feel weird because of its solid texture.
But as you go on to play with indoors, its surface and feel will get better with time. The best leather basketballs offer a commendable grip while playing.
However, leather balls are less durable, as compared to rubber balls and need regular maintenance. Leather balls are also expensive than other balls due to the 100% leather covers used in them.
2. Composite/Synthetic Leather Basketballs
Composite/synthetic leather balls are an alternative to genuine leather balls if you are looking for a leathery feel. Composite leather balls are cheap and they don’t get spoiled easily in outdoor courts.
The composite material does not get dried out as much as leather does. And they do not need prolonged usage before they start to feel soft, unlike leather. They are already soft and game-ready when you buy them.
3. Rubber Balls
These are called summer camp balls, because they are very cheap, durable and can be used on asphalt. Rubber balls can also be used as dodge balls. You can easily use rubber balls anywhere and anytime as they are very durable.
Since they are easy on the pocket, they are usually preferred by beginners or those who play rarely. They are durable and cheap, which also makes them lack professional quality. So, they are not recommended for anyone looking for a serious play or practice.
Factors To Look For In An Indoor Basketball
Just like buying any other product, buying a basketball is also an investment that should be done carefully. A little research beforehand can go a long way. But how do you know what to look for in a basketball?
They all look pretty good when kept on the shelf, don’t they? Don’t worry! Here are the most important factors that you must look for when you are scrolling through the endless list of basketballs out there.
1. Material
For making indoor basketballs, different materials are used. Cheap rubber is used for making outdoor basketballs. However, most of the indoor balls are made up of genuine and composite leather instead of rubber. That’s because leather is softer than rubber and it lacks texture.
Leather offers more grip on the basketball. While playing and dribbling, you will find it much better than rubber balls. Leather balls are definitely more fun to play with. But leather is less durable than rubber, and it is a bit slippery when you will play with sweating hands.
Basketballs that are used in the NBA are made of genuine leather. It is more expensive than composite leather. Actually, real leather balls are ideal for playing basketball indoors. Genuine leather basketballs are the highest quality basketballs in the market.
So for better grip, you should avoid rubber basketballs, and use composite or best leather basketball. These have the texture and bounce characteristics of a competitive game ball.
2. Air Retention
As per the NBA standards, the air pressure in a basketball should be between 7.5 to 8.5 pounds per square inch. The problem arises when the ball starts losing air continuously. It will lose the grip of the ball, and proper dribbling will not be possible with less air pressure.
Fortunately, this does not happen in leather basketballs. The air has to be between specific amounts of pressure, so it doesn’t become stiff and you can enjoy playing with it. At the same time, you can’t have less pressure as the ball will not have consistent bounce.
Your basketball needs to be properly inflated. The ball should bounce up to the level of the waistline or slightly higher. If the basketball bounces up to the level of the chest, it means it is overinflated.
And if it bounces below the waistline, that is a sign of an under-inflated basketball. You might have to inflate your basketball in winters, because of the temperature drops. Apart from that, basketball should be pumped regularly.
3. Grip Of The Ball
The handgrip is a very important factor while buying a good indoor basketball. One can lose the grip of the ball if their hands are sweaty or moist. Some indoor basketballs, which are made up of genuine leather have moisture reduction surfaces. These aid in the absorption of sweat from your hands and offer you better control over your ball.
The grip of the ball is majorly important, because once you have a good grip of the ball you can easily throw, catch, hold and shoot the ball. You can check the grip of the ball by using your thumb, index finger and ring finger.
Before buying a basketball, check its grip by squeezing the ball with both hands and trying a fake pass. Too little grip will make catching passes, holding the ball and dribbling harder.
NBA replaced the real leather basketballs with composite leather basketballs in 2005. The reason being, the players said the composite leather basketballs have more grip than the genuine leather basketballs. But the NBA again started rolling out real leather balls in 2007, by giving them good texture. That’s because more grip is not always the best thing.
4. Bounce
The bounce of the ball is a majorly important factor when considering a basketball purchase. The smoother the surface of your ball is, the better bounce you will get. A good basketball is designed to bounce continuously throughout several games, with consistency.
Proper air pressure and maintenance is the key to having a good bounce in the ball. The bounce of the ball is highly affected by the air pressure inside, as air is inflated in the ball to make it bounce.
In general, if the air is inflated more inside, the ball will bounce higher. On the other hand, if the air is low, the ball will bounce low and erratically.
You can test the bounce of your ball by throwing it from the shoulder height. It should bounce to the height of your hips, approximately. Before buying, you should always test its bounce so you don’t have to regret it later.
5. Size Of The Ball
Basketballs for children and girls are usually lighter and smaller in size, which makes them easy to grip and shoot. Basketball comes in the following sizes: size 3, size 4, size 5, size 6 and size 7. Size 3, the mini basketball, has circumference (enclosing boundary) of 23 inches. It is used by boys and girls of the age group of 4 to 8 years. Then comes size 4, which has a circumference of 25.5 inches and children aged 5-8 years can use it.
Size 5 is the standard size of the basketballs found in almost all stores. It has a circumference of 27.5 inches. And it’s meant for the boys and girls of the age group of 9 to 11 years. Next is size 6, which is recommended for young adults who fall in the age group of 12 – 14. Size 6 is the official size for a women’s basketball game with a circumference of 28.5 inches.
Then the last size is a size 7, which has a circumference of 29.5. It is recommended for players who are 15 years or older. To make sure you buy the best indoor basketball, size should be a factor that must not be neglected.
With the enormous growth in the online market, it’s a tough task to find the product of your choice. Several brands are offering various choices, which can get overwhelming. We understand that. And here, we have reviewed a bunch of basketballs for you, so you don’t have to do the hard work.
Top 15 Best Indoor Basketballs of 2020
1. Baden Elite Indoor Game Basketball
Are you looking for a basketball that is a step ahead of the usual? And you are okay with spending a few extra bucks for it? If yes, then this basketball by Baden will make you happy. As its name suggests, this ball is Baden’s top-of-the-line game ball.
Being a premium range ball, it is made of high-quality material for increased durability. The ball offers excellent grip due to its composite microfiber cover, which falls in Baden’s proprietary. Even the cushion cut technology used in the ball is patented by this brand.
The edges of the ball are smoothly rounded. And the design is symmetrical and designed in a way that you get a ball with impressive balance. This design gives you true and consistent bounces, minus any lumps.
You can get Baden’s Elite basketball in the intermediate size 6 as well as the official size 7. This product is NFHS approved, so you have nothing to worry about.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!2. Molten X-Series Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
Molten has international fame under its sleeve for the FIBA approved balls that they provide. Their X-Series balls are designed to offer enhanced visibility and functionality to the players.
They have upgraded their traditional pebble pattern in this particular series of balls. These basketballs come with a design, in which each pebble has been aligned to bring out an even-textured surface. This makes sure that the ball has consistent contact with your hand – no matter where it is held.
As for the visibility, their signature GUIGIARO 12-panel design has been given a boost as well. The balls come in colors with sharp contrasts, hence becoming more visible to the players as well as the audience.
This way you can keep a better track of the rotation of the ball. The best part about this ball, is that it is not made for indoor use. You can use it wherever and whenever you choose and it will withstand the competition.
Some customers have mentioned that as this ball comes deflated, it leaves creases on panels. The air valve has also been observed to be descended into the ball. Other than that, it has been loved by many for its quality.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!3. Spalding Rookie Gear Composite 27.5 Youth Basketball
Are your children just beginning to gain interest in the beautiful game of basketball? Are you looking for a starter basketball for them, which is affordable? This basketball by Spalding is one of the best indoor basketballs you can find under 20 dollars.
In their Rookie Gear series, they offer basketballs designed specifically for children 8 years or younger. These balls measure 27.5 inches and weighs 25% less than the standard balls for youths. Their lightness delays fatigue, and keeps your kids playing for long.
For the grip, these balls are covered with performance composite cover. The better the grip, the more will be the fun. And since you can’t always stop your kids from taking the ball and going outside, this ball won’t disappoint you.
Various customers have mentioned that this ball is easier to dribble and bounces with less effort. The touch and feel of the ball have been called leather-like, which is a great compliment.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!4. Spalding NBA Neverflat Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
This is another great ball by Spalding, the largest basketball equipment supplier in the world. If you want a branded ball for yourself, but don’t want to spend too much, this is a great deal.
Under 50 dollars, you get Spalding’s NBA Neverflat game ball that can be used indoors as well as outdoors. This ball has been claimed to hold air ten times longer than most traditional balls. This is because they have used NitroFlate air technology and an advanced membrane that make it almost impossible for the air to escape.
The valve has been redesigned to contain a cap that keeps the dirt and leaks at bay. The basic material used is high-quality composite leather, which is easy on the hands. Their full-grain Horween leather cover enhances the grip and gives you a better play. You can expect this ball to provide you consistent NBA game ball bounce height for a minimum of one year.
A few customers have reviewed this ball stating that balls arrive underinflated. It has also been observed that the ball bounces to 70% of its capacity. So you might want to check on that before buying.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!5. Baden Crossover Composite Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
Baden has been in the basketball business for quite a while. And they know what the customers are looking for. This Crossover basketball proves their expertise in this field.
This basketball is made to provide you a great playing experience in just fewer than 40 dollars. The Flex composite cover of the ball has a soft and tacky feel and gives you an amazing grip. The panels are symmetrically placed, so you can enjoy consistency whether you are shooting, catching, rebounding or passing.
It comes in 3 sizes, 27.5 inches, 28.5 inches, and 29.5 inches. You even get a choice for the hues you want. You can go for the old-school black, or get funky with neon green and orange.
It has been designed to be used both indoors and outdoors. However, customers have mentioned that the ball softened in a week’s time when used on concrete surfaces. Also, the surface might feel slippery in the beginning.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!6. Spalding TF-1000 Classic Indoor Basketball
Have you been looking for a Spalding’s basketball that falls in the premium range? If that’s the case, this product might just be what you are looking for. TK-1000 is 29.5 inches in size and is designed for official indoor play.
The material used for making the ball is Spalding’s exclusive ZK composite leather. This is meant to provide better moisture management, and hence a better grip. The structural integrity of this particular basketball is taken care of by the pure nylon windings that are used in it.
The surface design is wide-channeled, which makes it even easier to grip and hold on to. This NFHS approved basketball can be a great addition to your indoor court. As for the price, it lies on the higher end of the spectrum. So you might want to check your budget before going for this one.
There have been customer reviews stating that this ball tends to get slippery when handled with sweaty hands. Also, the indents are not very deep, which gives this ball a plastic-like feel.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!7. Spalding Precision Indoor Basketball
With Spalding’s commendable history of making basketball products, it’s not difficult to trust their experience with precision. Their Precision basketball is a projection of this experience.
This is a fairly affordable basketball that comes in a size 7 and is specifically designed for elite-level players. Spalding ensures an amazing grip by providing Eco Grip composite cover on this basketball. The channels are deep and the color is light, which makes it easy to control and spot from a distance.
This basketball contains butyl bladder to keep the air from escaping. And it comes with responsive, cushioned sponge carcass for that feel that all players are looking for. The ball is shipped inflated and game-ready. So, you can take your skills a notch up by practicing with it indoors.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!8. Under Armour 495 Indoor/Outdoor Composite Basketball
Everyone is familiar with the amazing quality products that Under Armour makes. This is one of those lovely products by Under Armour that has won the hearts of many.
If you’ve been looking for a women’s basketball that meets the standards, this is the one to go for. Their 495 Gripskin basketball comes in the standard size of 28.5 inches. It has deep channels and appropriate cover to ensure a satisfactory grip.
This is an official women’s size basketball that can be used by females who are 14 years or older. The weight of the ball is kept in a range that makes it easy to dribble and play with for long hours. And the ball can be used on indoor, as well as outdoor surfaces without any worry.
A few customers have stated that the ball needed to be pumped after every use. And the ball didn’t come fully inflated. You might run into this issue, so it would be great if you already have a pump. Do check for that before buying it.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!9. Baden Contender Indoor/Outdoor Composite Basketball
Baden has something for everybody, and that’s the reason we keep coming back to it for our basketball needs. The Contender by Baden is a basketball designed for those who like their game ball to be highly durable.
In less than 40 dollars, you get a basketball that you can use indoors and outdoors without worrying about its longevity. This ball is endowed with the Performance Composite cover by Baden for great grip.
There is no chance of inconsistent turnovers or bounces with the symmetrical panel configuration that the ball comes with. The special thing about this basketball is its Recessed Stealth Soft Valve system. This technology is there to ensure the best air retention in the ball, which makes it very low maintenance.
You get four different color options and three sizes to choose from. Various happy customers have reviewed it as highly durable and sturdy.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!10. Chance Premium Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
Chance is all about breaking the norm and empowering out of the box thinkers. This premium basketball by Chance is a projection of their mantra of feeling good and going for it with courage.
This basketball comes with Performance composite leather for an enjoyable play. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. However, Chance recommends that the ball be used mostly indoors for better longevity. For the grip, there is full ball pebbling and pretty deep channels that take care of it all. The shape retention is ensured by the butyl bladder that keeps the air locked in.
You can get this ball in sizes 27.5 inches, 28.5 inches and 29.5 inches. One thing different from most basketballs, is that this one does not come inflated. So, make sure you have got a pump if you are buying this one.
There have been a number of first time buyers of this ball who have loved it dearly. Some customers have pointed out that the ball is a tiny bit more porous than normal balls. And it also tends to get dirty pretty easily, so this might not be for you if you like to play outdoors.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!11. Firepulse Grip Basketball/Official Size 7(29.5”)
This basketball is for those of you who are just starting out and don’t want to drain your pockets. Firepulse offers a great quality basketball range in the official size that falls in the 20-dollar range.
You are sure to have impressive finger grip control with the deep channels that this ball is designed with. The standard butyl rubber bladder is used to always keep your basketball in the shape that it should be in. The core of the ball is made of cushioned sponge, which offers a soft touch and feel around the rim.
A high-end consistency and longevity are ensured by the performance composite cover that this ball comes with. The nylon threads used for the winding are long-lasting, and provide the correct bounce. The ball is shipped deflated, but it comes with a pump, so that’s definitely a plus point.
Reviewers have appreciated the composite of this ball, stating that it is highly durable. It has also been mentioned that the ball doesn’t tend to get dirty too quickly. So, you can surely treat it like an outdoor streetball without any worries.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!12. Baden Element Indoor Game Basketball, NFHS Approved
Baden is a highly reliable brand when it comes to basketball. This particular one by Baden is specifically designed for a joy-filled indoor gaming experience. And the best part is that Baden does it without burning a hole through your pocket.
Baden’s Element basketball is built using natural leather, which tackles any shooting situation with grace. You get optimum ball control with the composite microfiber cover that the ball comes with. The ball is rendered durable, given the Cushion Control Technology used in it.
Are you tired of balls that have inconsistent bounces and turnovers? Baden takes care of that by tweaking the panel configuration and design of their basketballs. You can get it in both official, as well as an intermediate size range.
On going through the reviews, we have noticed that a number of customers find this ball smaller than what they expected. The official size range for men’s basketball is 29.5 inches to 30.5 inches. This ball falls at the lower limit of this range, while most other basketballs are at the upper limit. This might cause it to be perceived as smaller.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!13. Xedge Basketballs Official Size 7/29.5 Inches
It can be difficult to find a good quality official sized basketball if you have a budget of only 30 dollars. But worry not! This basketball by Xedge is sure to fit your requirements, as well as your budget.
This 29.5 inches basketball is designed to be used both indoors as well as outdoors. The material used for covering is a special hygroscopic PU cover. It is a high-quality composite leather coating that offers superior grip.
The ball is known to have long air storage, given the butyl bladder. So, you won’t have to go through the pain of inflating it very frequently. Also, the professional nylon winding used ensures exact spinning and correct bounce. The deeper channels crafted on the ball offer great control – no matter how you hold it.
In the package you receive, you not only get a ball, but also an air pump and two needles. This kit comes in handy because this Xedge ball does not come inflated. Various customers have appreciated Xedge giving a pump at this price. Reviewers also mentioned that this basketball is a breeze to inflate and does not disappoint you while playing.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!14. Senston Basketball 29.5″ Outdoor Indoor Mens Basketball
Senston offers a good quality men’s official sized basketball at a very reasonable cost. For those of you who are looking for a rough and tough indoor/outdoor ball, here is one worth considering.
In your Senston package, you receive a lovely basketball, a mesh bag, and one needle. Along with that, you also receive a pump, which makes it a steal deal in this price range. The ball offers a perfect touch and softer grip, with its composite PU leather cover.
The base winding of the ball is made of 80% nylon, so get excellent shape retention. The 100% butyl bladder contained in the ball works great for providing air retention. Senston has endowed its basketball with cushion core technology and wide channel design. These allow better dribble control, exceptional feed and consistent bounce. You can expect great visibility and a stylish look with the bright colors of the ball.
Senston does not ship inflated balls to ensure safe transportation. It is recommended to use the ball after 24 hours of fully inflating it. This will allow the ball to regain its full shape and become game-ready.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!15. Anaconda Sports The Rock Basketball Indoor/Outdoor
Anaconda Sports is a brand that is dedicated to providing acceptable quality basketballs and related products at affordable costs. This basketball by Anaconda Sports is one that you can buy with a 20-dollar budget without getting disappointed.
This basketball comes in an intermediate size of 28.5 inches, which is an official size for women and young adults. Its design is such that you can play with it in both indoor as well as outdoor settings. The endurance cover that it comes with makes the ball resistant to wear and tear.
The ball doesn’t come inflated and the proper inflation level recommended for it is 7-9 PSI. This basketball has almost no negative reviews on its name. And the customers have shown great appreciation for its build quality and design.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes, all the information doesn’t seem to be enough, and we are still left with a number of questions about the product. We have reviewed several different types of basketballs. And we’ve come up with a carefully curated list of frequently asked questions to help you make the best choice. So, here you go!
1. Which material is reliable when looking for the best indoor basketball?
The material plays an immensely important role in determining the performance of your basketball. In the market, there are a bunch of different types of basketball available. The materials include rubber, composite leather, and genuine leather. If you are looking for a very high-quality, high-performance basketball then real leather is the way to go.
Cheap rubber basketballs are used for outdoor play. For indoor play, only genuine leather basketball is recommended because it is softer than composite leather or rubber material. And it offers more grip as compared to the other materials. You will enjoy more while playing with leather basketball.
2. What is the standard indoor basketball size for young players?
Size 5 or the intermediate size is the standard indoor basketball size for young players. It is recommended for the age group of 9 to 11 years old and is readily found in the market. It has a circumference of 27.5 inches. It is essential that young players don’t play with basketballs that are not recommended for their age.
3. How much air pressure is recommended for best indoor basketball?
As per the NBA standards, the air pressure has to be between 7.5 to 8.5 pounds per square inch. The air pressure is important to avoid the ball from becoming too stiff or too soft. Your basketball needs to properly inflate before you start playing with it.
It is always recommended to check the air pressure in your ball before starting a game. The appropriate air pressure also ensures that the ball stays in the best shape and offers true bounces.
4. What is the minimum size a basketball comes in?
As we are aware, there are various sizes of basketballs available in the market. The lowest size available is size 3, which has a circumference (enclosing boundary of the ball) of 23 inches. It is mainly recommended for the age group of 4 to 8 years and is used by both boys and girls.
It is also known as mini basketball. The small size of the ball allows the younger players to dribble more easily. These basketballs are also lighter in weight, so kids can have fun for a longer time.
5. What is the official size of women’s basketball?
Size 6 is the official size for a women’s basketball with a circumference of 28.5 inches. It is usually smaller than the NBA ball. This size ball is used for all senior-level women’s competitions all over the world. The small circumference makes it easy for women to play the game efficiently.
6. What happens if the air pressure inside the basketball is not up to the mark?
The problem arises when the ball starts losing air continuously. This will lead to a lack of grip on the ball, as well the proper dribbling will not be possible with less air pressure. Minor fluctuations in air retention do not cause much difference, but it should not lose air regularly.
On the other hand, have too much air pressure in the basketball will make it stiff. You will not get true bounces and turnovers with an extremely stiff basketball. So, the air pressure needs to be at the recommended level for a fun-filled game to take place.
7. What is the significance of the grip?
Having a good grip on basketball is what helps you throw, catch, hold and shoot the ball easily. You start to lose the grip on the ball when your hands begin to get sweaty during the high-intensity play.
A lot of brands offer basketballs that have moisture reduction surface. This absorbs the sweat of your hands and provides a firmer grip on the ball. Checking the grip of the ball is very important before going for the best leather basketball.
8. How can you check the grip of the ball?
One can check the grip of the ball by using their index fingers, thumb and ring finger. If you are able to handle it well with your fingertips and thumb, then you can say you have a good grip over the ball.
If it slips away from your fingertips, that means the ball has too much air pressure and has turned stiff. However, if you are able to squeeze it between our fingers, that indicates poor inflation.
Before deciding to buy the best indoor basketball for yourself, you must check it by squeezing the ball with both hands. And try a fake pass. If the grip is not proper, you will not be able to dribble the ball, hold the ball or shoot the ball properly. Real leather balls always offer the best grip as compared to composite leather balls.
9. How can we check the bounce of the basketball?
You can test the bounce of your ball by throwing it from the shoulder height. It should approximately bounce to the height of your waistline. The bounce of the ball is highly affected by the air pressure inside it.
We can say that if it is inflated more than required the ball will bounce higher. On the other hand, in a poorly inflated basketball, the bounce will be low. The best indoor basketball is the one that offers consistent bounce throughout multiple games.
10. What kind of pump is used for inflating air inside a basketball?
It is always recommended to use small pumps and pressure gauge for inflating air inside the basketball. That’s because small pumps have low air pressure by which you can easily inflate according to the amount of air you require.
Avoid using high-pressure pumps that are used to pump tires of cars or motorbikes. These pumps can over inflate your basketball and can damage it. Over-inflation of basketball is not a good idea.
It may affect the grip of the ball badly and even the bounce of the ball will be higher than you want. Most of the basketballs that do not come inflated often come with a pump, which makes the task easy.
11. How to restore the grip of a leather basketball?
If you are a driven player, your basketball is sure to lose its grip at some point. But this change is reversible and you can follow certain steps to bring back that grip. For starters, clean your basketball with a rag to remove all the debris and visible dirt. Now, soak a clean rag in a mix of dish soap and water. And press it into the grooves of the ball to clean these places thoroughly.
The next step is to pour some leather cleaner into a new dry rag. And use this rag to wipe the surface of the ball. This cleaner will help remove all that dish soap couldn’t and ensure deep cleaning of the basketball. Dry the basketball nicely and let it rest for some time. The grip is sure to get restored.
12. What is the key to ensuring a good bounce of basketball?
The key to ensuring a good bounce of the basketball is its proper maintenance and air pressure. The air pressure inside the ball has a major effect on the bounce of the ball. The more the pressure, the higher will be the bounce.
And you don’t want your basketball to bounce too high, since that will not lead to a smooth play. A softer ball will not bounce at all or may just bounce for only a couple of times before it settles to the ground. One should always consider the outside temperature while pumping the air. While inflating a ball one should use a small pump or pressure gauge to get good air pressure.
13. What is the difference between men’s and women’s basketball?
There is not much difference between the men’s and women’s basketball. The only tangible difference is the size of the ball they use for playing. The size of the ball in women’s basketball ranges from 28.5 inches to 29 inches in circumference. Whereas, the basketball in the men’s game is between 29.5 inches and 30 inches in size.
Having smaller sized basketballs makes it more comfortable for the women to play the game. And when the size is large, it is not accessible for women to hold the ball properly. And we know very well how detrimental improper grip can be in the game of basketball.
14. Why it is said that leather gives more grip than other materials?
Leather basketballs give a better grip than rubber or composite leather balls, as they have moisture reduction surfaces. Their surfaces are specifically designed in order to absorb the sweat and moisture off of your hands while playing. While playing and dribbling, you will find it better than other balls, because leather basketballs don’t have the tendency to slip away.
15. What does it mean to break-in a leather basketball?
Leather balls are all premium and great, but there is a catch there. When you get a brand new leather ball, it’s not going to come with the grip you paid for. The process of bringing them to life and making them game-ready is known as breaking-in a leather basketball.
In fact, the leather basketballs that we see the professional players using are all broken in. These balls are subjected to a break-in process that is 90 days long. During this time, the balls are bounced and passed for hours and hours. This breaks down the leather covering of the ball and what appears is a soft and graspable basketball.
16. How to break-in or soften a leather basketball?
The most popular and easiest way to break-in or soften a leather basketball is to simply play with it. The more it is bounced or passed, the sooner it will soften and prove its worth. However, if you are in a hurry or looking forward to a big match, you can definitely expedite this process.
To do this, start by cleaning your basketball with a dry cloth. Now, spray a leather conditioner on half of the ball and massage it into the ball with a damp cloth. Let the ball sit and dry for around 15 minutes before you wipe off the excess conditioner. Repeat the same process on the other half of the ball as well. Now, repeat the whole process 2-3 times until your basketball starts to show signs of softness.
17. How to keep your basketball inflated for a long time?
Deflated basketballs create a lot of frustration. While you can’t ensure that the ball stays inflated forever, you can surely delay its deflation. There are a few tips that will help your ball stay in shape for longer. The first one is to store your ball in a warm area. Colder environments tend to cause expansion of the air inside the ball, in turn, making it leak out.
Another trick is to avoid kicking your basketball. The extra force you apply using our feet only makes your basketball get deflated sooner. Make sure you pump your basketball on a regular basis to approximately 8 PSI.
18. What is the effect of different surfaces on the bounce of a basketball?
As you get more and more involved with this game, you will find yourself playing on various different surfaces. And it is fair to wonder how these surfaces affect the bounce of your basketball.
- Hardwood Floors
Wooden courts are considered the best floors to play on. The main reason is the great dribbling experience that they offer the player. But if you are having a hard time dribbling in a wooden court, it is likely due to the dead spots on the floor. These dead spots are created by water damage that the floor has suffered.
- Asphalt/Cement Courts
Asphalt or cement courts are nothing but the surface of your driveway or the park. Your basketball will have a beautiful bounce on both of these surfaces when they are fairly new. As these surfaces age, it becomes difficult to handle the basketball or dribble it efficiently. These areas are usually exposed to the sun a lot, which also plays a role in their swift aging.
- Multipurpose Courts
The main components of multipurpose courts are tiled plastics or hard rubber. These are usually found in small schools or community recreation areas, since they are not expensive to put together. They offer a good bounce when they are newly installed. But since these courts are used for multiple games, their surface wears out quickly. And as the firmness of the surface goes down, the bounce of the basketball goes down with it.
Best Indoor Basketballs – Your Pick?
It is reasonable to expect a good performance from a basketball, regardless of the money you are spending on it. And it is always a good idea to be aware of the different options you have available.
So you can match your expectations with what’s out there for you to choose from. This guide is all about helping you align your best indoor basketball expectations with your options. So read through it, and make the player in you more knowledgeable.