Basketball is a very popular sport in part because it doesn’t require much equipment to play. As long as you have access to a hoop, you only need a ball. Finding the right basketball may seem simple enough until you realize that a variety of them may cater to your size and skill set. What’s considered a regulation-size basketball for the pros won’t necessarily be right for a game played by middle-schoolers, for example. This is important because having young kids start with a standard men’s basketball size might cause them to develop bad shooting mechanics to compensate for the disproportionate circumference and weight of the ball.

Are you wondering, “What size basketball should I get?” To help you get started, here are some tips to consider:

CONSIDER THE PLAY AREA

Are you planning to play basketball indoors or outdoors? Choosing the right basketballs entails answering this question, as they come in various types. Playing on outdoor basketball courts may require a more rugged composition. They should be durable against abrasive surfaces and can withstand extreme weather conditions.

On the other hand, indoor play may not require much from a basketball aside from the usual texture and composition that the standard type already has. Indoor courts are made of smooth hardwood that isn’t punishing to an average rubber ball.

CONSIDER THE SIZE OF THE BALL

Basketball comes in various playstyles, and your skill level will determine which size would best work with your techniques. You may also have to factor in the type of league you will be playing for, as most of them follow a strict set of rules, one of which is adherence to specific basketball sizes.

In total, there are five sizes of basketballs to choose from, generally numbered as three to seven. Each of them has its circumference, weight, and league specifics that a playing committee relegates. But not all are considered to be official size. To give you a better sense of what might work best for you, take a look at the following basketball size chart:

Of these, sizes 7, 6, and 5 are considered to be the official size basketballs for leagues featuring players of those respective ages. The use of any smaller youth basketball size is up to the discretion of the organization in charge of the league. Using the proper basketball sizes by age not only helps developing young players learn the fundamentals with the appropriate mechanics but also makes the game more enjoyable and encourages them to stick with it as they get older.

CONSIDER THE MATERIAL OF THE BALL

Two main types of basketballs could fit your preference. The kind made from rubber is durable, affordable, ideal for streetball games, and enables the player to have excellent handles due to its grip. The composite basketball is suitable for indoor use, more durable than leather, and is the standard type primarily used in leagues.

CONCLUSION

Choosing the right basketball that will work best with your technique isn’t hard—you just have to consider your playstyle and skillset before making your purchase. The type of standard youth basketball league you are planning to play for, the nature of the game, the basketball sizes, and the materials used will all come into play when taking a pick. Go for the ball that will bring out your phenomenal skills!

Once you have decided on the right basketball, you also likely need high-quality basketball equipment for your yard. Thankfully, Quality Hoops has all the necessary equipment for you. Choose from our variety of top-notch basketballs, basketball hoops, and basketball nets—order yours today with free shipping!