Basketball (ball) facts for kids
A basketball is a spherical ball used in basketball games. Basketballs usually range in size from very small promotional items that are only a few inches (some centimeters) in diameter to extra large balls nearly 2 feet (60 cm) in diameter used in training exercises. For example, a youth basketball could be 27 inches (69 cm) in circumference, while a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men's ball would be a maximum of 30 inches (76 cm) and an NCAA women's ball would be a maximum of 29 inches (74 cm). The standard for a basketball in the National Basketball Association (NBA) is 29.5 inches (75 cm) in circumference and for the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), a maximum circumference of 29 inches (74 cm). High school and junior leagues normally use NCAA, NBA or WNBA sized balls.
Aside from the court and the baskets, the basketball is the only piece of equipment necessary to play the game of basketball. During the game, the ball must be bounced continuously (dribbling), thrown through the air to other players (passing) or thrown towards the basket (shooting). Therefore, the ball must be very durable and easy to hold on to. The ball is also used to perform tricks (sometimes called freestyling), the most common of which are spinning the ball on the tip of one's index finger, dribbling in complex patterns, rolling the ball over one's shoulder, or performing aerobatic maneuvers with the ball while executing a slam dunk, most notably in the context of a slam dunk contest.
Characteristics
Nearly all basketballs have an inflatable inner rubber bladder, generally wrapped in layers of fiber and then covered with a surface made either from leather (traditional), rubber, or a synthetic composite. As in most inflatable balls, there is a small opening that allows the pressure to be increased or decreased.
The surface of the ball is nearly always divided by "ribs" that are recessed below the surface of the ball in a variety of configurations and are generally a contrasting color. An orangish surface with black ribs and a possible logo is the traditional color scheme of basketballs but they are sold in various colors. Most famous of these variations, a red/white/blue basketball, was used for the American Basketball Association, the Harlem Globetrotters, and as the "money ball" in the NBA All-Star Weekend's Three Point Contest.
Balls are generally designated for indoor (generally made of leather or absorbent composites), or all-surface use (generally made of rubber or durable composites, also known as indoor/outdoor balls). Indoor balls tend to be more expensive than all-surface balls due to the cost of materials. In addition, brand new all-leather indoor balls must be "broken in" first to achieve optimal grip before use in competition. The abrasiveness of asphalt and the dirt and moisture present in an outdoor setting will usually ruin an indoor ball within a very short period of time, which is why an indoor/outdoor ball is recommended for recreational players. Outdoor balls are usually called outdoor rubber basketballs & they are commonly made from rubber to cope with rougher conditions, and they need to be filled with more air to retain a suitable level of air pressure in colder weather.
Sizes
Different sizes are used for different age groups. The common standards are:
| Size | Type | Circumference | Weight | Notes on basketball |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Men | 29.5 in (75 cm) [749–780 mm 29.5–30.7 in] |
22 oz (620 g) [567–650 g 20–23 oz] |
Men and boys ages 15 and up. This is the official size for men's high school, college, and professional. |
| 6 | Women | 28.5 in (72 cm) [724–737 mm 28.5–29.0 in] |
20 oz (570 g) [510–567 g 18–20 oz] |
Boys ages 12-14. Women and girls ages 12 and up. This is the official size for women’s high school, college, and professional. |
| 5 | Youth (North America) Mini (FIBA) |
27.5 in (70 cm) [690–710 mm 27.2–28.0 in] |
17 oz (480 g) [470–500 g 17–18 oz] |
Boys and girls ages 9-11 years old. This is the standard youth basketball. |
| 4 | Youth (North America) | 25.5 in (65 cm) | 14 oz (400 g) | Boys and girls ages 5-8 years old. |
| 3 | Mini (North America) | 22.0 in (56 cm) | 10 oz (280 g) | Boys and girls ages 4-8 years old. Also known as “mini” basketball. |
Note that the ball used for all competitions (men's, women's, and mixed) in the formalized halfcourt game of 3x3 combines characteristics of the size 6 and size 7 balls. Its circumference is that of a size 6 ball, but its weight is that of a size 7.
Notable basketball manufacturers
| Spalding | |
 |
Spalding was the first company to produce a basketball for official use. Company founder A. G. Spalding made the first dedicated basketball in the last years of the 19th century at the behest of James Naismith. It has produced basketballs since that time and has produced the NBA’s official game ball since 1983. They also produce the basketballs for the WNBA and NBA Development League. The company also produces a wide variety of balls for the consumer market.
In 2012, it also became official provider for both the Euroleague and Eurocup competitions. It also serves as provider for Liga ACB. Spalding became the new supplier for NBL Australia in 2010. |
| Molten | |
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Molten, a Japanese sporting goods manufacturer, has the current contract to provide game balls for:
Until the 2006–07 season, it had provided balls for both Europe-wide competitions organized by Euroleague Basketball, the Euroleague and ULEB Cup (now the Eurocup). Molten's top-of-the line product is the GL7, a leather ball with a distinctive 12-panel design. |
| Wilson | |
 |
Wilson Sporting Goods is the official ball supplier of all NCAA postseason tournaments, most notably the men's and women's Division I tournaments, and is used by many NCAA teams during the season as well by many high school leagues. As of 2015, Wilson also supplies balls for all FIBA-operated 3x3 competitions. Like Spalding, Wilson produces a variety of balls for the consumer market as well. It also formerly was the supplier to the NBA's game ball from 1946 to 1983. |
| Rawlings | |
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Rawlings has manufactured basketballs since 1902. The company is known for producing a 10-panel ball (known as the TEN), along with traditional 8-panel balls. The TEN basketball is the official ball of the Amateur Athletic Union and the "Gus Macker", the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the United States. |
| Nike | |
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Nike had the contract to produce balls for the Euroleague Basketball Company (including the Euroleague and the Eurocup) from 2007 until 2012, when it turned to Spalding. In the Philippines the NCAA and UAAP use the Nike 4005 Official Tournament Balls. |
| Nivia | |
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Nivia is based in Jalandhar (Punjab), India and it has been manufacturing basketballs since 1934. It makes hand stitched balls which have been the official balls for many national, international leagues, championship including the All India Football Federation (AIFF). |
| Others | |
| Other companies that make basketballs include Adidas, Avaro, Baden Sports (official supplier for the Harlem Globetrotters), Dunlop, Kipsta, Mikasa, Mitre to name a few. | |
See also
In Spanish: Balón de baloncesto para niños
