The Best Outdoor Basketballs

Buying Guide

If you’re a basketball player, you know the frustration of finding your ball flat or partially deflated. That’s one reason it’s a good idea to have multiple balls: you’ll always have one ready to go. The first step in finding the right basketball is considering how you’ll use the ball. If you primarily play outdoors, you’ll want to search for balls specifically made for outdoor play. Otherwise, the balls may not live up to your expectations due to their differences in quality.

If you have a family and are looking for a basketball that your kids can use to practice, you’ll want to start your search by looking for kids basketballs. These smaller balls often come in sizes labeled 3 through 6. A standard size is a size 7 for basketballs.

NBA basketballs are all the same size and from the same manufacturer, and they are inflated to an exact PSI to ensure a fair game. Some differences in balls are due to the materials from which they are made. Some balls, like Wilson and Spalding, are made from rubber, whereas others are advertised as being made from leather. Official NBA balls are made from leather to make them less slippery for indoor use.

• Handle different-sized basketballs to ensure you have the correct size.
• Incorrect sizing can lead to incorrect techniques, so you want to size your ball properly.
• Determine whether indoor or outdoor is right for you by considering how you’ll use the basketball.
• Rubber basketballs often have superior grip, if that is an essential factor for you.
• Balls also come in composite materials, often labeled “synthetic basketballs.”
• Basketball prices come in a wide range, depending on materials, brand and design.
• You can break basketballs into three categories: recreational, match, and training. These each have different builds for the basketball.
• When finding suitable material for your ball, look for the words “cover material” to ensure you choose the correct material.