Which basketball ball is right for you? It depends on two things: who plays (that decides the size) and where you play (that decides the material). Here is how to pick one in two minutes.
Short answer: Men and boys from about 14 play with a size 7 ball. Women, girls from about 12 and boys of 12-14 use size 6. Kids in mini-basketball (under 12) use size 5. For outdoor courts pick a rubber or indoor/outdoor ball; a leather or indoor composite ball is made for wooden halls.
Which basketball size do I need?
| Size | Who plays with it | Circumference | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | men and boys from about 14 | 749-780 mm | 567-650 g |
| 6 | women, girls from about 12, boys 12-14 | 724-737 mm | 510-567 g |
| 5 | kids in mini-basketball (under 12) | 690-710 mm | 470-500 g |
| 3 | small kids, first ball at home | about 560 mm | about 300 g |
Your club's age group decides in the end: if your child plays in a club, ask the coach which size the league uses. The size is shown on every product page.
Indoor or outdoor basketball ball?
- Leather or indoor composite: best grip and feel on wooden floors. Asphalt wears the surface fast, so keep it indoors.
- Indoor/outdoor (composite): one ball for the hall and the street court. The safe choice if you play both.
- Rubber (outdoor): the toughest ball for asphalt and concrete. Less soft in the hand, but it lasts.
What else matters
- Grip: deep channels and a soft cover make the ball easier to control.
- 3x3: the 3x3 ball has the size 6 circumference with the weight of a size 7.
- Deflated: some balls ship without air. Pump them to the pressure printed on the ball before the first game.
- Care: wipe the ball after outdoor play and keep it out of the sun and the cold car boot.
FAQ
What size basketball do adults use?
Men use size 7 and women size 6. These are the FIBA match sizes.
What size ball for a 10-year-old?
Size 5, the mini-basketball ball. A club may name another size for its league, so ask the coach.
Can I use an indoor ball outside?
You can, but asphalt wears a leather or indoor composite cover quickly. Use an indoor/outdoor or rubber ball outside.
How hard should I pump a basketball?
To the pressure printed on the ball. Too soft and it bounces badly; too hard and it is difficult to catch.
Why does my new ball arrive flat?
Some balls ship deflated to save space. Pump them with a needle pump before you play.
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Wrong size or not what you expected? You have 30 days to return it.
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