There are many different types of basketballs on the market, and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. In this article, we will discuss the different types of basketballs and what each one is best used for. We’ll go through the benefits and drawbacks of each style of basketball so that you can make an informed decision about which one is best for you. Whether you are a professional player or just someone who loves to play in your backyard, we have the perfect basketball for you!
We are separating the various types of basketballs per different criteria such as the below:
- Indoor or Outdoor Use
- Professional or Amateur Use
- Luxurious or Cheap Basketballs
- Official NBA basketball types (and other leagues official balls) or basketballs with extreme and unique types and cool designs
- Basketballs of different sizes
Indoor or Outdoor Use
There are types of basketballs that can be used for both indoor basketball and outdoor basketball. However, there are also types of balls that are specifically designed for either indoor or outdoor use specifically. This is a very important distinction because if you use an indoor ball outside, it will get damaged quickly and conversely, using an outdoor ball inside, will be very slippery and difficult to control.
Outdoor basketballs are typically made of a harder rubber compound or composite leather, in order to resist wear and tear from the elements. Those rubber balls also have deeper grooves on the surface so that they can grip the ground better when played on wet or icy surfaces. Indoor balls, on the other hand, are typically made of softer materials with less grip so they do not leave marks on the floor as easily. Leather balls are mostly used for indoor courts but there are also composite leather basketballs that can be used in outdoor basketball games. One example of such a ball is Spalding NBA street basketball. Most basketballs sold today are for both indoor-outdoor uses.
Professional or Amateur Use
There are types of basketballs that can be used by both NBA players and amateurs. However, there are also types of balls that are specifically designed for either professional or amateur use only. This is an important distinction because if you’re an amateur and you use a professional leather ball, you’re probably using an expensive basketball at a time where you could have saved some money by buying a cheaper ball (overkill). Conversely, if you are a professional and use an amateur rubber ball, it will be too light and bouncy for your liking. You might also have trouble adjusting to the quality leather ball when you are back at training or on official games, after getting used to rubber basketballs for a long time.
Luxurious or Cheap Basketballs
There are types of basketballs that can be considered luxurious (such as original leather basketballs) and there are cheap rubber balls. The difference between the two types is typically in the quality of materials used to make the ball. Luxurious basketballs will usually be leather balls with grooves on them for grip. They also often come with an anti-friction layer outside so they don’t get slippery when wet (which is why these types may be considered luxurious top quality balls). On the other hand, cheaper types of basketballs have no additional layers and are just made out of rubber that feels really plastic and difficult to grip. Cheap basketballs are often used in outdoor play or by children at youth leagues or elementary school.
Official leather basketballs or rubber basketballs with unique types and designs
There are types of balls that are sanctioned by the NBA, the international basketball federation or other professional leagues. These leather balls typically have very tight seams so they don’t alter their behavior with time, they have a consistent bounce and always feel the same to grip. On the other hand, there are many options for basketballs with cool designs and features (such as illuminating in the dark rubber basketballs or basketballs painted in the colors of your favorite team). These types of basketballs are not approved by the NBA and other professional leagues, but they can be great for streetball games or playing basketball with friends in outdoor courts or making an impression displaying them in your living room.
Basketball sizes
There are also types of balls that are specifically designed for men, women, or kids. This is an important distinction because if you’re a guy and you use a girl’s basketball, it will be too light and bouncy for your liking. You might also have trouble adjusting to the quality balls when you are back at training or on official games. On the other hand, if you are a girl and use a guy’s basketball, it will be too heavy and hard to control.
On top of that, there are types of balls that come in different sizes (usually between size number three to seven). Size number three to five youth basketballs are suitable for children playing in youth leagues, while size above five is used by women. Women’s basketball competitions are using 6 size basketballs while men’s basketball competitions are using a 7 size basketball same as NBA.
FAQ
What are the main types of basketballs?
The main types of basketballs are indoor, outdoor and both for indoor and outdoor use. Then we can also clasify them according to material on original leather, composite leather and rubber basketballs
What is the best type of basketball?
The best type of baskeball is the original leather official NBA Wilson basketball. This is the best basketball type you can get your hands on.
Conclusion
There are different types of basketballs for different types of people and different types of games. Make sure you get the right ball for you to ensure a great game! Check out our various suggestions on this website and you will surely find the best solution to excel in professional and amateur leagues!
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