How do you shoot a basketball?

Learning the proper technique for shooting a basketball takes a lot of practice. First, get your body square to the basket with equal weight on each foot. Bend your knees slightly and place your dominant hand underneath the basketball. Put the ball onto the fingertips of your shooting hand and place your weak hand on the side of the ball to guide it. As you focus on the basket, push the ball straight up towards it until your shooting arm extends completely. The ball should roll off your fingertips. Follow through by snapping your wrist in a downward motion.

How do you clean a basketball?

To clean a basketball, you should first fill a bucket with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. Dip a soft cloth into the water and scrub the surface of the basketball. Rinse the ball with clean warm water and use a dry cloth to wipe any excess water off it.

What are basketball sizes?

A 29.5-inch circumference is, historically, the standard ball size for male players over the age of 12 and is the size of the standard NBA regulation balls. It’s also referred to as the size 7 ball. Women and children ages 10 to 12 typically play with balls of smaller size, usually a 28.5-inch circumference, that’s also known as a size 6 ball. An even smaller ball, called a size 5 ball, has a 27.5-inch circumference and is typically used by kids under age 10.

What ball do NBA players use?

The NBA’s official game ball is made by Spalding. It’s made of leather and has a 29.5-inch circumference.

The 8 Best Basketballs of 2023

Basketball is a popular sport among both kids and adults, and with good reason. It’s fun to practice on your own or play with others, and it’s also a great form of exercise as both a cardio and strengthening workout. Choosing the right basketball for your needs and preferences is important to a successful start with the sport or taking your game to the next level.

We researched dozens of basketballs and evaluated them for material, price, grip, and size. Each of the basketballs we chose as our top picks were determined to have the best of these factors.

Based on our research, here are the best basketballs on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Spalding NeverFlat Elite Indoor-Outdoor Basketball at Amazon

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Best for Indoor:

Wilson Evolution Game Basketball at Amazon

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Best for Outdoor:

Spalding NBA Street Basketball at Amazon

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Best for Training:

SportimeMax Hands-on Junior Basketball at Amazon

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Best Design:

Chance Premium Rubber Outdoor / Indoor Basketball at Amazon

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Best for Water:

Dunnrite 9” Pool/Water Basketball at Amazon

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Best for Young Kids:

Spalding Rookie Gear Youth Basketball at Amazon

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Best for Older Kids:

Wilson NCAA Killer Crossover Basketball at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.8

Amazon

Pros

Durable
Good for indoor or outdoor use
Soft feel

Cons

One size
Expensive

We chose this basketball as our top choice because it's a durable and versatile ball that can go from blacktop games to indoor courts. This fan-favorite also has a composite faux leather cover with pebbling that gives you the right touch and flexibility for indoor or outdoor play.

We also like that the NeverFlat Elite ships fully inflated and features a lightweight sponge inner core. Whether you want to practice free throws in your driveway or bring it to a local gym for home-court advantage, it’s an excellent pick that gives you a lot of bang for your buck.

Price at time of publication: $45

^{Key Specs:
Material: Composite faux leather | Use: Outdoor/indoor | Size: 29.5-inch diameter}

Amazon

Pros

Excellent grip
Soft feel
Durable

Cons

Expensive
Not for outdoor use

If you want to take your indoor game to the next level, consider practicing with the Wilson Official Evolution Basketball, the preferred ball of many high school and college players. One of the secrets to this ball’s exceptional performance is its Cushion Core Technology, which combines two kinds of rubber for a soft feel and outstanding durability.

Designed exclusively for indoor use, this ball has a microfiber cover with high-definition pebbling, providing superior grip and control. We also like the ball’s composite laid-in channels, which add to its consistent texture and overall feel. The Evolution costs more than the average ball, but we think it’s well worth the investment.

Price at time of publication: $80

^{Key Specs:
Material: Microfiber cover | Use: Indoor | Sizes: 27.5-, 28.5-, 29.5-inch diameters}

Amazon

Pros

Great for outdoor use
Consistent grip and bounce

Cons

Comes deflated

We also recommend Spalding's NBA Street model for outdoor use. Made with a high-performance rubber cover, it bounces consistently and is rugged enough to handle asphalt and concrete courts. The wide and deep channels also allow for excellent grip. It performs well right out of the box, with no break-in period required, so you can get right to dribbling and shooting.

We like that the NBA Street comes in three different sizes, so you can pick the one that’s right for your (or your child's) age and skill level. If you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality basketball for outdoor use, this is a great option that won’t break the bank.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Material: Rubber | Use: Outdoor | Sizes: 27.5-, 28.5-, 29.5-inch diameters}

Amazon

Pros

Great for training young players
Good for indoor or outdoor use
Works for both righties and lefties

Cons

Only one size
Comes deflated

Learning how to properly shoot a basketball can be a challenge for anyone, especially young kids. However, this SportimeMax Hands-on Junior Basketball makes it easy to show young players the proper hand positioning.

The ball features color-coded right- and left-hand prints on the surface to indicate the correct one-handed shooting form for both righties and lefties. Plus, the yellow and orange striping provides clear directions for the correct rotation of the ball, so kids can easily see how to put just the right spin on their shots.

The durable rubber cover can withstand both outdoor and indoor play, making it a versatile option for kids doing shooting drills in a gym or practicing free throws in their driveway.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Rubber | Use: Indoor/Outdoor | Size: 27-inch diameter}

Amazon

Pros

Cool designs
Good for indoor or outdoor use
Excellent grip

Cons

Comes deflated
Doesn’t come with a pump or needle

Kids will love the unique style and excellent performance of this basketball that can be used both outside and indoors. We love the variety of cool, bright colors and patterns, including camo designs, stripes, and animal prints. With deep channels and an aggressive pebble pattern, this basketball is easy for kids to grip and control.

Available in three different sizes, the ball comes deflated, meaning you’ll need your own air pump and inflation needle. Once it’s inflated, the bladder locks in air for just the right ball pressure and shape retention, so kids will get a consistent bounce as they’re playing.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Material: Rubber | Use: Outdoor/indoor | Sizes: 27.5-, 28.5-, 29.5-inch diameters}

Amazon

Pros

Perfect for pool use
Good size for kids
Anti-slip texture

Cons

Comes deflated

When it’s too hot to play on outdoor courts, the pool is a safe and fun place to work on your shooting or play against your friends. Perfect for pool use, the Dunnrite Pool/Water basketball is designed to withstand sun, chlorine, and heat without fading or deflating, and we like that it comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.

The 9-inch ball also features an anti-slip texture so you can grip it easily in the water. The smaller size makes it easy for kids to handle, and it works better with pool basketball hoops than a full-sized water ball.

It comes deflated, so you’ll just need to pump it up with air before throwing it in the pool.

Price at time of publication: $19

^{Key Specs:
Material: Rubber | Use: Water | Size: 9-inch diameter}

Amazon

Pros

Good for indoor or outdoor use
Nice size for young kids
Soft, durable cover

Cons

Pricier than some other youth balls

With so many different skills involved in the game, basketball can be a tough sport for young kids to learn and master. However, the right gear can make a huge difference in maintaining their interest and helping them get over frustrating obstacles.

The brightly-colored Spalding’s Rookie Gear Youth Indoor-Outdoor basketball not only looks cool, but also has a smaller circumference that makes it easy for little hands to grab and shoot.

Unlike hard, rubber basketballs that are geared toward younger children, it’s lightweight and easy to bounce. The soft, composite leather cover is also easy to grip, which is crucial for kids who are just starting out with the sport. We recommend this ball if you’re looking for a durable, versatile, and easy-to-use option for your 4- to 7-year-old.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Composite leather | Use: Indoor/Outdoor | Size: 27.5-inch diameter}

Amazon

Pros

Excellent grip
Cool design

Cons

Not for indoor use

When young kids are ready to move up to the next size basketball, we recommend the Wilson NCAA Killer Crossover basketball. The ball’s Optima rubber cover offers durability, as well as a more consistent bounce. With wide channels on the ball’s surface, you also get good control and grip as you’re dribbling, passing, and shooting.

We like the Killer Crossover’s bright, vibrant colors that stand out. For shooting hoops at a local park or doing drills at basketball practice, this ball is ideal for kids aged 8 to 12.

Price at time of publication: $21

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Rubber | Use: Indoor/outdoor | Size: 28.5-inch diameter}

Final Verdict

Whether you’re a serious player or just getting started, Spalding's NeverFlat Elite Indoor-Outdoor Basketball is ideal for its ease of use, durability, and grippy surface. The composite faux leather cover makes it a good choice for both indoor or outdoor play.

If you’re looking for a sturdy ball for outdoor play, we recommend the Wilson Evolution Game Basketball for its rubber core and microfiber cover.

How We Selected the Best Basketballs

We chose the best basketballs with the help of expert Greg Kot, co-owner and coach at Over the Edge travel basketball. Kot helped us decide which factors were most important when shopping for a new basketball.

After that, we researched dozens of options from the most popular and trusted retailers. We also considered what materials the balls were made out of, the design, price, and size. Then, we looked at durability and whether the basketballs were intended for indoor use, outdoor use, or both. Finally, we considered style and color options.

What to Look for in a Basketball

Material

The surface of most basketballs is made from either rubber or composite leather. Both materials have their pros and cons. “A rubber ball is lighter and more durable than a leather ball in harsh outdoor conditions and is also usually considerably less expensive,” says Greg Kot, co-owner and coach at Over the Edge travel basketball. “When playing on pavement outdoors, leather balls can wear down and become scuffed. But, in general, leather balls are far preferable to rubber balls as they are the most commonly used in competitive situations indoors.”

Size

The right size for a basketball generally depends on age and skill. If you’re searching for a basketball for a young child who’s just getting started, look for a small ball, such as a size 5. Girls historically play with a 28.5-inch circumference basketball (size 6) at all age levels. Boys historically play with a 28.5-inch ball through at least age 11. Once the child graduates to a larger size, you can repurpose the smaller ball by using it in tandem with other exercise equipment like balance boards to make your workouts more challenging. At age 12 and up, boys are usually recommended to begin using a 29.5-inch circumference basketball (size 7), which is the size ball used in boys' high school competition and up.

“Rules on ball size may vary depending on the league and region, so it's important to know the local and state guidelines before you invest in a basketball,” Kot says.

Durability

If the ball is going to be used mostly outdoors, you’ll need an extremely durable ball that can handle unforgiving surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, as well as dirt, rocks, and moisture. A rubber ball is more suitable for outdoor play.

Cheap outdoor balls wear and break down quickly, so it’s worth the investment to get one that will hold up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you shoot a basketball?

Learning the proper technique for shooting a basketball takes a lot of practice. First, get your body square to the basket with equal weight on each foot. Bend your knees slightly and place your dominant hand underneath the basketball. Put the ball onto the fingertips of your shooting hand and place your weak hand on the side of the ball to guide it.
As you focus on the basket, push the ball straight up towards it until your shooting arm extends completely. The ball should roll off your fingertips. Follow through by snapping your wrist in a downward motion.
How do you clean a basketball?

To clean a basketball, you should first fill a bucket with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. Dip a soft cloth into the water and scrub the surface of the basketball. Rinse the ball with clean warm water and use a dry cloth to wipe any excess water off it.
What are basketball sizes?

A 29.5-inch circumference is, historically, the standard ball size for male players over the age of 12 and is the size of the standard NBA regulation balls. It’s also referred to as the size 7 ball. Women and children ages 10 to 12 typically play with balls of smaller size, usually a 28.5-inch circumference, that’s also known as a size 6 ball.
An even smaller ball, called a size 5 ball, has a 27.5-inch circumference and is typically used by kids under age 10.
What ball do NBA players use?

The NBA’s official game ball is made by Spalding. It’s made of leather and has a 29.5-inch circumference.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Certified running coach and fitness writer Christine Luff has spent years researching, testing, and recommending fitness and athletic products and knows that the right gear can tremendously improve performance and comfort.