Basketballs

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The right basketball depends on the playing surface, the size by age and the material. Here you'll find Nike, Wilson and Li-Ning basketballs, game and training, for indoor and outdoor.

Indoor or outdoor?

The indoor ball, often leather or composite, offers the best feel on a gym floor but wears out fast outside. The outdoor ball, in rubber or tough composite, takes the asphalt. Some indoor/outdoor models split the difference.

What size by age?

Size 7 (29.5 in) is the official men's ball, from ages 13-14. Size 6 (28.5 in) is the official women's ball and for ages 11-12. Size 5 (27.5 in) is for mini-basketball (up to age 10), and size 3 for toddlers.

Leather, composite or rubber?

Leather gives the competition feel but needs breaking in and stays indoors. Composite is ready to play, versatile indoor/outdoor. Rubber is the most durable and affordable, ideal outdoors and for beginners.

Complete your kit with our basketball shoes, our hoops and training accessories and all our basketball gear.

What basketball size by age?

Size 7 (29.5 in) is the official men's ball from ages 13-14; size 6 (28.5 in) is the women's ball and for ages 11-12; size 5 (27.5 in) is for mini-basketball up to age 10; size 3 for toddlers.

What's the difference between an indoor and outdoor ball?

The indoor ball (leather or composite) gives the best feel on hardwood but wears out fast outside. The outdoor ball (rubber or tough composite) takes the asphalt. Indoor/outdoor models split the difference.

Leather, composite or rubber?

Leather gives the competition feel but stays indoors and needs breaking in. Composite is ready to play and versatile. Rubber is the most durable and affordable, ideal outdoors and for beginners.

Can you use an indoor ball outdoors?

It isn't recommended: asphalt quickly wears down indoor leather and composite. For outdoor play, a rubber ball or an indoor/outdoor model lasts much longer.

What pressure should a basketball be inflated to?

Generally between 7 and 9 psi. A properly inflated ball bounces back to about hip height when dropped from shoulder height. Check with a pump that has a gauge.