Basketball Sizes report
In 1891, Dr. J. Naismith, a physical education teacher at the YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, invented basketball. Until 1893, the modern basketball, hoops, and court were formed. In the initial basketball game, there were no strict restrictions on the number of players, the court size, and even the time of the game.
Basketball is currently one of the most popular sports in the world nowadays. Do you know that basketball has different sizes according to its purpose? The basketball size can be as small as a promotional ball with a diameter of only a few inches or as large for training activities with a one-foot diameter.
If you spend a little time watching youth games, practices, or pick-up games in daily life, you may see that most young players use the wrong size basketball. And using the wrong size often leads to incorrect techniques. The article explains more basics about basketball sizes you should know.
Basketball Size Guide
Basketball sizes vary by age, gender, and level of play. The circumference of youth basketball is 27 inches (69 cm). In comparison, the maximum circumference of the NCAA men's basketball is 30 inches (76 cm), and the circumference of NCAA women's basketball is 29 inches (74 cm). The standard basketball circumference of the NBA is 29.5 inches (75 cm), and The WNBA uses a slightly smaller ball, measuring 28.5 inches in circumference.
For the international games, specifically FIBA, the basketball used is called a Molten GL7 for men and Molten GL6 for women. These basketballs typically feature two different colors and are slightly bigger, with a 30.7 inches circumference for the men's ball and a 29 inches circumference for the women's.
Basketball Size Chart
| Size | Circumference | Weight | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size 7 | 29.5" | 22 oz. | Men and boys ages 15 and up |
| Size 6 | 28.5" | 20 oz. | Boys ages 12-14. Girls and women ages 12 and up |
| Size 5 | 27.5" | 17 oz. | Boys and girls ages 9-11 years old |
| Size 4 | 25.5" | 14 oz. | Boys and girls ages 5-8 years old |
| Size 3 | 22" | 10 oz. | Boys and girls ages 4-8 years old |
| Size 1 | 16" | 8 oz. | Boys and girls ages 2-4 year old |
| Nerf Toy | 9"-20" | 1-5 oz. | Toddlers 0-4 years old |
Notice the difference in the weight for each size, it might not seem like a lot, but it makes a huge difference when shooting the basketball. It would be best if you took the time to pick the correct size and weight basketball for your child.
- Size 7: This is the official size for high school, college, and the pros.
- Size 6: This is the official size for women’s high school, college, and pro basketball.
- Size 5: This is the standard youth basketball you find in most stores.
- Size 4: These child-friendly basketballs are ideal for children ages 4-8.
- Size 3: This size is ideal for the youngest players and the young at heart.
Indoor Basketball v.s. Street Basketball
Basketballs used for indoor and outdoor play differ in their material. Indoor basketballs are made of full-grain leather; basketballs meant for outdoor use are made of rubber. Basketballs made for indoor use may initially feel smooth to the touch. After a few uses, they become somewhat broken in and easier to grip. Leather basketballs should not be used outside because the concrete surface of an outdoor basketball court causes the leather to roughen and wear, which eventually ruins the ball's grip.
To play great basketball, you need a right-sized ball. Having a too small or too big ball for your grip can play havoc on your skills and dampen your game. You need to feel in control of the ball and make it move how you want it to. To enhance your performance and feel more confident, it is essential to take the time to understand what size ball you require. If you're a parent looking to purchase your child a basketball, make sure you get the most appropriate size depending on their age.
