The first basketball game was played in 1950. Before this, basketball games were played with soccer balls. In 1891, Dr. James Naismith came up with the idea for basketball. Since then, this game was played with a soccer ball, and the soccer ball was quite heavy, so basketball was invented to make this game more comfortable. This game is available in a variety of sizes. The size of the game varies according to the individual’s age and gender.
Here are the exact measurements and weight of a basketball.
Size 3 basketballs
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This size three basketball measures 22 inches in circumference and weighs 10 ounces. The 3-size basketball is perfect for boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 8. However, it can also be used by adults of any age.
Size 4 basketball
Basketball size 4 is for boys and girls ages 5-8. With a circumference of 25.5 inches and a weight of 14 ounces, this basketball weighs 14 ounces.
Size 5 basketball
Basketballs in size 5 are the standard size basketballs you’ll find in most stores. A size five basketball measures 27.5 inches in circumference and weighs 17 ounces.
Size 6 basketball
Basketballs sized this way are the official sizes used by women’s high schools, colleges, and professionals. Women and girls ages 12 and up can wear size six basketballs. Boys aged 12-14 can wear size six basketballs. In addition to its 28.5-inch circumference, this basketball weighs 20 ounces.
Size 7 basketball
Basketballs in size seven are for boys and men aged 15 and up. The size is the official size for men in high school, college, and the workplace. 29.5 inches is the circumference, and 22 ounces is the weight of this basketball.
Different-sized basketballs weigh a bit more, but they make a huge difference in shooting.
There is a difference in the size of basketballs used by the different leagues.
The NBA and the WNBA
Basketballs with a circumference of 29 inches are allowed in the NBA and 29.5 inches in the WNBA.
The NCAA
Thirty inches circumference and 22 ounces basketball are used for NCAA men’s basketball tournament while 29 inches circumference and 20 ounces basketball are used for NCAA women’s tournament.
FIBA
For international men’s basketball tournaments, a seven size basketball with 30.7 inches circumference is used, and for international women’s basketball tournaments, a six size basketball with 29 inches circumference is used. And the ball should be bounced at the height of 47 to 55 inches while dropping from a height of 6 ft.
Youth Sizes
In the youth or junior basketball tournament, the NBA size basketball is used if the player’s age is eight years or above, and if the age is younger than eight, then the smaller size basketball is used.
Indoor basketball
Basketball is generally made for indoor play. So the material is different from the outdoor basketball. The indoor basketball is made with full-grain leather. These balls are very smooth to touch, and after a few uses, they become broken in and very more comfortable grip. These leather basketballs are unsuitable for outdoor use because the concrete surface will damage the leather, make it rough, and ruin the ball’s grip.
Some basketballs are made with synthetic leather or composite. These kinds of balls don’t need to be broken like a regular leather ball. But honestly speaking, the quality of these balls is not good enough.
Outdoor basketball
The outdoor basketball has a rubber surface to absorb the rough surface of the concrete without losing the ball’s grip. An outdoor basketball is suitable for beginners because this type of ball is easy to control.
Some famous basketball manufacturer’s name is given below. They have been providing high-quality basketball for a long time.
Spalding
Spalding was the first basketball manufacturing company that provided basketball for official use. The founder of this company was A. G. Spalding. This company has been producing basketball since that time (when the basketball game was invented), and it first created the NBA’s official basketball in 1983. And from 2012, this company became the official basketball provider for the Euro-league and Euro-cup competitions.
Molten
Molten is a Japanese sporting equipment manufacturing company currently providing basketballs for FIBA (All International Basketball Federation) world championships and continental qualifying events, the VTB United League, and many domestic leagues in different countries.
Wilson
Wilson sporting goods manufacturing company is the official basketball provider for all NCAA tournaments. From 2015, Wilson also became a supplier for all FIBA-operated 3×3 competitions. Like other companies, it also provides various basketballs for the consumer market. And Wilson was the first basketball supplier for the NBA’s tournament (from 1946 to 1983).
Rawlings
Since 1902, Rawlings has been manufacturing basketballs. This company became famous for producing a 10-panel ball (the TEN) and the traditional 8-panel balls. The TEN is the official basketball for the “Gus Macker” (the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the U.S.) and the Amateur Athletic Union.
Nike
From 2007 to 2012, Nike was the basketball supplier for the Euro-league and the Euro-cup (both are under Euro-league Basketball Company). And in the Philippines, the UAAP and NCAA use the Nike 4005 Official Tournament Balls.
Nivia
In Jalandhar (Punjab), India, a basketball manufacturing company is called Nivia. It has been making basketballs since 1934. It makes hand-stitched basketballs for many national, international leagues, including the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
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