What Size Ball Does the NBA Use?

The NBA uses a size 7 basketball for all games. There are also size 6 and size 8 balls available, but they are only used in specific circumstances.

The NBA and the Ball

The official ball size for the NBA is 29.5 inches in circumference. However, this is just the size for the official game ball. There are different sizes that are used in practices and during shootarounds. The ball size may also be different for players with smaller hands.

The NBA’s official ball

The NBA’s official ball is made by Spalding and is manufactured in Thailand. It is a size 7 ball with a circumference of 29.5 to 30 inches (74.93 to 76.2 cm) and a weight of 22 to 24 ounces (624 to 680 grams). It has an inner bladder made of synthetic rubber or latex and an outer casing made of leather or composite materials. The ball’s dimensions and weight are regulated by the official rules of the NBA.

In addition to the official NBA ball, there are also balls made by other companies that are used in the league. These balls include the Under Armour 495, the Wilson Evolution, and the Spalding TF-1000.

The size of the NBA’s official ball

The size of the ball used by the NBA is slightly larger than what is used in international competitions like the Olympics. The circumference of the regulation NBA ball is 29.5 inches, which is approximately 75 centimeters. The weight of the ball is 22 ounces, or 620 grams.

Other Balls Used in the NBA

The NBA uses an official basketball that is size 7. The diameter of the ball is 29.5 inches and the weight is 22 ounces. That said, there are other balls that are used in the NBA.

Spalding

Spalding is the official ball supplier of the NBA. They have been supplying basketballs to the league since 1983, and they are currently in a partnership that will last until 2025.

Spalding produces three different types of basketballs for the NBA: the TF-1000 Legacy, the NBA Official Game Ball, and the NBA Street Ball. The TF-1000 Legacy is used by both the NBA and WNBA, while the other two balls are used exclusively by the NBA.

The TF-1000 Legacy is made with a ZK microfiber composite leather cover and an “Optimal Grip” Pebbled Grain Channel design. It has a butyl rubber bladder for better air retention, and it is fully approved by both the NBA and WNBA.

The NBA Official Game Ball is also made with a ZK microfiber composite leather cover, but it has a smoother surface for increased player control. It also has an “Optimal Grip” channel design, and it is fully approved by the NBA.

The NBA Street Ball is made with a durable synthetic leather cover that can withstand rough outdoor play. It has an “Optimal Grip” channel design for improved handling, and it is fully approved by the NBA.

Wilson

The Wilson basketball is the official ball of the NBA. It is made of hand-stitched leather and has a diameter of 29.5 inches (74.93 cm). The weight of the ball is 22 ounces (624 g).

Baden

Baden is a company that produces basketballs for the NBA. The size of their balls are identical to those of Spalding, another popular basketball manufacturer. Baden balls are made of synthetic leather and have a butyl rubber bladder.

Why the NBA Switched to a New Ball

In 2006, the NBA switched from a size 7 ball to a size 6 ball. The decision was made in order to increase scoring and make the game more exciting. The new ball has been very well received by players and fans alike. Let’s take a look at why the NBA made the switch.

The old ball was too slippery

In the beginning, the Association used a soccer ball that was too heavy and too big for the average player’s hands. In an effort to increase scoring, they switched to a slimmer and lighter ball that was easier to handle and shoot. The problem with this ball was that it became too slippery when it got wet and players had trouble gripping it. So, in 2006, the NBA switched to a new microfiber composite material that absorbed less moisture and resulted in less slippage.

The new ball is easier to grip

In 2006, the NBA introduced a new official game ball. The last time the NBA had made a significant change to the ball was in 1979, when they switched from a leather ball to a synthetic one.

The new ball is made of microfiber composite leather and is noticeably smoother than its predecessors. It’s also larger — about an inch in diameter larger, to be exact.

Aside from the enlarged size, the other major change to the ball is its increased gripability. The pebbling on the surface of the ball has been increased, making it easier for players to control.

The NBA’s decision to switch to this new type of ball was based on extensive research and feedback from players. In fact, over 60% of players surveyed said they preferred the new microfiber composite leather balls.

The bottom line is that the new balls are easier to grip and control, which should lead to more accurate shooting and less slippage when players are trying to make tough shots.

How the Ball Affects the Game

The size of the ball has a huge impact on the game of basketball. A smaller ball means that the players have to be more accurate when shooting, while a larger ball means that it is easier to score. The size of the ball also affects the way that the players dribble and pass the ball.

The ball affects shooting

Aside from the rims, the basketball is the biggest factor in shooting. A bigger ball is easier to shoot because of the increased surface area. But, a bigger ball also makes it harder to dribble and easier for defenders to steal. The smaller the ball, the more control a player has, but it’s harder to shoot.

In 1904, Ammo Baker made the first smaller ball for women’s basketball. It was about 9.5 inches in circumference, compared to a Men’s size 7 or 8 ball which is about 29 inches in circumference. The smaller ball allowed women to play a more finesse game and increased scoring. In 1988, the NCAA approved a women’s basketball with a circumference of 28.5 inches. The NBA followed suit in 2006 with their slightly smaller “microfiber” composite balls that measure 28.5 inches in circumference and weigh 22 ounces.

The size of the ball affects shooting because of something called the “equilibrium position”. This is when the ball is resting on your fingers and you are in perfect shooting form. With a smaller ball, your fingers have to do less work to control it and it will sit more securely in your hand. This allows you to focus on your shooting form and keep the shot consistent. A bigger ball requires more finger strength and control to maintain equilibrium, which can lead to inconsistency in your shot.

The ball affects dribbling

The size of the basketball affects dribbling in a few ways. A smaller ball requires less effort to control and is therefore easier to dribble with speed. This can be an advantage for players who are trying to create space or make a quick move to get past their defender. A larger ball is more difficult to control, but it gives the player a larger target to shoot at when they are open. This can be an advantage for players who are trying to shoot from long range or make a difficult shot over a defender.

The weight of the ball also affects dribbling. A heavier ball will bounce higher and travel further when it hits the ground, making it more difficult to control. A lighter ball will bounce lower and travel shorter distances, making it easier to control.

The material the ball is made of also affects its bouncing characteristics. A ball made of synthetic leather will bounce differently than a ball made of natural leather. The material the ball is made of also affects its grip. A ball with a textured surface will be easier to grip than a smooth surface.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that the NBA uses a size 7 ball. This is the standard size for all professional basketball leagues, and it has been since the early 1900s. There are a few reasons why this size ball is used, but the main reason is that it is the size that is most comfortable for the players to shoot.

The size of the ball doesn’t matter

The size of the ball doesn’t matter as long as it is within the official size range. NBA officially states that the ball must be between 29.5 and 30 inches in circumference, and weigh between 22 and 24 ounces. However, the actual size of the ball varies slightly from these specifications.