How to inflate a Basketball Properly (With Pictures) 5 Steps
Inflating a basketball is not a difficult task; you all need to do it. Usually, when we buy a basketball, it comes increases already. After playing with it in cold weather, basketball may lose some little air. Secondly, it would be flat when you don’t play for a long time. Even regular use of outdoor basketball may need a little bit of inflation. So, today we will guide you here on how to inflate a basketball properly in the right way with its recommended PSI.
How to know if a basketball needs inflation or not? Want to know that! Of course, you may go outside and play with it. But, if the ball doesn’t have a consistent bounce back when dribbling and shooting as it has to be, then definitely it needs some little bit of inflation.
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How to inflate a basketball in a proper way?
How should you take care of your basketball in cold weather? What is the proper way to inflate a basketball? What is the recommended standard air pressure or psi by NBA players? You might have these questions, and today, we will answer them
So, let us answer every question here today!
What is the proper way of inflating a basketball?
Inflating a basketball in the wrong way without equipment may damage its air valves. However, we have watched different videos regarding boosting a basketball in the wrong way. We always recommend properly inflating a basketball with the equipment as you spend dollars on a basketball. Using the equipment in the right way prevents damaging a brand basketball.
Similarly, deflating a basketball may also cause damage to the basketball we also have a detailed guide on how to deflate a basketball
Why should you inflate a basketball properly?
Every professional player needs an adequately inflated basketball. Without a properly inflated basketball, a player cannot dribble and shoot the basketball. Inflation plays an essential role in dribbling drilling. An underinflated basketball will not have consistent bounce, making the dribble more difficult. Also, a player may face difficulty in dunking and passing the ball because the ball will not bounce back properly after dunking.
Similarly, an overinflated basketball is not good practice also. An overinflated basketball will bounce too high due to overinflating. Hence it will be challenging to dribble, dunk, and pass off. That is why it is important to inflate a basketball properly to show up your skills.
How to know if a basketball is inflated correctly or not and its recommended PSI?
The recommended standard pressure of a basketball is 7 – 9 PSI (48.26 – 62.05 kPa), depending on how much bounce you want. A pressure gauge and air pump can measure the average pressure. But, we have a simple way to test through which you can quickly check your ball’s inflation. However, the given method will not provide the result in PSI. But, it will help you to measure its inflation probably.
- Hold the basketball up to the level of your face.
- Drop the basketball from the level of your face.
- Let the ball bounce back.
- If the ball bounces back up to the level of your waist, then keep in mind the ball is properly inflated.
Being a regular basketball player, you can check its inflation by dribbling it for 5 minutes. You will probably know that it is overinflated or underinflated. There is some recommendations on inflation by every professional player.
So, the best way to check the proper inflation is for the player should check the inflation according to his required level, whether you want more bouncy or a little bit flat. But, the recommended PSI is 7 – 9. So, it should not be more than the mentioned level.
Another way is to watch an NBA session and notice the players when they grab the basketball from the referee. After holding it from the referee. They dribble and check the basketball properly, walking over the court.
So, the ways mentioned above are without equipment now we’re going to tell you how you can adequately inflate a basketball with equipment.
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Best way to inflate a Basketball (Recommended) How to pump a basketball with a needle
The best way of inflating a basketball is through equipment. It is always the best way to use the equipment for boosting a basketball because it will know that you’re correctly increasing the ball and preventing damaging the ball’s valves.
let’s have a look at the required equipment for inflating a basketball
Inflation needle
An inflation needle is the first tool that is used in inflation. It is almost available in any store and or you can buy any athletic equipment from here.
please have a look at our recommended inflation needle
An air pump
Secondly, an air pump is required for inflation. Many air pumps are available on the market, such as bicycles and electric pumps. You can also use them, but our recommendation is for a basketball pump that can easily be connected to an inflation needle. Some air pressure gauges show the air pressure level when inflating a ball. Some recommended hand pumps are below if you want to purchase them.
Apart from an air pressure gauge, you can use an air compressor, but it seems to be a complicated process rather than inflating the ball with an air pressure gauge depending on the compressors and connectors.
Air Pressure Gauge (optional)
if you buy a pump that doesn’t have an air pressure gauge, you can purchase a separate air pressure gauge to check your ball’s pressure. Pressure gauges are easily available in online and offline stores, or you can buy them here. However, it is not necessary equipment to inflate the ball. If you don’t have it, no matter.
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No 2: steps of inflating a basketball
Step 1: First, attach the inflation needle to the basketball pump.
Attaching the needle depends upon which type of pump you’re using. If you’re using a basketball pump, there is no need to attach a latch or connector; you can directly screw the inflation needle into the basketball pump. But, if you’re using a bicycle pump, it probably needs a connector or a latch. You have to put the needle into the connector after connecting it, make sure the latch is tightly holding the arrow to the place or not.
If you’re using an electric pump, it may have a different latch type. Electric pumps came in various types of latches, depending upon their industrial usage. If you’re using a compressor for inflating, it may need some adapter, and also, we will not recommend the compressor until you don’t need how to use them.
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Step 2: Moisten the needle with a wet paper towel
Take a wet paper towel to rub the towel on the towel slightly to moisten the needle. Secondly, if you don’t have a paper towel, you can spit on the arrow to moisten it as moisture quickly helps the hand insert the basketball valve and prevents damage. If the ball’s air valve is damaged, it can cause air leakage during the game. So, always follow the steps to avoid any damage.
Step 3: Insert the needle into the basketball valve
After spiting or moisturizing the hand, insert the needle into the basketball very slightly until the needle is fully inserted into the valve.
Step 4: Start inflating the ball
inflate the ball with an air pump; if you’re using a manual air pump, you have to pump it up manually. You will know how to pump and how to pump up a basketball. But, if you’re using a compressor or an electric pump, you have to turn it on; it will automatically inflate the ball. Remember you should know how to use an air compressor and inflate a basketball with an air compressor.
Warning!
Electric pumps are automated and fill the air quickly. If you’re using an electric pump and don’t know how to put air in a basketball through a compressor, we recommend monitoring the philosophy of the basketball all the time. As the electric pumps are automated and fill the air very quickly hence, it may cause damage to the valve if you would not check the pressure from time to time.
Step 5: Check the pressure of the ball
When inflating the ball, put one of your hands on the basketball to feel the ball’s pressure and the other hand for pumping. If you purchase a pump with having a pressure gauge, check the pressure regularly. But, if you don’t have a built-in pump, check the strain by using the bounce method described above.
Once the inflating is done, the ball is ready to play with. roll up your sleeves and start dribbling
Final Verdict
Every basketball needs inflation time by time because the ball loses air over time. The process by equipment or without equipment is quite a simple way of inflating a basketball. You would not have any questions now about How to increase a basketball. Also, the equipment needed is relatively cheap and affordable, as mentioned above. Make sure the ball is always ready and inflated adequately so that it won’t cause any problems. Now, show up your skills and have great fun!
