What Size Basketball Should I Get? For All Ages

Picking the right basketball size is the most challenging dilemma for new players. Injuries or mishaps are inevitable. So what Size Basketball Should I Get? but the right basketball size will uplift your spirit and performance. It also assures that you have the best outdoor basketball experience.

What Size Basketball Should I Get?

Everyone starts small and ultimately navigates their way upwards. Once you get your hands on the right basketball size, play away to your heart’s content! 

Please read our review on the best outdoor basketball.

Explore your moves and become better each day.

Choosing the wrong basketball size can hamper the development of skills such as shooting and dribbling. Thus, it decreases the performance of the players. So, if you’re skeptical about making the right decision for your basketball size, buckle up!

Readout our reviews on the best indoor basketball

In this article, we will give you a complete walkthrough of all the nitty-gritty details to keep in mind regarding what size basketball you should get!

How Do I Know What Size Basketball To Buy?

There are different sizes of basketball suited to other age groups and levels of professionalism. Usually, the standard ball sizes according to some specific levels and ages are as follows: 

• Size 3 basketball, also called ‘mini basketball,’ is best suited for boys and girls aged 2-4 years.
• Size 4 basketball should be chosen if children aged 4-8 years are interested in basketball.
• Size 5 basketball is best suited for players aged 9-11 years of age as it is the most common for youth leagues.
• Size 6 basketball is generally used for ages 12-14 years for boys and women above 12.
• Size 7 basketball is familiar with men aged 15 and above and is popular with professional basketball players.

Is It Ok To Practice With A Size 6 Basketball?

Size 6 basketballs are generally smaller than size 7, making them suitable for players with smaller hand spans. These basketballs come with a circumference of 28.5 inches and a weight of 20 oz.

What Size Basketball Is Good For Kids

They are chosen for boys aged 12-14 as they haven’t developed the appropriate level of physical strength and stamina to handle larger sizes. However, they still need a professional ball, which is smaller for them to take.

Is It Ok To Practice With A Size 5 Basketball?

With a circumference of 27.5-27.75 inches and a standard weight of 14-16 oz, size 5 basketballs make the perfect choice for boys and girls from age 9 to age 11.

They are the ideal size for children as it is most appropriate according to their height, strength, and level of skills. This limits their injuries and allows them to practice the game easily.

What Is The Difference Between A Size 6 And 7 Basketball?

• A size 6 basketball is smaller than a size 7 basketball, with a circumference of 28.5 inches, while a size 7 basketball has 29.5 inches. At the same time, they also differ in weight, with size 6 balls weighing 20 0z and size 7 balls weighing 22 oz.
• A size 6 basketball is best for boys aged 12-14 and girls of all ages above age 12 while a size 7 basketball is suitable for boys above age 14.
• A size 6 basketball is the ideal ball for women and is popular in women’s high school, college leagues, and professional associations. The size 7 basketball is popular among professional basketball players and is chosen for professional basketball associations and men’s high school and college leagues.

Is Size 7 Basketball Too Big?

As boys grow older, a bigger basketball size complements their physical strength and caliber. Therefore, size seven basketball is much more suitable for enhancing their overall experience and motivation. 

It is most popular among professional basketball players, and with this ball comes the most significant level of satisfaction and performance in the game. As a result, they are used in men’s associations and leagues more often than any other size.

Are Smaller Basketballs Easier?

Basketballs smaller than the size appropriate for your age are difficult to control. It will require more practice to learn to dribble and shoot with a more miniature basketball than the regular size.

Does Playing With A Smaller Basketball Help?

It would help if you always played with the basketball you practice with. This is because each ball has different levels of control, and it influences your shooting, dribbling, layouts, and angles.

Using a smaller ball to play will throw you off from your angles and layouts, ultimately resulting in poor performance. However, when you play with the appropriate ball that you also practiced, you will become more efficient, vigilant, and have more control over the ball.

Final Word

Just as the word basketball cannot be complete without the ball, the sport cannot be perfected without the right ball. Therefore you should choose the correct ball size, considering the above specifications, to master this sport.