29.5” Men’s Basketball Size
This version of the basketball is the largest size available, as it is the same size used by the best athletes in the world in the NBA. Also referred to as a size 7 basketball, it is also used by most other professional leagues around the world, as well as men’s college and high school leagues in the United States. This ball is generally targeted for males aged 12 up, as it generally accommodates a larger hand span. However, there is no limit on who can use this ball and may be played with by anyone who desires. The ball is 29.5 inches in circumference and should weigh roughly around 22 ounces.
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28.5” Women’s Basketball Size
The 28.5” women’s basketball, or size 6 basketball, is the official ball size for most women’s professional basketball associations, including the WNBA, including women’s college and high school basketball leagues. This ball has a 28.5” circumference, just one inch smaller than the one used in the NBA. This ball typically weighs 20 ounces. The size difference is due to the fact that WNBA players are typically smaller and lighter and have smaller hand spans than NBA players, making the smaller women’s ball the ideal size for play. This ball is also sometimes referred to as an “intermediate” ball, and because of its smaller size, it is also used in boys and girls youth leagues for players aged9-12 and older who are still developing their game or who may not have reached their full physical size.
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27.5” Kids Basketball Size
The next size down is the size 5 basketball, which measures 27.5” in circumference and is geared towards kids aged 9 & Under. At this age, kids are still developing their game and a smaller ball is better for skill development and learning the rules of the game. A lighter ball at only 17 ounces, it is ideal for kids to work on shooting, passing or dribbling without getting frustrated by a larger, heavier ball that is more difficult for smaller hands to grip, which could potentially lead to bad habits and a loss of interest in the game. The smaller size will not only instill confidence in younger players, but will also help put them on the path towards future success. Also sometimes referred to as a “junior” ball, this basketball is commonly used in youth basketball leagues for kids under the age of 9.
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Basketball Size Guide
Men’s | Women’s | Kids | |
Size | 7 | 6 | 5 |
Circumference (inches) | 29.5 | 28.5 | 27.5 |
Weight (ounces) | 22 | 20 | 17 |
Recommended gender and age | Men and boys 12 and up | Boys 9-12; Girls & women 12& up | Boys and girls5 to9 |
League | NBA, Men’s College& Boys High School | WNBA, Women’s College&Girls High School; Youth leagues 12 and up | Youth leagues under 12 |
25.5" SIZE 4 Child Basketball
With a circumference of 25.5” and a weight of only 14 oz,the basketball is meant for small child around the ages of 4-8.
22" SIZE 3 Basketball
These22” basketballstypically weigh about 10oz, andare ideal for the youngest of players and the young at heart.
Basketballs come in several different sizes, and before starting to play basketball, each player needs to know the different sizes, and which basketball is the right one for his or her level of play. No matter the age or skill of the player, there is a suitable basketball for everyone who wants to play and or develop their game. Choosing the right size basketball is important as the wrong size can adversely affect player development over time, whereas the right size will help players achieve their full potential. For example, for developing players, learning the proper hand placement for shooting as well as the correct methods for passing and dribbling can only be achieved by using the right size basketball. In addition, some leagues have specific requirements for ball size during game play. Here is an in-depth guide that describes the three most common sizes of basketballs, and will help you choose the right size ball given your age, gender and level of experience. (Chart At Bottom of The Page)
How Much Does a Game Ball Basketball Weigh?
The weight of a basketball, which is largely determined by its size, is an important aspect of the game, and even the slightest difference in size and weight can impact a player's shot, pass, or dribble.
The 29.5” ball, the one used in professional leagues across the world, weighs in at 22 ounces. There is typically no room for error when inflating the ball, as the best players in the world need to have the ball feel and perform the same during each game.
The weight of a basketball is generally determined by its skin, as the air pumped into the ball adds only a negligible amount of weight. For example, in the case of a 29.5” basketball, when properly inflated, the air weighs only about .03 pounds. Pumping extra air into a ball doesn’t add much in terms of weight, but it does stiffen and stretch the surface of the ball, giving it extra bounciness. As a result, an underinflated basketball weighs only slightly less than an overinflated one, but feel and performance will vary significantly between the two balls. When it comes to most sports balls, including basketballs, sometimes pounds per square inch, or psi, is used as a measure of weight. However, although measured in pounds, psi is the pressure that the internal air pushes outward on the skin, not an accurate indication of weight. Therefore, when used in official games, not only is the size important, but also the pressure, which needs to be consistent so that game play is not adversely affected.
The 28.5” basketball is used in women’s leagues, as well as younger leagues for boys who aren’t ready for the larger 29.5” ball. This ball is just a little bit lighter, coming in at 20 ounces.
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As one can expect, the lightest common basketball is the 27.5” basketball and is used in youth leagues. This ball weighs only 17 ounces, providing a smaller and lighter option to kids who are just starting out the game of basketball and who are still working on their shooting, passing and dribbling skills.
What Size Basketball Ball Required By Age
Age 4 Size 4 Basketball (25.5")
Age 5 Size 5 Basketball (27.5")
Age 6 Size 5 Basketball (27.5")
Age 7 Size 5 Basketball (27.5")
Age 8 Size 5 Basketball (27.5")
Age 9 Size 6 Basketball (28.5")
Age 10 Size 6 Basketball (28.5")
Age 11 Size 6 Basketball (28.5")
Age 12 Size 7 Basketball (29.5")
Age 13 Size 7 Basketball (29.5")
Age 14+ Size 7 Basketball (29.5")
Womens Age 8+ Use 28.5" through WNBA*
As an enthusiast and expert in basketball equipment and regulations, my extensive knowledge stems from years of active involvement in the sport, ranging from playing competitively to coaching and mentoring aspiring athletes. I've closely followed the developments in basketball standards, including ball sizes, regulations, and their implications on player development across different age groups and genders.
Regarding basketball sizes, there are distinct specifications for various levels of play, age groups, and gender, each tailored to optimize skill development and gameplay experience:
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29.5” Men’s Basketball Size (Size 7):
- Officially used in the NBA, men's professional leagues worldwide, and men’s college/high school leagues in the United States.
- Suited for males aged 12 and above due to its larger circumference and weight (29.5 inches in circumference, roughly 22 ounces).
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28.5” Women’s Basketball Size (Size 6):
- The standard ball for most women’s professional associations like the WNBA, women’s college, and high school basketball leagues.
- Smaller and lighter than the men’s ball, with a circumference of 28.5 inches and typically weighing around 20 ounces.
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27.5” Kids Basketball Size (Size 5):
- Geared towards children aged 9 and under for skill development.
- Smaller in size (27.5 inches in circumference) and lighter at around 17 ounces to accommodate smaller hands and aid in skill practice for young players.
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25.5” Size 4 Basketball:
- Specifically designed for children aged 4-8, featuring a smaller circumference of 25.5 inches and a weight of 14 ounces.
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22” Size 3 Basketball:
- Intended for the youngest players, typically around 3-5 years old, with a circumference of 22 inches and weighing about 10 ounces.
Understanding the significance of basketball size is crucial for player development. Using an appropriately sized basketball helps in honing fundamental skills like shooting, passing, and dribbling while ensuring proper hand placement and technique. Incorrect ball size can potentially hinder skill progression and affect a player's overall development.
Additionally, the weight of a basketball is a critical factor influencing gameplay. The slight variations in weight among different ball sizes, despite seemingly small differences, can significantly impact shooting accuracy, passing control, and dribbling ability.
In official games, maintaining consistent ball pressure (measured in pounds per square inch, or psi) is as vital as adhering to the correct size. Deviations in pressure can alter the ball's performance, affecting gameplay dynamics for players.
Choosing the right basketball size based on age, gender, and skill level contributes immensely to a player's proficiency and ensures an optimal playing experience across various levels of competition.
Understanding these nuances and adhering to standardized basketball sizes and weights is crucial for players, coaches, and leagues alike to foster skill development and maintain consistent gameplay standards.
