Three Kinds Of Basketballs For Different Groups

Basketball is probably the biggest sport in the world next to soccer. But unlike soccer, basketball is a game that can be played almost anywhere and by almost anyone. It's very seldom that you will see a street game of soccer going on.

Basketball, on the other hand, is played on almost every street corner, depending on the country where you are from, of course. That being said, there are a few items that are important to have when playing basketball. And nothing is more important than the ball itself.

Choosing the right ball for your style or level of play is essential for you to improve your game. Here are some basketballs and where they are best suited.

• From boys to men – Age groups 12 and above usually are the most active when it comes to playing basketball. But that doesn't mean that the ball is different for each age level. The best basketball to use for boys aged 12 and up? A size 7 ball should suffice. Choose a ball that weighs anywhere between 20 to 22 ounces when it is fully inflated and this should be just right for a proper game.

• Women and younger – For women and children who are from age 8 to 12, a lighter and smaller ball is required. The women of the WNBA usually use a size 6 ball since women's hands tend to be smaller than that of men's. A size 6 ball is about 18 to 20 ounces when fully inflated and has a circumference of about 29 inches. For children, a size 5 ball is highly recommended so that they can bounce, maneuver and throw the ball easier. Size 5 and size 6 balls usually weigh the same with a difference of 2 inches in circumference, the smaller ball being 27 inches.

• Elementary – If you are teaching children how to play basketball, it's not advisable to use regular sized balls. In fact, they should be using much smaller basketballs so that they can get the full effect of the game. You can actually purchase mini-basketballs and these weigh about 8 to 12 ounces and are visibly small at only 22 inches in circumference. However, these mini basketballs are not reserved just for toddlers or pre-schoolers. In fact, these mini basketballs can be used by people of any age. They make for great practice balls because they can help players develop their hand to eye coordination.

These are the kinds of balls that are available for the different age groups of basketball players. Think about what kind of players you are teaching or what kind of ball you should be using when you play with your friends. Of course, it is essential that you pick the right one and sometimes, you might even need something bigger even if you are below 12 years old. In cases like this, the best way to pick the right ball is to cup it in your hand and see if you can make a firm grip of the ball. Try throwing the ball around and passing it to another player to see if you strain your hands while doing so.