9 Best Basketballs For Kids In 2023

Basketball is a challenging and fast-paced sport that kids can benefit from. This game requires kids to play in teams of five and help them learn how to work with teammates to score baskets. The best basketballs for kids would be smaller than the standard balls. You should choose a ball size depending on the age and size of your child.

在家里练习和尝试gym, bring home a good basketball for your little one to practice. In this post, we have listed some of the best options.

In This Article

How To Find The Perfect Basketball For Your Kid

When buying a basketball for your child, there are a few things that you should consider. Below are some pointers that may help you make the final choice.

Weight and Size: Basketballs are made of rubber and are heavy to hold because they have to withstand harsh surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. These balls are available in a variety of weights and sizes. For kids aged between 9 and 11, the ideal basketball size and weight could be 5 and 27.5 inches respectively.

Durability: Another important factor to consider while buying a good basketball is its durability. Basketballs are filled with air and need to be sturdy so they bounce well. For younger kids, you can opt for balls made of foam, which are easy to grip and a lot lighter than other basketballs.

These are the two main criteria that a good basketball should fulfil. Now let’s have a look at some of the best basketballs for kids.

9 Best Basketball For Kids

1.Best For Grip:Spalding NBA Street Basketball

Price at the time of publication: $38.36

This youth size basketball offersexcellent grip and controlso your kid can dominate the basketball court. Learn more about this grip-enhancing basketball by watching thisvideo.

Pros

  • Durable rubber cover
  • Good grip
  • Deep channel design for better control
  • Ideal for shooters
  • Most suitable for outdoors

Cons

  • Inconsistent bounce when played indoors

2.Best For Indoor Play:Wilson Evolution Game Basketball

Price at the time of publication: $78.44

You do not have to think much about the quality of this basketball because it has beenapproved by the National Federation of State High School Associations. Thisvideowill provide you with added insights about the product.

Pros

  • Cushion core carcass makes the ball soft to touch
  • Evo microfiber composite cover wicks moisture and offers a good grip
  • Laid-in composite channel design provides better control
  • Most suitable for indoor play

Cons

  • Some may have faulty seams

3. Best Noise-Free:SKLZ Pro Mini Hoop 5-Inch Foam Basketball

4.5
Price at the time of publication: $7.99

This mini basketball is for your little one who wants to play basketball but is not tall enough to reach the actual hoop. It is a 5-inch foam ball that is ideal for indoors.

Pros

  • Does not generate much noise
  • 在的理想选择doors

Cons

  • Outer cover flakes off easily

4.Best For Outdoors:Mikasa BX1000 Premium Rubber Basketball

Price at the time of publication: $19.47

Available in the regular orange color, this inflatable basketball is designed for outdoors. It is a regular basketball for beginners that is reasonably priced. Take a look at this reviewvideoto know more about the product and make an informed buying decision.

Pros

  • Good option for rookie players
  • Rubber cover gives good grip
  • Suitable for boys as well as girls
  • Available in sizes 4 and 5

Cons

  • Frequent inflation required for optimum usage
protip_icon Quick tip
You can apply a lubricant such as petroleum jelly on the air pump’s nozzle to avoid accidentally damaging the basketball while filling it with air.

5. Best For Dribbling:Amazon Basics Basketball

4.3
Price at the time of publication: $31.07

The Amazon Basics PU composite basketball is suitable for intermediate players looking to improve their game. The durable basketball lasts for a long time, and its unique design provides excellent grip and control for dribbling.

Pros

  • Has a microfiber cover for better grip
  • Includes an air pump
  • Available in different materials and sizes
  • Available in multiple colors

Cons

  • Might deflate earlier than expected
  • Pump might not be great

6.Best Air Pressure Control:Chance Premium Indoor/Outdoor Basketball

Price at the time of publication: $39.99

Not sure whether to buy an outdoor basketball or indoor basketball? Go for this playground basketball, which can be played indoors as well as outdoors.

Pros

  • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor play
  • Available in various colors
  • Deep channels enable good grip and control
  • Butyl bladder controls air pressure and maintains a perfect round shape

Cons

  • Deflates easily after a few uses
protip_icon Do remember
You should take safety measures seriously and make your child wear snug shoes and a mouth guard while playing basketball to avoid severe injuries.

7. Best For Visibility:Omotiya LED Light Up Basketball

4.4
Price at the time of publication: $29.99

Omotiya’s light-up basketball is an ideal gift for children who love to play basketball at night, as it has impact-activated LED lights. The junior basketball comes pre-installed with batteries and can provide long-lasting fun regardless of the lighting conditions.

Pros

  • Comes with a pump and tool for battery replacement
  • Has a durable rubber inner tank
  • Waterproof material
  • Instructional manual included
  • Helps improve hand-eye coordination

Cons

  • Batteries might need to be replaced at regular intervals
  • Air valves might be slightly leaky

8. Best For Training:Baden SkilCoach Shooter’s Rubber Training Basketball

Price at the time of publication: $15.17

For kids who are new to the game or want to learn the game, this rubber training basketball can be of great help. The youth basketball is designed tohelp improve hand positioning and shooting technique.

Pros

  • Hand graphics created to suit both left- and right-handed players
  • Rubber cover makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor play
  • Wound core ensures air retention and good bounce

Cons

  • 球迅速失去了空气
protip_icon Did you know?
A single Chicago-based company called Horween Leather Company manufactures the basketballs used in all the NBA tournaments.

9. Best Shape Retention:Franklin Sports Junior 27.5-Inch USA Basketball

Price at the time of publication: $19.99

Its red, white, and blue panel pays tribute to the rich basketball traditions in America. The rich color makes this junior-size ball enticing for children. This colorful basketball offers good grip and control to help your little basketball player learn quickly.

Pros

  • Polyester winding promotes good bounce and perfect shape retention
  • Pro width channels enable better control over shots
  • High-tack rubber cover gives good grip

Cons

  • Lacks durability and loses air within a few days

How To Choose The Right Basketball For Kids?

Consider the following points while buying a basketball for kids.

  1. Size and weight:Consider the ball’s size and weight to find a suitable one for your child. If your child is a beginner, consider lightweight basketballs for easy playing.
  2. Durability:Most basketballs are made of rubber, but foam ones are also quite light and suitable for younger children. Check the sturdiness, stitching, firmness, and other factors to ensure long-lasting durability.
  3. Grip:The basketball’s grip depends on the material it is made of. Choose balls that offer a good grip and conveniently stick to your hands.
  4. Indoor/outdoor basketball:The choice of kids’ basketball also depends upon where the child is going to play. For instance, indoor balls, when used outside, get damaged as they are not designed for rough surfaces. So, check the specifications and composition to find the right ball.

Why Trust MomJunction?

We have compiled the list of the best basketballs for your kids with features such as weight, size, and durability. After careful research, we have included the basketballs that are fit for outdoor and indoor play and explained ways to choose based on the child’s requirements. Every product offers pros and cons with detailed descriptions to make your buying experience smoother, quicker, and easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the type of basketball matter?

Yes, it is important to choose an appropriate type of basketball based on the type of court, i.e., indoor or outdoor courts. While full grain leather basketballs are ideal for indoors, it is best to invest in a heavy-duty basketball that can survive rough play on the concrete.

2. How do I know if a basketball is of good quality?

Look for features, such as a deep channel design, a rubber cover, yarn or polyester winding, a butyl bladder, and a uniform pebble surface to ensure the quality of a basketball.

3. What basketballs have the best grip?

Basketballs with a deep channel design, a rubber cover, and a uniform pebble surface offer a better grip.

4. How long does a basketball last?

It depends on the durability of the basketball and the material used in the basketball. Basketballs made of leather tend to last longer than rubber basketballs.

5. Does water damage a basketball?

Excessive exposure to water can damage the basketball. However, you can use a damp cloth to clean your basketball.

6. Is basketball safe for kids?

It is always recommended to supervise your child while playing any kind of sport. Look for appropriate-sized basketballs that are lightweight and offer good grip to ensure the safety of your child.

If your child is a sports enthusiast, the right basketball can elevate their playing experience. Learning to play basketball comes with various benefits, including teaching children team-building skills while improving their hand-eye coordination. But before you go on and buy your child a basketball, make sure to see if it is the right size and weight as giving them a smaller or bigger one could hinder their game. Also, ensure the basketball is made from durable materials to last longer.

信息图:不同的篮球的快速指南Types

Basketballs are divided into different types depending on where they are used. The play surface helps you choose the basketball you need for the game. We have compiled a list in the infographics below to help you understand the various types.

Types Of Basketballs And Where To Use Them (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.

Download Infographic in PDF version Download Infographic
Download Infographic in PDF version


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