The sport Dr. James Naismith created in 1891, has captured the attention of youngsters all over the world, due in no small part to the simplicity of the game and its instruments. All it takes to play is a basket (wooden crate or metallic hoop) and a ball. Preferably a ball that bounces. Of course, there are brand choices as well, but that won't have as much to do with performance as the material or size.
Different leagues or levels of play require different sized balls, and certain materials are better suited for indoor or outdoor surfaces. Here's a breakdown of the material types and the pros and cons of each:
Ball Sizes for League Play
Making the Ball Unique
If you are buying a ball for someone as a gift, follow the recommendations for sizing and material, and make this ball unique. There are lots of basketball designs that venture of the beaten path of the plain old orange leather or rubber basketball. These desgined basketballs are good for kids or fans that are just looking to memorabilia. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
