How to Choose a Basketball
You feel it before you shoot it. The grip in your palm. The bounce off the floor. The control on release. A great game starts with the right ball, and understanding basketball material is the first step.
Whether you play on a dusty outdoor court or a polished indoor surface, choosing the right basketball affects performance, durability, and feel.
Basketball Is Made of What Material?
A common question is, basketball is made of what material?
A basketball has three main layers:
- Outer cover
- Inner lining
- Rubber bladder
The outer cover is where basketball ball material makes the biggest difference. It determines grip, durability, and overall playability.
Types of Basketball Material Explained
There are three main types of basketball material used today.
- Rubber
- Composite leather
- Genuine leather
Each material is designed for different playing surfaces and levels of competition.
Leather vs Rubber vs Composite Basketballs
Understanding the difference between basketball leather material, rubber, and composite covers helps you make the right choice.
Rubber basketballs
- Durable and affordable
- Best for rough outdoor courts
- Ideal for beginners and recreational play
Composite basketballs
- Synthetic material that feels similar to leather
- Works well both indoors and outdoors
- Offers good grip and control
Genuine leather basketballs
- Used in professional indoor games
- Provides superior feel and grip over time
- Requires a break-in period
- Not suitable for outdoor surfaces
If you mostly play outdoors or are just starting, rubber is the most practical option. For players who switch between indoor and outdoor courts, composite offers the best balance of grip and durability, while serious indoor players will prefer leather for its premium feel and control.
Best Basketball Material for Outdoor Play
If you mostly play outside, the best basketball material for outdoors is rubber or durable composite. Outdoor courts are usually rough and can wear down soft materials quickly. Rubber balls are built to handle concrete and asphalt surfaces while still maintaining a consistent bounce.
Best Basketball Material for Indoor Courts
For indoor wooden courts, composite or genuine leather is the preferred choice. Leather balls offer the best feel and control for competitive games. Composite balls are a great alternative for players who want similar performance with added durability.
FIBA ( Fédération Internationale de Basketball) Approved Basketball: What It Means
You may have heard of a FIBA approved basketball or FIBA approved ball. FIBA (Fédération Internationale de Basketball.), the international governing body for basketball, sets official standards for size, weight, bounce, and grip. A ball that is FIBA approved meets these quality requirements and is suitable for professional and international competitions. These balls are usually made of high-quality composite or leather materials designed for top-level play.
Size of an NBA Basketball Explained
When discussing professional basketball sizes, both the NBA and WNBA use different official ball measurements.
NBA Basketball (Men’s Professional – Size 7)
- Circumference: about 29.5 inches
- Weight: about 22 ounces
This is the standard size used in men’s professional basketball and most adult men’s leagues worldwide.
WNBA Basketball (Women’s Professional – Size 6)
- Circumference: about 28.5 inches
- Weight: about 20 ounces
This slightly smaller and lighter ball is used in the WNBA and most women’s and youth competitive leagues, making it easier to grip and control.
How Basketball Material Affects Grip and Performance
The type of basketball material directly impacts how the ball feels in your hand.
- Leather provides a soft touch and excellent grip once broken in.
- Composite offers consistent grip with less maintenance.
- Rubber gives durability but slightly less control compared to indoor balls.
Choosing the right material improves shooting accuracy, ball handling, and overall confidence on the court.
If you are wondering how to choose a basketball or how to choose basketball ball that fits your game, start with where you play most often. Surface, skill level, and playing frequency all matter.
The right basketball does more than bounce. It connects your hand to every pass, dribble, and shot.
