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Best Indoor Basketball: Top 5 List For High School

Imagine a high school hooper going into practice or a game using a cheap, low-quality ball instead of the best indoor basketball for high school (secondary school). It makes for a depressing time with dribbling, shooting, and overall performing. This sucks the life out of any sport.

Let me tell ya… playing with crappy basketballs is the worst!

An indoor court is like a haven for basketballs as they don’t consist of rough surfaces like gravel or concrete. As a result, they will last much much longer indoors.

And oh, boy – there are way too many options out there.

But, I decided to put a hell of a lot of time and effort into this list, countless hours of research done for you.

I’m hoping this article, whether or not you’re a parent, basketball player, or coach, will provide a more accurate and honest answer when choosing the best indoor basketball for your high school (secondary school).

Size and Price: Before Picking the Best Indoor Basketball

High school (secondary school) basketball players need to check the listing for the official game balls. Picking the right size will bring comfort and enjoyment in improving basketball skills.

Size 5 – With a 27.5-inch circumference (70 centimeters) used for children and youth aged 9-12 or under.

Size 6 – With a 28.5-inch circumference (72 centimeters), which is used for younger high school (secondary school) players aged 12-14 and female basketball players 12 and up.

Size 7 – With a 29.5-inch circumference (75 centimeters), which is used for official game balls for high school (secondary school) all the way up to the NBA.

High-quality composite leather basketballs are always going to come at quite the price. If luck is on your side, you can get a decent one for less than $50 (£40).

However, these range from anywhere between $40-$100 or £40-£100 and are worth it. Cheap balls won’t save you money and will need to be replaced every few months.

The Wilson EVO NXT: The Best Indoor Basketball

Material, Grip, and Feel

This is the FIBA Champions League’s official basketball, and the official basketball of ballislife.

Wilson made this indoor basketball by combining the Wilson Evolution and the Wilson NCAA solution game ball, with deeper and wider channels made from composite leather instead of traditional rubber.

It’s made out of 100% composite leather (not real leather). Some players might say the ball’s bland orange colour makes it look rubbery, but this isn’t a big deal as It is perfect for high school shooters who want the best indoor basketball whilst focusing on form and technique.

The super softcore feature beats all other surfaces out there, so being durable isn’t a problem, and it’s super moisture absorbent.

Another feature the EVO NXT comes with is extended core technology. This balances the weight of the ball equaling to less effort when shooting threes.

This indoor basketball has the perfect amount of grip and isn’t too sticky or tacky like other basketballs. It has a micro-touch double-layered cover giving the ball more texture for better grip by locking moisture away. This results in better control and an amazing feel for the player.

The moisture-absorbent cover provides immense grip throughout games and practice as it keeps sweat and moisture out to the highest level possible. Therefore, sweaty hands are no longer an issue. Since this ball’s channels are of a much higher quality than the ones on the Wilson Evolution, it produces a much better grip and a better overall comfortable feel.

Bounce and Air Retention

Another great reason why this is the best indoor basketball for high school (secondary school) is because of the bounce.

Although the bounce isn’t perfect, it is good enough to the point where you can focus on your moves and your jump shot when going game speed. The micro-touch cover will provide the player with incredible control.

Don’t get me wrong; this indoor basketball still has a consistent and reliable bounce, making it very playable. There is no “break-in” period to this basketball, so you’ll most likely feel its awesome bounce as soon as you start dribbling. Yet, some players say the bounce feels a bit empty, but I think it’s nothing serious.

The standard air pressure might be imprinted on the ball around the area where you insert the pump into.

Winter is a slight problem with air retention for basketballs… apart from this one.

You can exclude all seasons when using the Wilson EVO NXT as the design keeps air pressure to the max. Air loss is annoying but isn’t a big deal with most indoor basketballs, so using a pump will be rare.

Durability

Have you ever heard of an indoor basketball that will last you throughout the whole of high school (secondary school)? You have now! Having an extreme durability level (possibly higher than the Wilson Evolution), it can last THAT long, especially when you take good care of it.

Still, I don’t recommend using this ball outside on harsh surfaces like gravel, concrete, blacktop, etc., because I’m talking about indoor durability.

The Wilson Evolution: 2nd Best Indoor Basketball

Material, Grip, and Feel

Wilson is the most popular basketball brand amongst high schools (secondary schools). The Wilson Evolution is their most famous ball and is approved by the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS).

Having a soft cushioned carcass on the outside and being made out of Evo Microfiber composite leather provides the player with a nice soft feel.

Covered in micro-touch points, the hooper experiences great control; deep channels provide a softer feel, a better grip for the fingertips (as they are moisture absorbent), and extra cushioning helps with dribbling, catching, and shooting.

Wilson has replaced the traditional rubber black strips on this basketball with composite leather ones in hopes for better grip. Although it’s not much of a difference, it still enhances the grip and feel.

When playing long sweaty games or getting a sweat on in practice, this ball will absorb any moisture from your hands, allowing for great shooting and dribbling consistency. However, it gets quite slick over time, meaning you might have to stop once in a while to dry the basketball.

This is a very lightweight indoor basketball as it is made out of a butyl rubber bladder giving it a light feel whilst retaining size and shape.

This ball’s moisture-absorbent technology can make it feel sticky sometimes. Comparing it to just a normal indoor ball, however, it has a much better grip that’s most appropriate for indoor courts.

Overall, the Wilson Evolution has a decent balance between grip and feel (only second place to the Wilson EVO NXT, in my opinion), which is very significant in picking the best indoor basketball for high school (secondary school).

Bounce and Air Retention

It is known to have a very comfortable, reliable, and consistent bounce. Height wise, players who have tested it say it does not bounce very high compared to other indoor basketballs on this list. Being only a small problem, this stops it from becoming the best indoor basketball for high school in my eyes.

This means players might have to put a little more effort into bouncing it, which will result in faster dribbling equaling better performance as speed dominates the high school level.

Instead of inflating the Wilson Evolution basketball to a 7.5 or 8.5 PSI (pounds per square inch), which is the standard air pressure for the NBA, I recommend pumping it up to a 9 PSI, somewhat higher than normal.

Overall, it holds air in very well, and thanks to its higher quality rubber bladder, having to fill the Wilson Evolution with air will be a rarity.

Durability

Being durable is another good reason why this is one of the best indoor basketballs for high school. Hell, it can even last as long as five years if handled well! This means avoiding outdoor use because it will not hold well, even when used outdoors once. This basketball is known to tear on surfaces like gravel, concrete, or any other outdoor surface.

But, the composite leather material on the Wilson Evolution has an amazing overall indoor durability. A good thing about this basketball is once it starts to fade over time, it becomes easier to grip as it’s less rigid.

The Rock: 3rd Best Indoor Basketball

John Stole is the maker of this ball, having a vision of creating the best indoor basketball for grip and durability, which he succeeded in. Although Wilson and Spalding are the more popular basketball brands, in contrast, it’s much better than a lot of their balls.

Material, Grip, and Feel

The Rock (nothing to do with Dwayne Johnson) being a very high rated ball for high school (secondary school) has been one of the best indoor basketballs for a long while now and is made out of composite leather, giving it a long-lasting life.

Its composite leather provides the player with a superior grip and amazing ball control. It has a patented sponge rubber carcass layer for increased softness, fitting in with any indoor surface.

Its amazing abilities hit you in an instant, straight out of the box. Its 100% Nylon Wound helps the ball maintain its shape throughout game and practice. The depth and width of the channels (black lines across the ball) are deeper and wider than your usual indoor basketball.

The channels are made out of rubber, not composite leather, which gives more grip but less feel. It gives the perfect amount of tackiness to stop dust and dirt from getting in through the cracks.

Although The Rock is moisture absorbent, some people say it does not absorb sweat very well. But, with the sole purpose being to provide you with the best grip, it’s enough to take a high school player’s game to the next level.

Palming this basketball comes easy with its superior grip whilst maintaining a consistent and comfortable feel. This basketball is more focused on grip than feel but has a good balance between the two. Having a decent feel, you can expect this indoor basketball to not stick to hands or floors. The Rock also feels slightly bigger meaning it doesn’t have that “cheap” feel like some other composite leather balls do.

Bounce and Air Retention

When choosing the best indoor basketball for high school, you need the bounce to be as reliable and as consistent as possible. The deep depth of the channels on The Rock could have a slightly negative effect on reliability. But, for shooting, it’s beneficial.

The Rock has great bounce as the material is high quality, whereas low-quality balls have a terrible bounce. If you’re ever having trouble with this basketball’s bounce, this would be due to air retention.

It may not have the most consistent bounce in height terms, but overall it’s almost perfect when it comes to controlling. Speaking of control, you won’t be using much effort when moving it the way you want it to move, and when pumping air into this ball. Also, The Rock doesn’t feel too bouncy or flat either.

7.5 and 8.5 PSI (pounds per square inch) is the NBA norm for air pressure in any basketball. Losing air is an infrequent problem when coming across the best indoor basketball for high school but can become very frustrating.

When inflating this basketball, be careful! Over inflating can cause lumps, and under inflating will make the basketball unplayable and a lot less enjoyable. After you’ve inflated it, hold the ball at head level and drop it.

Suppose it bounces just below chest level, congratulations! There is just enough air pressure in this basketball. I guarantee you that air loss will not be a problem with this indoor basketball; therefore, it should not need a pump.

The Rock comes equipped with a high quality reinforced double-ply butyl bladder (underneath the outer cover and made from rubber) to keep as much air pressure as possible.

Durability

As indoor basketballs are more expensive than outdoor ones in general, this one is made from very durable material. I would only recommend using it indoors if you want it to last longer, as it comes with built-in indoor durability.

Bonus tip: If you’ve asked yourself the question, “how durable is this indoor basketball?” Remind yourself it’s literally like a rock. This ball’s durability is phenomenal in rank.

The Wilson NCAA Solution: 4th Best Indoor Basketball

Material, Grip, and Feel

It is the official game ball for both men’s and women’s NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) tournaments and March Madness. It is an absolutely fantastic choice for high school (secondary school), basketball players.

Being very high-rated, this basketball has features most people dream of. Unlike other basketballs made out of composite leather (not real leather), this one comes with proper moisture-absorbent features offering a great balance between grip and feel for enjoyable and solid playability and doesn’t have that sticky feel to it either.

It does not come with that slippery out-of-the-box feel, and it doesn’t use these fancy, advanced technologies for things like “better” air retention, but it is the real deal when it comes to having the most trustworthy moisture absorption on the market.

The wide laid-in “Aqua Grip” channels come with unmatched grip ability straight to the fingertips. Wilson’s traditional black strips on their basketballs have been replaced with composite leather to provide the player with a better feel.

Since the moisture-absorbing technology on this indoor ball absorbs sweat and keeps it dry during games and practice, it offers a better grip. Wilson has narrowed down the “slippery hands” problem to an almost non-existent level with this ball.

This basketball has a super comfortable and smooth feel due to the high-quality material. Feel leads to better shooting and dribbling, as well as being one with the ball. The cushion control technology on the Wilson NCAA Solution combines low-density sponge rubber and ultra-durable butyl rubber to give the player a rare feel setting the standard for performance and innovation.

Bounce and Air Retention

Replacing the rubber channels (black laces) was Wilson’s excellent decision because it makes for a smoother surface for a better bounce. This helps keep the bounce reliable and consistent without bouncing too low or too high, keeping the same air pressure throughout play. Do not under or over inflate this basketball.

Keeping it between 7.5 and 8.5 PSI (pounds per square inch) is the standard air pressure. The ideal air pressure should be imprinted on the ball around the area where you insert the pump into.

Durability

Another reason I consider this to be one of the best indoor basketballs for high school is its durability, which is what this ball is mostly known for. It will not just last several years, but the grip, feel, and bounce will stay the same.

If that’s not durable, then I don’t know what is. I would still advise sticking to using this ball indoors as the outdoor environments will destroy the quality and nice features of the Wilson NCAA Solution. It comes at a very affordable cost, but its high durability level is made for indoor use.

Molten GG7X: 5th Best Indoor Basketball

Material, Grip, and Feel

It is the official ball used for FIBA and the Olympics. It is made out of a high-quality premium composite leather cover, with the unfortunate thing being it’s not as nice and soft as the previous makes of this ball.

Watching the basketball rotate in the air is a crucial component when shooting. The 12-panel design and the colouring on this Molten X Series basketball are great for this purpose as it will help high school (secondary school) players dictate how much spin they’re giving the ball.

This is why it looks like an “X” from the side, and the “X” makes it easier for rebounding as players can track where the ball will go after it hits the rim.

High School players might find this to be the best indoor basketball for control since Molten has added in extra channels (all of its channels made from rubber for increased grip) that are narrower and wider but spaced out well for better contact with the hands.

Also, the 12-panel design on this indoor basketball will help the high school (secondary school) player with better grip and fingertip control. As soon as the uniform pebble surface starts to wear in, grip becomes more consistent, leading to better control over the ball.

The Molten GG7X model does not have the best moisture-absorbent technology, so you can expect this ball to become slippery when playing with sweaty hands. Don’t worry too much about this problem as most indoor basketballs become slippery with sweaty hands and moisture.

When first taking the Molten GG7X out of the box, some players might say, “have they put glue on it or something?” This is because of its tacky feel at the beginning. This problem goes away when you use the ball more and more as it starts to wear in.

Bounce and Air Retention

The bounce of the Molten GG7X has a decent height plus contact consistency and is reliable as its narrower, wider seams (black laces) make it easier to dribble. Don’t get me wrong; this indoor basketball is far from being cheaply made, as its high-quality material gives it a great bounce for any high school player.

If this ball becomes flat or too bouncy, it’s often a result of not enough or too much air pressure, just like the other basketballs on this list. Because of its premium quality butyl bladder, air leakage shouldn’t be a problem with this basketball.

Even though you won’t be using a ball pump much whatever the season, it is always handy. Pumping it up to the standard air pressure between 7.5 and 8.5 PSI (pounds per square inch) is a good idea as the Molten GG7X bounces at a frequent 8 PSI.

The correct air pressure should be imprinted on the ball around the area where you insert the pump into. Don’t over pump this ball as it will become too bouncy, and don’t under inflate as it will become unplayable.

Durability

The best indoor basketball needs to have fair indoor durability as they tend not to come cheap. With this one, you don’t have to worry about the durability too much, as long as you avoid using it outside on rough surfaces as much as possible.

Using it outside, then going back to playing indoors makes it uncomfortable to play with, and the ball can lose its superior grip. All in all, the durability of the Molten GG7X is not that great as the material starts to worsen much quicker, making it dissimilar to the other best indoor basketballs on this list.

Taking Care of the Best Indoor Basketball for High School

Being careful and aware:

As these indoor basketballs are made from composite leather, they tend to be more “brittle,” so to speak. Therefore, taking good care of them will ensure the high quality stays the same throughout years of play. I’ve talked about not using them outdoors, so now let’s talk about some “don’t do’s” when using them indoors.

Try avoiding bouncing the basketball off the wall, whether passing it to yourself or doing drills, and don’t kick them as this could cause lumps on the ball. Keep harmful objects away from the ball, even indoors. Very sharp objects like glass can change its shape and puncture the basketball in worse case scenarios. And just like most things, when not in use, keep in a cool, dry place.

Fixing a punctured basketball

Here are the four pieces of equipment you need to fix a popped basketball.

A Syringe with the biggest needle available
Cooking oil
All contact cement (adhesive)
Ball Pump

First, apply the cooking oil on the rubber part of the syringe so it won’t damage the rubber and a small amount inside the syringe. Give the syringe a few “pushes” to lubricate it properly.

Second, attach the needle, then pour about 5ml of contact cement into the syringe.

Third, hold the basketball (or get a partner to do it), making sure the damaged part faces the bottom. Insert the pump into the ball to release some air. Leave it inserted and fit the syringe into the ball, injecting all of the contact cement into it.

You should always keep the “hole” face down. When finished injecting the contact cement, pump up the basketball. This should fix the hole within 12 to 24 hours.

Cleaning the basketball

Remember, every basketball has cracks. What does this mean? Dust, dirt, and moisture can slip through them with ease. All this advanced tech could become useless when this happens over time, and it will make the ball unplayable. As I always recommend, use water combined with leather shampoo, taking immediate action to dry the basketball. Just use a cloth, and she’s ready to go.

In Conclusion: What is the Best Indoor Basketball for High School?

I think the most important thing when choosing the best indoor basketball is the players’ needs.

In my opinion: the Wilson EVO NXT is the most complete indoor basketball on this list, with the best balance between grip and feel. The Wilson Evolution, not being far off, is the most popular one for high school (secondary school).

The Rock seems to have the best grip and durability on this list. The Wilson NCAA Solution is the most highly-rated with the best moisture absorption. The Molten GG7X is great for shooters and control.

If any of these balls feel too bouncy, lower the air pressure to a 7 PSI.

Comparing it to crappy low-quality basketballs that give the player a harder time with the sport or different basketballs in general, it’s a no-brainer.

At the end of the day: Treat the ball with good care by following the tips in this article. If you find yourself getting bored with cleaning, remind yourself you don’t have to do it often.

I hope you found this article helpful! If you have any other questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below! I’ll make sure to reply ASAP.

As always, happy balling!

A Good Indoor Basketball Ball For High School Teens

Imagine scrolling through the web or searching local shops for an indoor basketball ball only to find way too many to choose from….

My friend, look no further! This problem has now been eliminated.

When I was in high school (secondary school), you’d have to run into the storage room before practice to be the first one to get one of the good indoor basketball balls (there were about 5 out of 30).

If you weren’t part of the storage room top five winners (which I definitely was not part of), you were stuck with either a crappy and almost unusable ball, which by the way, was dirty and wrecked from being used all the time outdoors.

I will show you in this article what I consider to be a great indoor basketball ball judging from the countless hours of research I have done on it and friends who have used it.

During my research time, I experienced lists of the so-called “best” indoor basketballs out there, and let me tell ya…..most of them are for sure not the best!

But if you want to know what a great indoor basketball ball looks like, I’m hoping this article provides an honest answer for you than I got before finding this one.

All you need to know: Spalding Precision indoor basketball ball

Material

Unlike most indoor basketballs made out of composite leather, this one is made out of very durable Eco-Grip composite leather and doesn’t have that slippery “out of the box” feel.

But what does Eco-Grip tell me? It tells you it’s “recycle material,” meaning it’s 100% recyclable and a good indoor basketball ball for the environment. Here’s another unique thing about this basketball. It has a great feel to it, and the bright colour of this special material makes it stand out like a t-rex on a court.

This is a softer material compared to those rubber outdoor basketballs, which are actually pretty heavy and a lot less comfortable.

It’s a known fact that composite leather and genuine leather balls have a familiar feel to them. With the added Eco-Grip, this basketball will have a much better feel than a genuine leather ball, and it’s much cheaper.

The Spalding Precision also has deep grooves (black laces on the ball), providing a good and natural feel. The channels aren’t too wide or too deep either and are made from rubber.

Grip

Eco-Grip on this indoor basketball ball gives you a game ready grip and soft feel right out of the box. Keep in mind a downside to this is that it may be a bit too grippy for a player’s liking. Then again, you do not want it to have minimal grip either.

Due to sweaty hands and moisture, you might lose that extra grip, but the amazing feel of it would still be there.

Having a good grip is a positive factor when shooting any shot or even when palming the basketball.

However, at one point, NBA players complained about genuine leather basketballs having too much grip, and genuine leather is grippier than composite leather.

I’ve got to be honest; I don’t even know if there is another indoor basketball ball out there with a solid grip matching a smooth feel like this one.

High school players have to remember that “feel” is also an important factor in picking a good indoor basketball ball. Good grip means nothing without a comfortable feel. I think Spalding Precision has the perfect balance of grip and feel for the player.

Bounce & Air Retention

A basketball constantly losing air is very annoying and an absolute pain in the backside. The Spalding Precision has a butyl bladder (a rubber material underneath the outer cover) for superb air retention and excellent structural integrity, along with a cushioned carcass giving it a realistic, consistent bounce.

For an indoor basketball, standard air pressure is between 7.5 and 8.5 pounds (3 – 4kg). When buying the Spalding Precision, it should already come inflated. If it doesn’t come inflated for whatever reason, I recommend pumping it up to an 8 PSI (pounds per square inch).

For the most part, the ball pump will be pretty much sat in your shed collecting dust as it’s likely not needed (a little bit during winter…maybe).

Over inflating can be harmful to an indoor basketball ball as it makes it harder for the player to shoot and can cause lumps, and under inflating will make it unplayable.

Lucky for you, maintaining its roundness is a feature this basketball comes with.

Can I test the bounce myself? Of course!

All you need to do to test the bounce is by dropping it at chest height. If it bounces up just below chest level, the air pressure is good enough.

I’ve heard of people testing a basketball by placing it in the fridge for 24hrs… why would anyone want to waste their time doing that? It sounds stupid when you could be spending that time practicing instead.

When it comes to any Spalding basketball, the pebbling design is traditional. This does not matter as it has zero effect on bounce or air retention.

Size & Price

As far as I know, this basketball comes in just two sizes. An intermediate size (which I would recommend for high school teens aged 12-16 as it’s smaller and lighter) and an official size too. The “official” size is the ball they use in High School basketball games all the way up to the NBA. Here are both of the sizes:

Intermediate – size 6 with a circumference of 28.5 inches
Official – size 7 with a circumference of 29.5 inches

The Spalding Precision is also NFHS approved (National Federation of State High School Association) and the state ball for Maryland. Also, it is the official ball for the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union).

If your son/daughter is part of a basketball team (or yourself if you’re in high school/secondary school), it is your responsibility to check the ball’s specifications.

As most indoor basketball balls don’t tend to come cheap, I would look to spend about $50 – $80 since indoor basketballs are usually +$50 (£39).

I recommend buying a size 6 because I heard something about the balls being about an inch bigger than what they actually say to be. Without being said, for high school players who are a bit more advanced, you can get away with using the bigger size, size 7.

The weight, feel, and flight of a basketball is important when players start developing muscle memory.

Cheap basketballs won’t save you money.

They’re not as high quality as the Spalding Precision, for example, and will need to be replaced time and time again, whereas this one can last you several years! (if you stick to using it indoors, that is).

Durability & Looking after an indoor basketball ball

The Spalding Precision, unlike normal composite leather balls, is made from very durable material.

An indoor basketball ball, in my opinion, needs to have decent durability, keeping in mind they’re more expensive than outdoor balls, which come with excellent durability. The Spalding Precision is known to be very durable for indoor basketball.

It’s good to know that a street basketball has a different type of durability specifically made for outdoor use, and an indoor ball’s durability is made for indoor use.

Now, onto looking after it. When you take these tips I’m about to give you into consideration, the Spalding Precision basketball will last a whole lot longer (like putting the ball on steroids).

Keeping this indoor basketball ball clean:

Have people ever told you not to worry about this since indoor courts don’t get dusty or dirty? If the answer is yes, they’re liars. Basketballs can become more slippery if dust and dirt get into the crevices, making it harder to carry out basic skills like shooting or dribbling.

I always recommend a mixture of leather shampoo and water and drying it straight after not to worsen the surface.

The longevity of an indoor basketball ball, such as the Spalding Precision, depends on whether or not you’re using it indoors or outdoors. Very rough surfaces like gravel or concrete will, for a fact, decrease longevity.

Remember to look out for sharp and pointy objects like broken glass when using it outside and even inside. In short, try to avoid bouncing it outside as much as possible, for example, on the way to the gym.

However, the same applies for indoors. I would not advise kicking it or bouncing it off the wall, considering how much indoor basketballs cost.

Why is this a good indoor basketball ball for high school teens?

The Spalding Precision is designed for beginner and intermediate level players, to be specific. Since many high school players (aged between 12-16) are beginners, this is a great indoor basketball ball for them to use.

When it comes to basketball shooting and dribbling, training your skills is like building a house. It starts from the foundation, and you have to have the foundational skills before you can become an elite player.

You can have the biggest and coolest house ever, but if it’s on a weak foundation, that house will fall over.

When shooting, starting from the feet first and not being “squared” to the basket (like most coaches teach) but instead having a slight turn in your feet towards the basket, high school players will learn to keep the shoulder and neck muscles relaxed.

A high school player’s potential will be limitless after using a superb indoor basketball ball to improve their skills as a beginner and build that solid foundation as long as high school players practice the correct fundamentals.

Having this indoor basketball ball by their side will help develop fundamentals whilst keeping them interested and engaged since they’ll be having lots of fun doing it, showing off their amazing ball to others.

Even though every beginner has different needs on what they need to improve on, this indoor basketball ball can easily improve to get to that advanced level much quicker.

If they were to use a horrible cheap basketball (maybe even one that’s not for indoor use), they’d have a harder time improving because a cheap one doesn’t have all the nice qualities and features that the Spalding Precision comes with.

Bonus tip: If a high school player ends up using the official size ball, it will feel like shooting a light sponge when going into practice before a game. Because the Spalding Precision is smaller and lighter, they will have an easier time getting better with it.

High school players can use this indoor basketball’s amazing grip to their advantage. For example, when carrying out a layup, everyone knows you have to hit the top left or top right corner of the black box.

If the player slightly misses that corner, I believe the Spalding Precision properties (grip, for instance) will increase the ball’s chances of going onto the basket.

At the end of the day, it’s all about being comfortable. Like having a comfortable shot, playing with an enjoyable and comfortable basketball will help high school players get to the next level.

How can this indoor basketball ball affect their skills?

Shooting

When it comes to shooting, most beginner high school players miss to the sides. These tips I’m about to give you can help eliminate side misses even faster with the Spalding Precision. Having a cheap crappy ball will only make the player more frustrated.

Using the middle/index finger:

There is a quick test that anyone can do to figure out which finger they should shoot with, the middle or the index finger.

Start by straightening your shooting arm out to the side, spreading out the fingers. Then, you want to align the index and middle finger with your arm. When finished, decide which finger was the straightest since that’s the finger you should be shooting with.

For most people, the index finger is the straightest.

If you’re shooting with a four-finger follow through, then you’re shooting at four different targets. With a two-finger follow through you’re shooting at two targets. Therefore, by shooting with one finger, you’ll be more consistent, shooting at only one target.

The index finger is not only the straightest but also the strongest. But why use it on the Spalding Precision?

It allows for a balanced grip on the basketball in combination with the great feel that this ball comes with and gives a good triangular projection towards the middle of the rim. Having an imbalanced grip on the ball will lead to more misses, and it means you’re not utilizing this ball’s natural grip.

The offhand/guidehand:

Combining the Spalding Precision’s comfortable feel; amazing Eco-Grip with the “glue” to shooting (the offhand), the player will be shooting like Clint Eastwood in his western movies.

The “glue” has two essential purposes. Guiding the basketball to its target and balancing the shooter’s release.

Pulling the offhand out of line with the shot or pulling the offhand down to the side before following through with the shot are the two major problems for beginners. Here are the ways to correctly use the offhand and combine it with the Spalding Precision powers.

Keep a narrow offhand to the release of the follow-through. This is because the grip of the ball is already maintained by the shooting hand. If the offhand is wide, the ball’s grip will be focused on that hand, meaning you’re guaranteed to miss.
Raise and point the offhand elbow outward away from the shooter. This will allow for an even greater feel of the ball. If the elbow isn’t pointed outwards, the offhand will become tense, which will result in the player using the Spalding Precision’s super grip to drag the ball down as they shoot.
Keep the offhand shoulder back and uninvolved with the shot. This will result in a more relaxed shot. If the player’s shoulders become tense, then the shot becomes tense, which equals an uncomfortable time with shooting and this basketball already has enough grip on it.

The offhand will be aligned, relaxed, and balanced with the shot and the basketball by following these three things.

Dribbling

Before beginning any dribbling drills, it is good to carry out a nice warm-up to get a good FEEL for the basketball. Somehow I don’t think warming up will take up much of your time playing with a good indoor basketball since having a super comfortable feel and awesome grip will make things easier.

Beginners can have an easier time looking up whilst dribbling the ball, especially when molding together the deep grooves with the finger pads providing a super killer feel.

When combining good dribbling fundamentals, such as using the finger pads to dribble, flicking the wrist, and fully extending the elbow, the bounce will help the ball stay knee level and below the waist. Also, players will have an easier time with the basketball bouncing back to their hands.

When dribbling the basketball low, it allows for an easier time getting past the defenders. I think you can rely on this ball when using moves like the crossover, between the legs, behind the back, and the in and out to get past defenders. This is because of its natural grip and feel, which helps the ball stay in your hand, and you can always count on a reliable bounce from it.

When carrying out these moves against defenders:

Using the Spalding Precision, you have an advantage against all the other beginners due to this ball’s perks.

The player will be less likely to lose the ball when getting past defenders since this indoor basketball ball has a solid grip.

The reliable bounce it has will allow for a speedy retrieve of the basketball during the bounce and a nice feel when switching hands during a move like a crossover.

This indoor basketball ball can help the player out a lot, mostly since these moves are all about changing direction.

Remember to protect the basketball with your other hand as defenders will cause you to lose the ball. Using the “between the legs” move really helps you protect it from the defender.

It’s also beneficial practicing the in and out move since it’s all about changing speed, changing pace, and changing actual height (the bounce should help the player out with those tremendously), for example, starting high and then getting low with it.

Once you freeze the defender with this move, they will have almost no chance of getting this indoor basketball ball off you. Best part about this move? The in and out has a lot of different uses.

Final Thoughts: Is it worth buying!?

I think the most important thing when choosing an indoor basketball ball is not getting overwhelmed by all the “best” choices out there and overthinking which one to buy.

As far as I know, this ball doesn’t seem to have any problems and is for sure a good enough basketball for high school players. Setting skill aside, it will improve their confidence as a basketball player! Using all these tips in my article should help a LOT – countless hours of research done for you.

What’s the worst that can happen? Could it really be that bad?

If you don’t like the ball, you can always sell it on places like eBay or Craigslist, and when it comes to throwing away the basketball, no problem! After all, it is an environmentally friendly material. Compare it to other indoor basketballs, and it’s a no brainer.

At the end of the day: you might regret not trying it out.

I hope you found this article helpful! If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to leave them in the comments below! I’ll make sure to reply to them ASAP!

Best of luck, and happy balling!