A Good Indoor Basketball For Children

Imagine watching your child or the children you’re coaching (whatever your situation is) play a game of basketball with a super cheap and crappy rubber ball. That is not what good indoor basketball sounds like.

Let’s be honest here, it isn’t fun playing with a basketball like that, and it’s not comfortable either. 

At the school I went to, most of the balls were flat, made from cheap rubber, and the only ball pump was on its last life, and we had a tough time trying to pump anything up with it.  

I said to myself, “I just want a good indoor basketball to have fun with and have an easier time to improve my game.”

After all, how will any kid improve their game without having fun? Right

Good basketball players are not born; they are MADE!

It will make children into great shooters and dribblers and all-around great basketball players with a good enough basketball! 

A cute little girl holding a circular object

Wilson NCAA Replica Basketball: A Good Indoor Basketball 

Material

Composite leather makes up most good indoor basketballs, such as this one I’m talking about in this article. This material is cheaper than genuine leather, feels much softer, and doesn’t dry out or wear out as fast as any other leather ball type. 

Does this mean the ball is less durable? Yes

Even though this basketball is less durable, it offers more grip, something cheap rubber outdoor balls lack. 

However, I’ve mostly been using this basketball outdoors, so I recommend using it indoors since composite leather basketballs tend to get slick over time, from my own personal experience.

A good indoor basketball that I use

Air Retention & Bounce

Bounce is an important factor for a basketball, but as with air retention, I can not remember the last time I had to pump it up with air; this is coming from a guy who uses it outdoors most of the time! 

With this good indoor basketball, using a ball pump will be a rarity as running out of air won’t be a problem. 

For children, this is a great ball for shooting, as it has deep grooves (also known as the laces on the ball), allowing for better control, but not too deep to the point where the bounce becomes unreliable when dribbling. 

There is no 100 percent accurate way of telling how much air pressure a ball has inside. Here is a quick test young players can carry out to ensure the ball has a nice bounce.

Drop the basketball from face level. If it bounces under the waistline, it’s underinflated; if it bounces over the waistline, it shows the basketball is over-inflated. 

Grip, Size & Price

To improve their game, young players need to have good control over the basketball, whether it’s shooting, dribbling, passing, etc. Although sweaty hands and moisture can cause you to lose grip of the basketball, with this one, it wasn’t a problem because it’s moisture absorbent.

The Wilson NCAA Replica Game Basketball

This indoor basketball comes in two sizes, size 6 (which has a circumference of 28.5 inches) and size 7 (which has a circumference of 29.5 inches). For young players aged 9-12, a size 6 is a good size for a standard youth ball.

I’m guessing when you typed into google, “good indoor basketball,” you weren’t looking for the “best” ball that’ll cost you a fortune, but instead, a good enough basketball that’s budget-friendly. 

Well, I’ve got some good news for you. This one cost me about £30 (somewhere around $38), but I think now they come even cheaper than that. 

Making sure a good indoor basketball lasts and stays that way

I’m going to state the obvious here and say that no basketball is invincible. However, it is possible to make it last several years by following these tips I’m about to give you.

Using the basketball on the correct surface is essential. Over time, the ball’s grip gets destroyed when using it outside on gravel and concrete; unless you want an easy time tearing the material apart like I did when using it on concrete, I wouldn’t advise doing this.

A referee carrying an indoor basketball

 

Keeping a good indoor basketball clean. Now, I’m not saying you have to clean the ball every day, but cleaning it once in a while will surely help it last longer. 

Dust and dirt will make their way through basketball’s, making it more slippery. This basketball may be equipped with special Wilson technology; not taking care of it equals a harder time for children to improve their basketball skills. 

Using leather shampoo and water (taking immediate action to dry the ball out so the surface doesn’t get destroyed) is a good way of keeping the basketball clean and shiny. However, because this basketball is moisture absorbent, it does a great job keeping water and dust out.

Bonus tip: be aware of what’s on the court. Whether the child is playing indoors or outdoors, you do not want the basketball crashing into something sharp or something that can alter the basketball’s shape. Also, try to avoid kicking the basketball at all costs, which could also lead to lumps on the ball. 

Why is this a good indoor basketball for children?

A coach and a group of kids fist bumping

Children aged 9-12 or under will not have a strong grip. Young players will also develop poor shooting technique if the ball is too heavy, resulting in kids “muscling” the ball.

Like football or baseball, basketball requires a lot of turn in the hips, waist, and shoulders. This is where the power comes from, not “chucking” or “lobbing” the ball. 

Pick the smallest size possible to avoid these bad habits, as they will become challenging to correct once these children get older and don’t forget, stronger.

When it comes to weight and size 

Most “heavy to hold” basketballs are made up of tough rubber.

Why are they so heavy, you ask? Because they have to withstand harsh surfaces, such as asphalt, granite, and concrete

I wouldn’t recommend these balls as I think they could be very uncomfortable for younger players to use, unlike this basketball, which’s very light and comfortable.

Durability

Although this basketball is less durable than others, its durability is good enough for younger kids aged 9-12 or under to enjoy and have fun using and improving. This basketball is nice, and sturdy meaning kids will have an easier time bouncing the ball too.

Let’s face it. No kid wants to struggle when dribbling a flat, weakly built ball during games or practice. It just brings the fun out of basketball.  

How will this basketball affect their skills?

Basketball shooting and dribbling are both in a way similar to each other. I will now tell you how your child can take advantage of the perks that come with this basketball to improve their skills. 

Shooting

A young female player shooting a basketball

For kids to get an awesome start to their shot, having a good grip on the ball is vital. Here are some things they can do in combination with the basketball’s natural grip.

Make sure that their grip is wide on the basketball (especially the shooting hand) but also comfortable for them at the same time.

I prefer to make it almost the full length of the ball. By doing this, they’re fully utilizing the grip from the ball because they’re covering as much of the surface area as possible with their finger pads. 

Having the index/middle finger centered in that grip will help more with control. Even when there are sweat and moisture on the young player’s hands, the material will help absorb it, doubling the control and grip they have over the basketball. 

Making sure they place their shooting hand fully on the ball, both palm and fingers, will also allow for better control. This way, the kid’s hand is taking full advantage of the basketball’s material grip, giving them even more control.

When taking all this into account, the child will then extend the arm upwards, flicking the basketball with the wrist and having good rotation since they’ve combined technique with the make of the basketball. 

When the ball comes over the head, that’s when it will come off the palm, using only the finger pads and the grip from the basketball to flick it for good rotation. With this being a good indoor basketball, the offhand should then slide off nice and smooth.

Dribbling

A bunch of kids playing sports

The same goes for dribbling. Using the finger pads by having a nice wide grip on the basketball will help them utilize the ball’s natural grip giving them more control over the ball and bounce. 

This is important because, when dribbling, you’re moving in all sorts of directions. 

Kids shouldn’t be dribbling with their fingertips because they won’t use the basketball’s elements to help with grip and control if they do. Having good hip flexibility will also help to control the ball when dribbling. 

Many younger kids are still growing and having growth spurts. Still, at the same time, their hips get tighter and tighter. They can do some excellent stretching exercises involving this replica, giving it another reason why it’s a good indoor basketball. 

Stationary dribbling drills are best for kids who want to improve their dribbling, as this will help them focus more on getting used to the ball’s feel.

Final Thoughts: is this good indoor basketball Worth Buying?!

The Wilson NCAA Replica Basketball is, for sure, a very good indoor basketball for children. The most important thing is that it’s got the right perks to help improve a child’s shooting and dribbling, helping them become better as they get older and stronger. 

I mean, you want to get a good indoor basketball, don’t you? 

You and I both know children don’t need some “best basketball that’s out of this world.” As long as it’s an enjoyable basketball that kids will have an awesome time improving their skills with, it’s good enough. “Buy now,” if I say so myself, haha.

Using the tips that I’ve provided from this article will help your kid lots when improving their game, especially with a ball like this one. 

Compare the Wilson NCAA Replica basketball to those crappy cheap rubber or foam balls, and I think it’s a no brainer. 

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

The Best Indoor Basketball Ball For College

I think you should give this article a good read as it will show you what the best indoor basketball ball looks like and why it’s the best and how it can help improve your skills. 

Imagine walking into practice during college, having to use one of their basketballs compared to the awesome and cool balls everyone else brings in that they bought themselves.

When I was in college, this was a similar case for me, except the ones my college used were total utter crap, almost as bad as those I used in secondary school (high school).

At first, you might think this one isn’t for you, just like with all other basketballs people use for the first time. BUT…

Once you get used to it (which won’t take very long), you will not regret it!  

I have put a considerable amount of time and research into choosing the best possible basketball for collegiate players to improve their skills quickly and easily to reach their full potential. 

I hope this article helps you out a lot by giving you my utmost honest opinion of the ball.

Baden Perfection Elite Game Ball: Best Indoor Basketball Ball For College

The Spalding and Wilson brand of basketball is, without a doubt, the most popular. However, the Baden company really listens to the player’s opinions, so they decided to make the best indoor basketball ball for collegiate players to use in-game or in-practice. 

A female holding the best indoor basketball ball for college

Material

The material of any basketball, no matter what brand, determines whether it’s an indoor or outdoor ball.

The Baden Elite basketball is made up of synthetic/composite leather, which isn’t real leather, but the kind of material that the best indoor basketball ball should be made of.

This results in not breaking into the basketball as it is “ready to perform” straight out of the box. 

The Baden Elite has a perfect balance of softness and playability because of its microfiber cover, which provides the collegiate player with superior grip and just the right amount of tack for optimum basketball control. 

Not to mention, it has amazing moisture absorption too!

You can only achieve perfection by designing for athletes. This basketball uses the best materials and pays attention to every detail, making it the best indoor basketball ball for college. 

The channels are slightly wide and deep, but the patterns and pebbles are made to a basic standard on this indoor basketball. It offers more grip and is a lot softer than rubber, so it works well on an indoor court and has a great feel. 

Although this basketball features Cushion Controlled Technology, some people say it feels firmer and less cushioned compared to the Wilson Evolution.

But, this basketball is VERY underrated and is similar to the Spalding Precision (a great basketball for high school), with the only difference being, it’s more focused on feel than grip. 

Grip & Feel

Since this indoor basketball is more focused on feel than grip, it removes the factor of having too much grip even after using it for some time, and losing grip on this ball will not be a problem. 

A guy holding a basketball outside

It comes with a strong moisture grip, which gives the collegiate player a high-level ball control throughout the game or practice and avoids the Wilson Evolution’s sticky feeling whilst having a much better comfortable feel to it. 

Having slight wide and deep rubber channels provides the player with additional grip to help with shooting and dribbling in particular. What people have to understand is that the cover of the Baden Elite is the main reason why feel outweighs grip, not the size of the channels.

Right from the beginning, the Baden Elite has the perfect amount of tackiness and grip and stays that way for a very long time. You’ll have an easier time trying to palm this basketball whilst enjoying an incredible feel too.  

The most hyped factor of a basketball? Grip. Because EVERYBODY wants to palm the basketball.

The Baden Elite’s main benefit is its super amazing feel stopping the basketball from becoming too grippy to the point where it becomes unusable and uncomfortable.

Unlike outdoor rubber balls, this one feels and reacts naturally. Even though I’ve said grip is overhyped, it’s still an important factor to consider. This is one of the main reasons why I think the Baden Elite is the best indoor basketball ball for collegiate players. 

Another reason why the Baden Elite provides you with such a grip is that, compared to other indoor basketballs, it is slightly bigger in weight.

Bounce

The Baden Elites patented Cushion Controlled Technology (CCT) gives the player a truer bounce. Also, you know how a ball does that thing where it hits the rim and goes flying? Yeah, the Baden Elite won’t do that because of the CCT.

The Baden Perfection Elite Game Basketball bouncing off a rim

Its elite perfection design ensures you won’t feel lumps or get inconsistent bounces as it is engineered to be a perfectly balanced indoor basketball with a very keen and consistent bounce. 

A low amount of air pressure can have a huge effect on the ball’s bounce but for the most part, having a horrible bounce is the result of a low-quality cheap ball. 

The Baden Elite doesn’t have a super high bounce and bounces at almost the same height every time, which is great because it won’t be hard to control and bounces high enough to the point it doesn’t feel lifeless.  

Deeper grooves are often an obstacle when it comes to dribbling, but not with this basketball! 

After all, the Baden Elite is specifically designed for dribbling, so I’d say the bounce is pretty reliable on this ball. 

Fun Fact: The Baden Elite comes with a feature called the “Stealth Soft Valve System,” an almost invisible air valve that helps with bounce. 

Air Retention

Air pressure in a basketball should be between 7.5 and 8.5 psi (pounds per square inch). If a basketball is consistently losing air, then it’s time to buy the best indoor basketball ball, the Baden Elite. 

Air retention should not be a problem with this basketball. You only need to check the ball’s air retention during wintertime, but a pump is pretty much not needed for the Baden Elite.

Baden Elite indoor basketball

Everyone knows it’s no fun playing with a basketball that is always losing air. The advanced technology Baden has used for this basketball terminates this problem; therefore, it is no longer a concern. 

If you’re unsure about the basketball’s exact air pressure range, you can find it imprinted on the Baden Elite (around the area where you insert the pump into it). The quality bladder underneath the composite leather material is the number one reason it has good air retention.

For those of you looking for the best indoor basketball ball that has great air retention, the Baden Elite seems to have the best air retention around.  

Durability

Durability will 100% not be a problem with this ball as it is durable to the extreme!

Indoor basketballs need to have decent durability as they are more expensive than durable rubber outdoor basketballs. Also, outdoor balls have built-in outdoor durability, whereas indoor balls have indoor durability.

As long as you stick to playing indoors with the Baden Elite, you don’t have to worry about durability since players won’t use it on rough outdoor surfaces. 

Quick note: Just because Baden isn’t as popular as Spalding or Wilson doesn’t mean it’s a lower quality brand!

I would not advise using this basketball outside as it would not last long, considering it has a soft exterior. The more high-quality a basketball’s material is, the more durable it is, which in this case, the Baden Elite is as high quality as can be. Also, the Cushioned Control Technology (CCT) gives it a longer-lasting life. 

Adding in a good care routine towards this basketball will help it last several years, but the majority of its forever lasting longevity is due to the incredible durability.

Size & Cost

No matter which basketball league you play in, checking the specifications for official game balls is important. Keep in mind, if you use two different sizes when practicing or in games, you might end up shooting bricks. 

A pile of bricks to represent bad shooting in basketball

As far as I know, the Baden Elite is available in two sizes:

Size 7 with a 29.5-inch circumference (75 centimeters) and is the perfect size for male collegiate players. It is the size used for high school (secondary school) all the way up to the NBA. 

Size 6 with a 28.5-inch circumference (72 centimeters) is used more often for younger players, such as children, high school players, or female collegiate players. 

To sum it all down, since the size 7 version of the Baden Elite is bigger, it becomes a much better choice for college basketball.   

The higher quality composite leather or genuine leather will be a big influence when it comes to the cost of the best indoor basketball ball because higher quality can give you years of practice and play, unlike a lot of outdoor balls made from cheap rubber crap. 

Like other great basketballs, the best indoor basketball ball for college (Baden Elite) is priced between $50-$100 or £30-£100

Taking care of the basketball

If you want this ball to maintain its high quality for years to come, taking good care of it and having a good routine is important.

By sticking to using this basketball indoors (especially since this one has a soft exterior) and avoiding bouncing it outside as much as possible since gravel and concrete can easily tear the material apart, the quality will stay the same, and longevity will increase.

Even though I’ve talked about the Baden Elite being able to maintain its shape, I still wouldn’t advise kicking it or even bouncing it off the wall. 

Then again, it’s almost impossible for this basketball to get out of shape.

Keeping the Baden Elite clean and dry will also help keep it to a perfect standard. Using a mixture of leather shampoo and water (drying the ball straight after) will help wash away the dust and dirt that makes its way into the cracks. 

Remember to keep the basketball away from any harmful object, even when using it indoors. Removing extra items on the court will stop the Baden Elite from crashing into something sharp that could potentially alter its shape, or in serious cases, pop the basketball. 

Why is this the best indoor basketball ball for college?

Now, the Baden Elite’s microfiber cover makes shooting and dribbling a lot more enjoyable and comfortable for the collegiate player.

Besides, how are you meant to improve at basketball without having fun doing it? Right!?

Collegiate players playing indoor basketball

Baden Elite equals an easier time shooting, providing an awesome grip and feel to it with a soft touch, more control, and a truer bounce.

The symmetrical design will make sure there are no lumps, so collegiate players using it during practice and games will have an easier and more comfortable time with dribbling and shooting. 

This basketball will help you reach your full potential whether you’re putting in hours practicing your free throws, passes, or draining threes. This is the best indoor basketball ball for when it comes to practicing dribbling moves (like the crossover, for instance) and will help you get more ankle breakers. 

You can practice dribbling and passing without a hoop but not without a basketball! You will improve dribbling effortlessly with this basketball, and you can even practice at home or in your college dorm room. 

It’s a specific ball made for competitive and elite players to be used in-practice and in-game. It is best suited for advanced collegiate players; even if you can’t palm the basketball, it equips the player with a tremendous feel to help with ball handling and shooting.  

One thing about college basketball is you’re likely playing very long games, so your hands are for sure going to be sweaty. Like I mentioned before, with the Baden Elite basketball, this won’t be a problem as it will absorb the sweat to stop it from becoming slippery. 

All in all, this is the best indoor basketball ball for college to practice your skills with as it will carry over that great consistency into games. 

How can this indoor basketball improve a collegiate player’s skills?

In college, speed doesn’t dominate like the high school (secondary school) level. There are more athletes with speed. So, for the collegiate players, they have to develop more consistent jump shots and ball-handling by working on the right mechanics with the best indoor basketball ball for college. 

Mechanics to represent shooting and dribbling

Shooting

The finger of the shooting hand addresses the release, the grip, and the follow-through that gives the shooter great control over the Baden Elite.

The offhand addresses the non-shooting hand and arm and how best to guide the ball and balance the shooter. 

FINGER

Michael Jordan was an index finger shooter, and so was Kobe Bryant. The best shooters of the game, without a doubt, dominate the game with their index finger. Dating back all the way to Pistol Pete Maravich’s days, he was the first one to use the finger release as that’s what his father taught him. 

It’s easy! When you shoot, align the index finger through the basket as the other fingers are pointing out. This will make sure your shot stays straight every single time. Here are a few steps you can take to make this as simple as possible:

  1. Hold the Baden Elite with index finger in middle
  2. Put your index finger above and through the rim (It should be pointing straight down through the basket, and the other fingers should be flaring out away from you)
  3. Hold your follow-through

This will help you build muscle memory along with the feel and weight of the Baden Elite.

Using the best indoor basketball ball for college will help make all of this as familiar as possible. If you’re an elite college player, it could take you five minutes to get this component down, if you’re using the Baden Elite, of course. 

OFFHAND:

There are good off hands, and then there are not so good off hands. The offhand is important because it gives you guidance and balance over the Baden Elite. For example, let’s look at divers. Divers bring their hands together to give them better balance and control.

College players today drop or drag the offhand, which causes tension and imbalance with their shot. In the past, the offhand and the shooting hand went up together and down together. This basketball is heavy enough, so you don’t want to add extra weight to your shot. 

Here is the plan:

  • When you’re shooting, make sure to keep the offhand straight and touch just below the wrist on the shooting arm. This will give you a great offhand helping you maintain balance throughout the shot.
  • The offhand’s elbow should not point downward or forward, but instead, it should point out to the side. This will give you a similar pose to an archer, which will help you maintain balance and accuracy throughout your shot. 

Dribbling

I will now tell you how the best indoor basketball ball for college can improve your dribbling moves, including the crossover, between the legs, behind the back, and the in and out. 

Crossover:

Now, the basic crossover is used to change direction. Having a great, trustworthy bounce will help the player keep the ball due to its consistency. The Baden Elite will help you maintain the bounce’s height consistency, making the crossover easier to use.

Between the legs:

This is another move all players need to have in their arsenal. It is used to switch directions quicker by stopping and crossing over between the legs. Going between the legs helps you protect the ball from the defender, and the grip and feel will help you control the ball without losing it during this move’s procedure.

Behind the back:

The more advanced the moves get, the better they are against defenders, and with the Baden Elite being made for ball handling, these moves will become second nature. This move is also great for shielding off the defender and changing direction at the same time. Against serious pressure, the ball’s elements will help you maintain control at all times.

In & Out:

Unlike the others, this move is used more for changing speed, changing pace, and changing actual height. It’s a great move to freeze the defender, and it’s simple. This is where all of the Baden Elites elements really help you out, giving you an easier time combining this move with things like the pull up jump shot or driving towards the basket.

Wrapping Up: The Best Indoor Basketball Ball For College

Two collegiate players high fiving each other

When you think about it, this basketball will help you out a lot through college. Hopefully, more than the balls your college provides you with. 

It’s taken me a while to discover the best indoor basketball ball for college. Still, using it to your advantage will help your skills out a lot; as long as you follow the helpful tips from this article, you will find enjoyment and comfort in using the Baden Elite.

Comparing it to other “best” indoor basketball balls for indoors, such as the Wilson Evolution, TF-1000, Spalding NBA official game ball, etc. This is the most complete ball for collegiate shooters and dribblers, so choosing this one is a no-brainer. 

Don’t forget…clean the ball! 

You don’t have to make it squeaky clean and shiny, but having a simple routine and using a cloth is enough, helping the Baden Elite last several years. Heck, it should last you all the way through college!

I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful! If you have any other questions or any feedback on what type of articles you want more (e.g., a top 5 list), please leave it 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. 

Man holding a Spalding basketball whilst looking at his watch

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.

A player gripping an indoor basketball ball

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.  

A kid bouncing a basketball on an outside court

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.

cute piggy bank

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.

A person putting lotion or shampoo on their hands 

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.

A beautiful house with a swimming pool

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. 

The index finger and the middle finger used to shoot a basketball

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. 

Glue being used to repair something broken

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. 

Two high school kids playing indoor basketball

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.  

A very long price list to show indoor basketball balls aren't cheap

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!