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. 

High school (secondary school) players have too many options

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

The Wilson EVO NXT: the best indoor basketball for high school

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.

The Wilson EVO NXT

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

The Wilson Evolution: 2nd best indoor basketball for high school

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). 

The Wilson Evolution

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

The Rock: 3rd best indoor basketball for high school

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. 

The Rock

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

The Wilson NCAA Solution: 4th best indoor basketball for high school

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

Molten GG7X: 5th best indoor basketball for high school

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. 

The Molten GG7X

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.

  1. A Syringe with the biggest needle available
  2. Cooking oil
  3. All contact cement (adhesive)
  4. 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. 

Mysterious object falling from the sky...

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!

 

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!