Last updated: by Thanassis Koukoutselos
Short answer: basketballs differ in three ways that matter: the cover (leather, composite or rubber), where you play (indoor, indoor/outdoor, outdoor) and the size (7, 6, 5 and smaller). Pick the cover for your court first, then the size for the player.
Types of basketballs at a glance
| Type | Cover | Where | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leather | Full grain or top grain leather | Indoor only | Pro and serious indoor players |
| Indoor composite | Synthetic (composite) leather | Indoor, some light outdoor | Leagues, schools, most indoor players |
| Indoor/outdoor composite | Tougher synthetic cover | Both | Players who switch between gym and driveway |
| Rubber | Molded rubber | Outdoor | Driveways, playgrounds, kids, budget |
| Specialty | Varies | Training | Weighted, oversized and mini balls for drills |
1. Leather basketballs
The NBA game ball is leather, and so is the retail version of the FIBA ball (the Molten BG5000). Leather is made for clean hardwood: manufacturers sell these balls as indoor only, because concrete, dirt and water damage the cover. They are also the most expensive type. Examples: the Wilson NBA Official Game Ball and the Molten BG5000. More on why the NBA stayed with leather in what basketballs are made of.
2. Composite basketballs
Composite (synthetic) leather is what most organized basketball uses below the pros: the NCAA, the WNBA and most school and club leagues. It costs far less than leather and holds up better. Indoor composites have the softest, tackiest covers; indoor/outdoor composites trade some feel for a tougher surface. Examples: the Wilson Evolution (indoor), the Molten BG3800 and the Spalding Zi/O Excel (indoor/outdoor). See composite leather basketballs for the details.
3. Rubber basketballs
Rubber balls are the toughest and cheapest type and the right choice for asphalt and concrete. The trade-off is grip and feel: rubber is harder and gets slippery when dusty. Examples: the Spalding Street and the Molten 12-panel rubber ball. More in rubber basketballs.
4. Basketballs by size
| Size | Circumference | Typical players |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 29.5 in | Men and boys 15 and up |
| 6 | 28.5 in | Women and girls 12 and up, boys 12 to 14 |
| 5 | 27.5 in | Ages 8 to 11 |
| 4 and smaller | 25.5 in and under | Ages 4 to 8, mini hoops |
Exact ages vary by league, so check yours. The full chart, with FIBA’s official weights for each size, is in our basketball size guide.
5. Training and specialty balls
- Weighted balls (heavier than a size 7) for dribbling and hand-strength drills: weighted training basketballs on Amazon.
- 3×3 balls: size 6 circumference with size 7 weight, used in FIBA 3×3. See FIBA basketballs.
- Mini balls for over-the-door and mini hoops.
Which type should you buy?
- Indoor league or school team: an indoor composite in your league’s size.
- Mostly outdoors: rubber, or an indoor/outdoor composite if you want better grip.
- Both, and only one ball: an indoor/outdoor composite.
- Gift for a serious indoor player: a leather game ball.
Our brand-by-brand picks: basketball brands compared, Wilson, Spalding and Molten.
FAQ
What are the 3 types of basketballs?
By cover: leather, composite and rubber.
Can you use an indoor basketball outside?
A leather ball, no. An indoor composite will work but wears quickly on concrete. Use an indoor/outdoor composite or a rubber ball outside.
What type of basketball do the pros use?
Leather in the NBA (Wilson) and in FIBA competition (Molten). See official basketballs by league.
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