The Best Indoor Basketballs

Basketball is my favorite sport. I like the way they dribble up and down the court…..

Okay, I am done hahaha, shout out to Kurtis Blow for that classic song.

Seriously playing basketball is very fun and great exercise. To take your game to the next level, having the proper equipment is critical. Besides the actual court and hoops, the next most important item is the ball.

That is why we at Healthdy.com have made our buying guide and review the best indoor basketballs. With our list, you should find that perfect indoor basketball is much easier than searching online.

Table of Contents

1 Some Best Indoor Basketballs Review You May Like

Some Best Indoor Basketballs Review You May Like

Spalding NBA Game Basketball

The NBA is the most famous basketball league, not only in America but in the world. The NBA broadcasts its games to over 215 countries in over 30 different languages. In the 2017-2018 season, over one billion viewers and 35% of traffic to NBA.com were from outside of North America.

Spalding has been making basketball and basketball equipment since 1876. Their products have helped ignite confidence and build the skills of athletes of all levels across the globe.

This ball will have you dribbling as well as Trae Young and shooting as well as Steph Curry due to its full channels that provide a fantastic grip. It has a complete grain leather construction that, once broken in, will mold around your fingers.

The ball works best at pressure per square inch (PSI) at 8 for the best bounce. Because this ball is made of premium leather, it can survive longer without losing air, thus requiring it to be inflated. This official ball comes in a size seven or 29.5-inch circumference.

Pros:

Made of durable leather
The official basketball of the NBA
One of the best grips of all basketballs

Cons

It is going to be one of the most expensive balls you can buy

Final Opinion:

This is one of the best indoor basketballs and the standard for pros. If you are serious about your basketball game, look no further than Spalding. It will be on the pricer side, but once you hold that ball in both hands, you will see what I am talking bout.

Spalding Precision Indoor Basketball

Spalding has made a basketball to rival their own official NBA ball for best indoor basketball.

The Spalding Precision is designed to be a shooter’s dream basketball. The most significant difference to talk about is that this ball is not made of 100% leather but rather a composite of rubber, leather, and other recycled synthetic materials. Why?

One reason is that this ball is slightly lighter than the Spalding ball, which is a good thing in agility and speed. Another difference is that the ball is made of a more rubbery grip, which I am not a fan of.

While I did not like how the grip felt, it was a more firm grip. I usually struggle to palm a basketball with one hand, but it is so much more comfortable with the Spalding Precision. This ball comes in both an intermediate size for teens and women and the official size 7.

This ball performs very well as it is durable and has good bounce at a PSI of 8. It has a unique sponge carcass that helps absorb impact and prevent small tears from developing.

Pros

It is lighter compared to the Official Spalding ball
Excellent grip
Reinforced to prevent leaks and tears

Cons

The rubbery grip is something that people doe, not like because of how gritty it is. However, this is one of the best features of the ball. It does help those with issues handling and dribbling.

Final Opinion:

This basketball is a step down from the Spalding Official basketball in terms of quality. It is made from recycled and synthetic materials, not giving that “true” basketball grip and feel. However, if you can get past this, you have a great basketball at a very reasonable price. It has helped me develop better handles due to its increased grip and being lighter.

Wilson Evolution Indoor Basketball

I am sure you have seen Wilson ( I promise no Tom Hanks Castaway jokes) if you have ever watched college basketball or the NCAA Tournament. Wilson boasts the claim of having the #1 Indoor basketball based on sales of their Wilson Evolution. This is also the official ball of the National Federation of State High Schools Associations (NFHS).

This signature ball features a soft grip and designed with a cushion carcass core to make it butter in your hands. Just because something is soft does not mean it is not strong. It has a microfiber composite design that gives an extra layer of durability and toughness.

I find that I like the grip of this ball better than the Spalding Precision as it feels less rubbery. The grip is not as firm but definitely enough to give me great control over the ball when it comes to dribbling and shooting. This ball comes in all sizes, from youth to official size. It has an optimum PSI of 8.

Another cool thing is that this is the first ball on the list with design variations. It comes in the same standard orange, but the lettering can come in green, blue, red, and other colors.

Pros

Comes in a variety of colors
A super-soft grip
Great for shooters

Cons

This ball is going to not as expensive as Spalding but can approach $80 to purchase if you can spare the money. This ball with be a great asset to taking your basketball game to the next level.

Final Opinion:

This is the basketball that you will not forget at the courts. It is for someone who loves a soft grip on the ball. So this is a basketball I recommend for my shooters and my ball handlers. It carries a very manageable price tag, just please do not bring this ball outside if you want to preserve that soft grip.

Baden Elite Indoor Game Basketball

If you were looking for a high-end basketball with a low-end price, I got you. The Baden Elite is a budget basketball that gives you everything you need in a basketball. This is an excellent mixture of playability and durability.

The Baden Elite is approved by the (NFHS) and is the official basketball of many AAU, leagues, and state high-school associations.

The advanced microfiber cover makes a robust and thin surface that will not absorb moisture, gain weight, or become discolored like other basketballs. The basketball has also been designed with Cushion Control Technology (CCT). This technology places thousands of tiny air cells in the ball to provide a better bounce.

The ball comes in youth, intermediate, and regulation size. Some inflation may be required, and the optimal PSI is 8.

Pros

Great price tag
Microfiber cover prevents discoloration
Sealed to avoid air leakage or the ball gaining weight

Cons

This ball does feel more rubbery and looks like a “cheap” basketball, but it is not. Once you get past the aesthetics, you will see that you have a great product.

Final Opinion:

Just because this ball is cheaper does not mean it is inferior. The Baden Elite is a crazy durable ball that any high schooler or college kid should own whether they are serious about basketball or not.

Wilson NCAA Replica Game Indoor Basketball

Believe it or not. I prefer the Wilson Evolution over the actual composite leather basketball. I am not trying to become the next LeBron James or Kevin Durant, so I did not need a regulation ball.

Wilson Basketball has been associated with authenticity, dependability, and innovation. They have been the NCAA partners in their basketball tournament and have helped forge numerous champions on the hardwood.

The Wilson Offical Indoor ball is the replica of the official Wilson NCAA basketball. It comes in sizes from youth to intermediate to official. It has an optimum PSI of 8-9.

Along with Wilson’s other lines of basketball products, it comes designed with a moisture-absorbing composite cover. This cover not only provides a soft velvet grip but prevents air from leaking out and smaller debris from getting in.

This ball, while softer than the Wilson Evolution, it is harder to palm with one hand. I believe the ball’s grip is directly related to how well you can palm it in your hand.

Pros

The ball looks amazing
It is very soft and great for those who love a leather grip
Microfiber technology helps to add durability to the ball

Cons

This ball does not have that excellent grip, especially compared to other Wilson brands of basketball.

Final Opinion:

This ball is excellent for those who want to have the real thing. Honestly, if you want a ball that feels like soft velvet in your hands, get this one! It will be one of those basketballs that can last for years if you take care of it. The biggest issue is that the grip is not up to my liking.

Spalding NBA Zi/O Excel Basketball

Spalding has made a three-peat on our list. A three-peat is when a team repeats as champions for three straight years for those who do not know. This basketball is the cheapest of the Spalding options, but do not sleep on it!

This ball will be the one you take to the gym to shoot around with or the one you will bring to a pick-up game.

This ball is made of a composite material of recycled and synthetic components. The outer layer is made of composite leather to give it that soft basketball feels and maintain durability. The Spalding Zi/O is also lined with foam backing to create a seal that prevents air leaks and smaller micro debris from getting inside, making the ball heavier.

This ball is made for dribble control with these features.

This ball is on the heavier side weighing 4 oz more than the standard balls on the list. The optimum PSI for this ball is 8.

Pros

Cheapest ball on our list
Very durable
Maybe better outdoor ball than indoor ball

Cons

This ball is slightly heavier, which I know my shooters will not appreciate as any extra added weight can make a shot harder.

Final Opinion:

This is a great affordable basketball that can last if you take care of it. I will say it is slightly heavier and does lose its grip quicker than other balls. I still say this is the perfect basketball to get someone as a gift. I know they will love it!

Buying Guide

How We Choose the Basketballs on Our List

Cost

An excellent indoor basketball can be as cheap as $20 and as expensive as $60. The higher-end balls are, in general, going to be your Spalding and Wilson replica balls. You do not need to go high end, though. As long as the ball has good bounce, grip, and durability, your ball will be fine.

Durability

A durable indoor basketball first requires you to take care of it. NO USING IT ON OUTDOOR COURTS! That is a cardinal rule.

Make sure that you are not purchasing those bargain bin balls or using that sweet basketball you won at the carnival. All the balls on our list are very durable as long as you take care of them.

Quality

The quality will be reflected in the price. A cheap rubber outdoor basketball cannot touch the quality of a legitimate leather or leather/synthetic ball.

Brand

What are the best brands of basketball? In general, the big boys of the industry are Spalding, Wilson, Nike, Under Armor, and Baden.

All of these companies

Use leather or synthetic leather in their basketballs
Are brands represented by famous athletes and celebrities
Make consistently good products

The Different Types of Basketballs

Rubber

Rubber balls are great if you need to get a ball on the fly and are not trying to break the bank. I know I have multiple times with my friends where meet up to play ball only to realize that no one has a ball…..

It is okay to purchase one of these bargain bin balls. Only if you do not care about taking care of it or having last longer than six months.

Leather

Leather balls are used in all professional and collegiate basketball leagues.

INDOOR USE ONLY FOLKS, RESPECT YOUR BALL!

Composite Leather

As the name suggests, they are made from leather (artificial or real) blended with other synthetic materials. These balls are the intermediate between leather and rubber balls, offering the most versatility.

It is your choice to use for indoor or outdoor purposes.

Weighted/Training

These are not meant to play in an actual game. Unless you are trying to do some Dragon Ball Z type of weighted training, hahaha.

The Important Qualities of a Basketball

Bounce

When you drop the ball, it should bounce back to your hands or just underneath. That is the golden rule for making sure any basketball is game ready.

Having a ball with too much bounce makes handling the ball much more difficult. Also, overinflation makes the ball more prone to bursting.

If the ball is too flat, you pretty much have to spike it into the ground for it to go where you want to.

Grip

If you want a good grip, DO NOT go with a rubber ball. Rubber balls just feel too gritty and uncomfortable. The grip on a rubber ball is also going to lessen much faster.

Leather or synthetic leather ball feels much comfier.

Size

There are three main sizes:

Size 5– 27.5 inches, made for children and youth leagues

Size 6– 28.5 inches, this is an intermediate-sized ball that is the standard for women’s basketball (WNBA & Women’s NCAA basketball). Teenagers can also use this ball.

Size 7- 29.5 inches, this is the larger ball that is the standard for men’s basketball (NBA and Men’s NCAA basketball). Since they are larger, these balls are more expensive.

Design

Indoor basketballs may not offer much in terms of design. Generally, these balls are all orange, but some variation exists.

Materials

Rubber- Cheapest but least durable. Not a very comfortable grip and wears down quicker, especially on outdoor courts.

Leather Synthetic- Mixture of leather and other materials. Much better grip and quality basketball.

Leather- The highest quality of basketball by far. It has a soft grip, high bounce, and is super durable. These leather balls are most likely going to be replica balls. If you can spare the money and are serious about indoor basketball, it is the one for you.

Is There a Difference Playing Inside vs. Outside?

First, playing basketball inside is much much more chill. Trying to play a full 5 on 5 basketball game in the hot Florida summer heat in June is one thing. Doing it in an air-conditioned gym is another.

Secondly, indoor courts offer more controlled conditions like no little pebbles on the ground or wind.

A lot of basketball players say the best way to build your endurance is to practice outdoors. However, if you are trying to work on your skills (dribbling, handling, shooting), indoor conditions are the best.

Also, playing on an indoor hardwood court is much better for preserving your basketball grip than using a hot outdoor court.

Lastly, playing ball inside is going to be much easier on the larger joints. Most notably, your hips, knees, ankles, and lower back.

Basketball is a young man’s game. No one over the age of 45 should be running and jumping like they are playing in the NCAA Tournament. If you are getting older, shooting around and playing half-court games should be the most you are doing.

What is the best material for indoor basketball?

I like using leather or composite leather basketball. Yes, they are more expensive but for a good reason. Leather balls give you that authentic feel that rubber balls do not.

How do I preserve the grip of my ball?

DO NOT USE IT ON OUTDOOR COURTS
DO NOT USE IT ON OUTDOOR COURTS
DO NOT USE IT ON OUTDOOR COURTS
Hmmmmm…. DO NOT USE IT ON OUTDOOR COURTS

Using an indoor basketball outside will make it wear down much faster. The outdoor courts are hotter, which can warm the grip pads. Also, the small pebbles and dirt get on the ball, making it harder to grip.

What are the necessary things to do before playing a basketball game?

Hydrate with 2-3 8oz glasses of water beforehand
Wear good-fitting shoes
Wear clothes that are light yet breathable
Stretch and do light cardio for 10 minutes before avoiding cramps and sprains
Wearing the proper brace or sleeve if you are dealing with a joint issue
Picking your team before the game starts
Warm-up with shooting and dribbling for another 10-15 minutes

What are the sizes that basketballs come in?

The standard basketball size for adult males is size 7.

The standard basketball size for adult females and older children is size 6.

The standard basketball size for children is size 5.

Can you use an indoor ball for outside?

Yes, BUT DO NOT DO IT!

Final Thoughts

Editor’s Choice: Wilson NCAA Replica Game Indoor Basketball

This basketball is one I own and use when I do go to the courts. It has a fantastic grip that makes handling and dribbling so smooth. Also, when you are shooting, it just rolls softly off the tips of your fingertips.

Wilson is also a little bit more affordable compared to Spalding, who was a close second.

Remember that playing basketball is a game of conditioning and skill. Having the right equipment can also go a long way in perfecting your game.

That equipment starts with a 1) a water bottle, 2) loose-fitting and comfortable clothes, 3) good basketball shoes and 4) a solid basketball.

The basketball will not elevate your shooting to Steph Curry’s level or make you dribble as well as TraeYoung. It is an essential piece of equipment that you will practice with every day and treat it with respect!

I hoped you enjoyed our Best Indoor Basketball of Guide and Review!

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