Often when inflating a basketball, the question arises whether to inflate it more or less. We have to resort to the help of the Internet in search of information regarding this issue. We decided to help you with this and answer the question of what pressure should be in a basketball. The NBA/WNBA rules for ball pressure say: "Should be inflated to between 7.5 and 8.5 pounds per square inch." This means that the pressure should be between 7.5-9.5 psi, that is, in terms of bars, this is approximately 0.5-0.6 bar.

However, we decided to go further. Meteor's product range includes a manometer for measuring pressure in balls, on the scale of which there are marks for various team sports and for basketball, this mark is located at 0.6-0.8 bar. Seeing a contradiction, we decided to check the calculations made on this pressure gauge. In addition, the manufacturer specifies a scale in PSI that does not match the bar scale for the same product. 1PSI= 0.068947 bar, and the scale shows that 13 PSI is the upper pressure limit for basketballs, that is, 0.8 bar. When in fact 13 PSI = 0.9 bar. This gives an error of 12%, which is a very large indicator in the case of pressure in the ball.

To better see the difference, we decided to test both the first and second pressure in practice, and another surprise awaited us. At a pressure of 0.5-0.6 bar, the ball was practically deflated and it was impossible to play with it, at 0.8 the ball was also not suitable for playing. In our measurement, the required pressure was 1.0-1.2 bar, we carried out measurements with a pressure gauge built into the Meteor pump.

After receiving three different results, we decided to continue looking for an answer and check what FIBA ​​writes about the pressure in basketballs. The entry in the FIBA ​​specification is: “When dropped on the playing floor from a height of 1,800 millimeters (6 feet) the ball should bounce to a height between 1,200 millimeters and 1,400 millimeters (47 to 55 inches), measured to the top of the ball". This, perhaps, is The best way checking the pressure in a basketball. Explanation: a ball thrown from a height of 180 cm must bounce off the floor to a height of 120 cm - 140 cm. This test method is suitable for balls made of various materials (rubber, artificial leather, natural leather, etc.), as well as for platforms of different hardness, which affects the rebound of the ball (asphalt, concrete, tartan, parquet).

This method of verification suits us 100%.

Hello, dear site visitors! In this article, we will talk about such an integral attribute. basketball games, how basketball .

And based on what Internet users are most often looking for, we will tell you about the types of basketballs, about the weight and size (diameter) of a basketball. Let's talk about the most popular manufacturing companies. About the best basketballs and their cost. And at the end of the article we will give a couple practical advice about how to choose a good basketball and answer some popular questions.

A basketball is an inflated basketball, usually orange in color with a pattern of 8 segments and seams, with a diameter between 23.85 and 24.84 cm and a weight between 567 - 650 grams. This is the most classic version of the basketball that you have all come across more than once. But about all the other nuances - in our article further. Go!

Some of the information below is taken from the Appendix to the 2017 Official Basketball Rules called "". By the way, a very useful brochure, I advise you to read it. Let's start with the types of basketballs.

Types of basketballs

Basketballs can be classified according to several criteria, and I'm not talking about signs like: good - bad or real - fake. Balls can be divided into two large groups based on the conditions under which the vast majority of games will take place. So the first groups are: indoor And outdoor(indoor/outdoor).

Any, absolutely any ball must be marked showing: on what surface the ball is allowed to be used.

Indoor is the perfect solution for the hall. These balls are played in professional competitions. According to the rules of basketball, outer surface such a ball must be made of natural or artificial leather; combinations of these coverings or using synthetic leather.

indoor/outdoor ball is a solution that involves the use of the ball both in the hall and on paved courts. However, from experience, for playing in the hall it is better to take indoor. In general, it is ideal if there are 2 good basketballs: for the hall and for the street. Also, outdoor balls (according to the rules) can be made of rubber. NO INDOOR BALL CAN BE MADE OF RUBBER!!!

Outdoor- everything is clear here, this is a ball for the street, streetball. For asphalt or hard rubber (who is lucky with this on the site). It won't wear out as quickly, but it won't be super-nice on the hands either. Take a closer look at Wilson - it's not for nothing that they are played in Fiba 3x3.

FIBA basketball size, weight and diameter

In fact, the title looks a little silly, because under the size of a basketball, as a rule, its diameter is assumed.

So, for all men's basketball competitions (in all categories), the size of a basketball is not less than 749 millimeters and not more than 780 millimeters (this is the standard size number 7).

The weight of a size 7 basketball ranges from 567 grams to 650 grams (almost 100 grams difference!).

Women's competitions involve the use of a size six basketball with a circumference of at least 724 millimeters and no more than 737 millimeters. For a ball of size 6, the mass should be in the range from 510 grams to 567 grams (here the spread allowed values almost 2 times smaller).

Found more interesting information, which is not in the appendix to the Rules. The basketball can also be 5th and 3rd size. The fifth size, as stated in the guide from 1967, is used for mini-basketball games. Its circumference ranges from 690mm to 710mm, and its weight ranges from 470 to 500 grams. It is used for competitions of children up to 12 years of age.

Size #3 is most often used for dribbling training by basketball players or for those who find previous ball sizes too big anyway. Its circumference is 560-580 mm, and its weight is 300-330 grams.

Basketball diameter is:

• 238.5 - 248.4 mm for ball #7
• 230.57 - 234.71 mm for ball #6
• 219.75 - 226.1 mm for #5 ball
• 178.34 - 184.71 mm for #3 ball

Size, weight and diameter of US basketballs

Like the rules, so are the sizes - in the US, too, everything is a little different.

Ball sizes from stack.com

• In the NBA, College (NCAA) and High School - ball circumference 29.5 inches, weight 623 grams (22 ounces)
• WNBA (women's league) and Middle School ( secondary school, 12-14 years) - circumference 28.5 inches, weight 567 grams (20 ounces)
• If your age is 9-11 years old, then you are playing with a 27.5 inch ball, weight 482 grams (17 ounces)
• Ages 4 to 8: ball 22 to 24.5 inches in circumference, weight 397 grams (14 ounces)

And here's an interesting fact:

IN international competitions FIBA, according to the site https://www.stack.com/a/basketball-sizes, plays with Molten GL7 (men's) and Molten GL6 (women's) balls, whose circumference is larger: 30.7 and 29 inches, respectively. So, in the NBA, the balls are almost an inch smaller in circumference (and a little less than a centimeter in diameter)? It turns out and hit them easier?

What pressure should be in a basketball

Nobody likes to play with a pumped ball, similarly, it is bad to play with a deflated one. The most interesting thing is that there is no clear definition in the FIBA ​​rules - what should be the pressure in a basketball. There is only this wording:

(Ball) ... Be inflated to such an air pressure that, when dropped onto the playing surface from a height of about 1800 mm, measured from the bottom of the ball, it rebounds to a height of not less than 1200 mm and not more than 1400 mm, measured from the top ball.

Now it becomes clear why the referees perform the ritual of "throwing" the ball before the game - they check the ball for compliance with the requirements of the rules. What about the NBA rules?

Should be inflated to between 7.5 and 8.5 pounds per square inch (... should be inflated between 7.5 and 8.5 psi.)

If we translate these data into "bars" more familiar to us, it turns out that the pressure in a basketball should be 0.5 - 0.6 bar. I never checked and did not inflate the ball clearly according to the pressure gauge, but I read on one site that when they inflated the ball like that, it did not jump at all. And only when they pumped it up to 1 bar did it become playable. Perhaps it depends on the ball or the quality of the pressure gauge. Therefore, I recommend checking the FIBA ​​way.

Basketball manufacturers

In fact, there are a lot of companies, and in fact now anyone produces balls. But the quality of such balls is often at such a level that it’s not something to play - it’s even unpleasant to hold in your hands. It is these balls that are often mixed with football and volleyball in supermarkets. Therefore, further I will write about companies whose balls are played at international competitions (which means the quality is good) or they were included in the selections of foreign sites as " best balls 2018". So, there are 3 main companies that you know 100% and whose balls constantly occupy first places in the ratings of independent experts.

The best basketballs are balls of firms:

1. Molten- play at international competitions under the auspices of FIBA. You can not write further, everything is clear. Top models of this ball: X-series (FIBA approved ball); GL and GM series.
2. Spalding- the most popular brand in the USA. Since 1983 they have been supplying balls to the NBA. I think that each of us played with such a ball (and someone else with the signature of Adam Silver). By models: Spalding TF-1000 (classic, similar played in the NBA from 1983 to 2006); Spalding Replica (also similar to game ball major league) NeverFlat (considered "unkillable" ball); Street (one of the cheapest Spaldings).
3. wilson- also a very popular brand in the USA. The official ball of the NCAA, and the official ball of the FIBA ​​3x3 tournaments (yellow like that, looks cool). By models - Wilson Solution (playing in March Madness); Wilson Evolution - the most popular Wilson in the CIS (I think)

1. Mikasa- as for me, one of the most comfortable balls for the hand. But the ratings are missing, why - I do not understand.
2. Nike- cool balls. In the past, they were the official ball of the Euroleague and several other competitions.
3. under armor- a young brand, but rapidly developing. I have not played with such a ball, I can not say much. Often write about the model Under Armor 495 and Street Outdoor.
4. Ribay I don't know anything about this company at all. They write that the quality is not inferior to top brands, but the price is much cheaper.
5. Baden- similarly, if I saw such a ball, I would just pass by.

Please write in the comments:

1. what ball did you play and which one did you like best?
2. Have you tried Ribay and Baden balls? What can you say?

How much is a basketball

The cost of a normal basketball that will be nice to play and won't die in a couple of months can't be less than $30. Yes, there are probably exceptions - but in most cases this is generally the lowest threshold for the cost of balls.

• For example, on Amazon you can buy Molten GM7x (which is a pretty good ball, even though I don’t like moltens) for $29.95.
• Wilson Evolution will cost $50 already.
• The Spalding TF 1000 can also be purchased for $50.
• Under Armor 595 sells for $35 on the official website.

So for $50 you can get a good ball. From $30 something normal starts.

And now, as promised, a couple of tips on choosing a basketball.

How to choose a basketball

In fact, this is the most difficult section of the article, because there are no objective selection criteria. And everyone chooses the way he likes. And most often the ball is selected in two ways:

This is where the stories about the choice of the ball could be stopped, because if you took the ball and you don’t like it, you can talk at least 1000 times about the “super-material” - well, you don’t buy it. Although there is one simple and rather logical way to choose: we are looking for which ball is official in top competitions and if there is enough money, we buy it.

Official FIBA ​​5x5 competition balls

At the time of this writing (06-01-2019) there are 15 companies whose balls can be used on official competitions FIBA top level(there are more low level- there appears 1 more company called Mazsa)! So what do we have:

#7: Baden PERFECTION LEXUM GAME BALL BX471-900EF.

#6: Baden PERFECTION LEXUM GAME BALL BX465-900EF

#7: Penalty Pro 7.6

No. 7: Conti 7000 and identical models Conti 7000 PRO

#7: Peak Official BG771F

No. 7: Gala BB7011C. #6: Gala BB6011C

#7: Golty Basketball Professional Cup #7

#7: Kipsta B700

No. 7: Li-Ning B9000

No. 7: Mikasa BQ 1000. No. 6: Mikasa BQC 1000.

#7: Molten BGL7X; B7C5000; BG5000. #6: BGL6X; B6C5000.

#7: BGG7X; BGF7X; BGM7X. #6: BGG6X; BGF6X; BGM6X

#7: Nationman Super 1000

#7: Spalding TF-1000 Legacy - Oatmeal/Orange/Black colors; #6: TF1000 Legacy

#7: Star Champion BB317, Jumbo BB337

#6 & #7: Wilson Solution Game Ball

Official ball for FIBA ​​3x3 - Wilson 3x3 Official FIBA ​​3x3

Official NBA ball - Wikiwand NBA Official Game Ball

The choice is quite large, agree. But let's add some more advice from "Captain Obvious".

When choosing a ball, we immediately determine on which surface we will play: for the street we choose outdoor, for the hall - indoor.

The ball must be spherical: visually inspect it for defects in shape or coating. Spin it on your finger (on the floor, in the air): such a simple trick will allow you to see the correct shape of the ball. True, such advice is more for no-name Chinese balls (or sewn somewhere in the basement next door).

A few words about the seams: the width of any seam on the ball should not be more than 6.35 millimeters (written in the appendix to the rules). According to these rules, the ball must be orange or mixed (orange and light gray). Oh, yes, and it should also have a number on it (for example, 7).

Another tip: perform a wrist throw vertically upwards and watch the spin of the ball: does it warp in flight? Or just knock it on the floor: it should bounce smoothly; and if it dangles left and right or back and forth - this is a bad ball (or half of the curve).

And the last tip: as in the case of the choice basketball shoes, high price - not always high quality. Basketball prices start at $29 on the Spalding website - draw your own conclusions. Do not buy some unknown companies like Demix and the like: it is unlikely that their products are good. And so, for $ 30-50 you can buy a wonderful ball, which, with proper handling, will serve you for many years. And if you have sooo much money - then for $169.99 you can take the ball "as they play in the NBA."

$12,900 is the price of the Hermes Basketball, the most expensive ball ever made from calfskin. Of course they shouldn't play. But to meet some millionaire in the house is quite.

UPD: I found an interesting video from SkyStar about the nuances of choosing a basketball. If you like watching videos more than reading articles, this video is for you:

So this article about the basketball came to an end. I am sure that each of you learned something useful or just interesting. Join our VKontakte community, write comments, ask questions. In general - stay in touch!

Basketball is unthinkable without a good and high-quality ball. So he had a spherical shape and was elastic it is worth keeping the ball inflated.

If the projectile is blown away, then the game of basketball is impossible, because there are strict requirements about making sure it's properly inflated.

How to choose a basketball

Exist established norms for balls intended for playing basketball:

• spherical shape;
• established shade of orange;
• traditional pattern of eight inserts and black seams.

Photo 1. MOLTEN BGF7X synthetic leather basketball, orange with black and beige stripes.

Average weight 567-650 g, circumference from 749 to 780 mm. Exist 4 standard sizes for playing basketball.

Classification:

• For indoor play only. Are labeled indoor.
• Universal(for use both indoors and outdoors), are marked outdoor.

Important! If the labeling requirements are not met, it is possible that quality degradation products and its rapid wear.

When buying, you need to pay attention so that the projectile does not bleed air. When selling, 95% of the balls are sold inflated if it is deflated, then it will probably happen all the time.

For production use the following materials:

• Leather.
• Leatherette.
• Rubber.

What to look for when buying

Buying rules:

• Don't buy too expensive for playing in open areas (asphalt) - they are not durable, last no more than 1 year.
• The more expensive hall ball Moreover, it is of high quality and will last longer. They are feel more comfortable in the hand and retain their shape.
• For Game different balls are needed in the hall and on the street.

Manufacturers:

• Spalding.
• wilson.
• Nike.

How to pump up the ball

The durability of basketballs depends on proper inflation. It is desirable to have specialized equipment for this: a pump with a needle, silicone grease. Silicone oil ensures the safety of the valve when the needle is inserted. Just a few drops is enough. In the absence of specialized oil, the needle can be moistened with saliva. Shake the ball before pumping so that the camera is in vertical position below the valve opening. Then pump it up.

Attention! Forbidden to use industrial lubricants not intended for balls. This will damage the valve!

If they are not available, another method can be used. This will require usual Bicycle Pump, syringe needle, insulating tape. This method is convenient in that all the items needed for this are available and easy to buy everywhere.

You need to take a needle from a syringe and grind, by rubbing against asphalt or a sharpening stone for a knife. This is done to make the tip of the needle blunt, otherwise it could damage the valve, resulting in a permanent air leak.

Best fit dropper needle- it is wider and stronger than that of a syringe. After preparing the needle, its base wrapped with 10 layers of electrical tape, for a snug fit to the pump.

Then the needle is inserted into the pump valve and pumping is performed. The time depends on the volume of the pump and the degree of pumping at the beginning of the process.

You can also download with a syringe, but this is a very difficult process, taking about two hours, depending on the volume of the syringe.

Is it possible to pump without a needle

This method is associated with the use compressor for pumping car tires. The simplicity of the method lies in the fact that the ball can be pumped up at any auto repair shop.

Advice. The possibility is not ruled out pumping. This will damage the camera.

To swap using this method, you need firmly press the section of the compressor hose to the ball valve then turn on the compressor. Then, firmly press the hose against the valve until the optimum pressure is reached. Modern compressors have nozzles for pumping balls.

Photo 2. The process of inflating a basketball using a DeFort DCC-252-Lt car compressor.

How much pressure is needed

During pumping, it is necessary to monitor the pump pressure gauge. The optimal pressure can be indicated on the ball. Average - from 0.4 to 0.9 bar.

Attention! In the absence of a manometer, the pressure can be checked in a simple way: throw an inflated ball from shoulder level, in the case of normal pressure, it should jump to the level of the belt.

After the game, it is desirable to deflate the ball a little, and do not keep it constantly in the maximum inflated state.

How to glue a basketball

To repair the camera you will need materials:

• patches;
• glue for rubber products (chambers);
• chamber surface cleaning tool ( sandpaper);
• kapron thread for suturing.

Procedure:

• Slightly undo one of the seams.
• Remove camera, through the ripped seam.
• Locate the puncture site, clean, then apply glue and impose a payment.
• refurbished put the camera back, sew up the seams.

To repair the seams, a strong nylon thread is needed. The seam is applied through the old holes, new ones do not need to be done.

Playing football in the yard or in nature is a young thing: even if you are over 50, regularly playing sports, you will feel like you are in your 20s. But what to do if the ball taken with you is blown away, and the question arises, how to pump up the ball without a needle and a pump in artisanal conditions (beach, nature, someone else's yard)? Naturally, it would be better to take care of this, and take a bicycle pump and a needle with you (the cost of which is no more than 150 rubles).

But, if the above equipment is not at hand, all is not lost! But remember that the methods listed below are far from the safest for your ball: you can simply pump it over and ruin it, so if we are talking about a rarity autographed by your favorite football player, then it is better to postpone such manipulations.

How to pump up a ball without a needle: "Medical" way

Advantages: low cost of the method, availability of materials. Everything can be found in the roadside pharmacy and the glove compartment of the car.

Disadvantages: in the outback, there may not be such a pharmacy. In addition, the instructions below are not an answer to the question of how to pump up a ball without a needle: this is an instruction on how to make such a needle.

The essence of the method

If trouble overtook you on the road, then with some effort and a little ingenuity, you can pump up the ball with a simple electrical tape and a needle from a syringe. The needle must first be blunted: it should not pierce the nipple, but smoothly enter it. Needles from blood transfusion systems are ideal: they are quite thick and durable. The tip of the needle should be blunted on asphalt or a knife sharpener. The result should be a needle with a blunt end, which will serve as the basis for the adapter from the pump to the ball. Next, carefully wrap the tape around the base of the needle. It will take about 12 layers. This is done so that the needle fits snugly into the pump hole.

Road way: how to pump up a ball without a needle using ... a car service

Pros: Pretty effective method pumping up a deflated one on the road To help you, car service assistants will come to your aid, who will be happy to help for a purely nominal fee. In addition, many may find the right needle. The method is suitable if there is neither a needle nor a pump at hand.

Cons: in right moment car service may not be nearby. An inexperienced worker can pump the ball, from which it can burst from excessive pressure during careless pumping or during the game.

The essence of the method

It is known that in car services the most popular service is tire inflation. The compressor used for this can supply air at high pressure, which is what we need. The deflated ball should be pressed very tightly against the nozzle of the compressor and inflated until the desired level of rigidity is reached. You should be very careful to monitor the density so as not to pump and explode the ball. The procedure is best done by three people: two press the ball, one should turn off the compressor on a signal. By the way, for many modern models compressors have a nozzle for inflating balls.

Making injections with air: how to pump up a ball without a needle: an alternative but very debilitating way

Advantages: Another "medical" way, but this time it does not require a needle or a pump. Only a first-aid kit with a syringe and a few hours of time should be at hand, depending on the volume of the syringe found.

Disadvantages: the method is exhausting and inconvenient. It is possible to permanently ruin the nipple of the ball, and it will bleed air if you do not use special oil.

For those who didn't have any duct tape on hand or a car service down the road, there's another way to save the tournament. beach volleyball or street football. The bottom line is to introduce air into the ball through a simple syringe. Depending on the volume of the syringe, the amount of work to be done depends: a 20-cc ball can be pumped up in about half an hour. 10 Ml - per hour. 5, 2 Ml - is the game worth the candle? .. This is the most affordable and artisanal way to pump up without a needle, without having a compressor at hand. To facilitate the introduction of the syringe and the safety of the ball, the nipple should be moistened with oil.

If there is a needle but no pump

Advantages: Quite a fun and creative way to pump. Most likely, it will not work to pump up the ball to the desired density, but the pleasure of the process is guaranteed! In addition, the method is suitable for soft beach balls.

Disadvantages: the need to find a strong one or a bottle. The need to make an adapter.

There are those who do not know how to pump up soccer ball without a needle. But the lack of a needle is, as it becomes clear, this is a third of the trouble. The worst is for those who, for some reason, cannot use the pump, since it is still possible to create a high one from improvised means, but it is very difficult to direct it to a certain point (ball). As a compressor, you can use a plastic bottle or a tight bag. Some folk craftsmen manage to solder a needle into the bottle cap and pump up the ball over and over again, standing or carefully jumping on this bottle.

After the air from the bottle passes into the ball, the structure is taken out, another portion of air is injected into the bottle and the manipulation is repeated. And so - to the bitter end!

There is a more advanced way using vinegar and soda: vinegar and soda are poured into the same bottle, and carbon dioxide is injected into the ball. But this is provided that the needle is firmly soldered into the bottle cap.

As we can see, there are a lot of ways to pump up a ball without a needle. None of them is notable for convenience and ease, however, a true athlete is one who, despite all the obstacles, goes to the bitter end!

Choosing a basketball is not an easy task, because its quality seriously affects the convenience of playing and training. Learn all the secrets of selection and verification rules!

Basketball - what should it be?

Does not lose popularity among adults and children. Have you decided to learn this game? Start by choosing the right ball.

There are three types of basketballs, which differ in their composition and wear resistance. They are used for different conditions games:

• INDOOR- suitable for the gym;
• OUTDOOR- ideal for the street;
• INDOOR/OUTDOOR- universal ball.

It is necessary to choose the correct size of the ball:

Size 7- for men's adult teams;
Size 6- for women's teams and boys under 16;
Size 5- for junior teams;
Size 3- for children's teams.

Rules for checking the quality of a basketball ball

To choose the right basketball, just remember the simple rules:

1. Check if he is well pumped up. To do this, release it down from the level of the head. A well-inflated ball should bounce up to waist level. If this does not happen, there is a risk that it will constantly be blown away.

2. Determine how flat the ball is by tapping it on the floor and watching the bounce. good ball should bounce in the vertical direction. If it leads to the side, then there are "bumps".

3. Make sure the ball doesn't deflate. A little saliva can be applied to the nipple - the appearance of bubbles indicates marriage.

4. Carefully examine the shell of the ball, paying special attention to the "seams". A quality product should not have holes and empty space between the pattern and the surface.

Proper handling is the key to a long service life

After the purchase, the ball will sometimes have to be pumped up. Use only the pump and the special nozzle. Other methods may damage the product.

It is also important to remember: you can not sit on a basketball, kick it or apply any other excessive pressure. Such actions lead to loss of shape and rapid deterioration.