When you go to take a jump shot on the gym floor, an indoor basketball sticks to your fingers where a street ball would slip. Its composite leather cover absorbs sweat and keeps its grip right up until the final quarter.
These balls are made for indoors, and only for that: that's the price of their feel.
Because the concrete wears it down very quickly. The composite leather is a soft microfibre, designed for contact with a clean and dry floor. On asphalt, the texture wears away, the grooves deepen, and the ball becomes smooth after just a few outings. Keep it for indoor use and get a second ball for outside.
Most match balls can be found here. The FFBB approved models are valid for club championships, and the FIBA Approved models meet international weight and bounce standards. If your team plays with a specific model, having it at home helps you maintain your shooting consistency.
A new indoor ball often feels a bit stiff and slippery. This is normal: the cover needs a few hours of dribbling to soften up. Play with it regularly, wipe it down after each session with a slightly damp cloth, and let it dry at room temperature. Avoid sprays and household products that clog the pores of the composite.
The category determines the size. Size 5 for mini-basket up to U11, size 6 for all U13s and for female players, size 7 for boys from U15 onwards. Match models often come in both major sizes, so filter before comparing.
Do you also play outside? The outdoor balls made of rubber are designed for the asphalt of the playground. The indoor/outdoor balls look for a compromise between the two, making them handy for a single all-purpose ball. The balls by surface page brings together the three categories.
Six brands share the indoor balls on the page.
Check the deals pages. The Black Friday balls often cover match models, the selection of Christmas balls helps with gifts, and then the sales arrive. For a quickly available ball, look at the items shipped in 24 hours, and the clearance for end-of-line items.
An occasional game won’t ruin it, but each outing leaves its marks. The texture wears down, and the ball loses grip once back inside. If you play outside more than once a month, a dedicated street ball is cheaper than a damaged composite one.
With a soft, slightly damp cloth, without soap or solvents. Gently rub to remove dust from the floor, then let it air dry, away from a radiator. Never put it in the washing machine or under water.
Yes. Sports floors made of resin or synthetic material in multi-sport halls are just as gentle on the composite as a wooden floor. Only concrete, tarmac, and rough outdoor surfaces damage it.
To cover all the categories of a club with the same ball. Size 6 is for U13s and women's teams, size 7 for boys from U15 onwards. Check the size before ordering, it’s the most common mistake.
Start with a wipe down with a damp cloth: accumulated dust is often the cause. If the ball remains smooth after drying, the cover is worn. It can still be used for dribbling exercises, but not for matches.