Basketball is a team sport which comprises of two teams of five players each who try to score goals by shooting a ball through a hoop which is elevated 304.8 cm (10) above the ground.
This world-famous game was invented by a Springfield College instructor and graduate student James Naismith in 1891. It was invented when trying to find a sport that could provide plenty of physical activity, be playable indoors or on any kind of ground, and be played by a large number of players all at once. Naismith nailed the two baskets to the opposite rails of the gymnasium balcony which had a height of 304.8 cm (10). Two teams were constituted and they had to score by shooting the ball into the opponent's basket. Thus, was born the game of basketball.
The game of Basketball is played on a rectangular floor called the court which has a hoop, elevated at 304.8 cm (10) above the ground, at each end. This basketball court is divided into two main sections by the mid-court line. Each team, comprising of five members, is assigned a basket or a goal to defend. To score a goal, the opposing team members have to score into the defending team’s basket. The game begins with one player from either team at center court.
So, now since you know about how the game came into existence and how it’s played, you can now get together with your friends and play a game or two over the weekends. Find a basketball ball which perfectly suits you by heading to your favorite shopping app and you can buy the best basketball online. You can choose from various brands like Adidas, Nivia, Spalding, Wilson, and so on. Let us now have a look at some interesting facts about this ball.
Apart from the court and the baskets, a basketball is the only piece of equipment that is required to play the game of basketball. Players must constantly dribble the ball during the game, throw the ball in the air to pass it to other players or shoot it towards the basket and score a goal. Almost all basketballs come with an inflatable inner rubber bladder which is then wrapped in layers of fiber and covered with a surface made either from leather, rubber, or a synthetic composite. The game of basketball can be played both indoors and outdoors as well.
There are different sizes of basketballs for different age groups. The size ranges from 1 to 7 with variations in circumference. Selecting the right sized ball is vital to ensure players are able to naturally play the game according to their physique. Size 1 ball is designed for boys and girls aged 2 to 4 years old. This is also known as a ‘micro-mini’ basketball. Size 7 ball is the most commonly used basketball ball which is suitable for boys and men aged 15 years and up.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) about Basketballs
Q.1 What is the most expensive basketball ball?
Ans. Genuine leather basketballs are the most expensive as it offers a superior feel and control. Some of the best and expensive basketball balls are:
1. The Spalding NBA Official Game Basketball
2. The Spalding TF-1000
3. The Wilson Evolution Indoor basketball
4. The Baden Elite Indoor Game Basketball
5. The Molten X-Series GG7X Indoor Basketball
Q.2 What is the best ball for basketball?
Ans. The best balls for outdoor basketball are:
1. Mikasa BX1000
2. Spalding NBA Street
3. Spalding NBA Hexagrip
4. Spalding NBA Street Phantom
5. Under Armour 495
For a game of indoor basketball, the best balls are:
1. Wilson Evolution Indoor Game Ball
2. Baden Elite Indoor Game Basketball
3. The Rock Indoor Basketball
4. Molten X-Series GG7X Indoor Basketball
5. Spalding NBA Official Game Basketball
The Wilson NCAA Replica Game Basketball, the Under Armour 395 Basketball and the Baden Crossover Flex Composite Basketball are great for both indoor and outdoor games.
Q.3 How much is a basketball ball?
Ans. Basketballs used in official games can range between Rs. 10000 to Rs. 14000. In India, a good basketball can cost around Rs. 2000 to Rs. 3000. You can find basketballs ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 800 also.
Q.4 Who starts with the ball in basketball?
Ans. The referee starts each quarter with a "Jump Ball", where he throws the ball up in the air and one player from each team tries to hit the ball to his teammates.
Q.5 What is the best indoor basketball?
Ans. The best basketballs for indoor games are:
1. Wilson Evolution Basketball
2. Baden Crossover Flex Composite Basketball
3. Under Armour 395 Basketball
4. Spalding NBA Zi/O Basketball
5. Molten X-Series FIBA-approved Basketball
Q.6 What is the best Molten basketball ball?
Ans. The best Molten basketballs for indoor and outdoor games are:
1. Molten BGGX Basketball
2. Molten FX Basketball
3. Molten B7G3800-M9C Basketball
4. Molten B7G5000-M9C Basketball
5. Molten BGMX-C Basketball
Q.7 Is a rubber basketball good?
Ans. Rubber basketballs are durable on hard courts, making them ideal for outdoor courts where the conditions can be unpredictable. They are also softer than leather balls, making them perfect for young players.
Q.8 Is it bad to use an indoor basketball outside?
Ans. Yes, the surface of an indoor leather basketball will get scratched and damaged when used on an outdoor hard court.
Q.9 How firm should a basketball be?
Ans. The firmness of a basketball determines how bouncy it is. The ball shouldn't be too hard that it bounces beyond your elbow, nor should it be too soft that it doesn't bounce at all.