Basketball balls adidas

Size five, six or seven: the right ball according to age

The size of a basketball corresponds to the age and category of the player, and an adidas ball is chosen based on the same criteria as any standard ball. The size seven, measuring about seventy-five to seventy-eight centimeters in circumference and weighing around six hundred grams, is for men and boys aged around fourteen and up. The size six, slightly smaller and lighter, is used for women's basketball and youth play. The size five, suitable for children's hands, is the ball for mini-basketball up to around eleven years old. Playing with the right size improves grip, dribbling, and shooting technique.

Other brands

Basketballs are also available by brand:

• Spalding.
• Molten.
• Wilson.
• Nike.
• Peak.
• Mikasa.
• Tremblay CT.

All balls can be found on the balls page.

Rubber or composite: a ball for every surface

The material determines the playing surface. A rubber ball can handle asphalt, concrete, and the ground of playgrounds: its thick surface resists abrasion and its bladder maintains pressure despite impacts. The composite leather, synthetic, offers a softer feel and better grip on wooden floors, but it wears out quickly on rough surfaces. In between the two, the so-called all-terrain balls combine a reinforced composite cover with a rubber bladder, allowing transition from gym to neighborhood court. Real leather, reserved for indoor use, requires a long break-in period before providing its best grip.

Inflating, testing and storing your basketball

The recommended pressure is marked near the valve. To check the inflation without a gauge, the FIBA regulations suggest a simple test: dropped from a height of one metre eighty, measured beneath the ball, a well-inflated ball should bounce between one metre twenty and one metre forty, measured at the peak. Wet the needle before inserting it, to avoid damaging the valve. After playing outdoors, wipe the ball with a damp cloth, without detergent, and store it away from sunlight, heat, and frost, which harden the rubber and can detach panels.

Good deals

Good bargains can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched in 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a steady order: Black Friday in late autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days of spring, followed by the summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently asked questions

Can an outdoor basketball be used indoors?

Yes, a rubber ball works on wooden floors, but its harder feel and lower grip make it less pleasant than a composite one. The reverse is not advised: an indoor ball wears out quickly on asphalt.

Why does a new basketball slip?

A new ball, whether composite or leather, has a film on the surface from the manufacturing process. It gains grip after a few sessions of contact with hands. Avoid greasy products meant to speed up this break-in process: they clog the pegs.

How can I tell if a basketball has a leak?

Run some soapy water around the valve and on the seams: bubbles indicate a leak. A valve damaged by a dry needle can sometimes be sealed with the right product, but a punctured bladder usually means the ball is no longer usable.

What ball is used for three-on-three basketball?

The official three-on-three game uses a specific ball: the circumference of a size six and the weight of a size seven, for better control in a fast game. For casual play, a size seven or six ball depending on the players works just fine.

How long does a basketball last?

An indoor ball well cared for lasts several years. An outdoor ball used weekly on asphalt loses its grip in about a year, as its pegs wear down and its surface becomes smooth. A ball that no longer bounces straight needs to be replaced.