What Size Basketball Should My Child Be Using?
This is a question that seems to be asked by both parents and players. ALL THE TIME! What Size Basketball Should my child be using. There are many different sizes of basketballs from youth to adult, and in this guide, we will go over exactly what size basketball you should be using!!
First off, Basketballs are usually measured by their circumference. The circumference of a circle is the measure of the boundary or the length of the complete arc of a circle. These measurements are measured in Inches, At least, they will be today for our Americans sake.
Ages 0-2 Years Old
9-20 Inches / 1 -5 OUnces
For this age group, we recommend a circumference of 9-20 Inches with a weight of 1-5 Ounces. This is great for toddlers and babies that are learning the shapes of a ball. I usually use a ballon for my infant and toddler children so they can learn to grap adn catch a moving ball, then we work our way up to nerf balls playing catch.
Ages 2-4 Years Old
16 Inches / 8 OUnces
For this age group, we recommend a circumference of 16 Inches with a weight of 8 Ounces. These are the kinds of basketballs you win at the fair or buy online for the attached door hoop. They are very small but can start learning how to dribble the ball on the ground and toss it up in the air. Again, for this age group, we are still learning how to catch and throw a ball.
Ages 4-6 Years Old
22 Inches / 10 OUnces
For this age group, we recommend a circumference of 22 Inches with a weight of 10 Ounces. This is still falling under the “Toddler” category but at this age its still about having fun. Whether you move the ball up 2 inches or not is not going to be a huge deal breaker. They should still be focusing on catching and throwing the ball. Adding some dribbling in to step them up to the next level.
Ages 6-8 Years Old
25.5 Inches / 14 OUnces
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mikasa-Youth-Basketball-25-5-In/39899072This is where we recommend getting an actual basketball to start practicing dribbling, ball handling, shooting, catching and really start learning the sport of basketball. These are basketballs that you can buy on walmart and start learning to play out on your local basketball court.
Ages 8-11 Years Old
27.5 Inches / 17 OUnces
Now we are stepping up to your “Sports sized basketball”. These are basketballs that you should be able to locate and get at your local sporting goods store. Please make sure that you are grabbing the correct size basketball and the size should be shown on the front of the basketball underneath the logo or description.
Ages 12-14 Years Old
28.5 Inches / 20 OUnces
This is the official size basketball for womens Highschool, college, and even pro. Your young athelete should definitely be using this basketball for practice and shooting around the hoop at home. These can also be found at any sports store or retail stores like Walmart and Target.
Ages 15 Years Old and Up
29.5 Inches / 20 OUnces
This is the official size basketball for Men’s Highschool, college, and even pro. Your young teenager athelete should definitely be using this basketball for practice and shooting around the hoop at home. These can also be found at any sports store or retail stores like Walmart and Target.
That is it for youth and adult sizes for Basketballs. If you have any questions, you are more than welcome to Contact us and we will be happy to guide you.