The best indoor basketballs

The best indoor basketballs

Whether you’re a novice basketball player looking to improve your skills or an aspiring Lebron James hoping to advance your tactics, there are actually quite a few considerations to be made before buying a basketball. You want to make sure you pick the right size for the person playing, and also for the style and frequency you’ll be playing. Here, we’ve put together a guide to our selection of the best rated, best reviewed indoor basketballs to get you started.

The main thing to note when buying a new indoor basketball is there are three main sizes of ball: 5, 6 and 7. A size 5 is for children up to the age of 11, size 6 is for teen players and a size 7 is an adult sized basketball.  Secondly, you can also get different styles of basketball for matches and training, and are usually made from leather or rubber. 

A rubber basketball like the Wilson Evolution is better for competitions because leather tends to take longer to break in, whereas something like the Spalding NBA NeverFlat basketball would be good for longevity if you’re training professionally. Check out our full list below for basketballs of all sizes.  

The best indoor basketball

1. Spalding NBA NeverFlat

Get a good grip on this leather basketball when training

Specifications

Material: Leather
Size: 6 or 7

Reasons to buy

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 Dimpled texture for better grip 

If you’re training regularly, this basketball is great for practising as its dimpled texture makes it really easy to keep a hold of and practice your technique. You can expect to feel greater control of the ball and it has been designed with a protective barrier against air loss so this leather ball aims to never let you down during practice. The ball is finished with the Spalding branding which really makes it look the part. A great mid-range indoor basketball for frequent players.  

Molten GGX

2. Molten GGX

A synthetic leather basketball with reliable performance

Specifications

Material: Synthetic leather
Size: 6 or 7

Reasons to buy

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 High bounce back  

Molten is a well-known brand of basketball that is great for both frequent and recreational players according to happy customers around the globe. The synthetic leather gives this ball a high bounce back, with performance that Molten reckons is never interrupted. It’s specifically designed for indoor use and is one of the cheaper pro basketballs on the market so a great budget-friendly option too. Whilst it may not have the grip factor of the Spalding, you can expect consistency in play with the Molten.  

Wilson Evolution

3. Wilson Evolution

A large adult basketball ideal for competitions

Specifications

Material: Rubber
Size: 5, 6, 7

Reasons to buy

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 Cushion core for easy rebounding  

This rubber basketball is designed with durability in mind. It has an Evo Microfiber Composite which makes it easy to grip and a cushion core carcass which makes for easy rebounding and better ball control during games. The rubber design also means it’s more likely to retain its shape even after frequent use. Anyone searching for an indoor basketball for competitions need look no further. Should any air be lost it is easy to inflate with a pump (sold separately).  

Nike Elite Competition 8-Panel

4. Nike Elite Competition 8-Panel

Train hard and fast with this long-lasting ball

Specifications

Material: Composite leather
Size: 7

Reasons to buy

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 Retains shape  

This size 7 basketball is perfect for indoor training as the composite leather is sturdy and structured, helping the ball maintain shape and elasticity over time. If you play and train regularly, you can expect this ball to serve you well, with a textured outer that improves grip and a wraparound panel which will assist in shooting, too.  

Spalding TF-250

5. Spalding TF-250

An indoor basketball designed for junior players

Specifications

Material: Synthetic composite
Size: 5,6,7

Reasons to buy

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 For use indoors and outdoors 

This wide-channel design was created for junior players who are taking part in basketball training. The synthetic composite material makes this ball suitable for both indoor and outdoor courts, and the textured skin allows for better grip and ball control when training. You can also get this ball in teen and adult sizes.  If you are looking for an decent entry-level indoor basketball for kids who are starting to take the sport seriously, this is the one.

Wilson All Star

6. Wilson All Star

An affordable basketball for recreational use

Specifications

Material: Rubber
Size: 7

Reasons to buy

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 Great for leisurely play 

This Wilson All Star basketball is great if you’re having a friendly match with your mates. It’s cheap yet durable, and the performance rubber makes it bouncy and great for rebounding. With the classic Wilson All Star logo on the side, this ball looks pretty professional, but it does need pumping up when you get it and it has been said to loose shape a little, so not necessarily one for the pro's. If you want a ball for playing indoors (or outdoors) with your pals, this is a great budget buy.  

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