If you are a genuine basketball lover, you will be more concerned about the ball’s quality. Because you are even reading this makes me think that you are tired of using cheap indoor basketballs. That’s a good sign. As a professional coach, I won’t advise playing with inferior products.
In this article, I have put together a list of some high-quality indoor basketballs that you can buy. Most of the products listed in this article are quite affordable.
I also included a short but concise buying guide that will show you how to select the perfect indoor basketball based on your needs. Are you ready to check out these fantastic products? Here goes.
1. Baden Elite Indoor Game Basketball - Best For Bounce
- ELITE - Baden’s Elite basketball with a moisture...
- DESIGN - The Elite’s proprietary composite...
- ADVANTAGE - This is a basketball that you can...
- AVAILABLE - Intermediate Size 6 (28.5”) and...
Meet the Baden Elite Indoor Game Basketball; it is one of the best indoor basketball I have ever used in 30 years of playing. It has a unique feel and comes down softly. However, I would recommend this product for indoor players looking for a ball with the perfect bounce. This product will give you just what you need.
This ball is symmetrically balanced, and it is also great for women and men to use. It’s stealth soft valve system is top-notch. The Baden Elite Indoor Game Basketball is one product that would serve for days, weeks, months, and years without needing a replacement. The outer shell cover of this ball doesn’t absorb moisture, and you would have a good grip at all times. Thanks to the unique symmetrical system, you get a more even feel and consistent bounce. It is great for indoor play. Trust me; you will love this basketball after your first bounce and hoop.
I have been using this product for years now, and I cannot count the number of games I have won thanks to this unique basketball. You should consider getting this product if you are concerned about the bounce.
Pros
- It does not absorb moisture.
- It has a good bounce.
- It has a stealth valve.
- It has a soft feel.
Cons
- It might not keep air longer.
2. Spalding NBA Zi/O Indoor Basketball - Best For Low Budget
- Official NBA size and weight: Size 7, 29.5 inch
- Zi/O Tournament composite cover
- Foam backed design for excellent feel
- Designed for indoor and outdoor play
- Shipped inflated and game ready
You do not necessarily have to spend too much on indoor basketball. While researching, I found a very affordable one that you could get in a split second. Spalding is one of the most famous names in my city when it comes to basketballs, how about your city? The Spalding NBA Zi/O Indoor Basketball is cheap but still provides an excellent feel.
This ball’s material is polyester, and it is 29.5 inches in diameter, which is the official NBA size. It comes in brown color; this shouldn’t be a problem if you love brown as much as I do. The foamed back on this ball provides an excellent feel while playing. It is great for indoor play and can also serve as an outdoor basketball. However, being that I have used this ball, I would recommend not using it often outdoors. A couple of games outside is okay, but not too much. Would you have to pump the ball after purchase? No! The ball is shipped inflated and plays ready.
Besides being a low budget indoor basketball, this product has an excellent bounce. Also, the Zi/O tournament composite cover is slightly tacky and soft, giving you a good grip at all times. You should consider getting this if you are not looking at spending much on indoor basketball.
Pros
- It has a great bounce.
- It has a good grip.
- It is durable.
- It has a great feel.
Cons
- It might consistently need air.
3. Wilson Evo NXT Indoor Game Basketball - Best For Value
- EXTENDED RANGE TECH: Optimally balanced, super...
- UNPARALLELED CONTROL: Composite pebbled channels...
- ENHANCED GRIP: Extra microscopic layer of texture...
- SOFT FEEL: extra cushioning allows your fingers to...
- HIGH VISIBILITY: A new Electric Orange color...
After checking the price of this basketball, you would notice that it is higher than others. Well, this is because the ball has more value. Your money won’t go to waste after purchasing this product. You will be glad you did. The Wilson Evo NXT Indoor Game Basketball is an excellent product for indoor play.
As a basket coach, I can’t overemphasize the importance of getting a no-sweat basketball. The Wilson Evo NXT Indoor Game Basketball is one indoor basketball with an advanced moisture-wicking system that reduces sweat and gives a better grip. The ball’s internal construction matters; this ball has a unique structure that redistributes the ball’s weight, making it easier to shoot from afar. It also has a soft feel that you would love. The color is orange, and the ball material type is “composite.”
Your shooting might not be that bad; the problem could be from the basketball you are using. Consider purchasing the Wilson Evo NXT Indoor Game Basketball for your next game, then try making the shot again and thank me later.
Pros
- It has a good feel.
- It has a good bounce.
- It is a no-sweat ball.
- It does not slip off the hands easily.
Cons
- Not everyone would love the bright orange color.
4. Molten X-Series Composite Basketball - Best For Grip
- FIBA Approved
- Premium Composite Leather Cover
- Butyl Bladder
- Indoor Use
- 2- Year Warranty
Here’s an excellent indoor basketball approved by FIBA. Have you ever heard of FIBA? If not, it means the International Basketball Federation. After hours of research and reading, I decided to choose the Molten X-Series Composite Basketball as the best for grip. Other basketballs have excellent grip; however, this one stands out.
Molten basketballs have gained quite a reputation in the world of basketball. Many professional athletes prefer using this product to another, and the primary reason is because of its unique grip. Another feature worthy of note is the ball’s design, which enhances visibility and allows players to track the ball rotation. The Molten X-Series Composite Basketball boasts of a unique surface that provides maximum grip. Your shooting and passing will be precise if you use this ball.
Most importantly, The Molten X-Series Composite Basketball is ideal for indoor use. I would highly recommend purchasing this product if you are looking for an indoor basketball with the best grip. Trust me, shooting and passing the ball is better with this basketball.
Pros
- It has a unique design that enhances the visibility of the ball’s rotation.
- It has an excellent grip.
- It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Cons
- It might be smaller than regular basketballs.
5. Wilson Evolution Game Basketball - Best For Design
- When you focus on getting better, and not just on...
- Signature EVO feel: the soft feel that the...
- Grip & durability: the premium Evo microfiber...
- Ultimate control: laid-in composite channels...
- NFHS approved: approved for play by the national...
Here’s another Wilson basketball that made it on our list of best indoor basketballs. I chose the Wilson Evolution Game Basketball as the best design because it has a unique design and also because there are up to eight different ball designs. Feel free to choose whichever basketball fits your style. Now to the features.
The Wilson Evolution Game Basketball is 29.5 inches in diameter, which is okay. It is also known for its top-notch durability. You would use this ball for years without thinking of getting a replacement. It is excellent for indoor use, and even when you feel like taking the game outdoors, the ball will serve its purpose. Thanks to the laid-in composite channels, you will have ultimate control over the ball. The grip is also another factor worthy of note. The ball will rarely slip from your hands due to sweat.
As a professional basketball coach, I would highly recommend this product in terms of design, grip, durability, and feel. You should consider getting this ball for indoor use. You won’t regret the decision, take it from me.
Pros
- It has an excellent feel.
- It has a good grip.
- It is durable.
Cons
- The ball might feel a bit lighter.
6. NBA Official Game Ball - Best For Durability
- Pro minded: For over 3 decades, Spalding has...
- Horween leather: The full-grain leather...
- Natural grip: Wide channels that provide a great...
- NBA Player’s choice: Official game ball of the...
- Official size: Size 7, 29.5”
There’s a special feeling that engulfs you when you realize that you are playing an NBA official game ball. You’ll feel like a pro and make more baskets than regular. Besides being an excellent ball, the NBA Official Game Ball is one of the most durable basketballs out there. The material type is leather and will serve you for a very long time.
This basketball results from over 30 years of hard work from Spalding and the NBA to create a unique ball. As you would notice, this is the highest-priced basketball on our list. But Is it worth the price? It sure is. The ball’s grip is unique, and you won’t ever have to worry about the ball slipping off your hands while in-play. The NBA Official Game Ball is one basketball with little or no imperfections. It is ideal for indoor use, and you can also take it outdoors. The ball out of the box shoots like a dream. In the hands of a pro, this ball is an excellent tool.
I have used cheap and expensive basketballs in my time as a professional coach, and I can boldly say, the cheap ones do not stand a chance against expensive ones. You will realize this after using both.
Pros
- It has a good feel.
- It is durable.
- It has a good grip.
Cons
- It might wear with time if used on harsh floors.
7. Spalding TF-1000 Classic Indoor Basketball - Best For High School
- Official size and weight: Size 7, 29.5 inch
- Spalding ZK microfiber composite cover
- Wide channel design
- Nylon windings for excellent structural integrity
- Rotationally-balanced butyl bladder for ultimate...
Most high schools have indoor basketball courts. Suppose you are looking for an ideal basketball to buy for your school. I would highly recommend the Spalding TF-1000 Classic Indoor Basketball. This product is NFHS approved, and it is also the adopted ball for various states in the United States, such as North Dakota, CIF, and Idaho.
The Spalding TF-1000 Classic Indoor Basketball is a fantastic product that is quite affordable but only meant for indoor use. The material type of this basketball is composite leather. Indoors, this ball will serve for a very long time before needing a replacement. The color is brown, which is quite acceptable for most people. In terms of grip, the Spalding TF-1000 Classic Indoor Basketball is a 10 out of 10. Another thing you will love about this product is the feel. I would highly recommend this basketball.
The Spalding TF-1000 Classic Indoor Basketball should not be used as an outdoor basketball. If you want a product that can serve both indoors and outdoors, you should opt for something else.
Pros
- It is durable.
- It has a good grip.
- It has a good feel.
- It has a good bounce.
Cons
- It might stick to the hands.
The Ultimate Buying Guide
Just before you get all excited and click the buy button, there are many factors that you need to consider. Here is a short and concise buying guide collated by myself and an anonymous friend who is a big shot in the basketball business.
Bounce
Here’s one of the essential things to consider before hitting the buy button. The basketball you want to buy might have a lovely design but an erratic bounce, which can severely alter your playing pattern. All of the products listed in this article have reliable bounce. However, if you are planning on getting your indoor basketball elsewhere, you should consider this factor.
Grip
People with sweaty hands should consider this factor. Balls with a terrible grip will easily fall off your hands and can affect the whole game. Some indoor basketballs have moisture reducing surface, which gives a better grip on the ball even with sweaty hands.
Size
Basketball for kids is smaller, and you should not purchase a ball for kids as an adult. You won’t like the feel. In the world of basketballs, we have three basic sizes; 5, 6, and 7. Size 5 has a circumference of 27.5 inches and is ideal for people in the age range of 9-11. The size six basketball is 28.5 inches and is suitable for women of all ages and boys from 12-14. The final size is 7; men and boys above 15 years officially use this size.
Material
They are different materials used in making basketballs. The material used will aid grip, feel, and other factors. Here are some of the materials used in basketball making.
Composite Leather: This kind of material is softer than rubber. It also offers more grip. Dribbling and passing with the ball feel quite grand. Some balls made of composite leather are durable while others aren’t; this varies per company.
Rubber: Another material used in basketball production is rubber. Rubber balls are cheap and also durable but have a lesser grip.
Genuine Leather: Basketballs made of genuine leather are the most expensive and very durable. These are the kind of balls used by the pro players. They provide maximum comfort while playing, and they can serve indoors and outdoors.
Air Retention
When a ball frequently loses air, it is very annoying. To save yourself from having to pump the ball all the time, you should get a basketball with excellent air retention. The NBA Official Game Ball and the Wilson Evolution Game Basketball are both great for air retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand of basketball is the best?
- Best Durability – NBA Official Game Ball
- Best Grip – Molten X-Series Composite Basketball
- Best Bounce – Baden Elite Indoor Game Basketball
- Best Budget – Spalding NBA Zi/O Indoor Basketball
Are Wilson basketballs good?
Yes, Wilson basketballs are great. They barely lose air even after prolonged usage. They are also excellent for indoor and outdoor use. As for durability, you can also count on Wilson basketballs.
Is it bad to use an indoor basketball outside?
Using an outdoor basketball indoors is okay. However, you should not use an indoor-only basketball outdoors because the floor might likely damage the ball. Here’s an excellent outdoor basketball guide in case that’s what you’re in the market for.
Are rubber basketballs bad?
Rubber basketballs are mostly used outdoors. They are the most common street basketballs. But, they have a rubber feel, and the grip isn’t excellent.
How do you know if basketball is original?
- The FIBA Brand will be printed and not embossed.
- An original basketball’s barcode will be printed and not embossed.
- The pebble positioning also tells if a basketball is fake or not.
- Other details like country of manufacture, PSI information, the date range for FIBA approval are printed and not embossed.
The Conclusion
Everything that has a beginning has an end. We have come to the end of this informative article on the best indoor basketballs. I know how difficult it is to choose from the unending catalog of basketballs available in online stores. That’s why I narrowed down the results to 7 best indoor basketballs.
Are you having issues making a pick? Try going through the buying guide again. It might help. Thanks for sticking around up till this point. If this article was helpful to you, please share it with your friends who might want an indoor basketball.
The comment section is open for questions and contributions regarding this article.