The Best Basketballs For Women

Buying Guide

If you’re wanting to take up the very popular sport of basketball, you’ll want to make sure you get the right ball that’s comfortable to use. Basketballs for women are slightly smaller and lighter than those for men to account for the fact that women typically have smaller hands. They come in size 6, an intermediate size that weighs 20 ounces and has a 28.5-inch circumference. In comparison, men’s size 7 balls are 22 ounces and have a  29.5-inch circumference.

Basketballs for women have an interior bladder, a rubber or mostly polyester carcass layer, and an outer cover that’s generally made from rubber, leather, or composite materials. Choosing the right cover material is important for the ball’s durability and feel. It requires assessing whether you plan to play basketball outdoors, indoors or both.

While they’re less common these days, women’s basketballs with a genuine leather cover offer the most premium feel and are the costliest option. You should consider this type of ball if you only plan to play basketball indoors since outdoor surfaces can significantly reduce the ball’s life span. These basketballs feel comfortable in your hand but may require a special leather cleaner for maintenance.

You’ll get the largest selection of women’s basketballs with a cover made of synthetic or composite leather. These are also easy to grip. They hold up better than real leather basketballs for outdoor use but work well indoors too. In addition, you get a leather-like feel from the soft cover but at a more budget-friendly price. However, synthetic balls can be slippier, with a less consistent grip.

If you’re looking for something that can withstand rough surfaces, you might instead choose a basketball with a rubber exterior. This type is versatile enough for both indoor and outdoor use and can be more budget-friendly than the other types. Rubber basketballs also provide the advantage of better grip even if the ball gets dirty or sweaty.

Many women’s basketballs come in the traditional orange color which allows good visibility for both spectators and players. However, pink, green, black and even multicolored basketballs are available. Some women’s basketballs also glow in the dark or have lights inside; these are a good choice for playing in the dark.

You’ll also want to look at the exterior pebbling and channels. Pebbles increase the surface area on the ball, making for better grip and moisture wicking, while deeper channels allow for easier handling of the ball.

• If you want a women’s basketball to help with specific training exercises, look into specialized options. For example, some weighted basketballs can help with strength training. You can even get a women’s basketball that sends data to an app on your phone so you can view your stats.
• Depending on the basketball you purchase, it may come already inflated or require inflation before use. Make sure to have an appropriate pump handy and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct pounds per square inch (psi) level. Just remember: overinflating the ball can lead to damage.
• You can expect your women’s basketball to lose air on occasion. It’s normal for the basketball to be less inflated if it’s been in storage for a while or if you haven’t used it in a long time. However, you may also experience leaks from a bad seal or small puncture that needs fixing.
• The size 6 basketball is also appropriate for boys aged 9-11, while girls under 9 years old might prefer a smaller size 5 ball.
• You’ll eventually need to replace your basketball. Its life span will depend on the ball’s cover material, how often you play it and where you use the ball. If you only play a few times a week, you could get a few years of use versus six months or less if you play many hours every day.
• Take proper care of your women’s basketball. Wipe it off regularly, avoid putting the ball in damp environments or extreme temperatures, and keep it away from rocks and other sharp objects.