By Jack Dawson

If you love basketball, you have most likely been inspired by one of the greatest players in the game. From old timers such as Magic Johnson as Michael Jordan to today’s court kings such as Kyrie Irving, Russell Westbrooks and Stephen Curry, there is no dearth of inspirational figures on the court. Basketball is among the most popular indoor and outdoor sports.

It helps you keep fit, boosts mental performance and helps in critical thinking. Little wonder then that over 26 million Americans play basketball today according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SIFA).

Whether you are playing for fun or you have ambitions to become a professional player, it is important to appreciate where all these basketball greats started; the outdoor court. Outdoor basketball is a lot of fun and it helps nurture true talent. These rough outdoor courts have been a kiln for huge talent and if you want to enjoy your game and hone your skills, it is important to choose the right ball.

Choosing the Right Outdoor Basketball

Your choice of the outdoor basketball will determine how well you perform on the court. Unlike a controlled indoor court, the outdoor court is rougher, which calls for special considerations when choosing the ball. Among the things to consider include:

  • Durability – The ball construction should be ideal for the rough outdoor environment. Whether it is a car park, neighborhood court or any other surface, the basketball you choose should be able to withstand the harsh outdoor environment. The surface and material should be thicker to make it less prone to getting punctured by sharp objects.
  • Right size – Due to its sturdy construction, an outdoor basketball is heavier and you should therefore select the right size for your level of play. The different sizes are standard 7, intermediate 6 and junior / youth 5. For real play, you should buy a size 7 ball.
  • Excellent grip – Choose a basketball that has perfect grip for outdoor conditions. Your game might even be played in the rain. In hot weather, you will sweat a lot and this will affect your grip. This is why an outdoor ball should have excellent grip to make the game more enjoyable.
  • Extras – Pick a pump for your ball because the outdoor environment is harsh and the conditions might cause you to ball deflate regularly. While the ball choice is your main consideration here, you should also remember to wear proper shoes and body protection. These balls are heavier and the court also poses more risks, which calls for enhanced safety considerations.

You should always consider comparing great outdoor basketball types to make the best choice. The perfect ball should be durable and have wide and deep channels for perfect grip.

Best Outdoor Basketballs

Outdoor basketball has become very popular and this has led to many sporting brands venturing into basketball kit manufacture. Indeed, Forbes expects the basketball industry to reach $ 73.5 billion by 2019. If you are looking for the best outdoor basketball, compare products from the best brands including the Spalding NBA Street Basketball, Spalding NBA Varsity Outdoor Rubber Basketball, Wilson NCAA Replica Game Basketball, Baden Grip-Tread Rubber Basketball, and the FIBA Approved Molten BGM7 Indoor/Outdoor Basketball.

There are many other great outdoor basketballs to choose from. Whatever your choice is, make sure you consider durability, size and grip. Your game will benefit immensely from your choice.

Jack Dawson

Author Bio: Jack Dawson

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