Best Kids’ Basketballs: Perfect for Young Players
Whether your child is just starting to learn the game or needs a reliable ball for practice, having the right basketball is essential. This list of kids’ basketballs is perfect for you.
The following list covers our favorite kids’ basketballs and our recommendations for you. The basketballs on this list will cover various styles, features, and price points. We are confident that you will find what you are looking for in our list of the best kids’ basketballs.
From one basketball enthusiast to another, enjoy!
Top 15 Kids’ Basketballs List:
1. Spalding TF Series Basketball
Recommended For: Outdoor & Indoor Play
Price: $30
About This Ball: This basketball is of official size and weight, measuring 29.5″ and classified as Size 7. It features a Zi/O Tournament composite cover, ensuring durability and performance. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor play, it offers versatile usage.
The ball comes shipped inflated and ready for game play. Its high-quality construction makes it ideal for competitive play.
2. Wilson NCAA Killer Crossover Basketball
Recommended For: Versatility
Price: $20
About This Ball: The WILSON NCAA Killer Crossover Outdoor Basketball in Size 7 (29.5″) comes in a striking red and white design. Available in various sizes, including 29.5″ for boys age 12 and up, 28.5″ for girls age 9 and up and boys age 9-11, and 27.5″ for boys and girls age 8 and under. It features a premium internal rubber construction that ensures long-term durability and consistent bounce.
The tacky, pebbled cover provides an improved grip on all types of courts, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor play. With its Optima rubber cover and 16-panel construction, this basketball is ideal for recreational players.
3. Molten BG3800 Basketball
Recommended For: Indoor and Outdoor Play
Price: $32
About This Ball: This top basketball is FIBA approved and features an official 12-panel, two-tone design. It has an indoor/outdoor synthetic cover for versatile play. The butyl bladder ensures excellent air retention and durability. The ball comes with a one-year warranty and is shipped deflated. This makes it a reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor basketball games.
4. Nike Elite Basketball
Recommended For: Grip and Control
Price: $35
About This Ball: Made from a soft, lightweight faux leather material, these shoes offer both comfort and durability. The basketball-inspired design features a perforated upper for enhanced breathability. Designed to fit most adults, they have a 29.5-inch circumference.
Available in a variety of colors, you can choose one that matches your style. The shoes also showcase classic Nike branding with the iconic swoosh logo on the side.
5. Spalding Rookie Gear Youth Basketball
Recommended For: Lightweight Design
Price: $22
About This Ball: Designed for youth players, this Size 5 basketball measures 27.5″. It features a performance composite cover for enhanced durability. The ball is 15% lighter, aiding in the development of technique for young athletes.
Shipped inflated and ready for immediate use, it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor play. This makes it a versatile and convenient choice for young basketball enthusiasts.
6. Kuyoto Basketball
Recommended For: Durability
Price: $19
About This Ball: Made of high-quality foam rubber, this indoor and outdoor basketball is durable and wear-resistant, providing an excellent feel and incredible grip for dribbling, passing, and shooting. Our Official Size 5 (27.5″) basketball is perfect for kids and youth.
It’s an ideal choice for boys and girls who are beginners in basketball and want to practice their skills or simply have fun. The ball’s superior grip and control make it a great option for young players looking to improve their game. Enjoy long-lasting play with this durable and versatile basketball.
7. Franklin Sports Grip-Rite Basketball
Recommended For: Value
Price: $17
About This Ball: Constructed with top-grade rubber and durable polyester winding, this youth basketball offers increased durability. Its smaller size is ideal for fitting smaller hands. Deep-channel construction enhances grip and maneuverability, making it perfect for home, school, camp, or youth outdoor basketball programs.
This ensures years of reliable use. While designed for outdoor play, this junior basketball is also suitable for indoor use, whether in a garage or basement. Ideal for youth outdoor basketball games or as a first-time basketball for kids. It’s perfect for practicing at home or on the court.
8. Spalding NBA Mini Basketball
Recommended For: Young Kids
Price: $17
About This Ball: This mini basketball measures 22″ in size and features a performance outdoor rubber cover. It is shipped inflated and ready for immediate play. Specifically designed for outdoor use, it offers durability and reliability. The basketball is backed by Spalding’s warranty, ensuring quality and performance. This makes it a perfect choice for outdoor basketball enthusiasts.
9. Mikasa BX1000 Basketball
Recommended For: Outdoor Durability
Price: $33
About This Ball: Featuring a premium outdoor cover, this basketball is designed for durability and performance. The deep-pebble design ensures a superior grip for outdoor use. Available in men’s, women’s, youth, and elementary sizes, it caters to all age groups.
Please note that the ball may require inflation upon arrival to achieve proper tension, and a ball pump is not included. For optimal performance, additional inflation might be necessary.
10. Wilson Evolution Game Basketball
Recommended For: Indoor Play
Price: $75
About This Ball: When you focus on improvement rather than just results, success naturally follows. This philosophy is why the Wilson Evolution Game Ball is the top choice in high schools nationwide. The Evolution is America’s leading indoor game basketball, used on more courts than any other. Its signature EVO feel comes from the cushion core carcass, giving it a softer touch and better grip around the rim.
The premium EVO microfiber composite cover offers the grip players love and durability that lasts all season and beyond. Laid-in composite channels ensure a consistent feel and texture across the entire surface of the basketball, providing unparalleled control.
11. Fakofis Kids Basketball
Recommended For: Game Play
Price: $18
About This Ball: This 27.5″ basketball is designed for kids and youth over 18 months, using non-slip, wear-resistant rubber materials for an easy grip. It bounces well with a high-quality butyl liner, making it easy to inflate and maintain air.
The official Size 5 basketball is perfect for kids to learn the basics of dribbling, shooting, and passing, fostering interaction and lasting friendships. Its bright, eye-catching colors make it an excellent gift for birthdays, school milestones, Children’s Day, Christmas, and other festivals. Kids and youth will love playing with this vibrant and durable basketball.
12. Baden Contender Indoor/Outdoor Basketball
Recommended For: All-Around Play
Price: $35
About This Ball: Whether you’re playing in the gym or on the blacktop, this indoor basketball combines the durability of a street ball with the soft touch of an indoor game ball. Its performance composite cover, provided by Baden, ensures an excellent grip around the rim.
The ball offers consistent performance and longevity, helping you achieve your basketball goals. With its tough yet soft design, this basketball is perfect for all your playing needs. Enjoy superior grip and durability every time you play.
13. Xedge Leather Basketball
Recommended For: Budget-Friendly
Price: $30
About This Ball: This basketball features a specially designed composite PU leather cover that offers superior grip and control. It is professionally nylon wound and has a butyl bladder, ensuring correct bounce, precise spinning, long air retention, and enhanced durability.
The official size is 29.5 inches, suitable for both indoor and outdoor play, whether for one-on-one games or practice. The gift package includes a basketball carry bag, an air pump, and two needles, with the pump also suitable for inflating other balls. Please note, the basketball arrives deflated, and the included pump can be used for inflation.
14. Declir Kids Basketball
Recommended For: Indoor Play
Price: $25
About This Ball: These basketballs are perfect for children and teens, providing various playground game interactions. Suitable for use indoors, in backyards, outdoor parks, beaches, and pools, they ensure kids stay active and healthy.
Made of non-slip, wear-resistant PU rubber leather, the basketballs offer easy palm grip, making them ideal for dribbling and shooting. Designed for young players, they are perfect for encouraging physical activity and skill development. Keep your kids engaged and energetic with these durable and versatile basketballs.
15. Longsail Kids Basketball
Recommended For: Practice
Price: $12
About This Ball: With an 8.66″ diameter, this safe rubber basketball is air-tight, has a strong bounce, and is waterproof. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor play, making it perfect for pool games, lake activities, training sessions, and competitions.
This youth basketball is ideal for beginners, providing an excellent introduction to the game. It can be given as a gift to loved ones and friends, both boys and girls. Whether for practice or fun, this basketball ensures a great playing experience.
Best Kids’ Basketballs: Honorable Mentions
This list had to cap at some point, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t more than 15 great kids’ basketballs out there. So if there is a basketball that you think others would appreciate, we would love to hear about it in the comments below. Also, here are some other kids’ basketballs that deserve an honorable mention for this list and are excellent choices.
Honorable Mentions
