One of the great advantages basketball has over some sports is that it doesn’t require a lot of equipments. And the equipment you do need is typically much cheaper than other sports. Grab the right kind of basketball and some sneakers and you’re ready to play. Here is some more information to find the right kind of baseketball for you.

If you have been to your local sporting goods store lately, you probably noticed there are many different types of basketballs. They come in all different sizes, materials and brands. The biggest factor is what kind of surface you are going to play on. That will determine which type of basketball is right for you.

Indoor Use - Indoor basketballs are typically made of leather and designated for use only on an indoor basketball court. These types of balls are typically orange with black ribs. The standard basketball size is 29.5 inches but you can find balls in smaller sizes for youth players or women players. The NBA and other basketball leagues typically use indoor basketballs. Spalding is the official basketball of the NBA. In 2006, the NBA switched to a composite surface basketball with a different rib pattern but due to many complaints by the players, they decided to switch back to the standard basketball. Other top indoor leather basketball manufacturers include Molten (Japanese sporting goods company who provides basketballs for the FIBA) and Wilson (official ball of the NCAA tournament and many high school leagues).

Indoor/Outdoor Use - These types of basketballs are very common because they have the versatility of being used in either indoor or outdoor environments. The biggest difference of an indoor/outdoor ball is the material. Indoor/outdoor basketballs are usually made out of durable composites and sometimes rubber. It is easier to find this type of ball in the smaller 27.5 inch or 28.5 inch size than an indoor ball. Spalding, Wilson and Molten all manufacture these types of balls as well. Indoor/Outdoor basketballs tend to be much cheaper than indoor balls because of the cheaper material used on the outside of the ball. Many city leagues and high school teams use this type of ball for game play and practice.

Outdoor Use - Basketballs that are produced strictly for outdoor play are typically made of rubber and come in all sizes. They produce them in the 27.5 inch, 28.5 inch and 29.5 inch but also in mini sizes for much younger players. Because of the tougher outdoor surfaces like asphalt and gravel, outdoor balls are a necessity for outdoor play because the softer leather surface would be easily damaged by the rough texture. Moisture is also an issue that outdoor basketballs handle much better than indoor basketballs. Outdoor basketballs tend to be the cheapest because of the materials involved and they are easily found in any sporting goods stores but also non-specialty department stores.

Now that you know which kind of ball you need to begin your game, find a basketball court and test that new basketball out.