With the start of a new school year, many 8th graders are preparing for the start of their respective sports season. One of the most important items to consider is the ball size for the sport being played. Knowing the correct size ball for a team or individual sport is key to ensuring the safety of players and the quality of play.
Basketball
Basketball is one of the most popular team sports for 8th graders. The official ball size for 8th grade basketball is a size 7 ball, which is 28.5 inches in circumference. This is the same size ball that is used for high school and college basketball. The size 7 ball is slightly larger than the size 6 ball used for elementary and middle school basketball. It is also larger than the size 5 ball used for youth basketball.
Football
The official ball size for 8th grade football is a size 9 ball, which is 11 to 11.25 inches in circumference. This is the same size ball used in high school and college football. The size 9 ball is slightly larger than the size 8 ball used in the NFL and is slightly smaller than the size 10 ball used in youth football.
Soccer
The official ball size for 8th grade soccer is a size 5 ball, which is 22 to 23 inches in circumference. This is the same size ball used in high school and college soccer. The size 5 ball is slightly larger than the size 4 ball used in youth soccer.
Baseball
The official ball size for 8th grade baseball is a size 9 ball, which is 2.9 inches in circumference. This is the same size ball used in high school, college, and professional baseball. The size 9 ball is slightly larger than the size 8 ball used in youth baseball.
Softball
The official ball size for 8th grade softball is a 12-inch ball, which is 2.9 inches in circumference. This is the same size ball used in high school and college softball. The 12-inch ball is slightly larger than the 11-inch ball used in youth softball.
Volleyball
The official ball size for 8th grade volleyball is a size 6 ball, which is 25 to 26 inches in circumference. This is the same size ball used in high school, college, and professional volleyball. The size 6 ball is slightly larger than the size 5 ball used in youth volleyball.
Golf
The official ball size for 8th grade golf is a size 3 ball, which is 1.68 inches in circumference. This is the same size ball used in high school and college golf. The size 3 ball is slightly larger than the size 2 ball used in youth golf.
Conclusion
Knowing the correct size ball for the sport being played is important for the safety of the players and the quality of the game. For 8th graders, the official ball size for basketball is a size 7 ball, football is a size 9 ball, soccer is a size 5 ball, baseball is a size 9 ball, softball is a 12-inch ball, volleyball is a size 6 ball, and golf is a size 3 ball.