Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and its weight is an important factor in the game. The official weight of a basketball is 22 ounces (just over 600 grams). However, there are some variations in the weight of different balls, depending on their size and material.
Size and Material Affect the Weight of a Basketball
The size of a basketball affects its weight, as larger balls tend to be heavier than smaller ones. The official size of a basketball is 29.5 inches (74.9 cm) in circumference and is usually referred to as a ‘size 7’ or ‘official size’ ball. A smaller ball, known as a ‘size 6’, is 27.75 inches (70.5 cm) in circumference and weighs approximately 20 ounces (565 grams).
The material used to make the ball also affects its weight. Most basketballs are made of leather, rubber, or a combination of the two materials. Leather basketballs tend to be heavier than rubber ones, due to the extra weight from the leather.
Indoor vs Outdoor Basketballs
In addition to size and material, the type of basketball also affects its weight. Indoor basketballs are designed to be used on hardwood or composite courts, while outdoor basketballs are designed for use on concrete, asphalt, or other outdoor surfaces. Indoor basketballs are usually made of rubber and are lighter than outdoor ones, which are often made of leather and are heavier.
Weight of Specialty Basketballs
There are also specialty basketballs that are heavier than the standard size 7 ball. These include weighted basketballs, which are heavier than the standard 22-ounce ball and are used to help build strength and improve ball handling skills. There are also weighted training basketballs that are used to help improve shooting accuracy. These balls can be up to 32 ounces (910 grams) in weight.
Conclusion
The weight of a basketball varies depending on its size, material, and type. The official weight of a basketball is 22 ounces (600 grams) and is referred to as a ‘size 7’ or ‘official size’ ball. Smaller balls, such as a ‘size 6’, are lighter and weigh approximately 20 ounces (565 grams). The type of material and the type of court can also affect the weight of the ball. Specialty basketballs, such as weighted basketballs and weighted training basketballs, are heavier than the standard 22-ounce ball and are used to help improve ball handling and shooting skills.