Finding the perfect basketball can be a challenge, especially when it comes to young players. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best youth basketballs for both indoor and outdoor play. These basketballs are durable, high-quality, and offer excellent grip and control, making them perfect for players of all skill levels.

Spalding Outdoor Basketballs

10,425 Ratings

4.6

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The Spalding Rookie Gear Youth Indoor-Outdoor Basketball is one of the best youth basketballs for young players starting to learn basketball basics. It’s a reasonably priced and durable ball with features that can help kids develop their skills. However, it doesn’t bounce as well as some other basketballs, so more advanced players may prefer a different ball.

Pros:

The Spalding Street All performance basketball has a deep channel design for superior control, making it easier to handle and maneuver during gameplay.
The ball is designed for outdoor play, meaning it can withstand the wear and tear of playing on asphalt or concrete surfaces.
The Spalding Street All performance basketball ships inflated and game-ready, saving you time and hassle.

Cons:

Some customers reported that the ball arrived without air, requiring them to purchase a separate pump to inflate it.
While the ball is great for outdoor play, it may not be the best choice for serious indoor basketball players.
The cost of the ball may be higher than other outdoor basketball options on the market.

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WILSON Evolution Basketball

12,480 Ratings

4.8

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The Dunn-Rite pool basketball is a top choice for anyone looking to add some fun to their pool activities. This regulation size ball has an anti-slip grip, making it perfect for both adults and kids. Its durability guarantees many summers of use.

Pros:

The Wilson Evolution Game Ball is the preferred basketball in high schools across the country.
The premium evo microfiber composite cover provides grip that players love and durability to last all season and beyond.
The laid-in composite channels create a consistent feel and texture over the entire surface of the basketball to provide unparalleled control.

Cons:

The ball has a slightly abrasive surface that may wear out quickly and require a replacement.
The stems on the ball may leak air too easily, making it necessary to re-inflate the ball frequently.
The ball is on the pricier side, which may be a barrier to purchase for those on a budget.

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Spalding NeverFlat Basketball

118 Ratings

4.3

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The Chance Premium Design Printed Rubber Basketball is among the best youth basketballs available in the market, providing both casual and serious players with excellent performance and durability at an affordable price. Its construction and design make it a great value for money, and the brand’s 100% risk-free purchase guarantee gives you the confidence to buy it.

Pros:

The Spalding NeverFlat Elite Indoor-Outdoor Basketball has a premium composite cover with sponge carcass, making it durable and long-lasting.
The ball is shipped inflated and game-ready, so you can start playing right away without the hassle of inflating it yourself.
The NeverFlat air retention technology guarantees that the ball stays inflated for one year, making it a reliable investment for basketball enthusiasts.

Cons:

Some customers have reported that the ball arrived over-inflated, making it too hard and difficult to play with.
The grip on the ball may not last for avid players who use it frequently, requiring them to purchase a new ball more often.
A few customers have mentioned that the ball makes a strange and loud sound with every dribble, which could be distracting or annoying for some.

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WILSON NCAA Outdoor Basketballs

15,935 Ratings

4.7

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The SportimeMax Hands-On Junior Basketball is one of the best youth basketballs for kids learning how to play basketball. Its lightweight and easy-to-grip design, combined with the markings on the ball, make it an excellent teaching tool. This durable ball can withstand being left outside in the rain and still hold up nicely, making it an excellent investment for your child’s basketball journey.

Pros:

All-Surface Cover and Deep Channel Construction Improves Grip
Premium Carcass Construction for Excellent Rebound and Durability
Ideal for Recreational Players

Cons:

Wears Out Quickly on Concrete Surfaces
Slightly Under-Inflated Upon Arrival
Black Coloring on Ball Seams Wears Away Quickly

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Spalding Rookie Gear Youth Basketball

559 Ratings

4.7

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Overall, I think the Spalding Rookie Gear Youth Indoor-Outdoor Basketball is a good choice for young players who are just starting to learn the basics of basketball. It’s reasonably priced, seems durable, and has a few features that might help kids develop their skills. The only downside is that it doesn’t bounce as well as some other basketballs, so if your child is more advanced, they might prefer a different ball.

Pros:

The Spalding Rookie Gear Youth Indoor-Outdoor Basketball is 15% lighter than traditional basketballs, making it easier for young players to handle and develop proper technique.
It is designed for both indoor and outdoor play, making it versatile for different playing environments.
The ball comes shipped inflated and game-ready, saving you time and hassle.

Cons:

Some reviewers have reported that the ball does not bounce as well as other basketballs, making a thud sound when it hits the ground.
A few reviewers have also noted that the ball is too light, which can throw off shooting.
One reviewer reported receiving a defective ball that deflated within an hour of pumping it up.

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Dunn-Rite 9″ Pool Basketball Hoop

504 Ratings

4.7

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Overall, I highly recommend the Dunn-Rite pool basketball for anyone looking for a fun addition to their pool activities. With its regulation size and anti-slip grip, it’s perfect for adults and kids alike. Plus, its durability means it will last for many summers to come.

Pros:

The Dunn-Rite 9″ Regulation Clear Hoop Outdoor Swimming Pool Basketball is a full-size basketball that is perfect for full-size basketball hoops.
The ball features a dimpled textured grip that provides an anti-slip gripping surface, which helps to keep the ball in your hands even when it’s wet.
The ball is easy to inflate to your desired firmness using any standard tire/ball inflator (not included), making it a convenient option for pool owners.

Cons:

The ball is heavy and may detach the rim from the backboard if the rim is not well connected to the backboard, which could be a safety hazard for smaller kids.
The ball may be too heavy for a pool hoop and may knock the backboard around, making it difficult to play with.
The ball ships deflated, so you will need to purchase a tire/ball inflator separately to inflate it, which adds an additional cost.

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Chance Basketball

1,887 Ratings

4.5

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Overall, I highly recommend the Chance Premium Design Printed Rubber Basketball. It’s a great value for the price, and its durable construction and excellent performance make it a great choice for both casual and serious players alike. Plus, with the brand’s 100% risk-free purchase guarantee, you can buy with confidence knowing that you can easily return it if you’re not completely satisfied.

Pros:

The Chance Premium Design Printed Rubber Basketball is made of high-quality rubber material that provides excellent performance for outdoor basketball play but can also be used indoors.
The ball features an aggressive pebble pattern and deep channels that allow for ultimate grip and control on 27.5″, 28.5″, and 29.5″ basketballs.
The butyl bladder locks in air for optimal ball pressure and shape retention, ensuring a consistent bounce throughout your game.

Cons:

The ball comes deflated, and an air pump and inflation needle are not included in the package.
Some reviewers have noted that the ball’s paint cracks due to creases from being folded up during shipping.
The ball may lose air occasionally, so it’s recommended to keep a pump handy.

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SportimeMax Junior Basketball

335 Ratings

4.5

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Overall, I highly recommend the SportimeMax Hands-On Junior Basketball for any child learning how to play basketball. It’s lightweight, easy to grip, and the markings on the ball make it a great teaching tool. Plus, it’s durable enough to withstand being left outside in the rain and still hold up nicely.

Pros:

The Hands-On Junior Basketball teaches the art of shooting to both right and left-handed children, providing hand placement cues for both.
The ball is striped in bright contrasting panels of high-optic yellow and orange, which provides clear directions for the rotation of a correctly released ball.
Perfect size and weight for children aged 3 to 10 years old, and a great product for beginners.

Cons:

The markings on the ball can be confusing for little ones, so parents need to teach them what the markings mean.
The ball comes deflated in a plastic bag, so parents need to inflate it themselves.
The ball may not last long if left outside in the rain or harsh weather conditions.

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