The 11 Best Outdoor Basketball Balls of 2023: Take Your Game to The Next Level!

When I was a kid, there was nothing better than getting shots up in the driveway. There’s much more freedom and less anxiety about whether I made or missed the shots that I threw at the hoop.

A lot of times, my dad would come out and rebound for me. He’d even try to shoot a few in an attempt to relive the old days.

His jump shot wasn’t the prettiest, but even a broken clock tells the right time twice a day.

Those are moments that have stuck with me all of these years.

If you don’t have the right basketball, these moments can be too few and far between.

The wrong basketball can wear out quickly if it’s constantly being bounced on concrete and asphalt over and over again.

You want to get your money’s worth, don’t you? You want the best outdoor basketball that stands the test of time and can put up with hours and hours of outdoor play.

Having a high-quality basketball that lasts beats going to the store every few weeks to get a new one.

(And it also saves your wallet.)

When it comes to playing outdoors, you need a basketball that can withstand the harsh elements while still providing excellent grip and bounce.

But with so many options available in the market, how do you choose the one that suits you best?

In this article, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to finding the best outdoor basketball for your game! So lace up those outdoor basketball shoes, and let’s get started!

What Are The Best Outdoor Basketball Balls This Year?

Here are our picks for the best outdoor basketball this year!

Key Benefits

• Superior grip for excellent ball control

• Durable construction for long-lasting play

• Moisture-wicking cover keeps hands dry and comfortable

• Trusted brand: Wilson, a leader in sports equipment

• Perfect for indoor and outdoor use

My Take

The Wilson Official Encore Basketball offers a superior grip and durable construction, making it a suitable outdoor ball for both professional and casual players. However, it may be slightly more expensive compared to other composite leather balls on the market. It helps if you know how to clean a basketball so you can help it last longer.

Key Benefits

• Superior grip for enhanced ball control, allowing for precise shooting, passing, and dribbling

• Durable design ensures long-lasting performance, making it perfect for intense gameplay

• Moisture-wicking cover keeps hands dry and comfortable, reducing the chance of slipping during play

• Reliable bounce provides consistent performance on any court surface

• Suitable for all levels of play, from professional athletes to casual players

My Take

The Nike Elite All Court 8P 2.0 Basketball is a stylish and high-quality basketball that features deep grooves for optimal grip and precise hand control, perfect for showcasing your skills on any court as long as you keep it pumped up/ There are even methods to pump up a basketball without a pump. However, it may be slightly more expensive compared to other basketball options available.

Key Benefits

• Durable composite leather construction ensures long-lasting performance, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor play.

• Superior grip with deep channels for enhanced ball control, allowing for precise shooting, passing, and dribbling.

• Consistent bounce provides optimal performance on any court surface, maintaining the integrity of the game.

• Official size and weight for regulation play, making it suitable for competitive games and tournaments.

• Designed for players of all levels, from beginners to professionals, to elevate their skills and performance.

My Take

The Spalding Cross Court Official Basketball is a versatile basketball designed for both indoor and outdoor play, offering all-surface performance with its composite cover that makes it easier to palm a basketball. One pro is its durability and suitability for different playing environments, while a con could be the lack of grip or bounce features.

Key Benefits

• Durable rubber cover designed to withstand rough outdoor surfaces and harsh weather conditions.

• Deep channels and pebbled texture provide superior grip and control for enhanced ball handling during gameplay.

• Excellent bounce and responsiveness, ensuring consistent performance on any outdoor court.

• Official size and weight for regulation play, making it suitable for competitive games and tournaments.

• High-quality craftsmanship from Nike, a trusted and renowned brand in sports equipment.

My Take

The Nike Dominate Outdoor Basketball is a reliable choice for outdoor play, featuring a durable rubber cover that holds up well on rough surfaces. One pro is its superior grip for enhanced handling, while a con is the limited size options.

Key Benefits

• Premium composite cover provides exceptional grip and durability for long-lasting performance on indoor and outdoor courts.

• Official size and weight make it suitable for competitive games and tournaments, ensuring a consistent playing experience.

• Deep channels and consistent bounce offer optimal control and handling, allowing players to showcase their skills with precision.

• The versatile design allows for a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor play, making it a great choice for all types of courts.

• FIBA approved, indicating its high quality and adherence to international basketball standards.

My Take

The Molten Indoor/Outdoor Official Basketball is a versatile choice for both indoor and outdoor play, featuring a synthetic cover ideal for durability and performance. One pro is its FIBA approval, ensuring its quality and adherence to international basketball standards. However, a potential con could be limited availability and pricing information across different retailers.

Key Benefits

• A durable rubber cover provides exceptional grip and resilience against outdoor surfaces, ensuring long-lasting performance.

• Unique diamond-shaped pattern enhances control and handling, allowing players to maintain a firm grip and showcase their skills with precision.

• Official size and weight make it suitable for competitive games and tournaments, ensuring a consistent playing experience.

• Designed for outdoor play, this basketball can withstand tough conditions and maintain its performance over time.

• High-quality construction and materials ensure durability and longevity, making it a reliable choice for intense gameplay.

My Take

The Jordan Diamond Outdoor 8P Basketball is designed for outdoor play, featuring an allover diamond grip pattern that provides superior ball feel and control. One pro is its reinforced material, offering extended durability; however, availability may vary across different retailers.

Key Benefits

• Official basketball of the WNBA, ensuring professional quality and performance.

• Versatile design is suitable for both indoor and outdoor play, making it perfect for any court.

• Durable composite leather cover provides excellent grip and feel, enhancing ball control and shooting accuracy.

• The size of 28.5″ makes it ideal for players of all ages, offering a comfortable grip and easier handling.

• Official WNBA branding adds a touch of authenticity and style to your game.

My Take

The Wilson WNBA Authentic Indoor/Outdoor Basketball 28.5” offers an authentic experience with its durable design. One pro is its Pure Feel Cover, providing a pro-level feel; however, availability may vary depending on the retailer.

What Are The Best Indoor Basketballs?

Looking to head over to the local indoor basketball court to work on your dribbling and get some shots up? Here are our picks for the best indoor basketball of the year.

Key Benefits

• Microfiber composite leather cover offers superior grip and control, enhancing ball handling and shooting accuracy.

• Patented cushion core technology ensures optimal bounce for a consistent and responsive playing experience.

• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor play, making it versatile for various court surfaces.

• The official size (29.5″) meets NBA specifications, providing an authentic feel for players of all levels.

• Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance, withstanding intense gameplay.

My Take

The Wilson Official Evolution Basketball is a top choice for players seeking an iconic ball with an unmatched feel and grip. One pro is its microfiber composite leather cover, which provides exceptional control; however, it is intended for indoor use only.

Key Benefits

• Premium leather cover offers superior grip, control, and durability for intense gameplay.

• Official NBA size (29.5″) ensures an authentic experience, perfect for competitive play.

• Designed for indoor use, delivering optimal bounce and performance on hardwood courts.

• Advanced cushion core technology provides a responsive feel and consistent play.

• Deep channel construction enhances fingertip control and grip for precise handling.

My Take

The Wilson NBA Authentic Indoor Official Competition Basketball 29.5” is a top-tier choice for serious players, with its premium leather cover providing excellent grip and control. One pro is its official NBA size, ensuring an authentic playing experience; however, it is designed specifically for indoor use.

Key Benefits

• Composite leather cover provides superior grip and control, ensuring precise handling during gameplay.

• Advanced microfiber backing enhances durability and extends the lifespan of the basketball.

• Designed specifically for indoor use, delivering optimal performance on hardwood courts.

• Balanced weight distribution offers a consistent feel and improved shot accuracy.

• Meets official size and weight standards, making it suitable for professional and competitive play.

My Take

The Baden Elite Indoor Game Basketball is a top-of-the-line choice for serious players, with its composite leather cover providing excellent grip and control. One pro is its advanced microfiber backing that enhances durability; however, some users have found it slightly pricier compared to other indoor basketball options.

What is The Best Weighted Basketball?

To develop better handles, a lot of players, including those in the NBA, use weighted basketballs. Here’s our top pick for a weighted basketball that can take your dribbling to the next level!

Key Benefits

• 29.5″ size and heavy weight designed to improve strength and control during ball handling exercises.

• A durable composite cover ensures long-lasting performance, making it perfect for intense training sessions.

• Wide channels provide excellent grip, allowing players to maintain control while dribbling, passing, and shooting.

• Helps develop muscle memory and strengthens fingers, wrists, and forearms for enhanced performance on the court.

• Ideal for players of all skill levels looking to improve their technique and overall basketball skills.

My Take

The SKLZ Heavy Weight Control Training Basketball is a 3 lb basketball designed to improve ball handling, passing, and rebounding skills. One advantage is that it helps strengthen fingers, wrists, and forearms. On the downside, you cannot shoot with a weighted basketball.

What is an Outdoor Basketball?

An outdoor basketball is a basketball that is created to handle harsh outdoor elements.

Outdoor basketballs are specifically created to withstand hours of beating on concrete, asphalt, and other materials on one’s driveway or outdoor basketball court.

Outdoor basketballs keep their grip and moisture much better than if you were to use an indoor basketball outside.

It’d be nice to not have to deflate your basketball or run to the store for a new ball every few weeks, right?

What Size Basketball Should You Get?

Here’s a chart to help you determine what is the right basketball size for you or your child:

Age/Gender	Basketball Size
Boys & Girls Age 5-9	27.5
Boy’s age 9-12	28.5
Girls age 9+	28.5
Boys age 12+	29.5

Conclusion

Picking up an outdoor basketball for long days practicing in the hot sun is well worth the investment. All you need to know is how to inflate a basketball, and you’re all set to go!

Indoor basketballs are not meant to be used on outdoor courts. They simply cannot withstand the elements as well as a basketball made for outdoor play.

Finding the best outdoor basketball can make a significant impact on your game, whether you’re playing for fun or competitively.

By considering the size, material, bounce, weather resistance, and reviews, you can find a basketball that suits your needs and budget.

Don’t be afraid to invest in a good basketball, as it can make a significant difference in your game and help you develop your skills over time.

So get out there, practice, and enjoy playing basketball with the best ball that suits your needs!

FAQ

What is the best material for outdoor basketball?

Leather is best. The leather allows the best grip for basketball, and those basketballs manufactured for outdoor play using leather can hold up to the elements.

Is Wilson or Spalding better?

Wilson.

Wilson has tons of different options to check out. Again, this is sort of personal preference based on feel. Some may like Spalding better, but that’s their opinion.

Try out both and see which you like best!

Composite leather or rubber basketballs?

Again, I say go with leather. Rubber basketballs last a long time, but I always find the material irritating to my hands.

Rubber basketballs leave you prone to blistering with the constant rubbing against your skin.

Do outdoor balls last a long time?

Some can last years, depending on how much you use it and what kind of surface you’re playing on.