Have you been busy hooping and your ball is just about worn through? Or are you hoping to find the perfect indoor basketball to gift a hooper? Don’t worry, today we’ve got all you coaches, parents, and basketball players covered. We’ve pulled together a selection of the best indoor basketballs, based on our favorites from playing, and reviews from over 2,000 hoopers.
Many NBA and WNBA players practice with Wilson basketballs, as you can see during some of their private work outs with trainer Chris Brickley (who also has his own weighted ball series with Wilson), because Wilson is now the official basketball of the NBA and WNBA, so we’ve included more Wilson balls than any other brand.
Below explore indoor basketball recommendations for serious hoopers, recreational players, casual fans, and even a selection for young kids. From the plush Wilson Evolution to the extra grippy and more budget-friendly Nike Tournament Elite, find just the ball you need. Keep in mind the right ball size as you shop: kids size 5, women’s size 6, men’s size 7.
Wilson Evolution is always our go-to ball and is now available with the logo mark in a variety of colors. The consistent plush feel and grip simply can’t be beat. The Wilson Evolution Game Ball is also the preferred basketball in high schools across the country. So these balls are used in most leagues, and the weight and feel will be the same for you in both game and practice. Every part of this ball, from the unparalleled soft-feel composite leather cover, to the laid-in channels, provide that superior quality experience with a smooth grip, and it holds air well for a consistent bounce.
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If you want to play with the official ball of March Madness, this is the ball for you. The NCAA Evo NXT game basketball is built for long range shooters and it’s a lighter ball. Its surface uses a Micro Touch Cover for a comfortable grip and feel allowing for an effortless shooters touch upon release. And it uses revolutionary Extended Range Tech: the weight of the ball is redistributed with an advanced internal construction, making the ball easier to shoot from long range.
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Some might call this the goldilocks of basketballs. This is an amazing indoor basketball if you would like to save a few bucks. And it’s been rated a 4.6/5 by over 1,500 hoopers worldwide. This ball is the right mix of the pro NBA version and Evolution, at a much cheaper price point. It’s not as expensive nor as slippery as the pro ball, but it’s not as plush or rubbery as the Evolution. However overall is has a nice soft feel and provides consistent performance.
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OK some of our favorite hoopers have been in our ear about Baden, so we gave it a try. This is actually a nice ball. It’s rated a 4.5 on more than 1,500 reviews, so we shouldn’t have been surprised. Baden’s Elite basketball has a tacky moisture grip and proprietary composite microfiber that gives you superior ball control. Its patented Cushion Control Technology (CCT) creates a softer feel, truer bounce, and longer life.
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Hoopers who prefer a very strong grip will like this ball the best. This ball is used for many recreation leagues and has been rated a 4.5/5 by hoopers. The Nike Elite Tournament Basketball has extra-deep channels and a composite exterior that helps you keep your grip. The durable design retains air well and it lasts a long time.
If you have a young hooper, say grades 1 and below, get them a ball that fits their hands and that’s a weight they can really manage. When young bodies are forced to play with larger balls, they develop the wrong mechanics. It’s better for kids to develop the proper form from the start, and a ball that’s smaller and easy for their hands to grip will help them do that. This mini-pack of balls is rated 4.5 by over 1,000 hoopers. They are 6 inches big, soft and durable, and are made of environmentally PVC material which is 100% safe and non-toxic.
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Now that you’ve picked out the best ball, it’s time to get to work! Explore effective shooting drills for developing a quick release, pivot drills to work on creating space, and fun ball handling drills you can do at home. If you’re looking to hit an outdoor court, check out the best outdoor basketballs as well.
