Choosing a basketball doesn't need to be complicated.
While different balls use different materials and technologies, most players can narrow down their options by answering two simple questions:
What size basketball do I need?
And:
Where am I going to play?
Basketballs are available in different sizes for different age groups and competitions, while their covers are designed specifically for indoor courts, outdoor surfaces or a combination of both.
Here's how to find the right basketball for you.
What Size Basketball Do You Need?
Basketballs generally come in three main playing sizes: 5, 6 and 7.
Size 7 – Full Size
A size 7 basketball measures approximately 29.5 inches around the circumference and is the standard full-size basketball.
It's commonly used for senior men's basketball and is the size most people think of when they picture a traditional basketball.
If you're buying a ball for an adult men's competition or simply want the standard full-size option, size 7 will generally be the starting point.
INTERSPORT Australia carries plenty of size 7 options from brands including Spalding and Wilson.
Size 6 – Intermediate Size
A size 6 basketball measures approximately 28.5 inches.
It's commonly used in professional women's basketball as well as many junior competitions (ages 12-14).
The slightly smaller circumference makes the ball easier to control for players using size 6 competition rules.
Size 5 – Junior Size
A size 5 basketball measures approximately 27.5 inches and is primarily designed for younger players.
The smaller size and reduced weight can make learning skills such as dribbling, passing and shooting more manageable.
If you're buying for junior basketball, always check the size required by your local competition because age-group rules can vary.
Indoor Basketballs
If almost all of your basketball is played inside on timber courts, an indoor basketball will usually provide the best feel.
Indoor balls commonly use higher-quality composite or microfiber-style covers designed to provide a softer touch and strong grip.
For Spalding, two of the standout indoor options are the Spalding TF-1000 Legacy Indoor Basketball and the Spalding Precision TF-1000.
The TF-1000 Legacy uses a microfiber composite leather cover designed for moisture management, alongside deep channels to improve control. It's also FIBA approved and sits among Spalding's premium indoor game-ball options.
The Precision TF-1000 takes a similarly performance-focused approach, using a soft microfiber composite cover designed to provide strong grip and a game-ready feel straight out of the box.
Wilson's NBA Authentic Indoor Basketball provides another indoor option, using Wilson's Pure Feel microfiber cover to create a softer feel and consistent control.
Indoor basketballs are great for:
- Indoor training
- Domestic competition
- Timber courts
- Players who prioritise grip and feel
However, that softer cover isn't designed for repeated use on rough outdoor surfaces.
Taking a premium indoor basketball onto concrete or asphalt can cause the cover to wear considerably faster.
Outdoor Basketballs
If you're shooting around in the driveway, at the local park or on an outdoor court, choose a basketball built to handle those surfaces.
Outdoor basketballs generally use tougher materials that can better cope with concrete and other abrasive surfaces.
The Wilson NBA Authentic Series Outdoor Game Ball is designed specifically for driveways and outdoor courts, using a Tackskin cover that provides grip while being suitable for outdoor conditions.
For Spalding, the preferred outdoor option is the Spalding TF-150. It is designed specifically for outdoor play, making it a practical choice for driveways, park courts and regular casual use where durability matters most.
Outdoor basketballs are best for:
- Concrete courts
- Asphalt
- Driveways
- Outdoor hoops
- Regular park use
They may not provide quite the same soft feel as a premium indoor ball, but the trade-off is improved durability.
Indoor/Outdoor or All-Surface Basketballs
If you regularly move between indoor and outdoor courts, an indoor/outdoor basketball can be the easiest option.
These balls sit between the other two categories.
They're designed to provide a more comfortable and grippy feel than a basic outdoor ball while still being durable enough to handle harder surfaces.
A good example is the Spalding React TF-250 Indoor/Outdoor Basketball.
Its composite leather cover is designed to transition between concrete and hardwood, giving players a balance between outdoor durability and indoor-style grip. It's also available in sizes 5, 6 and 7.
Wilson also offers the NBA Authentic Series Indoor/Outdoor Basketball, providing another option for players who don't want separate balls for each surface.
An all-surface basketball makes sense for:
- Training at different venues
- School basketball
- Casual players
- Players who alternate between indoor and outdoor courts
- Someone buying one basketball for general use
Indoor vs Outdoor Basketball: Does It Really Matter?
Yes; mainly because of durability.
A premium indoor basketball can feel excellent on timber, but its softer surface isn't designed to repeatedly rub against concrete.
Using it outside may wear down the cover and eventually reduce the grip you bought the ball for in the first place.
An outdoor ball uses tougher materials to handle those surfaces.
If you only play indoors, choose an indoor ball.
If you mostly play outside, choose an outdoor model.
If you do a little bit of everything, an indoor/outdoor basketball is usually the easiest choice.
So, Which Basketball Should You Buy?
Start with the correct size:
Size 7: Full-size basketball commonly used for senior men's basketball.
Size 6: Commonly used for women's basketball and many junior competitions.
Size 5: Junior basketball designed for younger players.
Then choose your surface:
Indoor: Best feel and grip for timber courts.
Outdoor: Greater durability for concrete, asphalt and driveways.
Indoor/Outdoor: A versatile middle ground if you play on both.
You don't necessarily need the most expensive basketball available.
The right ball is the one that's the correct size for your competition and designed for the surface you actually use.
Explore INTERSPORT Australia's range of basketballs from brands including Spalding and Wilson to find the size and construction that suits where you play.
