Basketball: what kit do you need?
What kit does your kid need to play Basketball
One of the great things about basketball is that it’s a relatively inexpensive sport to play. Depending on where you live, you might only need to buy a ball. Of course, if you want to, you can spend a lot of money on that ball. But rather than cost, your key consideration when buying basketball equipment should be choosing the right ball for your child.
Choosing a Basketball
While it is true that anyone can play with just about any size of basketball, it is important to choose the right size for your child. Depending on their age and physical ability, a full-size basketball may be too heavy for them to play with properly. An overly large ball can make it difficult for them to develop good shooting form and can lead to frustration and injuries. Buying the right size basketball for their age will help them develop their skills, confidence, and enjoyment of the game.
There is one other key factor to consider: where your child will play. Basketballs are typically made for either indoor (hardwood courts) or outdoor (asphalt/concrete) use. For most kids starting, a durable rubber or composite leather outdoor ball is the best choice.
🏀 Basketball can range in price from the very cheap to the very expensive (usually official NBA balls). When your child is starting to play, you do not need to spend a lot of money on a ball.
There are seven different sizes of basketball available. However, from children through to adults, the most common sizes are Size 4 (24.5 inches/64.5cm) through to Size 7 (29.5 inches/75cm) – a full-size basketball.
| Size | Width (inches) | Width (cm) | Target Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size 3 | 22.5 inches | 55.9 cm | Novelty ball (all ages) |
| Size 4 | 24.5 inches | 64.5 cm | 5-8 years old |
| Size 5 | 27.5 inches | 69.5 cm | 8-11 years old |
| Size 6 | 28.5 inches | 72.5 cm | Females 12+*, Males 9-12 |
| Size 7 | 29.5 inches | 75 cm | Males 13+ |
*Note: Size 6 is the size of a professional women’s basketball and most girls’ and women’s leagues.
How to choose a basketball hoop
If you want to install a basketball hoop at your home, there are several options available. Your choice will likely depend on two factors, namely: the space you have available and your child’s age.
The two most popular types of basketball hoop are:
🏀 Most Common Choice For Families – A portable hoop with a weighted base: These are ideal for playing with younger children, as the height can usually be adjusted as they grow and develop. They can also be moved around for convenience. Look for sturdier models with a shatterproof backboard that can handle rougher play.
🏀 Wall-mounted hoops: Wall-mounted hoops can be placed on the sides of houses or garages. They are a sturdy option for long-term play. However, because of their mounting, they are not (usually) adjustable, and therefore you need to determine the ideal height of the hoop for your child, both now and in the future.
Choosing the right height for your hoop
Selecting the right hoop height is crucial for helping your child build confidence, develop technique, and have fun. The standard hoop height for adults and professional players is 10 feet (3.05 meters), but this is too high for younger children to play with. Instead, target the following heights based on their age:
🏀 Ages 5–7: 6-7 feet / 180-210cm
🏀 Ages 8–10: 8 feet / 240cm
🏀 Ages 11+: 10 feet / 305cm (regulation height)
If possible, choose an adjustable hoop that grows with your child. Start with it low so that they can focus on practicing their shooting. As their strength and skill improve, gradually raise the hoop higher.
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