Best 28.5-inch Basketballs

Customer Favorite

Intended for indoor use, this ball features thousands of micro-pebble touchpoints for an outstanding grip.

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Walmart

Customer Favorite

Intended for indoor use, this ball features thousands of micro-pebble touchpoints for an outstanding grip.

Evo microfiber composite leather cover offers a great combination of grip and durability. Quality grip comes from thousands of micro-pebble touchpoints. Moisture-wicking inlaid channels. Cushioned core. Good grip with a soft feel.

Street Outdoor Basketball

Slippery when it gets wet. Takes time to break this ball in.

Best Bang for the Buck

Spalding

Perfect for Playgrounds

A rubber ball made by the biggest brand in basketball for your playground, driveway, and outdoor court.

Perfect for Playgrounds

A rubber ball made by the biggest brand in basketball for your playground, driveway, and outdoor court.

Available in traditional colors or pink/purple, this rubber ball is built to withstand tougher playing surfaces. This is perfect for outdoor practice and pickup games. Deep channels help players keep control as they drive to the hoop.

NCAA Replica Game Basketball

Only for outdoor use; not ideal for indoor play.

Wilson Sporting Goods

Pretty in Pink

This NCAA ball is an admirable replica of the type that is used at college games across the country.

Pretty in Pink

This NCAA ball is an admirable replica of the type that is used at college games across the country.

The moisture-absorbing leather keeps the grip strong as sweaty athletes pass it around. The exterior is soft, making it easier to shoot jump shots like the pros. Great option for those who don't want to splurge for top-of-the-line options.

Heavy Duty Rubber Basketball

Some say that this deflates quicker than others.

Champion Sports

Simple Yet Solid

A rubber ball with impressive grip that's great for indoor hoops and outdoor ones alike.

Simple Yet Solid

A rubber ball with impressive grip that's great for indoor hoops and outdoor ones alike.

All-purpose design makes it a go-to for those who want it all. Built for perfect bounce and aerodynamic flight on jumpers. Champion builds this high-value basketball to withstand constant use without going lopsided and springing leaks.

SkilCoach Shooter's Training Basketball, Rubber, 28.5"

While it ships inflated, it might lose air in transit.

Baden

Great Learning Tool

Baden's indoor and outdoor basketball helps young players learn the proper way to hold it.

Great Learning Tool

Baden's indoor and outdoor basketball helps young players learn the proper way to hold it.

It's an affordable way to work on you or your child's shooting form. The hand graphics breakdown proper shooting mechanics. The rubber cover can withstand constant play on hardwood and concrete alike. Great for practice at the park.

Evolution Indoor Game Basketball

Some would prefer this ball come in a game-ready leather model.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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First Reviewed

September 27, 2021

Models
considered

Hours
researched

Written by Ade Hennis

Updated April 2023

With 28.5” basketballs, you’ll have the perfect size for female and younger players. The size of a basketball is measured by the circumference of the ball. You’ll find that 28.5” basketballs are made for pre-teen children. Women’s basketball leagues also use the 28.5” basketball, sometimes called a size 6 ball. A standard men’s basketball is a size 7 ball, which has a 29.5” circumference. Some manufacturers also offer size 5 basketballs, which measure 27.5” in circumference. These are made for children younger than 9 years old. Using 28.5” basketballs for younger players and women is a smart idea. The slightly smaller ball fits the hands of kids and women better than the standard size ball. This allows for more successful ballhanding skills and shooting results.

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Our Top Picks

Best of the Best

Wilson

Intended for indoor use, this ball features thousands of micro-pebble touchpoints for an outstanding grip.

Street Outdoor Basketball

Best Bang for the Buck

Spalding

A rubber ball made by the biggest brand in basketball for your playground, driveway, and outdoor court.

NCAA Replica Game Basketball

Top Pick

Wilson Sporting Goods

This NCAA ball is an admirable replica of the type that is used at college games across the country.

Heavy Duty Rubber Basketball

Top Pick

Champion Sports

A rubber ball with impressive grip that's great for indoor hoops and outdoor ones alike.

SkilCoach Shooter's Training Basketball, Rubber, 28.5"

Top Pick

Baden

Baden's indoor and outdoor basketball helps young players learn the proper way to hold it.