If you’ve ever picked up a mate’s basketball and thought “why does this feel totally different to mine?”, you’re not imagining it. The ball you choose makes a bigger difference than most people expect.

Indoor vs Outdoor Basketballs: How to Choose the Right Ball

Indoor or outdoor?

This is the first question we ask in-store, because it narrows the field fast. Outdoor courts (concrete, asphalt, rough school courts) chew through softer covers and can turn an indoor ball into a slippery, scuffed mess pretty quickly. If you play mostly outdoors, look for an outdoor or indoor/outdoor ball with a tougher cover designed to handle rougher surfaces.

If you play in a stadium or on polished timber, an indoor ball usually gives you the best feel. It tends to have a grippier, more “tacky” surface and a softer touch, which helps with control on dribbles, passes and catch-and-shoot work. The trade-off is durability outdoors.

Not sure where you’ll use it most? An indoor/outdoor ball is often the safest all-rounder, especially for casual games, school hoops, and mixed sessions.

What size basketball do I need?

Basketball sizes can be confusing because different competitions and age groups use different standards. As a simple starting point in Australia, Size 7 is common for older teens and adults in men’s competitions, and Size 6 is common in women’s competitions and many junior pathways. Younger kids typically use smaller sizes again.

If you’re buying for a child, comfort matters more than “the official ball”. A ball that’s too big makes it harder to dribble with control and can encourage messy shooting mechanics. If you’re on the fence between two sizes, the smaller option is usually easier to learn with.

If you’re buying for a team or a club, match what your competition uses so training feels the same as game day.

What should the cover feel like?

The cover is what your hands actually touch, so it’s where most of the “feel” comes from. The right cover depends on where you play and what you value most.

Outdoor covers are built to take abrasion, so they can feel a little firmer or drier in the hand. They’re great for driveways, parks and school courts where durability is the priority.

Indoor covers usually feel softer and grippier, which many players prefer for ball control. If you do a lot of one-hand gathers, floaters, or quick passing, that extra tack can be noticeable.

Indoor/outdoor covers sit in the middle. For most families buying one ball for everything, this category makes life easier.

How much grip do you actually need?

Grip is about confidence. If the ball feels like it wants to slide out of your hands when you’re sweaty or the court is dusty, you’ll hesitate on simple skills like a crossover or a two-hand pass. The channels (the lines between panels) and the texture on the cover both affect this.

A common question we hear is whether “more grip” is always better. Not necessarily. Some balls feel extremely tacky at first, then collect dust and lose that feel if they’re used outdoors. If you’re playing mainly outdoors, a slightly tougher texture that stays consistent over time can be the better option.

If you can, hold the ball with one hand and see if you can comfortably spread your fingers over the surface. It’s a quick, practical check for fit and control.

Do you need anything else with your ball?

A decent ball setup is more than just the ball. A few small add-ons make the whole experience better, especially for home hoops.

• A net makes a driveway ring feel more like a real court (and it gives you that satisfying swish feedback).
• A backboard combo is handy for indoor play or smaller spaces where a full system isn’t practical.
• Spare balls are worth it for families. One for the driveway, one for training, and nobody argues about whose turn it is.

And don’t forget inflation. A ball that’s under-inflated feels dead and makes dribbling harder. Over-inflated can feel bouncy and harsh on catches. If you’re unsure, bring it in and we can help you get it right.

Popular right now at Sportsmart

• Wilson NBA Authentic Indoor Basketball for players who want a true indoor feel and consistent grip on timber courts.
• Spalding NBL Coloured Outdoor Basketball if your main court is concrete and you want something that will handle the rough stuff.
• Spalding Basketball Return to keep practice flowing when you’re shooting around solo at home.
• AND1 Standard Basketball Net as a simple upgrade that makes a backyard ring feel more “real”.
• E-JET Mini Basketball Backboard Combo for smaller spaces and quick games at home.
• AND1 Baller Adults Basketball Shoes if you’re also sorting footwear and want a supportive option for court sessions.
• AND1 XLR8 Kids Basketball Shoes as a junior-friendly choice when kids are moving between training and weekend games.

Browse the full range here: Basketballs and Basketball gear.

Common mistakes

• Buying an indoor ball for a driveway. It will feel great at first, then it’ll wear down fast outdoors.
• Going too big for juniors. If a kid struggles to palm the ball at all, dribbling and passing get frustrating quickly.
• Not checking inflation. A slightly soft ball can make even simple drills feel awkward.
• Ignoring the feel in your hands. Two balls can be the same size and still feel completely different.

FAQ

Is an indoor/outdoor basketball good enough for indoor courts?
For casual indoor runs, often yes. If you’re playing regularly on timber and you care about touch and grip, an indoor ball usually feels better. If you’re mixing indoor and outdoor, indoor/outdoor is a practical compromise.

What size ball should I buy for a kid?
Start with what their comp uses, but don’t be afraid to size down if they can’t control the ball comfortably. Better control means they’ll practice more, and that matters more than being “official” for backyard sessions.

How do I know if a ball has enough grip?
Hold it one-handed and see if you can spread your fingers and keep control without squeezing hard. If it feels like it wants to slide, you’ll notice it even more once your hands are sweaty.

Can I use the same ball on concrete and indoors?
You can, but it’s a trade-off. Outdoor use will wear the cover faster and can change the feel on indoor courts over time. If you play both a lot, two balls (one for each surface) is the easiest solution.

Need a hand choosing?

Still deciding? Drop into our Moorabbin, Kilsyth or Preston stores to feel a few options side-by-side, or reach out to our online team if you’d like a quick recommendation based on where you play.