The Core of the Basketball Used in Various Leagues
A basketball may refer to the game or the ball that is used in it. If you are interested about the ball, it is essential to note that it actually varies in size depending on its purpose. For example, the promotional items are usually smaller than the ones used in training exercises. The kind that is used in the professional leagues, such as the NBA measures 29.5 in circumference.
Where It All Started
The game was invented by Dr. James Naismith on December 1891. He was a physical education professor at the International Young Men’s Christian Association Training School. He worked on the idea after he was instructed by the chairman of his department to come up with an activity that will keep the students active and busy during the winter season. The first game was played using soccer ball that the players need to shoot at the peach baskets that are nailed at both ends of the gymnasium. As the game becomes more improved and efficient, the ball was also changed. The first ones were made from panels of leather. These were sewn together after a rubber bladder was placed inside. To attain uniformity, a cloth lining was added to the leather. This also becomes a good support to the overall structure of the ball.
It was in 1942 when a molded version of the ball was introduced, with leather that remained the top choice as coverings of the ball for many years. On the latter part of the 90s, the ball embraced good changes and advancements when composite materials were used on it. This has become popular because it can withstand harsh outdoor conditions and this is able to deliver better performance than the original type.
During official competitions, different leagues give out official rules about the specifications of the ball that must be used in the game. There are various aspects that they look into in setting the rules, which include the circumference of the ball, weight, bounce, inflation pressure, materials used and color.
For the International Basketball Federation or FIBA, the ball must have the size of seven and it must have the manufacturer’s name and its serial number. The materials where the ball is made from can be genuine or synthetic leather, and it must not contain any types of toxic materials. The circumference can be between 749 to 780 mm.
For the National Collegiate Athletic Association or NCAA, the ball must measure 29.5 to 30 inches in circumference. The bouncing ability of the ball must only be between 49 and 54 inches when it is dropped from a 6 feet height.
The National Basketball Association or the NBA has only one official ball that is manufactured by Spalding. This has the orange color, with a circumference of 29.5 inches and weighs 22 ounces.
Holding the ball and learning ways to shoot and pass it around is an integral part of each player’s practice. If you want to be good at the game, you have to train using the kind of basketball that is used by the professional leagues. This way, it will be easier for you to gauge your pulse and strengths, and enhance on your weaknesses through constant practice and training.
