Basketballs were first manufactured around 1894 by Albert G Spalding. The basketball as we know it came about in 1934, with the official size 7, or 30, being decided as the standard basketball size for men. The smaller womens size was officially recognized much later.

Basketballs have three parts, the outer shell, the inner core, and the innermost bladder. The outer shell maybe made of leather, composite leather, synthetic leather, or rubber. The core is made of rubber or sponge, or a mix of both. The bladder is generally made of butyl rubber. Apart from these materials, basketballs for recreational games or childrens matches are made of materials as varied as plastic and foam.

Leather basketballs are suitable only for indoor play. If used outdoors, they tend to crack easily. Composite leather basketballs, on the other hand, are good for both indoor and outdoors play. But for playing outdoors on rough surfaces, rubber basketballs are the best.

There are other factors to be kept in mind while selecting a basketball. Does it afford a good grip? The Wilson Evolution series, for example, have a Dura fiber cover which helps the fingers grip the ball tightly.

Also, the bounce of the basketball must be smooth. This is ensured by even pebbling and wide channels on the surface of the ball. The third most important factor is durability- does the basketball retain its bounce after regular use or goes flat after a few weeks play?

Size and weight are also important factors while choosing a basketball. Almost all basketball retailers offer the NBA prescribed size chart that you can consult before purchasing a basketball.

Then there is the question of price- it is important to remember that expensive brands may not always give value for money. If you choose expensive basketballs with snazzy designs, they may not be able to last the rigors of outdoor play.

It is important to remember that one brand cannot fulfill all the above criteria and one has to choose from the many varieties available in the market. Each type of basketball has its own advantages and disadvantages.

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