Kristian Ferrell
Basketballs need to be pumped up properly to ensure the best possible game. Playing with a flat ball can decrease your game and stunt training, and playing with a ball that's too pumped up can damage it. To inflate a basketball, you'll need a pump and a ball needle. If you don't have a pump, you can use a bike pump or even a compressed air can, like a keyboard cleaner. Once you have the right equipment, you'll need to know how much air to put in. You can test this by doing a drop test—the ball should bounce back up to a certain height.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Inflation method | Air pump, compressed air can, bike pump, car tire pump, balloon |
| Inflation tools | Inflation needle, ball pump, compressed air, tube, tire valve, bike pump, balloon, coffee stirrer |
| Inflation preparation | Lubricate the needle with glycerine or olive oil, not water or spit |
| Inflation pressure | Between 7-10 psi (pounds per square inch). Recommended 8 psi |
| Inflation check | Hold the ball at chest level and drop it. If the ball bounces to waist level, it has the correct amount of air |
| Inflation frequency | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Using a pump and needle
To repump your basketball using a pump and needle, you'll first need to ensure you have the right equipment. Purchase a decent air pump for balls if you don't already have one. They are not too expensive and can be found easily. You can even use a bike pump if you have the proper needle. If your pump doesn't have a needle, you'll need to buy one. It's a good idea to get a few spares as they can break.
Once you have your pump and needle, you can begin the process of repumping your basketball. Start by moistening the needle with water and inserting it into the hole of the ball. The hole is a small black rubber circle. If you can't find the hole, check with the manufacturer. With the needle attached, you can now begin pumping.
Check the air pressure after every few pumps by feeling the ball and compressing it with your fingers. Alternatively, hold the ball at chest level and drop it. If the ball bounces back up to your waist, it has the correct amount of air. If it doesn't bounce high enough, continue pumping and testing until it reaches the right pressure.
Once you're happy with the air pressure, you're ready to take your basketball to the courts and enjoy your game!
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How to check pressure
To check the air pressure of a basketball, there are a few methods you can use. Firstly, you can compress the ball with your fingers to gauge the air pressure. Another way is to perform a drop test. Hold the basketball at chest level, with the bottom of the ball 6 feet (72 inches) from the ground, and let it drop. If the ball bounces back up to a height of around your waist (49-54 inches), then it has the correct air pressure. If it doesn't reach this height, it needs more air.
You can also try to feel the ball to check its pressure. After pumping air into the ball for 3-5 intervals, compress it with your fingers to see how much air you've pumped in. This method provides a more immediate sense of the ball's pressure without needing to perform a drop test after each inflation.
It's important to find the right balance when inflating your basketball. Playing with a flat ball can decrease your game performance and hinder training. On the other hand, too much bounce can be damaging to the ball. By using the methods outlined above, you can ensure your basketball has the optimal pressure for both play and durability.
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No-needle methods
There are several ways to repump a basketball without a needle. One method involves using a pen, a paper clip, scissors, and tape. First, take apart the pen and separate the ink tube. Drain the ink and remove the writing point, keeping the writing cap, which will serve as the entry point for the pump. Cut a small piece of the ink tube and insert it into the writing cap.
Next, take a metal paper clip with a plastic coating and straighten it. Insert the paper clip into the basketball's air hole, then cut around the end that's sticking out. Pull the metal part out, leaving the plastic "tube" inside the ball.
Another method is to use air from a balloon. You will need a pump needle or a thin straw/coffee stirrer, and a large, strong balloon, such as a punch balloon. Blow up the balloon as much as possible, then use a paper clip or clamp to close off the lip and trap the air inside. Attach the pump needle or straw/stirrer to the balloon, and insert the other end into the basketball's air hole. Release the paper clip or clamp, and the air will transfer into the ball. Squeezing the balloon will speed up the process.
Some balls, such as certain Spalding models, have a built-in air pump. To use this, simply pull out the rubber top, then pump until the ball reaches the desired firmness.
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Cleaning and storage
To clean your basketball, start by wiping it down with a damp cloth to remove any dirt and debris. If your basketball is particularly dirty, you can use a mild soap and warm water to scrub it clean. Be sure to pay close attention to any cracks or crevices where dirt can settle. Just be sure to avoid getting the ball too wet, and never use a heater to dry it—instead, pat it dry with a towel and let it air dry.
If you're looking to disinfect your basketball, the CDC has released a list of effective disinfectants for disabling SARS-CoV-2 on hard, nonporous surfaces. While basketballs are neither hard nor nonporous, you can use one of the recommended disinfectants and follow the manufacturer and CDC recommendations for application and contact time. Avoid using high concentrations of bleach or alcohol, as these can degrade the ball's performance.
When storing your basketball, it's important to keep it indoors at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. Leaving your basketball outdoors or in the sun can cause the colour to fade and the shape to warp, and can also affect the ball's grip.
If you have both an indoor and an outdoor basketball, be sure to keep them separate. Outdoor balls tend to degrade faster, so it's best not to use your indoor ball outdoors and vice versa.
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Inflation frequency
The frequency with which you need to pump up a basketball depends on several factors, including the quality of the ball, how often you play, and the conditions in which it is stored. Some basketballs may need to be pumped up daily, while others can go for 10 days or more without needing a top-up.
If you play basketball frequently, it is recommended to keep your ball well-inflated and stored indoors at room temperature. This will help maintain the quality and longevity of the ball. Leaving a basketball outdoors, especially in direct sunlight or near a heater, can cause the ball to warp, change colour, and lose its grip.
On the other hand, if you don't play often, it is recommended to keep your ball slightly deflated and stored indoors. This will increase the longevity of the ball, as it reduces the stress on the ball's bladder.
Additionally, the quality of the ball can also affect how frequently it needs to be pumped up. A higher-quality ball with a better bladder may be able to retain air pressure for longer, while a lower-quality ball may require more frequent inflation.
It's worth noting that playing with a flat basketball can decrease your performance and stunt your training. Similarly, playing with a ball that is too bouncy can also be damaging to the ball. Therefore, it is important to inflate your basketball to the proper tension and care for it properly.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no definitive answer, but a simple test can be done to check if the ball is ready for gameplay. Hold the ball with the bottom of it 6' (72") from the ground and drop it. If the ball bounces back up to your waist, it has the correct amount of air.
You can use a ball pump, or even a bike pump with the proper needle. If you don't have a pump, you can use a compressed air can, like a keyboard cleaner, or a car tire with the correct adapters.
The hole where you insert the needle is a small black rubber circle. If you cannot find the hole, check with the manufacturer.
