
Some basketball players believe that practicing with a slightly flat basketball can improve their handling skills. A deflated ball is easier to handle because it bounces more gently and is easier to grip and control. However, it can also be beneficial to practice with a variety of basketballs, including overinflated balls, weighted balls, and balls with different textures, to improve overall skill and adaptability. Ultimately, the most important thing is to put in the practice time and develop a feel for the timing and rhythm of the ball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Easier to handle | Underinflated basketballs are easier to handle than overinflated ones |
| Bounce | Overinflated basketballs have more recoil energy and bounce harder |
| Weight | Overinflated basketballs are heavier |
| Grip | Overinflated basketballs are harder to grip |
| Control | Overinflated basketballs are harder to control |
| Practice | Slightly underinflating a basketball can help improve shooting skills |
| Backspin | Flat shots require more power than arc shots, which use backspin |
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What You'll Learn

A flat basketball is easier to handle
A slightly flat basketball is easier to handle than an overinflated one. An overinflated basketball bounces harder, has more recoil energy, is heavier, and is harder to grip and control. A slightly flatter ball gives a friendlier bounce, making shooting easier.
When shooting with a flat basketball, you need to use more power, rather than using backspin. This is because a flat shot has a higher chance of hitting the backboard and bouncing outward. The more power put behind the shot, the harder the bounce out and away from the hoop. However, a flat basketball can be beneficial for players who lack the power to shoot from a range with an arc.
Some basketball players prefer a slightly flatter ball as it gives a much friendlier bounce on the rim, making shooting easier. This is because a flat basketball requires you to push down harder on the ball, which can help with timing and rhythm.
If you are practicing with a flat basketball, it is recommended to get a cheap ball or a weighted basketball, as a consistently overinflated ball will likely become lopsided over time.
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Overinflated basketballs are harder to grip and control
Several factors come into play when discussing the advantages of practising with a flat basketball. Firstly, an overinflated basketball is harder to grip and control due to its increased bounce and recoil energy off the floor. This extra bounce makes it harder to control the ball, requiring more force to push down on the ball to achieve the desired timing and rhythm.
The increased bounce of an overinflated basketball also makes it heavier, which further contributes to the difficulty in handling. Additionally, an overinflated basketball is more likely to become lopsided over time, making it even harder to control. For this reason, some players opt for a weighted basketball designed for training purposes, as a consistently overinflated ball may not be durable.
Practising with a slightly flatter basketball is preferred by some players as it provides a friendlier bounce off the rim, making shooting easier. This is because a flatter basketball has less recoil energy, allowing for more manageable bounces. However, a completely flat basketball would be impractical for playing, as it would be challenging to bounce and control.
While practising with a slightly flat basketball can have its benefits, it is essential to develop skills with both flat and arc shots. Practising with a flat basketball may require more power behind shots to prevent the ball from bouncing outward. On the other hand, arc shots involve snapping the wrist to generate backspin, which helps the ball spin downward off the backboard. Therefore, players should strive to become adept at both types of shots to cover all their bases.
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Flat basketballs can improve shooting accuracy
A slightly flat basketball can improve shooting accuracy due to the friendly bounce it offers. When a basketball is underinflated, it bounces off the floor with less recoil energy, making it easier to control. This allows players to focus on developing a feel for the timing and rhythm of their shots.
Additionally, a slightly flatter basketball provides a more favourable bounce off the rim, making shooting easier. This is because a slightly deflated basketball does not bounce as high or with as much force as a fully inflated ball, reducing the likelihood of the ball bouncing outward and away from the hoop.
However, it is important to note that a flat basketball can also introduce some challenges. For example, a flatter ball may require more power behind shots to prevent them from hitting the backboard and bouncing out. Furthermore, backspin, which helps direct the ball downward off the backboard, can be more challenging to achieve with a flat shot path.
To address these challenges, players should incorporate arc shots into their practice routines. Starting close to the basket and gradually moving backward helps develop the arc needed for accurate long-range shooting. Additionally, focusing on using more leg power and snapping the wrist during shooting can help compensate for the reduced backspin of a flat shot.
In conclusion, practicing with a slightly flat basketball can be beneficial for improving shooting accuracy, but it is important to also develop skills with a fully inflated ball and to practice a variety of shots, including arc shots, to become a well-rounded player.
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Flat basketballs require more power to shoot
A flat basketball requires more power to shoot due to the increased force needed to push down on the ball and the higher chance of it hitting the backboard and bouncing outward. This means that a player has to put more power behind the shot to compensate for the lack of arc and to prevent the ball from bouncing away from the hoop.
Shooting with a flat basketball can also be more challenging because it requires more force to push down on the ball. This can affect the timing and rhythm of the shot, as players may need to adjust their shooting form to generate the necessary power.
Additionally, a flat basketball may be harder to control due to the reduced grip and increased recoil energy when bouncing off the floor. This can make it more difficult to develop a consistent shooting technique, as the ball's behavior will be less predictable.
However, some players prefer a slightly flatter basketball as it can provide a friendlier bounce on the rim, making shooting easier. It is worth noting that personal preference and court conditions also play a role in ball inflation preferences.
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Flat basketballs may be better for practising certain drills
Additionally, a flat basketball can be beneficial for practising shooting. A slightly flatter basketball gives a friendlier bounce off the rim, making shooting easier. Furthermore, practising with a flat basketball can help players develop a softer touch when shooting, improving their accuracy.
Moreover, a flat basketball can be useful for drills that focus on pivoting and protecting the ball. When the ball is flatter, players must push down harder, encouraging them to develop stronger pivoting techniques. This can help improve their ability to create passing lanes and protect the ball from defenders.
It is worth noting that consistently using an overinflated ball can lead to it becoming lopsided. Therefore, it is recommended to use a cheap ball or a weighted ball specifically designed for training if you plan to practise with an underinflated ball regularly.
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Frequently asked questions
A slightly flat basketball is easier to handle and control. It gives you a friendlier bounce, making shooting easier.
An overinflated basketball bounces harder, has more recoil energy, is heavier, and harder to grip and control.
The NBA range for basketball inflation is 7.5 to 8.5 PSI. Many players prefer a slightly flatter ball, somewhere between 7 and 8 PSI.
A flat basketball can increase the chance of hitting the backboard and bouncing outward. It may require more power to shoot and control.
Spend time practicing arc shots and developing backspin. Start practicing close to the basket and slowly move backward to increase your range.











































