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Basketballs are typically orange with black ribs and a possible logo. The orange colour was introduced in 1958 by famous basketball coach Tony Hinkle, replacing the previous brown balls, which were hard to see due to their rapid on-court movement. The new colour was rapidly adopted by clubs around the world and is now synonymous with the sport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Spherical |
| Size | 27-30 inches in circumference |
| Weight | 20-22 ounces |
| Color | Orange, red, white, blue, pink, cream, brown |
| Surface material | Leather, rubber, synthetic composite |
| Inner bladder material | Butyl rubber |
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What You'll Learn
Basketballs are orange due to visibility
Until the 1950s, all basketballs were brown due to their leather construction. This hue was difficult to see for both players and spectators because of the ball's rapid on-court movement. Many players also encountered challenges in seeing the ball, which negatively impacted their scores. As a result, authorities decided to change the color of the ball to a lighter tone.
In 1957, famous basketball coach Tony Hinkle collaborated with the Spalding Company to develop a basketball that wouldn't blur with the court while bouncing. They decided to introduce an orange-colored basketball in 1958, during the NCAA championships. This color became the new standard, and everyone, from players to leagues, adored this new variation. The NCAA acknowledged the improved visibility it offered and adopted the new design the following season.
The orange color, along with the ribs on the basketball, makes it more visual and conspicuous than other sports balls. The traditional color scheme of an orange surface with black ribs and a possible logo is now iconic and synonymous with basketball.
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The original colour was brown
The original colour of basketballs was brown. This is because the balls were initially made from leather, which gave them their brown hue. However, players and spectators found it challenging to see the ball on the court due to its darker shade, which negatively impacted scores. As a result, the authorities decided to change the colour to a lighter tone.
In 1894, James Naismith, the creator of basketball, contacted A.G. Spalding & Bros. to manufacture a ball specifically for the sport. The company produced a brown leather ball held together with laces, weighing less than 20 ounces, with a circumference of 32 inches—larger than a soccer ball by four inches. Spalding became the official ball maker in the late 1890s, and until 1905, teams could choose their basketballs.
The brown leather balls were difficult to dribble due to their shape and laces. In 1929, basketballs were redesigned for more bounce, with concealed laces to eliminate erratic bounces. These newer balls were bigger, lighter, and easier to handle. In 1942, moulded basketballs replaced stitched balls, ensuring a constant shape and size.
In 1958, famous basketball coach Tony Hinkle introduced the orange-coloured basketball during the NCAA championships. Spalding and Bros collaborated with Hinkle on this variation, which was rapidly adopted by clubs worldwide and became the new standard. The orange colour, a lighter tone of brown, improved visibility for players and spectators, resulting in better scores. The ribs on the ball, created in a darker tone, also helped players grip the ball more efficiently and prevented slipperiness.
Today, the official colour of basketballs is determined by standards set by governing bodies like FIBA (International Basketball Federation) and the NBA (National Basketball Association), ensuring consistency in competitions worldwide. While the traditional colour scheme is an orange surface with black ribs and a possible logo, basketballs are sold in various colours.
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Red, white and blue basketballs were used in the 1960s and 1970s
Basketballs are nearly always spherical and usually orange with black ribs and a possible logo. However, basketballs are sold in various colours, and the traditional brown shade was changed to orange in the late 1950s to make the ball more visible on the court.
The American Basketball Association (ABA) used a distinctive red, white and blue basketball from 1967 to 1976. The NBA adopted the ABA's four most successful franchises in 1976, and the ABA collapsed in 1978. The red, white and blue ball was also used by the Harlem Globetrotters and as the money ball in the NBA All-Star Weekend's Three Point Contest.
The red, white and blue ABA basketball was officially licensed by the NBA and ABA and designed with premium composite leather for indoor and outdoor use. The ball is durable enough for games and is also display-worthy with its vintage styling. The ball is endorsed by legendary ABA Hall of Famers Julius Erving, Rick Barry, George “Ice” Gervin, and several others.
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Pink, red and cream basketballs were used in the ABA
Basketballs are typically orange with black ribs and a possible logo. However, basketballs are sold in various colours, and the American Basketball Association (ABA) used a red, white, and blue ball. This ball was used from 1967 to 1976 and was also used by the Harlem Globetrotters and as the "money ball" in the NBA All-Star Weekend's Three-Point Contest. The red, white, and blue ABA ball became a symbol of the freedom of expression, flair, and style that was seen in street ball.
The ABA also used a pink, red, and cream basketball, which was slippery and hard to handle due to its compact size and poorly integrated ribs. This colour variation created a sparkling appearance while the ball was in motion, and former ABA player Gene Littles described how seeing the ball moving on the court gave him a unique, mesmerizing feeling.
The standard basketball colour of orange was introduced in 1958 when the NCAA championships were taking place. This colour change was directed by Tony Hinkle, the head coach of Butler University's basketball team, to make the ball more visible on the court, as the previous brown shade was hard to see. The new colour, along with the addition of ribs, improved grip and prevented slipperiness.
Basketballs are spherical and usually range in size from very small promotional items to extra-large balls nearly 2 feet (60 cm) in diameter used in training exercises. They are made with an inflatable inner rubber bladder, wrapped in layers of fibre, and covered in leather, rubber, or a synthetic composite. Indoor balls tend to be more expensive and are made of leather or absorbent composites, while outdoor balls are made of rubber to withstand rougher conditions.
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Basketballs can be made from leather or synthetic materials
Basketballs are designed to be light, spherical, and elastic so they can be easily carried, shot, and dribbled. They are also designed to have bounce so that they return to the player when dribbled. To achieve these properties, basketballs are made from a combination of rubber, leather, and synthetic materials.
The core of a basketball is an inflatable inner bladder made from butyl rubber. This rubber is melted into flat panels that are attached to form the shape of the bladder. A small hole is then pierced in the bladder so that an air filler tube can be inserted. The bladder is inflated and left for 24 hours to check for any leaks.
Once the inner bladder is complete, polyester or nylon threads are wrapped around it to create a spherical shape. The threads also prevent the ball from being deformed. Different basketballs use different threads: for example, street basketballs use polyester threads, while professional basketballs feature nylon threads.
The cover of the basketball is usually made from leather, synthetic rubber, or regular rubber. If leather is used, it is stitched together around the ball. If any type of rubber is used, it is glued to the ball.
Before the ball is complete, it may be customized with decals or other graphics. These are usually applied via stickers that are glued to the ball. Once the stickers are removed, only the graphics remain.
After the ball is finished, it goes through a standardized inspection process. First, the bounce is tested: the basketball is dropped from 72 inches and must return to a height of 52 to 56 inches to be fit for commercial use. Then, any small details like decals and other graphics are checked, and any glue leftovers are removed.
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Frequently asked questions
Basketballs are typically orange with black ribs and a possible logo.
The color orange was introduced in 1958 by famous basketball coach Tony Hinkle. The orange basketballs were rapidly adopted by clubs around the world and are now synonymous with the sport. The color was chosen because it is a lighter tone than the previous brown balls, making it easier for players and spectators to see the ball during a game.
No, basketballs are sold in various colors. The official color of basketballs used in competitions is defined by standards set by governing bodies like FIBA (International Basketball Federation) and the NBA (National Basketball Association). The American Basketball Association used a red, white, and blue basketball from 1967 to the 1970s.
