
Basketballs come in a variety of sizes, ranging from size 3 to size 7, with the size depending on the player's age or purpose. The size of the basketball is an important factor in skill development, especially for younger players who are new to the game. So, what size basketball should junior high school students use?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Basketball Size | 6 |
| Gender | Boys |
| Age Group | 12-14 years |
| Weight | 14-22 ounces |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Boys in junior high use size 6 basketballs
Basketballs come in a range of sizes, from 3 to 7, with size being dependent on the player's age or the purpose of the ball. Size is an important consideration when it comes to basketball as choosing the right one can help with skill development, especially for younger players.
Boys in junior high use a size 6 basketball. This is also the size used by girls over the age of 12 and is the official size for women's high school, college, and professional teams.
For boys, the size 6 basketball is used from middle school until they reach high school, or age 15 or older, when they move on to a size 7 ball. Before junior high, boys use a size 5 basketball, which is the standard youth size for team play. This is the ball that children use when they start to learn the rules of the game and play against other teams.
It is important to note that these guidelines are not perfect as every child matures at a different rate, and the appropriate size can also depend on the gender of the player.
Trick Shot Fails: When Basketball Plans Go Awry
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Girls in junior high use size 5 or 6 basketballs
Girls in junior high use size 5 or size 6 basketballs. The right basketball size is crucial for proper skill development, especially for young players who are new to the game. Using the wrong size can lead to incorrect shooting technique.
Basketballs come in sizes 3 to 7. Size 3 is a novelty ball for children aged 4 and under. Size 4 balls are for kids aged 5 to 8, who are just getting familiar with the ball. Size 5 is the standard youth size for team play, used by kids aged 9 to 11. This is when they start learning the rules and playing against other teams.
Size 6 basketballs are used by girls over the age of 12 and are the official size for women's high school, college, and professional teams. Boys in middle school also use size 6 basketballs.
Therefore, girls in junior high school, depending on their age, would use size 5 or 6 basketballs. It's important to choose the right size ball for your child to ensure they develop good playing technique.
Expanding Your Range: Raising Your Set Point in Basketball
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Junior high players should use a 27.5-28.5 inch ball
The size of a basketball has a significant impact on skill development, especially for younger players. Junior high school students are typically between the ages of 10 and 14, and a ball measuring 27.5-28.5 inches is considered appropriate for this age group.
Basketballs come in a range of sizes, from 3 to 7, and the size chosen should be based on the player's age and gender. A size 5 basketball, with a diameter of 27.5 inches, is the standard youth size for team play. This is the ball that kids use when they start to learn the rules of the game and play against other teams. A size 5 basketball is a good option for junior high players, as it helps them develop their skills and techniques.
Using a ball that is too big or too small can hinder a player's development. For example, a young player using a ball that is too large may struggle with their shooting technique and may not be able to shoot the ball with accuracy. Similarly, a player using a ball that is too small may not develop the proper form and technique for dribbling and passing.
A 27.5-28.5 inch ball is a suitable size for junior high players as it allows them to develop their skills in a balanced way. This size of the ball is not too heavy or bulky for players in this age group, and it helps them to learn the fundamentals of the game effectively. It is important for coaches and parents to consider the weight of the ball as well, as a heavier ball may be more difficult for younger players to control and shoot accurately.
Defensive Win Shares Calculation: Basketball Strategy and Player Impact
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$13.33 $16.49

The ball should weigh 14-20 ounces
The weight of a basketball is an important consideration when it comes to junior high players. While there is no official weight for basketballs used in junior high, a recommended weight range for this level is 14-20 ounces.
This weight range is suitable for junior high players as it offers a balance between being big enough for dribbling practice and being light enough for shooting. For example, a 14-ounce basketball was used by a second-grade team, and it was considered a good size for dribbling practice while still being light enough for shooting. A heavier ball, such as a 22-ounce men's ball, may be too heavy for younger players, hindering their shooting technique and ability to reach the basket.
The 14-20 ounce weight range is also in line with the recommended ball sizes for youth team play, which is generally a size 5 basketball. This size is suitable for youth players who are learning the rules of the game and playing against opposing teams. It is important to note that the exact weight of the ball is not as crucial as creating a suitable learning environment for players, allowing them to discover what works best for their skill development.
Additionally, it is worth noting that basketballs in this weight range are typically more affordable, making them a cost-effective option for teams or individuals looking to purchase multiple balls for practice or games. Overall, a basketball weighing between 14 and 20 ounces is a suitable choice for junior high players, offering a good balance of size and weight for skill development.
Basketball Olympics: Who Will Be Crowned Champion?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$12.99 $13.81

Smaller balls are better for dribbling
Junior high school boys use a size 6 basketball, while girls over the age of 12 use a size 6 basketball as well, which is also the official size for women's high school, college, and professional teams.
Now, onto why smaller balls are better for dribbling.
Dribbling a basketball requires a lot of control and precision. Using a smaller ball can help players develop these skills, as it forces them to be more accurate and controlled in their movements. Smaller balls can also improve a player's ball-handling skills, making it easier for them to keep the ball close to their body when dribbling. This can be particularly beneficial in tight spaces or when navigating around cones or other obstacles.
Additionally, practicing with a smaller ball can make a standard-sized ball seem easier to control in comparison. The player's feet get used to staying in tune with each other, and the ball becomes an extension of their body. This can lead to improved overall ball control and dribbling skills.
Some specific drills that can be done with a smaller ball include cone drills, where players set up cones a few feet apart and focus on keeping the ball close to their body as they move past each cone. Another drill is to practice aiming at a specific spot on a wall, which can be done alone or with multiple players. These drills help improve dribbling and close control, making smaller balls a valuable tool for developing basketball skills.
The Value of 3-Pointers in Basketball Explained
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A size 5 basketball is the standard youth size for team play. This is the ball kids will use when they start learning the rules of the game and playing opposing teams. However, if your son is taller or shorter than average, you may want to consider a different size.
Yes, the weight of the basketball is also an important factor to consider. If you are unsure about the weight of a ball, you can use a kitchen scale to weigh it.
Size 6 basketballs are used by girls over the age of 12. This is also the official basketball size for women's high school, college, and professional teams.










































