Helena Frye
Women's basketball has been played with a smaller ball since the 1984/85 season. The ball is one inch (2.54 cm) smaller in circumference and two ounces (56.70 g) lighter than the men's basketball. The change was suggested by WBL player Karen Logan, who reasoned that women have smaller hands and less upper body strength than men. However, the decision was controversial, with some players and coaches arguing that it undermined the credibility of the women's game and the skills of the women who had played with the larger ball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of introduction of women's sized basketball | 1984 |
| Size of the ball | 6 |
| Circumference of the ball | 28.5 inches |
| Diameter of the ball | 9.07 to 9.23 inches |
| Weight of the ball | 20 ounces |
| Inflation pressure of the ball | 7.5 to 8.5 PSI |
| Company that introduced the ball | Baden |
| Leagues that use the ball | WNBA, NCAA |
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What You'll Learn
Women's basketball size 6 ball
Women's basketball has a rich history, with colleges playing a significant role in promoting women's participation in athletics. Over time, the sport has witnessed a shift towards using a smaller ball size for women, with the WNBA adopting a ball measuring 28.5 inches in circumference, compared to the NBA's 29.5 inches. This change sparked debates, with some arguing for the continuation of the regular-sized ball, while others embraced the change as a way to enhance the sport.
The introduction of a smaller ball for women's basketball emerged in the early 1980s, a period when the sport was gaining popularity and women were competing at higher levels. The U.S. Girls' and Women's Basketball Rules Committee led the decision, and it was implemented for the 1984/1985 collegiate season. This change sparked differing opinions, with some coaches and players feeling it undermined their achievements and skills with the larger ball.
The size 6 basketball, with a circumference of 28.5 inches, is the standard ball size for women's basketball. This size is also used by boys in middle school (ages 12-14) and is suitable for anyone with smaller hands. The rationale behind the smaller ball size for women is rooted in the average hand size difference between men and women, with women typically having smaller hands.
However, the use of different ball sizes for men and women has sparked debates. Some argue that women are capable of handling a size 7 ball, just as 12-year-old boys can. Additionally, the use of a size 6 ball in mixed-gender settings can be disadvantageous for women, as they may need to adapt to a larger ball size when playing with men.
The weight of the ball is also a factor to consider. In the NCAA, the maximum weight of a women's ball is specified as 20 ounces, while the men's ball can weigh up to 22 ounces. This weight difference, along with the size difference, can impact shooting and ball handling, as players who are used to a larger and heavier ball may need to adjust their technique when using a smaller and lighter ball.
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Collegiate women's basketball
The early 1980s marked a pivotal moment for collegiate women's basketball, with a debate emerging over the ball size used by female players. Previously, women had been using the standard men's size ball, but discussions arose about adopting a smaller ball better suited to female hand sizes. This change was implemented for the 1984 /85 season, with the new ball having a circumference of one inch (2.54 cm) less than the men's ball. This decision sparked mixed reactions, with some players and coaches expressing concerns about the impact on the game's credibility and the perception of women's capabilities. Despite the controversy, the smaller ball remained, and the rules for women's collegiate basketball continued to evolve.
The 1970s and 1980s witnessed several groundbreaking achievements in collegiate women's basketball. Ann Meyers made history in 1974 as the first high school player to join the women's national basketball team, and in 1976, she became the first female recipient of a full athletic scholarship at UCLA. The sport gained further recognition in 1976 when women's basketball became an Olympic event. Carol Blazejowski set a remarkable scoring record in 1978, achieving 52 points in a single game at Madison Square Garden. The first NCAA college basketball championship for women took place in 1982, and in 1984, Georgeann Wells-Blackwell became the first woman to dunk in a collegiate game.
The sport has continued to flourish and gain popularity in recent decades. The 2004 McDonald's High School All-American dunk contest witnessed Candace Parker competing against five boys and emerging victorious. In 2024, the Iowa-UConn women's Final Four match broke viewership records on ESPN, attracting a peak audience of 17 million viewers. Collegiate women's basketball has also served as a stepping stone for female coaches and referees, with Ashley McElhiney becoming the first female head coach of a professional men's basketball team in 2004, and Violet Palmer making history in 2006 as the first woman to referee an NBA playoff game.
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Women's basketball rules
Women's basketball has had a significant impact on the American cultural mindset surrounding women's rights and athletic participation. The sport has evolved over time, with a dedicated women's size basketball introduced in the 1984/1985 season. The ball is designed to be one inch (2.54 cm) smaller in circumference and two ounces (56.70 g) lighter than the men's basketball.
The rules for women's basketball are very similar to those for men's basketball, with only a few differences. Here are some of the key rules and regulations:
- The game is played between two teams, typically consisting of five players each, on a rectangular court.
- The primary objective is for players to shoot a basketball through the defender's hoop.
- The WNBA has removed the jump ball at the start of the second half.
- The game is divided into four 10-minute quarters, with a 15-minute halftime and a 5-minute overtime period if needed.
- Teams must have at least five players to begin a game, and the team roster is limited to 15 players.
- Teams are allowed to add a player if their roster falls below seven players due to signings or injuries, not exceeding seven players in total.
- Jersey numbers ranging from 00 to 99 are permitted.
- The officials' uniform consists of a WBDA-approved shirt and black pants, with no variations in colour or style permitted.
- Scorers, timers, and shot-clock operators are positioned at the scorers' table near the division line.
These rules are subject to revision, and governing bodies such as the Women's Basketball Development Association (WBDA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) play a crucial role in overseeing and updating the regulations for women's basketball.
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Women's basketball teams
Women's basketball has a rich history, with the sport's popularity rising over the years and women competing at the highest levels. The rules for women's basketball are almost identical to the rules for men's basketball, with a few notable differences. One key difference is the size of the basketball used. The standard size for a women's basketball is a size 6, which is one inch (2.54 cm) smaller in circumference and two ounces (56.70 g) lighter than the size 7 basketball used in men's games. This change was implemented in the fall of 1984 for NCAA play, with the smaller ball designed to better suit the average woman's hand size and upper body strength. The decision was met with some resistance, as some members of the women's basketball community felt it undermined the advances made by female players and created a distinction between "women's and men's basketball".
The debate over ball size has continued, with some arguing that women should use the same size ball as men to maintain consistency when playing in co-ed games. However, research suggests that using a smaller ball does not significantly impact women's performance, with no improvement in scoring observed. While the smaller ball did lead to an increase in successful free throws for adult women, this trend was not replicated in younger age groups.
Today, the WNBA consists of 12 teams across the United States, with plans to expand to 13 teams in 2025. The recent Iowa-UConn women's Final Four match in April 2024 attracted a record-breaking audience of 17 million viewers, showcasing the growing popularity of women's basketball. Additionally, a new 3-on-3 league, Unrivaled, will debut in January 2025, providing WNBA players with a competitive outlet during the offseason.
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Women's basketball coaches
Women's basketball has come a long way since the early 1900s when colleges played a pivotal role in enabling women to participate in athletics. The popularity of the sport grew, and in 1984, a smaller ball was introduced for women's NCAA play. This decision sparked some controversy, with some coaches and players feeling that it undermined the progress and credibility of the women's game. However, others, like GW women's coach Denise Fiore, supported the change.
Today, the rules for women's basketball are almost identical to those for men, with only minor differences in ball size and the absence of a jump ball at the start of the second half in WNBA games. The recent success of the Iowa-UConn women's Final Four match, which drew a record-breaking audience of 17 million, underscores the growing popularity of the sport.
The Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) is a testament to the dedication and impact of these coaches. The WBCA, led by executive director Betty Jaynes, advocates for women's basketball and provides a platform for coaches to connect, learn, and grow. The association recognises that coaches are not just focused on winning records but also on building excellent people and improving lives.
As women's basketball continues to evolve, coaches will remain at the forefront, driving the sport forward and inspiring the next generation of athletes and coaches. Their influence extends beyond the basketball court, impacting the cultural mindset around women's rights and empowerment.
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Frequently asked questions
Women started using a smaller basketball in 1984. The U.S. Girls' and Women's Basketball Rules Committee decided that women in the collegiate ranks would adopt a smaller basketball, which was one inch (2.54 cm) smaller in circumference and two ounces (56.70 g) less in mass than the men's basketball.
The switch to a smaller basketball was made to help players do more things with the basketball. The smaller size was also suggested by WBL player Karen Logan, who reasoned that women's hands are on average smaller than men's.
Some women basketball players have argued that using a smaller basketball takes away their credibility and puts them at a disadvantage when playing in co-ed games, as they are suddenly using a larger ball that they are not used to.
