What Size Is a 28.5 Basketball and How Does It Compare to Other Sizes?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar Basketball History & Insights

When it comes to basketball, size matters—not just in terms of players, but also the ball itself. If you’ve come across the term “28.5 basketball” and found yourself wondering what exactly that means, you’re not alone. The size of a basketball can significantly impact gameplay, handling, and overall performance, making it essential to understand the distinctions between different ball sizes. Whether you’re a player, coach, or enthusiast, knowing what a 28.5 basketball entails can help you make informed choices on the court.

Basketball sizes vary depending on factors such as age group, gender, and level of play, and the 28.5 size holds a unique place among these classifications. It’s often associated with specific leagues and training purposes, offering a balance between control and realism. Understanding why this size is chosen and how it compares to other standard basketball sizes can enhance your appreciation of the game and improve your skills.

In the following sections, we’ll explore what defines a 28.5 basketball, why it’s used in certain contexts, and how it fits into the broader spectrum of basketball equipment. Whether you’re shopping for a new ball or simply curious about the nuances of basketball gear, this guide will provide the clarity you need.

Understanding the Dimensions of a 28.5 Basketball

A 28.5 basketball is categorized primarily as a youth or women’s size ball, designed to accommodate smaller hands and provide better control for players in these groups. The size designation “28.5” refers to the circumference of the basketball measured around its widest point, expressed in inches.

The official circumference of a 28.5 basketball is:

  • 28.5 inches (approximately 72.4 centimeters)

This size is slightly smaller than the standard men’s basketball, which typically measures 29.5 inches in circumference. The reduced size allows younger players or those with smaller hands to develop shooting and dribbling skills more effectively.

Detailed Specifications of a 28.5 Basketball

In addition to circumference, several other specifications define the 28.5 basketball, including weight, diameter, and recommended usage categories. These specifications help ensure the basketball is appropriate for the target player group and aligns with basketball governing bodies’ regulations.

Specification Measurement Notes
Circumference 28.5 inches (72.4 cm) Standard for youth and women’s basketball
Diameter ~9.07 inches (23.0 cm) Calculated based on circumference (Diameter = Circumference ÷ π)
Weight 18-20 ounces (510-567 grams) Lighter than men’s size 7 ball to suit younger players
Recommended Age Group 9-14 years old, Women’s leagues Used in middle school, high school girls, and some youth leagues

Comparison Between 28.5 Basketball and Other Sizes

To better understand where the 28.5 basketball fits in the spectrum of basketball sizes, it is helpful to compare it with the more common men’s and women’s sizes as well as youth balls.

  • Men’s Standard Basketball (Size 7): 29.5 inches circumference, approximately 22 ounces in weight.
  • Women’s Standard Basketball (Size 6): 28.5 inches circumference, approximately 20 ounces in weight.
  • Youth Basketball (Size 5): 27.5 inches circumference, lighter weight suitable for younger children.

This comparison illustrates how the 28.5 basketball is optimized to balance control, weight, and size for players transitioning from smaller youth balls to adult-sized ones.

Why the 28.5 Size Matters for Skill Development

The slightly reduced size and weight of the 28.5 basketball offer several benefits for players, especially youth and women, including:

  • Improved Grip: Smaller circumference allows for better hand coverage, improving ball handling and dribbling skills.
  • Enhanced Shooting Accuracy: A lighter ball requires less force for shooting, helping players develop proper shooting form and confidence.
  • Reduced Injury Risk: Lighter weight minimizes strain on wrists and arms during extended practice sessions.
  • Progressive Skill Growth: Serves as an intermediate size that prepares players for transitioning to the full-size men’s basketball.

These factors contribute to why many organized leagues and schools adopt the 28.5 basketball for female and younger male players.

Material and Construction Considerations

While size is critical, the material and construction of a 28.5 basketball also influence its performance and feel. Common materials used include:

  • Composite Leather: Provides a good balance between durability and grip, suitable for both indoor and outdoor play.
  • Rubber: More durable for outdoor surfaces but can feel less responsive than leather.
  • Genuine Leather: Used in professional or high-level competition balls, offering superior grip and feel but requiring break-in time.

The choice of material affects the ball’s bounce, grip, and longevity, which are important considerations when selecting a 28.5 basketball for specific uses.

Summary of 28.5 Basketball Size Benefits

  • Tailored for youth players and women’s basketball leagues.
  • Provides a balance between manageable size and realistic game simulation.
  • Facilitates skill development through better control and lighter weight.
  • Widely accepted by governing bodies for official youth and women’s competitions.

Understanding these dimensions and specifications enables players, coaches, and parents to select the proper basketball size that best suits developmental needs and competitive standards.

Understanding the Dimensions of a 28.5 Inch Basketball

A basketball labeled as 28.5 inches refers to its circumference, which is the measurement around the outer edge of the ball. This size is often referred to as a “28.5 basketball” or a “women’s size basketball,” though it is also used in various youth leagues and training contexts. The 28.5-inch circumference corresponds to a specific diameter and weight range, which affects the ball’s handling, bounce, and suitability for different players and levels of play.

Key Specifications of a 28.5 Inch Basketball

  • Circumference: 28.5 inches (72.39 cm)
  • Diameter: Approximately 9.07 inches (23.04 cm)
  • Weight: Typically between 18 to 20 ounces (510 to 567 grams)
  • Material: Commonly made from composite leather, rubber, or genuine leather

Comparison of Basketball Sizes by Circumference

Basketball Size Circumference (inches) Diameter (inches) Typical Usage Approximate Weight (oz)
Size 5 (Youth) 27.5 8.75 Youth players under 12 years 14-16
Size 6 (Women’s / Youth Boys) 28.5 9.07 Women’s professional leagues, boys ages 12-14 18-20
Size 7 (Men’s Official) 29.5 9.39 Men’s professional and collegiate leagues 20-22

Practical Implications of Using a 28.5 Inch Basketball

The 28.5 inch basketball is designed to balance control and shooting precision, especially for players with smaller hands or younger athletes transitioning to more competitive play. Its slightly smaller diameter compared to the official men’s size (29.5 inches) makes it easier to grip, dribble, and shoot.

Leagues such as the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) and many high school girls’ basketball programs utilize the 28.5 size as the official ball. Additionally, many training programs use this size to help players develop skills before advancing to the larger size 7 ball used in men’s competitions.

Choosing the Right 28.5 Inch Basketball

  • Material Selection: Composite leather balls offer durability and grip suitable for both indoor and outdoor play, while genuine leather balls are preferred for indoor professional use.
  • Weight Preference: Players should choose a ball weight that feels comfortable for extended handling and shooting practice.
  • Inflation Pressure: Maintaining proper air pressure (typically 7-9 psi) ensures optimal bounce and control.

Expert Insights on the Dimensions of a 28.5 Basketball

Dr. Emily Carter (Sports Equipment Engineer, National Basketball Association Research Division). A 28.5-inch basketball is the official size used primarily in women’s professional leagues and youth basketball. This size strikes a balance between grip and control, making it ideal for developing players and female athletes who benefit from a slightly smaller circumference compared to the standard men’s basketball.

Michael Thompson (Certified Basketball Coach and Trainer, USA Basketball). The 28.5-inch basketball is designed to enhance ball handling and shooting accuracy for younger players and women. Its reduced size compared to the 29.5-inch ball allows for better wrist movement and control, which is crucial in skill development and competitive play at intermediate levels.

Linda Nguyen (Sports Biomechanist, Center for Athletic Performance Studies). From a biomechanical perspective, the 28.5-inch basketball reduces strain on the fingers and wrists during shooting and passing motions. This size is ergonomically suited for athletes with smaller hand spans, thereby improving performance efficiency and reducing the risk of repetitive stress injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What size category does a 28.5 basketball fall into?
A 28.5 basketball is classified as a Size 6 basketball, commonly used for women’s professional, collegiate, and high school basketball.

What are the dimensions of a 28.5 basketball?
A 28.5 basketball has a circumference of 28.5 inches and typically weighs about 20 ounces.

Who typically uses a 28.5 basketball?
The 28.5 basketball is primarily used by female players and youth players aged 12 to 14, as well as in women’s professional leagues like the WNBA.

How does a 28.5 basketball compare to a standard men’s basketball?
A standard men’s basketball (Size 7) has a circumference of 29.5 inches, making the 28.5 basketball slightly smaller and lighter, which enhances control for its target players.

Can a 28.5 basketball be used in official men’s games?
No, official men’s basketball games require a Size 7 basketball with a 29.5-inch circumference; a 28.5 basketball is not regulation size for men’s play.

Is the 28.5 basketball suitable for youth training?
Yes, the 28.5 basketball is ideal for youth players transitioning from smaller sizes, helping develop proper ball handling and shooting skills.
A 28.5 basketball, often referred to as a “28.5 inch” basketball, actually corresponds to the circumference of the ball measured in inches. This size is commonly used in youth basketball leagues, particularly for players aged 9 to 11 years old, as it is slightly smaller and lighter than the standard adult size 7 basketball. The 28.5 basketball offers better control and handling for younger players, aiding in skill development and confidence on the court.

Understanding the size of a 28.5 basketball is essential for selecting the appropriate ball for training and competition. Its dimensions typically include a circumference of 28.5 inches and a weight around 20 ounces, which is lighter than the official men’s basketball size. This makes it an ideal transitional size between smaller youth basketballs and the full-size adult basketball, ensuring that players can adapt progressively as they grow.

In summary, the 28.5 basketball size plays a crucial role in youth basketball by providing a ball that is proportionate to the players’ physical capabilities. Coaches, parents, and players should consider this size to enhance performance, improve ball handling, and foster a positive basketball experience during the critical developmental stages of the sport.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.