What is the air pressure in a basketball?
between 7.5 and 8.5 psi
An NBA regulation ball is inflated to between 7.5 and 8.5 psi. By regulating a basketball’s air pressure, the NBA can ensure fair playing conditions. As this activity illustrated, the ball’s internal air pressure determines how it bounces.
How do you know if your basketball has enough air?
Hold the ball up to your face and slowly let it drop. If the bottom of the ball bounces up past your waist or slightly higher, then it is fully pumped. If the basketball bounces up close to the chest, it means it has too much air. If it does not bounce up to the waist, it means there is not enough air.
What PSI is a girls basketball?
7.5 to 8.5 PSI
An NBA basketball must be inflated to a pressure of 7.5 to 8.5 PSI. The WNBA uses the same pressure regulations. In the NCAA, inflation requirements are given in weight, with the men’s ball having a maximum weight of 22 ounces and the women’s ball having a maximum weight of 20 ounces.
How high should a basketball bounce when dropped?
According to international basketball rules, a basketball is properly inflated “such that when it is dropped onto the playing surface from a height of about 1.80 m measured from the bottom of the ball, it will rebound to a height, measured to the top of the ball, of not less than about 1.2 m nor more than about 1.4 m” …
How do I fill the air in my basketball at home?
Blow up the balloon as much as possible. Then, using a paper clip or clamp, close off the balloon’s lip to keep the air inside. Next, attach the pump needle or straw/stirrer to the balloon and insert the other end into the ball’s hole. Release the paper clip or clamp, and the air will begin to transfer into the ball.
How bounce should a basketball be?
The bottom of the ball should bounce up past the waistline or slightly higher. If the basketball bounces up to the chest it means it is over-inflated, and if does not bounce up to the waistline it means it is under-inflated.
What size basketball does a 13 year old use?
For boys, a size 6 basketball should be used between the ages of 12 and 13. For girls, a size 6 basketball should be used once they hit 12-years-old and is the official size used at the high school, college, and professional level. The circumference of the basketball should be 28.5″ and the weight 20 oz.
Why do basketballs lose air?
Basketballs tend to lose a little air when left unused and through normal use over time. In order to bounce properly, basketballs need the right amount of air pressure. When a ball is manufactured and inflated, it is drop-tested to determine its ideal air pressure which is then printed on the ball near the hole.
What is the air pressure of a basketball?
A regulation basketball used in NBA play is inflated to an air pressure between 7.5 and 8.5 pounds of pressure per square inch. Many balls are inflated to the average pressure of 8 pounds. Regulating a basketball’s air pressure ensures fair playing conditions throughout a league.
How does air affect the shape of a basketball?
As the molecules move about, they come in contact with surfaces of objects. The molecules push and press on those surfaces, exerting pressure on them. It’s that pressure that allows your basketball to keep its round shape and remain hard and bouncy. If air escapes from the ball, the pressure inside the ball changes.
How does air pressure affect the way you shoot?
Learn more physics! Does the air pressure of a basketball affect the way you shoot? As far as shooting goes, the air pressure in a basketball has little effect on its trajectory. On the other hand it may affect how the ball bounces. A really low pressured ball will probably not bounce as high as one fully pressured. Follow-up on this answer.
Why does a basketball have to bounce so much?
The force that pushes air against every solid surface it comes in contact with is the air pressure. In simpler terms, the more air in an enclosed area, the higher the air pressure. If this theory is correct, that means you need an optimum amount of air in your basketball to get the best bouncing result on the court.