SpaldingNBA Rookie Gear® Composite Basketball

I recently bought this basketball for my 8 year old son. He has never played basketball and after reading various reviews on several websites, I decided this was the right ball for him. I found that Amazon had the best price and since I am a Prime member I got it in 2 days with free shipping.I have not been disappointed with my choice. It fits his hand nicely so he can learn to dribble the ball and it is a little lighter as the specifications indicate, so he can practice his hoops. He plays with it on the driveway and it performs well. This basketball is made of a composite leather and even though I know nothing about basketballs, my husband was very pleased with my choice. It is just the size our son needs until he has mastered some basic skills of the game.

Great product

light weight, great grip, and color! best ball for little ones to start hooping

This ball has a specific purpose. It’s durable as long as you keep it stored indoors. This ball is lighter and smaller which is intended for youth play typically in Pre-Kinder to First Grade (4 to 6 yr olds). This ball is to encourage the children towards basketball and build their confidence in ball-handling and to make a basket on an 8 foot rim. Check with your youth basketball organizations on the standards ball sizes and rim heights. Our league moves to from Size 7 (Pre-K to First), Size 8 (2nd to Fourth) and Size 9 / Adult Men (5th grade +). This applies to boys. Girls will stay with the Size 8 ball. Your local youth league may vary.

This ball is definitely lighter in weight compare to the SPALDING NBA ball. My 3 years old toddler loves it and it's easier for her to pick it up and throw it. Its very colorful and easy to spot at the playground and the size seems just right. I prefer it heavier though.

Young granddaughter has taken a liking to playing basketball. We purchased the one we did as to keep hers separate from the boys. No hassle’s necessary.Reasonable priced and quality great, I feel this will entertain them for hours.

Kiddo loved it!

I bought the ball in Summer '09 for my 3 year old because I was going to enroll him in the local buddy basketball league for 4-6 year old and I wanted to get a head start on his form. This is the perfect ball for that age group and should really be considered as the standard ball for leagues that service that age group. This ball weighs 25% less than standard youth basketballs which enables the youngest ballplayers to shoot in a manner than more closely resembles the style of shot that the will use later in their careers. If anyone has ever noticed how most young players shoot a basketball they have noticed that the put the ball next to their ear and fling moreso than shoot the basketball and it ends up going off to the side. This ball allows them to keep a more natural shot. In summary, I think that this a great new type basketball for the youth market and feel like you will see more and more leagues adopt it. I give it a 10 out of 10.