Made for the game

Since Spalding invented the basketball back in 1894, we have been innovating to help you excel on court.

Our specialist product technicians are dedicated to designing the best possible product Spalding can offer.

Below are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your product, take care of it and play your best game.

 

made for the game

Ball Inflation

To correctly inflate your basketball be sure to follow the below steps:

  1. All Spalding basketballs have a recommended inflation unit printed around their inflation valves i.e. 8 psi, 5 psi, 3psi etc.
  2. This metric pressure unit is psi (pounds/square inch).
    NOTE: Be careful to not confuse psi (pounds square inch) with kPa. It is a very different measurement and these are not interchangeable. (Note: 6.9 kPa = 1 psi)
  3. This is not a guide and should be considered a maximum. If you exceed the recommended inflation you risk damaging the basketball and also voiding the warranty.
  4. If you do over inflate a ball, release the pressure immediately. It may not be apparent just by looking at the ball that it is over inflated.
  5. Be sure to moisten the needle with water or soapy water before slowly inserting it vertically into the valve. If the needle is inserted while it is dry, it may damage the valve and cause air leakage.
  6. Before injecting air, be sure to inject air little by little according to the psi displayed near the ball. Please note that adding too much air may cause deformation, expansion or rupture.
  7. If using a hand pump make sure to place the ball on a flat surface as the needle can heat up and bend or snap off if weight is put on it.

 

Basketball inflation guide

 

PLAYING SURFACE

When it comes to your home court, it's important to consider what surface you'll be shooting hoops on in order to select the most appropriate Spalding product.
Our basketballs are designed for specific indoor, outdoor and all-surface areas.

Ball material - indoor Ball material - indoor/outdoor Ball material - outdoor
INDOOR INDOOR / OUTDOOR OUTDOOR
An indoor ball is designed exclusively for indoor playing surfaces. These balls are constructed with leather or high end composite covers. Indoor / Outdoor basketballs are suitable for all types of playing surfaces. Outdoor basketballs have a durable cover that can withstand rougher playing surfaces

 

Ball Material

Leather

  • Full grain, premium Horween leather cover
  • Initially slick out of the box, softens for superior handling once broken in
  • Indoor use only

Composite

  • Preferred basketball construction type
  • Wide range of composite materials available across numerous price points
  • Most are designed for use both indoors and outdoors

Rubber

  • Highly abrasive resistant cover designed for rougher outdoor surfaces
  • Unique patterns and colors available
  • Designed for recreational play

 

ball material

FAQs

How can I ensure my basketball remains in good condition?

  1. Ensure to not leave your basketball out in direct sunlight or rain for extended periods of time.
  2. Ensure to never exceed the inflation guide situated around the inflation valve.
  3. Only use the ball as it was intended to be used.

How much do I pump up my basketball?
Spalding balls will have an inflation guide printed around the inflation valves of every ball. The inflation recommendation is marked in psi (pounds/square inch) and should never be exceeded.

Why shouldn’t I inflate a ball over the intended psi?
Over-inflation may damage the integrity of the ball and it will not perform to standard. Extreme over-inflation can cause the ball to explode, which may result in injury.

What ball should I choose for an outdoor court?
A rubber or durable composite leather cover is ideal for outdoor courts.

 

how to store your football

 

SIZE GUIDE

Choosing the right size ball and inflating it as per our guidelines will help your product perform to optimum standards.
Use the below guide to determine the most suitable size for your needs.

basketball size basketball size basketball size basketball size basketball size basketball size
SIZE 7 - 29.5" SIZE 6 - 28.5" SIZE 5 - 27.5" SIZE 4 - 25.5" SIZE 3 - 22" SIZE 1 - 16"
MALE AGES 12+ FEMALE AGES 9+ / MALE AGES 9-12 AGES 8-9 (UNISEX) AGES 7- (UNISEX) OPEN AGE (UNISEX) OPEN AGE (UNISEX)
Inflate to 8 psi Inflate to 8 psi Inflate to 8 psi Inflate to 8 psi Inflate to 5 psi Inflate to 3 psi

 

Spalding Hoops

Thanks for purchasing a Spalding backboard. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your product.

Depending on your yard size, playing level, age and budget, there are a range of system offerings that will tick a box for you. Below is an overview of the system types and backboard types in the Spalding range.

A Spalding basketball system is an investment, so we want you to be able to shoot hoops all day long. Take note of the below information to get the best out of your new system.

 

spalding hoops

System types & locations

The first step before you start balling is to know where you want to put your basketball hoop. From the backyard to the driveway or to the cul-de-sac at the end of the street, Spalding has you covered with our selection of easily adjustable, professional-grade, basketball hoops.

IN GROUND
In-Ground systems remain stationary & fixed in the ground for maximum stability.

PORTABLE
Portable basketball hoops let you take your game anywhere. The portable bases are equipped with two or four wheels for easy mobility and are filled with either water or sand.

BACKBOARD COMBO
Backboard Combo's consist of a backboard and rim. They can be mounted to to your garage, roof or wall via mounting hardware.

 

Hoop location

 

BACKBOARD SIZE

You’re never too young to begin working on your jump shot. Spalding offers a variety of basketball hoops designed for all levels of play.

BOARD SIZE BOARD MATERIAL LEVEL OF PLAY REBOUND FEATURES
54" - 72" GLASS Elite Best Top of the line performance, Most Authentic, Good UV Protection
50" - 60" ACRYLIC Competitive Better Clear, Better Performance, Best $ spend
42" - 54" POLYCARBONATE Recreational Good Clear Board, Impact absorbent
24" - 32" COMPOSITE Beginners Limited Durable material, Decorative board

 

 

Backboard Types

GLASS
Glass backboards feature the best round performance and are ideal for elite play. Designed for Professional Play.

ACRYLIC
Acrylic backboards feature better rebound for competitive play. Designed for Competitive Play.

POLYCARBONATE
Polycarbonate backboards feature good rebound performance and are ideal for recreational play. Designed for Serious play.

COMPOSITE
Composite backboards offer beginning level play and a larger variety of colour options. Designed for Recreational Play.

 

Backboard types

IDENTIFYING YOUR SYSTEM

In-ground & Backboard Combo
There is a three digit number on the front of the backboard, near the lower right section of the shooting square. This set of numbers will help identify your system.

Portable
The model number will consist of two sets of numbers. The first set of numbers will be a two digit number located on the base. This two-digit number will be located near the fill hole where you put the water or sand. The second set of numbers will be a three digit number located on the front of the backboard, to the right of the rim. The base number coupled with the backboard number will be your model number. “Example 72_351 – 72351”

Identify your system

SAFETY INFORMATION

  • This equipment is intended for home recreational use only and not excessive competitive play.
  • This product is not intended for institutional or commercial use; Spalding does not assume any liability for such use.
  • Institutional or commercial use will void the warranty.
  • The owner must ensure that all players know and follow these rules for the safe operation of the system. To ensure safety, do not attempt to assemble this system without following the instructions carefully.
  • Check entire box and inside all packing material for parts and/or additional instruction material.
  • Before beginning assembly, read the instructions and identify parts using the hardware identifier and parts list in this document. Proper and complete assembly, use, and supervision are essential for proper operation and to reduce the risk of accident or injury.
  • A high probability of serious injury exists if this system is not installed, maintained, and operated properly.
  • Failure to follow these safety instructions may result in serious injury or property damage and will void the warranty.

Safety information

 

USER MANUALS & INSTRUCTIONS

Download your Spalding basketball system user manuals - for Australian or New Zealand Basketball Systems.

Download Instruction Manuals