Basketball Materials and Performance ◆
Ball bladder and carcass structure
The ball bladder, also known as the bladder, is the "heart" of the basketball and is located at the innermost layer. It is typically made of refined black rubber. Currently, mid-to-high-end basketballs feature a protective layer made of yarn wound evenly around the surface of the inner tube, creating a cocoon-like appearance, but not all basketballs adopt this process. Many low-end basketballs may not be wound with yarn or may use gauze as a substitute, which can affect the overall quality of the basketball. The tube is a crucial structural component that supports the basketball and is located between the inner tube and the outer cover. It is typically made of rubber material.
Classification and characteristics of surface layer
The surface layer is divided into three major categories: rubber, synthetic leather (such as microfiber, PU, PVC, etc.), and genuine leather. Although PVC synthetic leather is slightly inferior to PU synthetic leather in terms of low temperature resistance, its waterproof, wear-resistant, anti-mildew, and anti-saline-alkali abilities are superior. Moreover, it is affordable and suitable for popular indoor and outdoor basketballs. PU synthetic leather is an environmentally friendly new material, and the basketballs made of it have multiple advantages such as waterproof, wear-resistant, and anti-mildew, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Microfiber, as another synthetic material, has a fine texture, absorbs sweat, and is anti-slip, often used in professional team training and competitions. Genuine leather (such as cowhide) is often used in professional competitions due to its ball control feel and non-stick property when exposed to sweat, but it is expensive and difficult to maintain.
When selecting a basketball, one can evaluate its performance by observing whether there are flaws on the surface, judging the texture by touching the material, and weighing its weight. Additionally, one can refer to the characteristics of different materials to choose the basketball that suits them best.
◆ Bouncing performance test method
Four tests: 1. Release the basketball freely from above your head and observe whether it bounces straight up without any sideways jumping. On a flat surface, the basketball should remain stationary after several bounces, rather than rolling away. 2. Check whether the bounce height of the basketball is moderate. After being inflated, release the basketball freely from a height of 1.80 meters (measured from the bottom) onto the court surface. The bounce height should be controlled between 1.20 meters and 1.40 meters (measured from the top).