The Orange Basketball ball
- George Konstantinidis
- Jan 7, 2024
- 3 min read
The initial basketball games used soccer balls, but they were not suitable for handling. In 1894, Naismith, who created the basketball game, contacted A.G. Spalding and Bros. to make a ball for basketball. The company produced a leather ball held together with laces, weighing less than 20 oz. with a circumference of 32 inches, larger than a soccer ball by 4 inches.
In the late 1890s, Spalding became the official ball maker. Until 1905, teams could choose their basketballs, but the early brown leather balls were difficult to dribble due to their shape and laces. In 1929, basketballs were redesigned for more bounce, featuring concealed laces to eliminate erratic bounces. These balls were bigger, lighter, and easier to handle.
In 1942, molded basketballs replaced stitched balls, maintaining a constant shape and size. With the elimination of inconsistent shapes and sizes, players were able to more thoroughly develop their skills, rather than take a chance on the ball's previously unpredictable bouncing.
In 1948, a molded version with a smaller circumference of 30 inches was invented, becoming official in 1949.
Up until the 1950s, all basketballs, due to their creation from leather, were coloured brown, a hue difficult to see as both a player and spectator due to the ball's rapid on-court movement. This all changed when famous basketball coach Tony Hinkle introduced the orange ball, which was rapidly adopted in clubs around the world and is now stereotypical with basketball today.
From 1967 to the 1970s, the American Basketball Association used a red, white, and blue basketball. In 1970, the design improved, with traditional four panels becoming eight, adopted as the NBA's official ball.
In 1983, the NBA adopted Spalding’s full-grain leather ball. Traditionally, leather covered basketballs, but in the late 1990s, synthetic materials, more durable in harsh outdoor conditions, were introduced.
In 2006 the NBA allowed balls that were constructed with a synthetic micro-fibre composite material, shaped from two interlocking cross-shaped panels rather than the previous eight. Also included within the new form of material was a superior moisture management component, which resulted in improved grip throughout the course of the game. Similarly, the previous use of leather balls required 'breaking-in' before use in a game, to remove the slickness associated with using leather. The implementation of a composite material removed this factor, and enhanced consistency across all balls of the design.
In the same year, Spalding also released their Never Flat technology, the first ever use of pressure retention properties within a basketball. The use of such technologies included the guarantee of full inflation for over a year, a ten-fold improvement on the inflation life of previous basketball.
Basketballs evolved due to technology and material improvements:
Material Changes: Initially, basketballs had leather panels stitched, but it had issues like water absorption. In the 1940s and 1950s, they tried synthetic materials like rubber for better durability.
Indoor/Outdoor Balls: Early basketballs were for indoors, but as outdoor play increased, balls were made for both indoor and outdoor use, handling rough conditions better.
Better Materials: Today, basketballs use advanced materials like synthetic leather for improved grip, durability, and bounce.
Handling Moisture: Older leather balls got slippery when wet, so newer balls absorb moisture or have textures for better grip, especially in humid conditions.
Inflation Improvements: The way basketballs are pumped up changed. Manual pumps were used in the past, but now, they have methods like built-in air bladders and better valve systems for easier maintenance.
Basketballs changed to enhance player performance, durability, and adaptability to different conditions, thanks to technology and new materials.
The choice of color is also important. The decision to use orange can be attributed to the contrast it provides against the predominantly wooden or light-colored floors of basketball courts. The vivid color makes the ball stand out, especially in fast-paced and dynamic situations, ensuring that players can quickly spot and react to its movements.
Additionally, the choice of orange has become a tradition in the sport, and it is now a distinctive and iconic feature of basketball. The official color of basketballs is defined by standards set by governing bodies like FIBA (International Basketball Federation) and the NBA (National Basketball Association), ensuring consistency in the color of basketballs used in official competitions worldwide.
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