What Size Basketball Should a Five Year Old Use?

A five year old boy should be playing with a size 5 basketball. This is the official size of the “youth basketball”. 

Playing basketball is such a great activity for your five year old but it’s so important to use the correct equipment. There are at least four different sizes of basketballs available nowadays and you want to make sure you have the size that suits your player! 

The circumference of this basketball is 27.5” and it weighs about 17 ounces. The size five basketball is smaller and lighter than the official game basketball used by older children and adults.

This is the perfect size for a five year old’s hands. Using a basketball that has a circumference of 27.5” and the lighter weight allows your five year old to develop and build on his basketball skills with a ball that fits his hand properly. 

In this article, I am going to give you some important information to help you understand why size matters when you are searching for a basketball for your five year old.  

Regulation Size Basketball:

Before I jump into explaining why a five year old should use a size five basketball I want to first talk about the size of a regulation basketball. If we are gonna talk about the size of basketballs we should at least have a good understanding of the standard regulation size basketball.

I think this is important information because most people with little to no basketball experience would likely walk into a store and pick up the regulation size ball. They would do this without considering how a larger than needed basketball can actually hinder their five year old’s development.

Without further adieu, the size of a regulation basketball is 29.5” in circumference and weighs 22 ounces. This is the ball used for adults and older youth boys. This is much larger and heavier than the size 5 basketball recommended for a five year old, which is what we are going to discuss very soon in this article.

Using The Correct Size Basketball is Important:

Size is important. Almost everything we do or anything we buy has various different options. And size is almost always one of those options. Think about it. Shoes, clothes, cars. You name it there are different sizes and picking the right size can make an impact. Same is true for selecting a basketball for a five year old.

There are consequences for a five year old playing with a basketball that is the wrong size. Both bigger or smaller than needed.  Choosing a basketball that is too large or too heavy can limit your five year old’s ability to really develop their skills. Playing with the wrong size basketball can lead to your five year old developing bad habits such as pushing the ball instead of shooting it. The youth sized basketball is the perfect size for a five year old to learn how to shoot and dribble a basketball that fits them.

Advantages of using size 5 basketball:	Disadvantages of using wrong size basketball:
Avoid developing poor habits	Heavy/larger balls force players to use poor shooting form
Hone skills effectively	Develop poor passing techniques
Build confidence	Fear of contact when catching a heavy/large ball

Difference Between a Size 5 and a Regulation Size Basketball:

The difference in the size of a regulation size basketball and a size 5 basketball is pretty significant. The size five basketball is two inches in circumference smaller than a regulation basketball. The difference in weight is five ounces.

This might not seem like a-lot but trust me for a five year old learning how to play basketball–it can make a huge difference! Therefore, the size 5 basketball is the appropriate size for a five year old boy.

Size of Basketball:	Size 5 basketball:	Regulation basketball:
Circumference (in inches):	27.5	29.5
Weight (in ounces):	17	22

Will Recreation Leagues Use the Size 5 Basketball for Five Year Olds?

Yes, most recreational basketball leagues realize the importance of using the correct size basketball for each age group. Recreational leagues strive to develop young players and put them into situations where they can succeed. 

They do this by creating and following league rules. These rules should include different size basketballs that correspond with specific age groups. You should be able to find a copy of the league rules on their website. This should tell you what size basketball your five year old will use during recreational games. 

Basketball Size for Five Year Olds Playing Travel Basketball?:

Travel basketball tournaments around the world which include teams of advanced five year olds follow the same guidelines and use a size 5 basketball. 

The organizers of these travel basketball associations enforce using the size 5 basketball although many of the players are likely larger, taller and more developed than the average five year old. 

When can a Five Year Old Move up to the Next Size?

A five year old can move up to the next size basketball on his twelfth birthday. This basketball has a little more weight and size. It is also the official size for women’s basketball.

This basketball is one inch larger in circumference but three ounces heavier than the size five basketball.

Where Can I Purchase A Size 5 Basketball?

Youth basketballs can be found at almost any sporting goods or large retail store.  

Now, I can assure you it may be a little tough to find the right size listed on the package but it should be there. 

The size should be listed but if not look for the official “youth basketball”. The size 5 basketball is also commonly known as the official size for youth basketball. You can also check the specs to ensure you are purchasing a basketball that is 27.5” in circumference and 17 ounces.

You can also find size 5 basketballs online. Here is a link to the NBA Authentic official basketball made by Wilson that I recommend. This basketball can be used indoors and outdoors. After clicking on the link make sure you chose the size 5 basketball before checking out. This basketball is a multi purpose basketball that I recommend using indoors and outdoors.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the size five basketball is the appropriate size for a five year old basketball player. The ball has a circumference of 27.5” and weighs 17 ounces. Using the appropriate size basketball allows your five year old to develop their skills on the court without having to adjust to a bigger basketball. 

There are several advantages for a five year old who uses a size five basketball. These advantages include allowing your five year old to hone their skills with a basketball that is the perfect size and weight for their hands. The size five basketball will also allow them to avoid developing poor shooting, passing and dribbling habits.  Finally, the appropriate size basketball will help your five year old build confidence.

Local community recreation leagues should also be using a size five basketball for teams with five year old players. Lastly, you should be able to find the size 5 basketball in most sporting goods stores or online.