7 Best Basketballs for a Pickup Game of Basketball

Basketball, being one of the most popular sports in the world, is played by countless individuals around the globe. And whether played on a high school team, on a professional one in the NBA, or on a pickup game, the general rules remain the same throughout.

However, one considerable difference between regulation and professional leagues and a pickup game is the basketball that is used. Contrary to popular belief, not all basketball are the same. And the ones used in the professional league’s are inherently different than the ones used in a pickup game.

That’s why, below, we are going to review the 7 best basketballs for a pickup game of basketball and help you narrow down your choices from the available list of basketballs on the market.

What is a Pickup Game of Basketball?

Pickup basketball is one of the most essential forms of a basketball game.  Typically played recreationally, a pickup game of basketball will test your grit, determination, perseverance, and willpower.

A game of pick-up basketball, quite simply, is a recreational, non-league affiliated game of basketball.  It is typically played on an available court, whether outdoors or indoors, and is played on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

A game of pick-up basketball is usually played with teams of five-on-five but can be played with a team of four-on-four, three-on-three, or even two-on-two. However, if only two players are available, it technically becomes a matchup of 1×1 rather than a pickup game.

And, differing from a game of one-on-one, a pickup game is played full court.  This means that the game will be utilizing both ends of the basketball court, with the defense and offense needing to run full court to begin new sets. 

A game of pick-up basketball differs from a traditional, league regulated game in many ways.  For starters, a game of pick-up basketball does not have any referees nor are there any officials to keep a tally of the points scored. 

This means that fouls and keeping track of points scored will fall on the players on the court.  While calling fouls and keeping track of the score falls on the individual players, calling a foul and the current score is an honor system. 

Typically, in a pickup game, fouls are only called that truly impact the shooting sequence of a shooting player.  This means that small, tick-tack type fouls, including reach-ins, defensive three-seconds, and charges will not be called.

Why You Should Play a Game of Pick-up Basketball

Many newer players are often, understandably, intimidated when it comes to playing a game of pickup basketball.  However, a game of pickup basketball can be more fun than a regulation game and can help you to increase your overall basketball skills.

In addition, playing a game of pick-up basketball will not only introduce you to many differing types of players but will also help you to increase your experience in defending differing basketball styles, schemes, and plays.

Lastly, playing a pickup game of basketball will help to increase your overall basketball confidence.  You will face stiff competition and a variety of playing styles.  However, if you are able to play well offensively and defensively, you will have the confidence needed to take your game to a more professional league.

Different Types of Basketballs

There are three dominant types of basketballs.  These are leather, rubber, and synthetic, often called composite.  The professional leagues typically utilize basketballs made of genuine leather and are often the basketballs that are found used at most indoor gyms and basketball leagues.

In addition to being the most widely used, leather basketballs are generally the softest and most comfortable material on a ball.  That is also why genuine leather basketballs tend to great grip and are widely chosen for most leagues.

However, synthetic, or composite basketballs are by-far the best basketballs for overall grip.  Synthetic basketballs are made of material that look and feel like leather and can be used for both indoor and outdoor play.  Due to the synthetic material of the ball, composite basketballs need little “breakage” and can be used practically out of the box.

Lastly, rubber basketballs are generally the most affordable and are a great option for beginners and for outdoor play.  Rubber basketballs generally perform well on asphalt and concrete and provide a great bounce on outdoor surfaces.  However, rubber basketballs tend to have less grip, as compared to the alternatives.

If you are looking for the best basketballs for a pickup game of basketball, your best bet is to stick with either synthetic or rubber basketballs. Synthetic is probably the best option for long-term use, with rubber basketballs not having sufficient grip for proper play.

However, you don’t want to use a leather basketball for outdoor play. Leather basketballs are meant for indoor use and using a leather basketball outside can lead to wear-and-tear and deterioration of the material quickly due to the hard surface that outdoor courts have.

Our Top Basketball for Pickup Basketball Games

Below, we’ve listed our top five favorite and best basketballs for pickup games. These basketballs are generally affordable, provide great grip, and are durable enough for outdoor and indoor play.

• Spalding Street Outdoor Basketball – the Spalding Street Outdoor Basketball is our recommendation for the best basketball for pickup games.  This basketball feels identical to an indoors basketball, though it is meant for outdoor use.  It performs well at keeping air in and provides a refreshing sound while it travels through the net.  A relatively inexpensive basketball, you should be able to have endless amounts of fun with this ball outside and in the rain.

• Spalding Street Phantom Outdoor Basketball – a close second to the Spalding Street Outdoor Basketball is the Spalding Street Phantom Outdoor Basketball.  As both basketballs are manufactured by the same company, their specifications are nearly identical.  However, the Street Phantom comes in a beautifully designed black and yellow, giving it a cooler, more refined look.

• Spalding React TF-250 – the Spalding React TF-250 is an indoor and outdoor basketball and is made from a faux-leather material.  We really recommend this basketball as it has superior grip.  Being made of faux-leather, the grip is much more superior than rubber and remains at a comfortably inexpensive price point.  

• Wilson Evolution Game Basketball – the Wilson Evolution Game Basketball, in our own testing, is by far the best indoor basketball for overall grip and durability.  It is the number one indoor basketball in America and on courts around the world.  The Wilson Evolution basketball offers a soft, natural touch due to its cushioned core, making the ball soft to the touch.  In addition, the premium microfiber composite cover provides a grip that basketball players have come to love and depend on, making it our overall top choice. If you are planning on playing a pickup game indoors, then this ball is the ball to use.

• Spalding All Conference Indoor-Outdoor Basketball – the Spalding All Conference Indoor-Outdoor Basketball is our top pick for the overall best hybrid basketball on the market.  Featuring a composite material finish, this basketball is perfect for indoor and outdoor play and provides the grip and durability players are looking for.  With a brownish finish, this basketball maintains its natural shape and performance, time and time again and through repeated use.

• Spalding Zi/O Excel Basketball – the Spalding Zi/O Excel Basketball is another great option from Spalding, a reputable basketball brand that is often used in professional play.  This basketball is shipped inflated and ready to use.  With a tacky outer feel, the Spalding Zi/O Excel Basketball provides superior grip on both asphalt and hardwood flooring.

• Senston Rubber Men’s Basketball – the Senston Rubber Men’s Basketball is definitely the “new kid on the block” but punches above its weight class.  Although the Senston brand is a newer one, they have quickly made a name for themselves.  Featuring eye-catching design and colors, this basketball is great for new players looking to learn the basics of the game.  However, for a rubber basketball, its overall grip was quite good and provided the comfortability that basketball players across the globe look for.