Best Basketball’s for Playing in the Rain

If you don’t have access to an indoor court, then your next best option may be to play a game of basketball outdoors.  However, playing basketball outdoors is inherently different than playing indoors and requires an outdoor basketball to play.

Whereas indoors basketball courts don’t have to withstand the elements, allowing the basketball to be made of leather, outdoor courts and basketballs will have to be able to withstand both the elements and outdoor play styles.

If you’re going to play basketball outside, and in the rain, then you will need a proper basketball to do so.  That is why, below, we are going to review the best basketball’s for playing in the rain.  These basketballs will not only be able to withstand the rain and wet conditions but will also continue to provide superior grip in the rain.

Disclaimer

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How to Play Basketball in the Rain

While playing basketball outside is inherently different than playing on an indoor court, it is even more so when playing in the rain.  Playing basketball in the rain can be more dangerous than playing with the sun out.  Due to the rain and decreased friction on the floor, accidental slips and falls are more common.

However, if you are committed to playing basketball in any weather, whether rain or shine, then take some of the below steps to ensure your safety, protection, and warmth while playing in the rain:

• Invest in Proper Basketball Shoes – as mentioned above, playing basketball in the rain is inherently different than playing in the sun or during a cool, breezy day.  As such, you will want to invest in basketball shoes that are not only able to provide additional traction, but also ones that you can get dirty.  That means skipping out on the latest Nike’s and opting for a slightly cheaper option.

• Purchase Appropriate Clothes – similarly, and as mentioned above, playing basketball in the rain will cause you to get dirty.  Not only will the rain leave you soaked, but due to the splashes of the puddles on the court, you will find yourself dirtier than normal.  As such, we recommend purchasing clothes which you don’t mind getting dirty.  You can purchase a simple, dry-fit t-shirt and shorts or athletic pants to accommodate your play in the rain.  However, we recommend not wearing clothes made from cotton, as cotton will absorb the water from the rain, making your clothes heavier and stickier. 

• Use a Less Expensive Basketball – while you will still want to bring a basketball with sufficient grip to the court, you don’t want to bring an expensive one with you while playing basketball in the rain.  This is because the rain and water will be absorbed and soaked by the ball, making it difficult to play with in the future.  Rather, you should purchase a cheaper basketball that can be used outdoors and one that you don’t rely on for daily play.

• Use Basketball Goggles – lastly, consider investing in and using basketball goggles.  These goggles will not only protect your eyes from injury but will also help to keep the rain and splashes of the water from your eyes.  This will give you a clearer line of sight and help you to perform at your best on the court.

How to Choose a Basketball to Play with in the Rain?

Although there are a plethora of basketballs available for purchase, none are specifically created to play with in the rain or in water.  Other than, perhaps, some of the basketballs which come with the hoop meant for playing in the pool.  However, even that ball is smaller than a regulation sized one and does not bounce or dribble correctly for an outdoor game.

As such, our recommendation for finding a basketball to play with in the rain or water, is one that is both meant for outdoor play and one that is relatively inexpensive.  You will not want to purchase an indoor basketball to play with outdoors and in the rain as many indoor basketballs are made of leather, which will soak the water and will lose its bounce.

In addition, you do not want to purchase or play with an expensive basketball in the rain or water.  As water will leak through any holes and be absorbed by the basketball material, it is better to stick with an inexpensive basketball that can be played with in the rain and can be discarded once ruined.

Outdoor Basketball’s for Playing in the Rain

• Spalding Street Outdoor Basketball – the Spalding Street Outdoor Basketball is our recommendation for the best basketball for playing with in the rain and water.  Made of rubber, this basketball feels identical to an indoors basketball.  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.  Although it is capable for play indoors, we wouldn’t recommend doing so after playing with the basketball in the rain.  However, we 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.