What Size Basketball is Used in High School Games?

Between the NBA, the WNBA, and the International Basketball Federation, or FIBA, the size of the basketball used in regulation games can vary widely.  And when factoring in collegiate, high school, middle school, and elementary leagues, the basketball sizes between the leagues can be difficult to remember.

That’s why, below, we are going to discuss and review what size basketballs are used in high school games across the country and the globe.  While, generally, the size of the basketball used in high school games remains the same, there are some countries in which the basketball size may be a bit smaller.

What Size Basketball do High School Boys Use?

Generally, a high school boys basketball team will use a size 7 or 29.5-inch basketball.  That is the same size basketball that is used in the NBA and in the professional leagues.  The size 7 or 29.5-inch basketball is the largest basketball that is used and one that most male athletes will become comfortable with come their high school years.

In terms of weight, the size 7,  29.5-inch basketball weighs approximately 22 ounces.  Again, this is the largest weight for a basketball and allows for male athletes to become comfortable with the regulation sized basketball at a relatively early age.

What Size Basketball do High School Girls Use?

Generally, a high school girls basketball team will use a size 6 or 28.5-inch basketball.  That is the same size basketball that is used in the WNBA and in the professional women’s leagues.  The size 6 or 28.5-inch basketball is the second largest basketball that is used and one that most female athletes will become comfortable with come their high school years.

In terms of weight, the size 6,  28.5-inch basketball weighs approximately 18 ounces.  Again, this is the second largest weight for a basketball and allows for female athletes to become comfortable with the regulation sized basketball at a relatively early age.