My friends' daughter will be 8 years old end of March. She's a basketball fanatic so they're going to buy her a portable hoop for the driveway.

My present to her will be the basketball. I took a brief look at Sports Authority and saw a lot of different *****. I'm assuming I should buy one for outdoor use, so that part's a no-brainer. What I need to know is, since it's for an 8 year old, is there anything special to consider? I noticed that there are small ***** for kids or is a regulation ball suitable?

I don't mind buying a $50+ ball for her, but I don't want to buy the wrong ball.

I know I can ask the salesperson, but thought I'd ask the people here first so when I go to buy the ball, I don't act like a dork.

 

27.5"=Junior size. 12-under
28.5"=Women's size. (A lot of youth leagues will use this size. I believe even junior high boys and girls use this size until the 8th grade)
29.5 or/ 30"= Official size

Technically the 27.5" would be the right size for her, but like I mentioned above, different leagues might use different size ***** either the 27.5 or 28.5.

 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the smaller ball at her age and of course the rim should be at a height that instills confidence. Ball diameter and rim height can grow as she does.

 

my team is mostly 10 and 11 year olds and we used the 28.5's..i think the 27.5 will be fine to begin with...

 

Thanks for the quick responses! At least I won't sound like an idiot when I go there. I'll check it out tomorrow morning and see what's available.

Maybe I'll buy her a couple of *****. That way, she can rent the larger ball to the adults if they want to play with her hoop!