AND1 Xcelerate 29.5-Inch Rubber Basketball & Pump
Last updated date: October 23, 2020
DWYM Score
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We looked at the top Basketballs and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Basketball you should buy.
Overall Take
This basketball includes a 12-inch pump with an ergonomic handle for easy inflation. The ball is made from heavy-duty material to withstand many hours of gameplay without showing signs of wear. The enhanced pebbling helps players maintain their grip while dribbling and shooting, making it perfect for beginners and young players. In our analysis of 0 expert reviews, the AND1 AND1 Xcelerate 29.5-Inch Basketball & Pump placed 4th when we looked at the top 10 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.
Editor's Note October 23, 2020:
Checkout The Best Basketballs for a detailed review of all the top basketballs.
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From The Manufacturer
The AND1 Xcelerate rubber ball is regulation size 7 (29. 5”) and weight with easy to palm grip
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An Overview On Basketballs
You only need two things to shoot hoops: a hoop and a basketball. If you want to play against someone else, you’ll need at least one other player, as well. But if you have a hoop handy, you may find that you can’t always access basketballs, especially if you play at the park or in your own backyard.
But as you start shopping around for a basketball, you’ll quickly realize there are many variations. The top consideration of any basketball is grip. You’ll want a basketball that resists slipping around to make sure when you finally do gain control of the ball, you don’t accidentally drop it. For that reason, most basketballs feature a textured surface that’s easier to grip.
Comfort is also a consideration. Some basketballs are built to allow you to easily grasp them, with slight indentations that help you grab on. If you play recreationally, or you’re new to the game and want comfort as you get started, this can be a great choice. It’s important to keep in mind if you play on a team, though, that you may get used to playing this way, only to have to adjust to a ball without this feature at game time.
DWYM Fun Fact
Basketball is commonly known to have been invented by James Naismith, but many may not realize that he was a physical education teacher at the YMCA. In 1891, his supervisor asked him to come up with a good wintertime activity, and Naismith created the game that’s now known as basketball.
Naismith wrote the original rule book for the sport, as well as founding the basketball program at the University of Kansas. Initially, the game wasn’t played with the basketball we know today. Instead, players used a soccer ball and peach baskets, which required the referee to retrieve the ball and put it back in play every time someone landed one in.
String baskets came along in 1900 and backboards were later added to prevent spectators from stopping a shot from making its way in.
The Basketball Buying Guide
- Some basketballs are designed for both outdoor and indoor use, while others specify one or the other. Basketballs can suffer significant wear when played on surfaces like concrete, so you may want to go for durability versus comfort if you’re buying for outdoor play.
- Some brands sell basketballs in varying sizes. You may want a smaller, 27.5-inch version for a youth player, for instance, or an intermediate ball for a new player who’s learning. Once you’re ready to play as part of a team, though, you’ll likely graduate to the “official” size, which is 29.5 inches, so it’s important to get used to playing with this larger size once you’ve practiced a while.
- If you’re buying a ball for official gameplay, make sure the basketball is rated for play by the appropriate association. High school basketballs are rated for play by the National Federation of State High School Associations, for instance.
- You’ll need to keep a pump handy for when your basketball needs a little extra air.
- If you’re playing in a pool, standard basketballs likely will prove too slippery in wet hands. Look for basketballs that are specifically designed for water use.