Rubber basketballs are generally cheaper and have a shorter shelf life than synthetic leather balls. They are suitable for beginners, for teaching in schools and outdoor play.
Synthetic skin is the most commonly used material for making basketballs. It gained popularity thanks to its excellent price-performance ratio. Basketballs made from artificial leather have different finishes for outdoor and indoor use.
FIBA-approved balls conform to the following official standards of the International Basketball Federation: