Top 6 Best Weighted Basketball [2023 Buyer’s Guide]

This page was last updated on 20 May 2023.

Say goodbye to weak passes, short shooting ranges, and sloppy dribbling. 

Embrace the transformation that awaits as you elevate your skills to new heights, all with the help of this incredible piece of equipment – a weighted basketball! 

With its specialized features, you can develop the strength necessary to dominate the court. A weighted basketball forces you to focus on your shooting mechanics, helping you develop the consistency and technique required to become a true sharpshooter. 

In a hurry? Have a look at my top pick:

But all that is possible if you choose the right fit. Buying the wrong basketball will not only ruin your muscle strength but also cost you time and money. 

So let us begin!

Top 6 Weighted Basketballs for 2023: A Comprehensive Comparison

How to Choose the Best Weighted Basketball

A weighted basketball can be a game-changer, helping you improve your strength, control, and shooting accuracy. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one? 

Don’t worry. I got you covered! 

Keep reading to walk through the essential factors to consider when shopping for the perfect weighted basketball.

Weight

Weighted basketballs typically range from 1.5 to 3 times the weight of a standard basketball. Consider your current strength level and training goals when selecting the appropriate weight. Beginners may prefer a lighter ball, while more advanced players can opt for a heavier option.

Size

The size of the basketball is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a ball. There are different sizes for different age groups, and it is important to choose the correct size for your needs.

Size	Circumference	Recommended for
27.5 inches	8.75 inches	Children (ages 8 and under)
28.5 inches	9 inches	Youth (ages 9-14)
29.5 inches	9.25 inches	Intermediate (ages 15 and up)

Material

The material used for the ball’s cover affects grip, feel, and durability. Composite and genuine leather offer better grip and a more premium feel but may not be suitable for outdoor play. 

Rubber covers provide excellent durability and are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, though they might lack the premium feel of leather.

Weight Distribution

Opt for a well-balanced weighted basketball to ensure the ball doesn’t feel awkward or cumbersome while shooting or dribbling. Even weight distribution contributes to a smoother transition back to a standard basketball.

Customizable Weight Options

Some weighted basketballs offer customizable weight options, allowing you to adjust the ball’s weight according to your specific needs and progress. This feature can be advantageous for players of all skill levels and ages.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

Consider reputable brands known for producing high-quality sports equipment. Additionally, read customer reviews and testimonials to gain insight into the ball’s performance and durability from real users.

Price

Determine your budget and compare prices of differently weighted basketballs within your price range. Remember that investing in a high-quality weighted basketball may provide better value for money in the long run.

Armed with this buying guide, you’re now ready to make an informed decision when selecting the best-weighted basketball for your training needs. 

Let’s dive in!

The Awesome List of Best Weighted Basketball

The following list offers a range of options for choosing the best weighted basketball to enhance your training experience and to further assist you in making an informed decision, and you could even watch the following video for in-depth insights and recommendations.

1. SKLZ Control Training Basketball –  Weighted Basketball for Dribbling

SKLZ Control Training Basketball’s unique design, focus on control training, and impressive results make it the top choice among its competitors. 

While several training basketballs are available in the market, such as the Baden SkilCoach and Spalding TF-Trainer, the SKLZ Control Training Basketball sets itself apart by improving ball handling and control. 

With its characteristic smaller size, it not only provides you with a better grip and precision while dribbling, passing, and shooting but also makes the transition back to the regular ball easier.

But that doesn’t decrease the resistance needed to challenge your skills, thanks to its double weight. It bounces and reacts like a regulation ball for more effective training. 

Another advantage of the SKLZ Control Training Basketball is its high-quality construction, featuring a durable rubber cover that provides excellent grip and a firm feel. It ensures you can practice indoors and outdoors, on various court surfaces, without compromising the ball’s longevity.

Let’s have a bird’s eye view of this fantastic product now:

2. Spalding TF-Trainer Weighted Indoor Basketball – Spalding Weighted Basketball

Introducing the Spalding TF-Trainer Weighted Indoor Basketball, your ultimate game-changer! 

Measuring 28.5 inches in circumference and weighing 3 pounds – 1.5 times the weight of a standard basketball – it’s specifically designed to boost your strength, control, and shooting accuracy.

Featuring a superior composite leather cover, this basketball offers an exceptional grip and a softer feel compared to competitors like the Baden SkilCoach Heavy Trainer and the Mikasa BWL110. Not only that, it ensures longevity, allowing you to work confidently on your shooting and dribbling skills.

What sets the Spalding TF-Trainer apart is its perfectly balanced weight distribution, ensuring the ball never feels awkward or burdensome while shooting or dribbling. Plus, it guarantees a seamless transition back to standard basketball, which is definitely amazing!

Curious to weigh the ups and downs? Let’s get straight into it:

3. AKA Weighted Leather Basketball – Weighted Leather Basketball

Features

• Durable composite leather material for superior grip and control
• Weighted to enhance dribbling and passing strength
• Aids in increasing muscle memory and ball handling efficiency
• Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee

The AKA Weighted Leather Basketball is the elite training tool to skyrocket your strength, control, and accuracy on the court!

This regulation-size, 3-pound wonder is on par with the Spalding TF Trainer Weighted Indoor Basketball and the Baden SkilCoach Heavy Trainer. But it boasts a genuine leather cover for an unbeatable grip and a comfortable feel.

The top-quality material ensures a strong grip, allowing you to concentrate on perfecting your technique without worrying about slips or mishaps. Plus, the robust leather cover guarantees that the ball can endure even the most intense training sessions.

And the cherry on top? 

The AKA Weighted Leather Basketball features an impeccably balanced design, making the transition back to a regular basketball smooth and effortless. You’ll be ready to showcase your enhanced skills in real games in no time. Now, that’s what we call a slam dunk!

Let’s balance the benefits and drawbacks now:

5. NBTiger Weighted Basketball – Best for kid training

The NBTiger Weighted Basketball is a regulation-size ball (29.5-inch circumference) weighing 3.3 pounds – slightly higher than its competitors like the AKA Weighted Leather Basketball and the Spalding TF-Trainer Weighted Indoor Basketball. 

This unique training tool aims to help you improve your strength, control, and shooting accuracy while featuring a high-quality composite leather cover that provides an excellent grip and a comfortable feel. 

What sets the NBTiger Weighted Basketball apart is its slightly heavier weight, pushing you to go the extra mile during training and leading to increased strength and control on the court. 

However, it’s not intended for outdoor use, as the leather cover may suffer damage on rough surfaces.

Still trying to understand the overall performance? Let me highlight its pros and cons for you:

5. HoopsKing Weighted Basketball – weighted basketball for shooting

The HoopsKing Weighted Basketball comes in both 2.75 lbs and 3 lbs options, providing a wider range with varying strength levels and training objectives. 

Moreover, it’s crafted from high-quality composite leather material, offering an excellent grip and a more genuine feel than other weighted balls.

When compared to other weighted basketballs on the market, such as the Baden SkilCoach and Spalding TF-Trainer, the HoopsKing Weighted Basketball shines with its specific design aimed at developing consistency in shots, passes, and dribbling. The weighted design pushes you to maintain proper form, resulting in more consistent and effective on-court performance.

The ball’s top-notch construction ensures durability and longevity, delivering great value for money. 

It’s important to mention, though, that the added weight might be challenging during initial sessions and need time to adjust. 

Let’s look at the bigger picture now:

6. Champion Sports Weighted Trainer Basketball – Best for ball handling

The Champion Sports Weighted Basketball Trainer, a regulation-size ball (29.5-inch circumference), is a fantastic training tool to elevate your strength, control, and shooting accuracy. 

Compared to competitors like the NBTiger Weighted Basketball and the AKA Weighted Leather Basketball, it gives you customizable weight options.

This distinctive attribute enables you to personalize your training experience, progressively increasing the weight as you develop strength and confidence on the court. Thus making it an ideal training tool for players across all skill levels and ages.

While the durable rubber cover guarantees longevity, and the excellent grip boosts your confidence while working on shooting and dribbling skills, the Champion Sports Weighted Basketball Trainer may not have the same premium feel as some leather-covered options. 

Now let me list out the pros and cons for you:

Time To Crown The Champion!

So my friends! I’ve laid out my top-weighted basketballs for you, and I must say, they’re all pretty impressive in their own right. 

However, the SKLZ Control Training Basketball is my favorite so far for boosting your dribbling and passing game. The Spalding TF-Trainer is excellent for building strength and shooting accuracy. If you’re after luxury, the AKA Weighted Leather Basketball covers you. The NBTiger Weighted Basketball is a solid choice for the kiddos, and the HoopsKing Weighted Basketball is just what you need to level up your shooting skills. 

Consider your needs, skill level, and goals when picking the right one. 

Have a blast training, and here’s to crushing it on the court!

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s take a look at some related FAQs with answers.