Spalding Rookie Gear Basketball

by Spalding

Product Features

• Weighs 25 percent less than standard youth-sized balls
• Helps to improve shot mechanics and dribbling technique
• Playing with a lighter ball also helps build confidence
• Made from high-performance composite leather, for soft, grippy feel
• Specifically engineered for kids ages 8 and under

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Introduce your child to the fast-paced action of hoops with Spalding's Rookie Gear Basketball, which is specifically engineered for kids ages 8 and under. Weighing 25 percent less than standard youth-sized balls, this Rookie Gear ball is designed to help your child shoot and rebound more easily and successfully right out of the gate. Parents and coaches can immediately notice improvements in shot mechanics and dribbling technique, as well as increased confidence rebounding a lighter ball. Playing with a lighter ball will help build confidence and enable learning of sound fundamental skills to keep them active and playing the game for years to come. The ball measures 27.5 inches in diameter and is made from high-performance composite leather, which provides leather-like softness and superior grip. It can be used either indoors or outdoors.

About Spalding
As a Division of Russell Corporation, the Spalding Group consists of three business units: Spalding in Springfield, MA; American Athletic, Inc. (AAI) in Jefferson, IA; and Huffy Sports, in Sussex, WI. The three companies, collectively combined, are now the largest basketball equipment supplier in the world. Spalding is the official basketball supplier of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the official backboard of the NBA and NCAA, the official volleyball of the King of the Beach Volleyball Tour and the official football of the Arena Football League (AFL) and Pop Warner.

Product Description

Specifically engineered for kids ages 8 and under. Weighing 25 % less than standard youth-sized balls, this ball is designed to help kids shoot and rebound more easily and successfully. Playing with a lighter ball will help build confidence and enable learning of sound fundamental skills. 27.5" in diameter and is made from high-performance composite leather, which provides leather-like softness and superior grip. For use indoors or outdoors.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001CI571Q
• Item model number: SPLD-01
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,961 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)
  • #5 in Toys & Games > Sports & Outdoor Play > Sports > Basketball > Basketballs
  • #21 in Sports & Outdoors > Team Sports > Basketball > Basketballs

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect ball for 4-6 year olds, November 9, 2009

By 

R. L. Lackey - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Spalding Rookie Gear Basketball (Sports)

I bought the ball in Summer '09 for my 3 year old because I was going to enroll him in the local buddy basketball league for 4-6 year old and I wanted to get a head start on his form. This is the perfect ball for that age group and should really be considered as the standard ball for leagues that service that age group. This ball weighs 25% less than standard youth basketballs which enables the youngest ballplayers to shoot in a manner than more closely resembles the style of shot that the will use later in their careers. If anyone has ever noticed how most young players shoot a basketball they have noticed that the put the ball next to their ear and fling moreso than shoot the basketball and it ends up going off to the side. This ball allows them to keep a more natural shot. In summary, I think that this a great new type basketball for the youth market and feel like you will see more and more leagues adopt it. I give it a 10 out of 10.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not a bad product but not great...., May 28, 2011

By 

Ajpdp - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spalding Rookie Gear Basketball (Sports)

Like Wei Lu states in his review, the ball does feel cheap and the print on the ball is not legible, it is also less durable than a regular Spalding All Conference 27.5 inch youth ball. But it is a kids ball, it is inexpensive, and it is light weight. So overall I'll rate closer to 4 stars than 3.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Looks like a fake, January 28, 2011

By 

Wei Lu "WL" (MD, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Spalding Rookie Gear Basketball (Sports)

Received the basketball, but it is different from the picture. The rookie Gear sign is not in color, and all the small letters on the basketball is not readable, (like on a normal one in store you can read the letters like indoor/outdoor or how much you should inflate to) The quality feels inferior. But anyway you can play it as a basketball, and it does feel lighter.

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