Is there a wax that the pros use on ther leather basketballs?

[AnMig]

Wife bought this All leather official NBA Basketball last x-mas and we still dont use it for our games due to
it being very slippery compared to the other cheapo synthetic balls.

I know you have to break it in, and we do use at least once a week durring warmup's.

I have been using some stickum powder for my grip but is there a wax or something that the pros use
to make the leather balls more grip friendly?


I find it hard to accept that a 20 dollar synthetic ball is better than an official NBA all leather ball.

we play indoors on a wood floor every week.

Thanks.

I googled and could not find such a product. (it took me a while to find the stickum powder)

 

[squeeg22]

Use. Use. Use. In my experience, as both a player and coach, basketballs usually need a more thorough break-in period than you seem to be allowing (think new baseball mitt). Frequent use and the natural oils from your skin combined with sweat usually do the trick. Trust me, once it does get broke-in, it'll be better than any synthetic. There is no wax that I know of. I usually dribble the ball on smooth concrete (no dirt, pebbles, etc.) a couple of times before every use. This will slowly take some of the smoothness out of the skin, but shouldn't harm the ball. After a few times, the ball will get tacky and you won't need to worry any more.

 

[mcveigh]

I like my balls slippery, especially when I am playing with them on wood floors, try playing with your ball more than once a week.
does your wife even help you out? my wife is very good at playing with my balls.

 

[vi edit]

Meh. Synthetic > leather.

Cheaper. And better feeling.

 

[dman]

I bought one about 10yrs ago, used it outdoors on concrete like a dumbass. Didn't realize it'd chew up the surface... ah well I got it for $29 or something, was on clearance at a store I worked at.

 

[iamme]

i have an official NBA basketball. be sure to break it in on a nice gym floor. one that's clean, waxed, and free of dust/dirt. mine has scuffs from playing on our rather dirty gym floor.

i really love the feel of the official ball, but synthetics are really nice without having to break it in. the official ball has a great "light" feel for shooters, imo.

as for a wax, i haven't heard of any.

i just made a concious effort to dribble pretty hard to break it in. probably good for practicing your ball handling as well

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: mcveigh
I like my balls slippery, especially when I am playing with them on wood floors, try playing with your ball more than once a week.
does your wife even help you out? my wife is very good at playing with my balls.

Maybe your wife should dribble them into the concrete like squeeg22 suggested.

 

[Layzee]

Ok... this thread is making me lol....

"Frequent use and the natural oils from your skin combined with sweat usually do the trick."

" I like my balls slippery..."

"my wife is very good at playing with my balls"

Seriously though, I only wish I could afford an official NBA basketball.

 

[jagec]

earwax?

 

[AnMig]

Okay Thanks for the replies.

It doesnt sound like there is a wax available.

We usually use it for 5-10 min shoot around then we always choose another ball when we play.
Will try the smooth concrete approach.

The reason I dont use it more often is because I have rough concrete at home where I use my synthetic.
The only time I try to use the leather ball is when I go to the gym every wed for a pickup game.

thanks

 

[axelfox]

Dude, ZK composite is where its at. Very spongy and nice feel