How to Measure Pressure in a Basketball

In basketball, correct air pressure in the ball ensures that it bounces and flies properly. The National Basketball Association recommends that the pressure should be between 7.5 and 8.5 lbs. per square inch. It is possible to buy a special ball pressure gauge. For team coaches this may be the best choice, but they are expensive and may not be available locally. You can also use a pump with a built in gauge. If neither of these is available, you can use a digital car tire gauge with a suitable adapter.

Things You'll Need

  • Ball inflation needle
  • Car tire valve
  • Rubber cement
  • Digital tire pressure gauge
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Instructions

    • 1

      Smear rubber cement over the threads of the inflation needle, taking care not to get cement inside the needle. Insert the threaded end into the hole in the base of the tire valve using a clockwise motion to screw the glued thread in as far as it will go. Allow the rubber cement to set for 15 minutes.

    • 2

      Insert the needle end of the completed adapter into the inflation valve of the ball. If no hiss of escaping air is heard, the inflation needle and tire valve are properly sealed together and the adapter is ready to use. The space inside the tire valve contains a volume of air at the same pressure as the air inside the ball.

    • 3

      Remove the dust cap from the tire valve, and press the head of the digital tire gauge onto the valve just as you would when measuring pressure in a car tire. If the pressure is too high, release some air from the ball by pressing the dust cap against the little metal spike inside the valve. If the pressure is too low, remove the adapter, inflate the ball some more, and measure again.