How to Fill a Basketball With Air

Filling a basketball with air may be required when you purchase a new ball or when a ball has gone unused for an extended period. Air will also naturally leak out during ordinary use and, over time, the basketball will become noticeable less bouncy.

Things You'll Need

  • Air pump with needle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate the bladder entrance hole on one of the basketball's seams by slowly rotating the ball in your hands. The hole will be surrounded by a black rubber circle roughly the size of a pencil eraser.

    • 2

      Moisten the needle at the end of the pump's air hose with saliva or water. If the needle is not moist it can bend and become stuck when inserted into the ball.

    • 3

      Push the needle straight into of the bladder entrance without bending or twisting.

    • 4

      Pump air slowly into the ball until it becomes firm.

    • 5

      Remove the needle, slowly pulling it straight back out of the ball to avoid damaging the bladder. Repeat the steps until the ball bounces up to your waist when you release it from eye level while standing.