Does the WNBA use a smaller basketball than the NBA?

Answer 1

The assumption is that since women are generally smaller and weaker than men and have smaller hands, they need a smaller and lighter ball. Since the diameter of the rim is the same for men and women, the degree of difficulty in scoring a goal is not as great for the women. This is why many purists do not grant validity to overall NCAA "women versus men" records and achievements. When Chamique Holdsclaw was accorded the distinction of being the all-time scorer at the University of Tennessee (passing Alan Houston), many people felt that this honour was not deserved since she had a distinct advantage over Houston by using a smaller ball and thereby a larger target. The only way to truly "level the playing field" would be to use slightly smaller rims for the women, making the degree of difficulty comparable to that of the men.

Answer 2

The degree of difficulty is reduced by using a smaller ball since the size of the rim remains the same. That is why the women's NCAA Basketball scoring records should be separate from the men's because of the degree of difficulty. I recall many people applauding Chamique Holdsclaw and calling her the greatest scorer in Tennessee U history when she passed Alan Houston's record but I do not think that is a valid record. The reason often given is that women's hands are smaller and need a smaller ball than the men. I agree with that but the women's hoop (rim) should be made smaller too making the degree of difficulty equal to the men. It would take two maintenance people ten minutes on a 12 foot ladder to switch the rims before a game. Case closed !

Answer 3

There are different sizes of basketballs. Rather than girl's vs. boy's, it is a matter of age and size of the players. Boys and girls ages 12 and under use a ball that is about 27.5 inches in circumference. Woman and boys/girls ages 12 to 14 use a ball that is about 29 inches in circumference while men use one that is about 30 inches.

It also depends on the organization making the rules for game play.

Answer 4

The women's size basketball is merely 1 inch smaller in circumference and about 1 ounce lighter.

Much smaller

Answer 5

Yes, the basketball that the WNBA use is slightly smaller than what the NBA uses.

Answer 6

Women use smaller ball but same size basket

Answer 7

Yes

Answer 8

no

Answer 9

yes

Answer 10

No