Dr. James Naismith invented basketball in 1891. For the first three years, it was played with peach baskets as hoops and a soccer ball. A year later, Naismith approached Spalding about developing a basketball. This first ball was slightly larger than a soccer ball and made of laced leather.
Basketball Construction
Rubber is used to create an interior bladder which passes through several steps in shaping, vulcanization and inflation. If the bladder can withstand 24 hours of inflation to specification, it is then wrapped with polyester or nylon strings. The quality of the string and the number of strands determines the quality and cost of a basketball. Cover panels, also of rubber, are shaped and placed in a vulcanizer. The finished bladder is covered with glue and placed inside the vulcanizer where the cover panels are applied. If the basketball is covered in leather or laminated composite panels, the panels are applied to the ball by hand. The balls are then embossed and decals are added. A second 24-hour air pressure test is followed by bounce testing
Early Balls
The first molded ball, which became the official game ball in 1949, was developed in 1948. Laces had been removed from Spalding balls in 1937, and the new ball was made of molded leather. (ref 1) The ball, also made by Spalding, was soon included in the official rules of the game which, according to Spalding's website, said, "the ball made by A.G. Spalding & Bros shall be the official ball." The first ball made of synthetic leather was made by Spalding in 1972. In 1983, a full-grain leather ball, also made by Spalding, was selected as the NBA's official ball.
Composite Basketballs
In 1992, Spalding developed the first composite leather balls. The composite ball had a softer touch allowing players greater control than leather balls did. It was also a more durable ball. That same year, Spalding developed the official ball of the WNBA featuring a microfiber composite cover.
Modern Composite Basketballs
In 2006, the NBA selected the Spalding Cross Traxxion for its official ball. This ball is made of microfiber composite and features a moisture management component that contributes to superior feel and handling. The new material also eliminates the need for break-in periods and ensures that balls are consistently uniform.
Composite Ball Materials
Composite balls are made of leather and one or more layers of non-leather fibers. These can be organic or inorganic and can include fillers such as clay and calcium carbonate. Organic components include cotton or wood pulp and polyester. Inorganic components are often glass fibers. Cushioning agents include foam, rubber and polymeric microbubbles. Binding agents include natural and synthetic latex, PVA and starch. The leather used in this material is often post-manufacturing or post-consumer waste and may be composed of scraps and dust.
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