The 6 Best Weighted Basketballs

This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in October of 2018. Ideal for passing, dribbling, and ball-control drills, one of these weighted basketballs will increase the strength in your fingers, hands, and forearms when used consistently. You'll dribble harder, pass faster, and grip the ball like you're trying to squeeze the air out of it. Some coaches say you shouldn't use them for shooting, though, because they can throw off your range and shot mechanics. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in October of 2018. Ideal for passing, dribbling, and ball-control drills, one of these weighted basketballs will increase the strength in your fingers, hands, and forearms when used consistently. You'll dribble harder, pass faster, and grip the ball like you're trying to squeeze the air out of it. Some coaches say you shouldn't use them for shooting, though, because they can throw off your range and shot mechanics. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Spalding TF-Trainer

Designed for use on an indoor court, the 3-pound, 29.5-inch Spalding TF-Trainer (appx. $40) features a composite, or synthetic leather cover, which does not require a break-in period and provides a superior grip. Plus, it's made by the same company that makes all of the NBA's balls.

Recommended inflation level is 8 psi
Helps increase ball-handling speed
Bounces like a regulation ball

2. Baden SkilCoach

This Baden SkilCoach (appx. $25) has a 28.5-inch circumference, which is the official size of the Women's NBA, making this an ideal choice for ladies or youth players. It will feel right at home on any outdoor or indoor court thanks to its tough exterior.

Weighs just over two pounds
Bright color for good visibility
Nonslip rubber surface

3. Spectrum Heavy Trainer

After practicing with the Spectrum Heavy Trainer (appx. $20), a regulation ball will feel as light as air. It weighs in at 2.69 pounds, measures 29.5 inches in circumference, and offers exceptional value for the budget-conscious shopper. Plus, it has wide channels to improve its grip.

Among the lowest-priced options
Durable rubber surface
Suitable for indoor or outdoor use

4. Sklz Control

In regulation size for men's leagues, the Sklz Control (about $45) weighs 3 pounds and is made of durable synthetic leather suitable for practice on indoor and outdoor courts. It can help you push yourself to give everything you have as it develops strength in the fingers and hands.

Includes a booklet of drills
Feels well made
Weight is off balance in some balls

5. Champion Sports Trainer

Available in weights of 2, 3, and 4 pounds, and in 28.5 or 29.5-inch sizes, the Champion Sports Trainer (appx. $23) can meet the needs of men, women, and youth players who want that extra edge when it comes to control and power. Its durable rubber exterior should last many seasons.

Not heavy enough to cause injuries
Can be used on hardwood or asphalt
Tends to lose air with use

6. MacGregor Builder

The MacGregor Builder (around $24) is more than twice as heavy as a regulation ball, making it a challenging and muscle-building addition to any equipment bag. It's made of heavy-duty rubber for a good grip and for durability, whether you use it indoors or out.

Good natural bounce
Official size for men's leagues
It ships deflated

Last updated by Joseph Perry

An avid reader and outdoors enthusiast, Joe earned his doctorate in literary studies before making the lateral leap from academia to technical writing. He now lives and works in the inter-mountain West where he creates technical and marketing content, including white papers, solution briefs, and courseware for some of the world’s largest information technology companies. With more than 14 years of experience in the field, he has learned more than he ever thought he would know about such enterprise IT topics as cloud computing, storage, databases, business software, and networking. When he’s not writing about business computing, he can be found outdoors, probably hiking with his family and dog.

Thanks for reading the fine print. About the Wiki: We don't accept sponsorships, free goods, samples, promotional products, or other benefits from any of the product brands featured on this page, except in cases where those brands are manufactured by the retailer to which we are linking. For more information on our rankings, please read about us, linked below. The Wiki is a participant in associate programs from Amazon, Walmart, Ebay, Target, and others, and may earn advertising fees when you use our links to these websites. These fees will not increase your purchase price, which will be the same as any direct visitor to the merchant’s website. If you believe that your product should be included in this review, you may contact us, but we cannot guarantee a response, even if you send us flowers.