We run a 4-5 basketball league and are requesting the kids play with a mini basketball. The coaches want them to play with the larger 25.5inch ball. What is your best recommendation for this age. Some of these kids have never played before and we want the newest of player to learn how to throw the ball correctly. An guidance would be appreciated.

My recommendation is to play games with completely different rules than the standard game. The standard game of basketball is designed for adults not kids. Even 14 year olds that are late bloomers sometimes are not ready to play the "real game". I coach 12 year olds... none of them are strong enough to shoot properly. They will all have to change their shots when the get older and stronger. Most kids are not willing to do that because those habits are really hard to break.

A 25.5" ball is fine if they are not shooting. Here's a chart with some recommendations:
https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/basketballs/size-chart.html

Jeff,

Are you saying that by using the larger ball for shooting practice and in games they are developing the wrong shooting technique?

Gary

Yes. The combination of a ball too heavy, hoop to high, shooting from too far away, and sometimes lack of coordination.... kids develop some really funky shooting habits. The most common bad habit with young kids are:

- thumbing / shooting with two hands
- twisting the body to generate power
- shooting from hip
- flat shots with low release points
- side spin on ball