Exact measures

Rim height

ASEP and I have been recommending the following rim heights for years:

• 6-foot rims for kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades;
• 8-foot rims for 3rd and 4th grades (8 to 10 year olds);
• 9-foot rims for 5th graders;
• 10-foot rims for 6th grade and above. Ten feet is what the bulk of the international and American kids shoot at, especially once they get to middle school.

Basketball size

Basketballs come in different sizes and weights, most with the size number written on them:

• A regulation basketball (Men's International Size 7), used in the professional, college and high school game, and even in middle school, is between 29.5 and 30 inches in circumference and weighs between 20 and 22 ounces.
• The Women's New International Size 6 regulation basketball has a circumference between 28.5 and 29 inches and weighs 18-20 ounces to accommodate the smaller size of female hands.
• The Intermediate Size girls' youth basketball (the original International Size 6) has a circumference between 27.75-28.5 inches. It weighs 16-18 ounces.
• The Junior International Size 5 basketball has a circumference between 27.25 to 27.75 inches. It weighs 14-16 ounces. It is recommended for boys and girls ages 8-12.
• The Mini International Size 3 basketball has a circumference between 22 to 22.5 inches. It weighs 10.5-11.25 ounces. It is recommended for younger children ages 5-8.