A basketball is a spherical ball used in the sport of basketball. It is typically made of rubber or leather and has a diameter of about 29.5 inches for men's games and 28.5 inches for women's games. The ball is designed to be durable and provide good grip for players during dribbling and shooting. Basketballs are usually orange with black lines, which help players see the ball's rotation and position. They are filled with air to maintain their shape and bounce. The game of basketball involves two teams trying to score points by shooting the ball through a hoop elevated 10 feet above the ground.