Basketballs start to lose value and deteriorate the minute they leave the box and start hitting the ground. If it’s a concrete surface or a gym floor, the impact a basketball takes over time will start to cause defects.
Some of the defects a basketball faces are the cracks (spider webs) and bumps found all over the ball. One of the main defects is a bump within the ball’s bladder.
Basketball tends to get bumps due to being overinflated or pumped up too fast. The ball’s bladder will not equally distribute the air, and it will take the path of least resistance, forming a bump.
In this article, we’re going to show you why your basketball may have a bump and what you can do to fix it.
Why Does My Basketball Have A Bump?
Basketball bumps or lumps will form when the ball is either overinflated or pumped up too fast. The air doesn’t have time to spread throughout the basketball and will be forced to one centralized location within the basketball.
This centralized location is often a weak spot in the ball bladder where the air is trying to escape. This is usually the case with over-inflated balls. Whatever is containing the air, the bladder will expand, and any weak spot will develop a bump or lump.
Poor storage is another reason why the bladder or synthetic material that keeps the air stuck inside the basketball can ultimately weaken.
Balls stored in trunks or cold places will condense the air, which will cause the ball to deflate. Once it hits high temperatures, the ball will get back to its natural state and re-inflate it. Constant inflating and deflating of the basketball can cause the bladder to weaken.
Another reason, and the most common reason for a ball developing a bump, is overuse. Basketballs that are years old will eventually start to wear down, both on the inside and outside. As mentioned, consistent pounding from dribbling will weaken the ball over time.
How Do I Remove A Bump From My Basketball?
There is no at-home solution to remove a bump from a basketball. Basketballs that often find themselves with a lump or a bump are usually, and in most cases, worthless. The bump will continue to grow as the bladder inside of the ball will weaken with the air pressure being forced against the bump as the ball is dribbled.
However, there are a few ways to professionally get the bump removed if you’ve grown attached to your basketball.
Find A Leather Shop
This may seem extreme, but simply going to a leather shop and asking them to repair your ball may be in the cards. They will have to remove the top layer and essentially completely repair the inside part of the basketball.
The process will be to either melt or reshape the bladder inside. It’s, of course, a tedious process, but if you’re hung up on your basketball, and you want a quick fix, this may be your best option.
Purchase A New Basketball
No one likes getting a new basketball, especially if you’re comfortable and settled in with the handle of your current ball.
Purchasing a new basketball is not only a pain to do; spending money on one can also be a pain.
Basketballs can be pretty expensive, especially if you’re looking for a basketball that is mainly for pickup games.
We’ve compiled a list of basketballs that you can purchase on Amazon, and they can be at your doorstep within 2-5 business days. No need to dribble the ball down the aisles of Walmart, getting yelled at by the employees. Simple, easy purchases that can have you back up and ball before you know it.
Basketballs To Purchase If Yours Has A Bump
Wilson Evolution Game Basketball
This Wilson basketball is the answer to all of your new basketball needs. This basketball is available in 6 different colors; this basketball is NFHS certified to be used in high school and youth games.
Build-in composite channels help create a consistent feel and texture throughout the entire basketball.
This basketball is great for indoor purposes or for players who are always balling in a gym. This is not a great outdoor basketball, as the structure is built to bounce on hardwood floors, not concrete and rocks.
See Our Complete List Of Helpful Basketball Articles Here.
Spalding Zi/O Basketball
The Spalding Zi/O basketball is a great indoor and outdoor multipurpose basketball. It can be used on any court and is tough enough for long-term use.
We recommend you take care of this basketball and store it properly. Poor storage, along with using it inside and outside, consistently can shorten the lifespan. The Spalding Zi/O basketball is official NBA size and weight and comes inflated and ready to play as soon as the package is opened.
Conclusion
Basketballs overtime will develop lumps through consistent use. This consistent use will often soften the basketball’s bladder.
To counteract the bump that will occur over time, make sure your ball is consistently regulated with proper air pressure. Once a lump or a bump in a basketball has formed, it’s nearly impossible to get out.
Storing your basketball at the proper temperature will allow the ball to distribute the air temperature evenly. If the ball is stored in a cool space, then a hot space, naturally, the air particles will expand and contract. This will put stress on the basketball’s bladder.
Longevity is what we strive to keep with our basketballs, as buying a new basketball every couple of months can get expensive.
Take care of your basketball and store it properly, so the ball maintains its durability and uniform shape.
If you’re looking for new basketballs because yours has suffered a bump, simply visit our blog on the best basketballs for pickup games. This guide will help you purchase the right basketball for the playing surface that you bounce it on the most frequently when playing pickup.