Knowing how to air up a basketball without a needle is an essential skill for any player or coach. A properly inflated basketball provides better grip, control, and bounce, making the game more enjoyable and competitive. Fortunately, there are several simple methods you can use to air up a basketball without a needle, using items that are commonly found around the house.
In the early days of basketball, players used leather balls that had to be inflated with a needle and pump. This was a time-consuming and difficult process, and it was not uncommon for balls to be over- or under-inflated. In the 1950s, the invention of the self-inflating basketball made it much easier to inflate a basketball without a needle. These balls have a small valve that allows air to be pumped into the ball without the need for a needle.