"Breaking in" a basketball?

[dannysc305]

What does that mean? Just bought a new Spalding, looked up reviews for it & other comparable basketballs and seen this term "breaking in" all over the place. What does this mean? What is it for?

[Burgz V2]

What does that mean? Just bought a new Spalding, looked up reviews for it & other comparable basketballs and seen this term "breaking in" all over the place. What does this mean? What is it for?

"Breaking in" a basketball just means wearing it out a little so it doesn't slip out of your hand or grip too much to the court/backboard when there is spin on it. Just use it ever time you go to play ball but don't use it outside (if its leather). Some people do that to break in a new ball but that makes the ball's grip uneven.

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

New balls are sometimes slippery and hard to grip throwing off your handles and your shot. It just means wearing it down to the point where it's easier to control. It's like having a new pair of shoes: they're crispy and stiff at first, but after a while of wearing them they start to mold to the shape of your feet more.