Levi Wiedmann

Coach Kramer

Adv sports med

9/29/17

Challenge: Suppose that the WNBA is considering a change to the size of the ball used in
competition. They want to change the size of the ball so that the ratio of ball size to average hand
size to be identical for both the NBA and the WNBA. In other words, they want hand length to be
the same in each league.

NBA Ball circumference
29 5/8 in=75.25 cm

WNBA Ball circumference

28 5/8 in=72.25 cm

Average height

NBA: 6 7 = 78 inches WNBA: 6 0 = 72 inches Average value of

Hand length (in.)/height (in.) x 0.108, both leagues

Should the size of the WNBA ball change? If so, how? Justify why this change will work. Support
questions :
a. Whats the ratio of ball circumference/avg. hand length for the NBA and WNBA? How did you
calculate it from the given information?

The ratio of ball circumference/avg. hand length for the NBA is 75.25/21.4= 3.52 centimeters and
WNBA is 72.71/19.8= 3.67.

b. Before you begin, do you think the ball size should get smaller or bigger? Why?

We think the women's basketball should become smaller because in general women have smaller
hands making it hard for them to handle a bigger ball as well as an NBA player.

c. What might be some practical reasons why the WNBA might want to make such a change? Why
might they elect not to make such a change?

A women's hand is normally smaller so the ball should be smaller for them to handle. They might
elect to change the ball size because of the ratio between men and women. I believe that the ball
size doesn't need to be changed. The ratio of ball circumference/average of hand length of men
and women (3.52/3.67) was too close. I feel it's very even right now and changing the ball size
would create an imbalance between the leagues.