An incredible thing about basketball is that you can play it anywhere, anytime; all you need is a ball and a hoop. You can find a basketball rim in several areas in your neighborhood and parks.
However, when you frequently use your basketball, it becomes deflated, and it needs to be inflated. But it becomes more frustrating when you’re about to inflate your basketball, and you could get a needle.
At that time, you need to pump your basketball. Do not get anxious! I have brought another article for you in which I would guide you on some methods to pump a basketball without a needle.
By going through these hacks and tricks, you can pump your basketball wherever you are without requiring a needle. So, let’s jump to our first method.
Best Methods To Pump a Basketball Without a Needle
Using A Balloon
You can get a balloon from anywhere. This method is perfect for those who don’t want to step out of their homes. However, it is not obvious if the method works out for you because it needs a slight proficiency.
Thus, it is one of the easiest and quickest pumping methods. However, in this method, you probably need some other stuff which is mentioned below.
- A balloon
- A narrow straw
- A paper clip
The balloon method requires transmitting the air from a blown balloon to deflate basketball; hence try to pick a thick, strong, and big balloon in which more air gets stored.
Now, inject the narrow straw into the inflation valve. Insert its one end into the ball and the other on the opening of the balloon. Take a paper clip and attach it with the straw to hold it tightly with the balloon.
Now, the balloon will start deflating, and the air will start transferring into the ball. If you want to make this procedure go faster, you can compress the ball with both hands.
Once you think that the ball has been pumped to the right extent, remove the balloon gently, and your ball is again ready to play with.
If the balloon size is small and all air has been transferred, you can again blow the balloon and repeat the process.
Using Compressed Air
This method could be an expensive option in which you can use a can of compressed air. It is probably another quickest and simplest means to pump the ball.
However, this method is somewhat similar to the needle, so you can easily opt for this way if you don’t find a needle for inflation.
Once you have got the compressed air can, there is a thin straw attached to the front. Now, put the end of this straw inside the inflation valve. You would easily fit it just like a needle.
Then gradually start pressing the trigger of the can to release the air inside. The air would start filling in the ball. Once you see that the ball has pumped ideally, gently eject the straw, and your ball is inflated again.
Remember, do not use long blasts of air; otherwise, your basketball can be at risk of over-inflate, and it won’t work well.
Visit a Gas Station
If you don’t find any material to pump your basketball, you can choose this option on top. It is an excellent method if you are outside and your ball has deflated.
However, if you fear using materials other than a pump and a needle, then you can simply visit your nearest gas station.
Once you’ve found a gas station, you don’t have to do much. Just find the most suitable attachment to inflate your basketball and insert it through the inflation valve. Fill the gas into the ball, and you’re done with the basketball pumping.
Other Considerable Ways
Other than these options, you can either use several other ways to inflate your basketball. However, one of them is that you can make your own needle if you’re unavailable with it. Besides, you can use an ink pipe of a pen which can be worked as a needle.
Using Ink Tube of Pen
If you have an inflation pump but not a needle, you can opt for an ink pipe of a pen. When the pen is out of ink, you can use its pipe as an inflation needle. But make sure that the tube is cleaned from ink.
Now take a thin pin and insert its one end into the basketball valve. On its other end, insert the pen tube and push it to reach it into the ball.
Now you have got this tube in a straw shape. You can either attach the pump or blow air by your mouth to fill the air in. If you blow air by mouth, it needs much effort and time.
Using Infusion Ball
Instead of buying an ordinary basketball, you can pick a ball that already contains a pump along with it. Because when you hold an infusion ball, you don’t need to be frustrated over the ball’s deflation.
Whenever you need to fill the ball, bring out the pump from the ball and connect it. Once the ball is inflated completely, you can remove the pump and keep it back in the ball.
Final Thoughts
I hope these tactics and hacks have helped you find multiple ways to inflate your basketball. If you are inaccessible to a needle, you can easily choose any of the options mentioned above and pump your ball within minutes.
In addition to these hacks, I have also recommended a substantial way to make a DIY needle at home using a fountain pen.
Moreover, you can choose an infusion ball instead of a standard basketball to always access the inflation pump. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t let the deflated ball come between your practice.