How to Draw a Basketball (Easy Step by Step)
A basketball is a great first drawing because it is mostly one big circle with a few straight and curved lines inside. Add two dots and a smile and your ball gets a friendly face. The little curved lines beside it make it look like it is bouncing.
- Easy
- 10 minutes
- 8 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a basketball step by step
How to Draw a Basketball · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Guide shapes
Lightly sketch this oval. It only shows where the big parts go, so press softly. You will erase it at the end.
Step 2: The round ball
Draw a big circle in the middle of your paper. Take your time and make it as round as you can, like a big, bouncy ball.
Step 3: Top and bottom lines
Draw a straight line going down from the top of the ball, and stop about a third of the way. Then draw another straight line going up from the bottom edge, stopping short of the middle so there is a gap.
Step 4: Left curved seam
On the left side, draw a long curved line that starts near the top of the circle and bows gently toward the middle before ending near the bottom of the circle. It looks like a tall, soft parenthesis.
Step 5: Right curved seam
Do the same on the right side. Start near the top of the circle and curve toward the middle, then end near the bottom, so it mirrors the left seam.
Step 6: Side lines
Draw one straight line across the middle on the left, from the edge of the ball to the curved seam. Then draw a matching line on the right side.
Step 7: A happy face
Between the two seams, draw two small dots for eyes. Then add a little smile under them, shaped like the bottom of a tiny bowl.
Step 8: Bounce lines
Outside the top left of the ball, draw two curved lines that follow the shape of the circle. They show your basketball bouncing along.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your basketball? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a baseball and bat or how to draw a drum next.
Tips for drawing a basketball
- Draw the big circle slowly and turn your paper as you go. A round ball is the hardest part, and a light first sketch lets you fix it.
- Make the two curved seams face each other, bowing in toward the middle. Draw the left one, then copy its shape on the right.
- Keep the top and bottom lines straight and leave a gap in the middle so there is room for the face.
Free basketball coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this basketball coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your basketball drawing
Color the ball bright orange and the lines dark brown or black, then add a light blue background. For a creative twist, give your ball sparkly rainbow stripes or draw it bouncing across a gym floor.
Basketball fun fact for kids
Basketball was invented in 1891 by a teacher named James Naismith, who first used peach baskets as the goals.
Questions about drawing a basketball
What shapes do I need to draw a basketball?
You need one big circle, a few straight lines, and two curved lines that bow inward. For the face, add two small dots and a curved smile.
How do I draw a perfect circle for a basketball?
Sketch it lightly first and go around a few times until it feels round. You can also trace a bowl or a cup, then erase any extra lines.
How do I make my basketball look cuter?
Add two dot eyes and a smile in the middle, and put a few bounce lines beside it.
