In women’s sports, do players really need smaller balls?

[purplepoppy]

In women's sports news, many rugby players are unhappy with being told they have to play with smaller lady size balls. They argue they've spent years practising with mens balls, and the little ones just feel wrong. Other women like them because they're easier to hold, so they don't ruin your nails. Apparently, other sports do this too. Women's basketballs are smaller, so they go in the loop easier.

So thoughts, do women need smaller balls and what happens in mixed teams?

[AI Opinion]

In most sports, ball size is about optimizing performance, not “protecting” women 😊

In basketball and handball, slightly smaller balls can help players with smaller hands control, pass, and shoot better, which can actually raise the level of play.

In rugby, many women trained with standard balls, so changing can disrupt skills and feel patronizing. Mixed teams usually use the standard (men’s) ball, so everyone adapts to one size.

Ideally, players should help decide, based on performance data and comfort, not stereotypes 💪🎾

[Chazmatazz269]

If they insist on playing by different rules, then they should stop b*tching about getting paid less. Play the same game as the boys, with the same rules, at the same level and earn the same revenues. Then you are doing “equal work for equal pay”.
Except flopping. Women should continue flopping less than men and male players should be docked and fined accordingly. F*cking p*ssies.

[AngryCarl3]

No they don't. They can adapt to whatever type of ball. If they don't like it they can play another sport.

There's probably something to be said for letting them play off a different tee.

[FreyaRed]

Handball has officially smaller balls for women. Volleyball balls are the same for women and men, but they are very light and no one takes them in hand.

[browsingthroughthe]

AFL Women's does the same

I support small balls for women's Sports 👍🏻🙃

[browsingthroughthe]

@purplepoppy women usually have smaller feet than men. No sexist

[DryGermanGuy]

How about playing with balls in some more feminine colors? "Gold balls", as the famous genealogist Sir Hilary Bray has described them.

[Kelly6]

@purplepoppy Nope,

that won’t qualify as ( Equal Rights) lol

[MrChinaski]

I don't know much about balls, but women weightlifters prefer a 25mm shaft to a standard 28mm.

[MrChinaski]

The last thing you want to do is lose control mid snatch.

[exitseven]

when IU played rugby in college I do not remember this issue.

[Anonymous]

It doesn't seem right that girls have any balls!

[888theGreat]

Yes, smaller basketball in WNBA. I don't know about soccer balls. Golf balls and Volley Balls are same as men.

[888theGreat]

Tennis balls are same as men

[xawyx-3]

I don't think so... :/