The main materials needed in the basketball making process include rubber, natural leather, artificial leather, nylon thread, canvas, and pigments. Specifically:

Rubber: Rubber is one of the most commonly used materials in basketball making, especially for outdoor basketballs. Rubber basketballs usually use natural rubber or synthetic rubber, which has better elasticity and durability and is suitable for use in outdoor venues.

Natural leather and synthetic leather: these two materials are commonly used in indoor basketballs, especially for high-end game balls. Basketballs made of natural leather feel better and are more durable, while artificial leather is more affordable.

Nylon thread: Nylon thread is used to reinforce the inner lining of basketballs during the basketball making process, providing better toughness and shape retention.

Canvas: Used to make the outer skin of a basketball, usually by pressing thick canvas material into thin sheets and then cutting them into the shape of a basketball.

Paint: Used to color the surface of the basketball to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

In addition, the process of making a basketball involves several steps:

Inner liner production: Rubber or leather material is processed into the liner, inflated and heated to cure.
Wrapping: Nylon thread is wrapped around the surface of the liner for added protection.
Outer skin production: The cut outer skin material is glued to the inner liner to form a complete basketball.
Surface treatment: Finish the final shape of the basketball through the process of hot pressing and color coating.