The game was invented by physical education teacher James Naismith as a way to keep athletes fit over the winter months. The first ever game of basketball was played with a soccer ball, but a custom made ball was soon manufactured for the game.The materials and techniques for producing has undergone many changes throughout the years.he earliest basketball drew inspiration from the soccer balls of the time. It was made out of leather panels that were stitched together to form a ball. Inside of this was a rubber bladder that provided the necessary inflation.