A soccer ball (or a football in other parts of the world) comes in different sizes. As such, it’s understandable to be confused as to what size to acquire if you’re new to the sport or have a child who’s playing it. On Soccer Shop for You, you can get the full lowdown on soccer ball sizes to help you purchase the optimal size for your needs.
Soccer ball size may be dependent on either the player’s age or the type of play. If you’re serious about playing, know that pickup games, training, and an official match require different ball sizes.
Knowing what soccer ball size to use is crucial to a player’s development. Unfortunately, using any size tends to lead to a poor-quality match. It may even be dangerous for those just learning the game.
FIFA, the governing body of international football, is the organization that sets the standard for soccer ball sizes. Here are the sizes they recommend based on age:
Football sizing standards are set in place mostly for the safety of beginners and younger players. Amateurs have neither the skills nor the physical stature to handle the wrong-size ball. They may end up hurting themselves or negatively impacting their progress.
Since kids are of smaller stature, it follows that they would require smaller-sized balls. That’s so that it won’t hurt as much if they get hit (and they will). On the other hand, an older beginner should find it easier to control a ball that’s the right size for his level rather than one that’s for a more advanced level.
When one hasn’t quite got the hang of soccer, he may find it hard to manipulate a ball that’s the wrong size. Similarly, a player with small feet handling a too-large ball may have an increased risk of injury. Children or young adults with smaller frames can easily get injured kicking balls that are too big for them.
We’ve touched on soccer ball sizes by age, so it’s now time to discuss what these sizes mean.
The smallest of the sizes, size one is best for beginners who are three and under. If your child can’t wait to start kicking some soccer balls, this is the size to go for. Using this ball, you won’t have to worry about your little ones getting hurt or injured because of the ball.
Size one also happens to be ideal for technical training. Measuring around 18 to 20 inches in circumference, this ball size really allows you to focus on every bit of movement you make. Thus, you can concentrate on improving control and touch with relative ease. Lastly, size one makes for great souvenirs or giveaways by teams and clubs.
Up next is ball size two, the least common size on the market. Due to its rarity, youth programs often default to the size three. It is the best-recommended size for players between three and five years old. That implies that size two is best for toddlers.
However, size two is also marketed for technical development. Some adult players may use it to practice control, tricks, and juggling. It’s also used as promotional balls by teams and clubs.
This is the go-to size for both training and actual games in most youth soccer clubs. It has a weight of around 300 to 320 grams and a circumference measuring 23 to 24 inches.
A little larger and heavier than the size two, the size three is the standard for players between five and eight years old. Since it’s smaller and lighter than sizes four and five, younger kids are better able to handle and control their touch using it.
The size four is ideal for eight- to 12-year-old youngsters. A fraction smaller and lighter than the size five, the size four offers the perfect size for youth players to control and move around. It’s also the regulation ball for both training and match playing in youth teams.
This is the most commonly used size by older kids and adults. It’s the size used by professionals, as well. Weighing between 410 and 450 grams, it’s the heaviest of the sizes and takes the most skill to control. Thus, it’s not one to let younger kids use for practice. Lack of skill and physical strength may make this size difficult to control, pass, or kick, increasing one’s risk of injury.
Using the right-sized soccer ball is key to speeding up progress and avoiding injury, especially early on in one’s soccer journey. The standards set by FIFA are to be heeded if you want to start soccer off on a good note and ensure the smoothest possible progress down the road.
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