{"id":4240,"date":"2024-02-27T15:22:26","date_gmt":"2024-02-27T15:22:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thisisamericansoccer.com\/?p=4240"},"modified":"2023-01-10T18:13:29","modified_gmt":"2023-01-10T18:13:29","slug":"what-size-soccer-ball-is-best-by-age","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thisisamericansoccer.com\/what-size-soccer-ball-is-best-by-age\/","title":{"rendered":"What Size Soccer Ball Is Best By Age?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Soccer balls are super popular with all ages but did you know that they come in different sizes?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also known as footballs in many places around the world, soccer balls come in many different sizes, materials and colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether your kids play with a size 3 soccer ball or you want to play with a size 5 soccer ball for adults, choosing the right size is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The correct ball size can make a difference to your play and your playing abilities. If you choose the wrong size, soccer won\u2019t be as much fun and you even run the risk of injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we take a closer look at the official soccer ball<\/a> sizes and what size is right for which age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do You Need Different Soccer Ball Sizes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are a couple of good reasons why there are differences in ball sizes when playing soccer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Player Safety<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The main reason why it\u2019s important to have different ball sizes for soccer is safety. There are 5 soccer ball sizes, and 4 of these sizes are for children under 12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you consider that younger players are smaller, then it\u2019s just natural that they also need a smaller ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a 6-year-old is hit by a size 5 ball, then this can be a lot more painful than with a size 3 ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Controlling The Ball<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In addition to safety, the different ball size also makes a difference in how kids control the ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With their smaller feet, a bigger ball size is just difficult to maneuver and manipulate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, a ball designed for adults is also heavier which makes it tricky for young players to control the ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They could even injure tendons and muscles with a soccer ball that\u2019s too heavy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soccer Ball Sizes By Age<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

FIFA has created specific standards for soccer ball sizes. All in all, there are 5 different sizes for soccer balls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soccer ball size 5 is the largest ball used by professional soccer players and adults. Soccer ball size 4 is suitable for children aged 8 years to 12 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soccer ball size 3 should be used for kids<\/a> between 5 and 8 years old, and size 2 should be played by children aged 3 years and 5 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The smallest soccer ball size 1 is suitable for the very youngest players for 3 years and younger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soccer Ball Size 1<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Soccer ball size one is the smallest soccer ball size which is suitable for children aged 3 years and under. It has a standard circumference of 18 to 20 inches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With its small size, this tiny soccer ball is ideal for small children who just want to kick the ball around a little bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some older players also like to use size 1 soccer balls for control and touch training as they are so much smaller than the standard size 5 ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These small soccer balls are also favorite giveaways for soccer teams, clubs and individual players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soccer Ball Size 2<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The size 2 soccer ball is ideal for young players between the ages of 3 to 5 years. This is the ball size that is typically recommended to youth soccer teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, many of these programs use the slightly bigger soccer ball size 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ball size two is between 20 inches and 22 inches in circumference and it can weigh up to 280 grams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This smaller soccer ball size is also used for promotional balls but they also have a market with older soccer players where size 2 is used to control and juggle the ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As this size is so much smaller than the size 5 which is typically used for adults, it\u2019s also ideal for practice skills and playing tricks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soccer Ball Size 3<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A size 3 soccer ball is the medium size ball suitable for kids aged 5 to 8 years old. This makes it ideal for all youth soccer teams<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With its 24-inch circumference, it is the first youth soccer ball size that is used for matches and real games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s because many of the youth soccer clubs start playing games at U6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With its greater circumference and higher weight of 320 grams, the size three soccer ball is only a little heavier than size 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it is significantly lighter and smaller than the 4 size balls. This allows younger soccer players to develop better handling and control of the ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The more a young player can control the ball, the more fun the game will be, and he will also develop more ball confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if your kid is just starting with playing soccer in a youth team, then it\u2019s a good idea to look out for a size 3 soccer ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soccer Ball Size 4<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A size 4 soccer ball is the second largest ball size, and it\u2019s best suited for children between the ages 8 and 12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a weight of up to 390 grams, this ball size is lighter than ball size 5. This makes it ideal for youth players who prefer to have a slightly larger ball for control and moving exercises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This ball size matches with the typical age when many young players have been introduced to soccer and they are not able to focus on ball handling skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The slightly larger size compared to a standard soccer ball is ideal for this age group.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Soccer<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Soccer Ball Size 5<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Soccer ball size 5 is the type of soccer ball that everyone knows. It\u2019s suitable for any players that are older than 12 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With its circumference of 28 inches, it\u2019s a lot bigger than the small ball size 1. Its weight of 450 grams is also a bit more than the smaller size 4 soccer ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With its heavier weight, it\u2019s not recommended for children to ensure that they don\u2019t injure themselves. In addition, it\u2019s also difficult for small feet to kick, control and pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A size 5 soccer ball is one of the most popular soccer balls used for older players, including teenagers, adults and professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to use a size 5 ball when playing official matches with players up from age 12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should also look out for a FIFA inspected or FIFA approved stamp as this means that these balls have been tested for their official weight and size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This ensures that matches are played with the right size ball suitable for the correct age group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Size Soccer Ball Should You Buy?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The right size ball depends on what age the players are and what type of soccer practice they play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For children under 12, you should be a soccer ball that\u2019s suitable for their age. Sizes 1,2,3 and 4 are all suitable for different age groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saying this, older players may also wish to practice control and passing skills with smaller balls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Size Ball Does FIFA Use?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

FIFA uses a size 5 soccer ball which has a defined circumference between 27 inches and 28 inches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The weight of the ball should be between 410 grams and 450 grams at the start of the match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Soccer Ball Does The Premiere League Use?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Premiere League uses a standard size 5 soccer ball. This size is used for all Premiere League matches with adult players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ball design for Premiere League games is done by Nike but there are different designs each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do You Pick A Soccer Ball?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the right soccer ball is important as this can affect the game and how players handle the ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure that you check the weight, roundness, circumference, bounce and size of your soccer ball. The ball should retain its size and shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A good soccer ball should be marked with a FIFA quality stamp which indicates that the ball has been tested under demanding conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Long Does A Soccer Balls Last?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it is cared for properly, a soccer ball can last many years. However, this depends on the quality of the ball, how it has been maintained and how often you play with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a good idea to choose a good quality soccer ball at the right size, so you can develop your game skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you wonder what size soccer ball your kid needs or what soccer ball size is best for your age, then check out our soccer ball size guide above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n