Ever wondered what size of soccer ball is best for you or your kid?
The beautiful game of soccer is undoubtedly one of the most famous and followed sports in the world with millions of people both kids and adults involved in playing the game.
The soccer ball is one of the most significant pieces of equipment when playing soccer, without a ball even when you have your cleat, goal-post, and pitch ready without a ball the remaining equipment is useless.
According to the law of the game, there are different sizes of soccer ball and each is right for various age group who also wants to play around with soccer ball.
Why Does Soccer Ball Size Matters By Age?
As a soccer enthusiast knowing the correct soccer ball for yourself or your kids is very important. The lack of knowledge on knowing precisely what soccer ball size to buy for your kids could lead to injury if it’s not the right size.
For every age range, there is a soccer ball that is good for the age in question without the fear of injury based on the pressure and diameter of each ball by size and age.
While the size 5 soccer ball is simply meant for professionals, there is another ball size meant for toddlers and teenagers with the right bounce and weight without the fear of picking an injury while kicking it around.
Size 1 Soccer Ball
- Ideal Age Group: U-3
- Dimensions: 18 to 20 inches in circumference.
- Pressure: 0.2 – 0.4 bar / 3-6psi
- Wight: 195 – 205 grams
The size 1 ball is also known as a mini or skill ball which is mostly used by players to train or upgrade their skill development and ball control. The size 1 ball can be used to improve and develop personal skills regardless of age.
Aside from the fact that this ball can be used by anyone regardless of age, the ball is sized 18 to 20 inches and it can be difficult to hit accurately with the ball due to its small size.
Having detail of what the size 1 ball looks like if you have kids between 1-3 years who are showing interest in soccer, the best soccer ball for such a kid is size 1.
Size 2 Soccer Ball
- Ideal Age Group: U 3-5
- Dimensions: 20 to 22 inches (circumference)
- Pressure: 0.2 – 0.4 bar / 3-6psi
- Weight: 250 – 280 grams.
This ball is similar to the size 1 in terms of what it’s used for which includes honing a player’s ball control, ball-handling skills, goal-scoring skills, and footwork.
With the size 2 ball, you can use it to test your ball control and grip capability while playing.
The size 2 soccer ball is recommended for kids ages 3 to 5 years and older players who basically want to use it to improve their skills.
While the size 1 soccer ball is sized between 18 to 20 inches in dimensions, the size 2 is sized between 20 to 22 inches in circumference and weighs between 250 to 280 grams.
Size 3 Soccer Ball
- Ideal Age Group: 5 – 8
- Dimension: 23 to 24 inches (circumference)
- Pressure: 0.55 – 0.7 bar / 8 – 10psi
- Weight: 300 – 320 grams.
Children from the ages of 5 to 8 years are the ones the size 3 soccer ball is meant for, while other adult professionals also use this for skill development.
For kids from the ages of 5 to 8, the size 3 ball is a perfect choice of ball that can help propel the kid in developing their football skills without sustaining any form of injury.
Just like the other size, the size 3 ball also has its own circumference and weight too. The circumference of size 3 is from 23 to 24 inches while its weight is between 300 to 320 grams.
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Size 4 Soccer Ball
- Ideal Age Group: 8-12
- Dimension: 25 to 26 inches (circumference)
- Pressure: 0.62 – 0.7 bar / 9 – 10psi
- Weight: 350 – 390 grams.
The size 4 ball which is also known as a medium is meant for amateur soccer players who are still learning the rudiments of the game. For those who are not familiar with the size 4, it acts as a buffer between the small and big soccer balls.
The age range of players who can play around with the size 4 is between ages 8 to 12, because it helps players become more comfortable with their skill set and won’t find it challenging to use, compared to size 5 which is recommended for top professionals.
The size 4 soccer ball also has its own diameter and circumference which ranges from 25 to 26 inches while it weighs between 350 to 390 grams.
This kind of ball is often used by players who play in the youth league.
Size 5 Soccer Ball
- Ideal Age Group: 14+
- Dimension: 27 to 28 inches (circumference)
- Pressure: 0.7 – 0.76 bar / 10 – 11psi
- Weight: 410 – 450 grams.
In case you don’t know, this is the right time to know the right size of the ball used by professional players in all major tournaments.
The ball is the ideal size ball for ages that ranges from 12 and above.
The size 5 ball comes 27 to 28 inches in terms of dimensions and circumference, 68 to 70 centimeters, and weighs between 410 to 450 grams according to the game’s FIFA rules.
For every size 5 ball you see on the pitch it means the ball has undergone testing to ensure that it conforms with the technical requirements of the law of the game.
| Soccer Ball | Size | Weight | Ages Group |
| Size 1 | 18 – 20 inches | 195 – 205 grams | 3 and under |
| Size 2 | 20 – 22 inches | 250 – 280 grams | 3 – 5 years old |
| Size 3 | 23 – 24 inches | 300 – 320 grams | 5 – 8 years old |
| Size 4 | 25 – 26 inches | 350 – 390 grams | 8 – 12 years old |
| Size 5 | 27 – 28 inches | 410 – 450 grams | 12+ years old |
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How To Calculate The Diameter Of A Soccer Ball?
To calculate the diameter of a ball, you will need to measure the ball using a tape measure or ruler. Follow these steps:
- Measure the circumference of the ball using a tape measure. To do this, wrap the tape measure around the ball and make a note of the length of the tape measure at the point where it meets the starting point.
- Divide the circumference by pi (3.14) to get the diameter. For example, if the circumference is 30 inches, the diameter would be 30/3.14 = 9.55 inches.
- Alternatively, you can measure the distance across the ball from one side to the other, passing through the center of the ball. This will give you the diameter directly, without the need to divide by pi.
- Know that soccer balls come in different sizes for different age groups and levels of play. A standard size 5 ball, which is used in professional matches, has a circumference of about 68-70 cm (27-28 inches) and a diameter of about 22 cm (8.6 inches).
- It is also important to note that soccer balls are not perfect spheres, and their shape can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and the quality of the ball. As a result, the diameter you calculate may not be perfectly accurate, but it should give you a good idea of the size of the ball.
Why Soccer Ball Sizes and Weights Are Important?
The size and weight of a soccer ball are important factors that can affect the performance of players, the safety of the game, and the strategy used by teams.
Soccer ball size and weight are important for several reasons:
- The size and weight of the ball affect the way it moves and behaves on the field. Lighter and smaller balls tend to move faster and be more responsive to player input, while heavier and larger balls can be more difficult to control and have more powerful shots.
- The size and weight of the ball are regulated by the laws of the game, which specify that the ball must be spherical and made of leather or a similar material. This ensures that the ball is safe for players and does not cause any unnecessary injuries.
- Different age groups and levels of play require different sizes and weights of soccer balls. For example, younger players and beginners may benefit from using smaller and lighter balls, while more experienced players may prefer larger and heavier balls for more powerful shots and better control.
- The size and weight of the ball can also affect the way the game is played and the strategy used by teams. For example, a heavier ball may be more effective for long-range passes and aerial play, while a lighter ball may be better suited for quick, short passes and dribbling.
Why Do New Soccer Balls Always Look Small Than Old Balls?
It’s a popular misconception that brand-new soccer balls usually appear smaller than used ones, but this isn’t always the case.
In reality, the observed size difference is more likely attributable to a psychological phenomenon known as the “newness effect.” This effect refers to people’s tendency to view new objects as smaller than they actually are because they are unfamiliar with the size of the object.
This is perhaps the reason why, although being the same size, new soccer balls appear smaller than used ones.
What’s The Proper Pressure For A Youth Soccer Ball?
The type of ball being used and the age group of the players will determine the ideal air pressure for a youth soccer ball.
In accordance with the rules of the game, a regulation soccer ball for players under the age of 12 should have an air pressure of between 8.5 – 10 pounds per square inch (PSI).
The recommended air pressure for players between the ages of 12 and 16 is between 10 -11.5 PSI. Given that some balls may need different air pressures, it is important to check the manufacturer’s instructions before using a particular ball.
Also, it is crucial to regularly check and adjust the ball’s air pressure.
Does The Inflation Of Soccer Balls Matter?
A soccer ball’s inflation can have an impact on how it performs on the field. A soccer ball that has been properly inflated will have the ideal amount of bounce and will be easier for the player to control.
On the flip side, a ball that is either under or over-inflated can lead to issues with ball control and lower the level of play.
Conclusion
It’s best to choose a soccer ball that is appropriate for the age and skill level of the players, as well as the type of soccer being played and the surface on which the game is being played.
By doing so, players can enjoy a fun and safe soccer experience, while also developing their skills and confidence on the field.
