Why Are There Different Size Soccer Balls?
Welcome back to our blog where we will discuss why there are different size soccer balls for certain age groups and why it’s important for your player to use the right one!
Why do we have different-sized soccer balls?
Soccer is a game played by people of all ages worldwide. Most players start playing soccer at a young age and while growing up, one of the most important factors is selecting the right-sized soccer ball. There are different-sized soccer balls based on different age groups to adapt the game for the youth as they age up and develop their skills.
The size 1 (mini) soccer ball for ages 1-3
The size 3 soccer ball for ages 5-8
The size 4 soccer ball for ages 8-12
The size 5 soccer ball for ages 13 and older
Futsal soccer ball for all ages
The smaller soccer ball sizes are used to better fit youth players' size and ability while they grow. The standard size 5 soccer ball is used by all adult players and is the most common soccer ball size today.
Size 1 Soccer Ball
The size 1 or mini soccer ball as it’s often referred to is the smallest size soccer ball and it is designed for the youngest players ages 1-3. They typically range in size anywhere from eighteen to twenty inches in diameter. As this age group is rapidly growing and developing both motor and neuron skills, they will find this small soccer ball ideal to begin practicing their touches and goal-scoring. The mini soccer ball is also a great training tool for players of all ages as its small size forces players to be extremely precise in their close control, passing/finishing, and dribbling, further helping to develop their skills.
Size 3 Soccer Ball
The size 3 soccer ball is ideal for ages 5-8. They usually measure about twenty-three to twenty-five inches in diameter and allow this age group to continue developing their motor skills as well as continue improving coordination and overall balance. This soccer ball size is common for all youth leagues with players aged 8 and under all throughout the world.
Size 4 Soccer Ball
The size 4 soccer ball is recommended for players aged 8-12 and is intended to provide an easier transition for players before the official size 5 soccer ball. They typically measure anywhere from twenty-five to twenty-six inches in diameter. The size 4 soccer ball is the last size for youth players to experiment and become familiar with before transitioning to the standard size 5 soccer ball for older youth ages and all professional levels.
Size 5 Soccer Ball
The size 5 soccer ball is the standard ball for all players aged 13 and older, as well as for all semi and professional levels of the men’s and women’s game. They usually measure anywhere from twenty-seven to twenty-eight inches in diameter. This size soccer ball is the most common to find anywhere in the world. It is not recommended for any youth players to use the size 5 soccer ball as it can be too heavy for them and overall more difficult to develop critical confidence and balance on the ball which is necessary from a young age.
Futsal Ball
The futsal ball is only meant to be used for futsal games (outdoor or indoor) and is weighed a bit heavier than any regular outdoor soccer ball. All futsal balls are size 4 regardless of age and are created to have 30% less bounce than a normal ball. Futsal balls are great tools for players to develop improved strength in their feet, ankles, and legs at an early age as well as improve speed both on and off the ball.
Conclusion
As we discussed, it is crucial to ensure that each player should be properly equipped with the correct sized soccer ball to continue their development and increase their familiarity with the ball. Be sure to tune in next week as we continue our “Skills Moves of the Week” with three new and exciting 1v1 skills for your player to perfect!