What You Should Know About Soccer Ball Size

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LAVERA STEWART

Editor-in-Chief of the Approved By Coach

The great game of soccer or football (as commonly known in a majority of the countries) is arguably the best game in the world. It is by far the most popular and most watched sport in the world. The game traces its history back to the Han dynasty in China. With such a rich history, it is no wonder that every aspect of the game has undergone various evolutions.

In this article, we will dig a little bit deeper into the different sizes of soccer balls. It shouldn’t come to you as a surprise that a majority of soccer fans have no idea that there different soccer ball sizes. This also extends to some of the most devout football fans. These fans are only aware of the standard soccer ball size or more specifically matchday soccer balls.

Were you aware that there are different soccer ball sizes? The different football sizes have been determined by the age of soccer players. This means that even toddlers have their own toddler soccer balls.

Just as there are various sizes of cleats (soccer cleats for wide feet, narrow, small, big – various sizes), there are a number of soccer ball sizes. The reason why FIFA has approved different sizes of soccer balls is to ensure young soccer players develop in an optimum environment. Have you ever seen how comical it can get when young kids play soccer using a size 5 ball?

As a parent or as a soccer coach you need to protect your young child from injury. 5-year-old kids playing with a size 5 soccer ball are highly likely to get injured in the process. These young kids are more likely to develop their talent when playing using a size 3 ball which is much lighter.

An adult size soccer ball would be difficult for a 5-year-old to kick as well as learn new skills. That is despite the comical relief that the kids will provide. However, a size 3 ball will be easier for 5-year-olds to kick around and also learn some new skills.

So, how many sizes of soccer balls have been approved by FIFA? There are five different sizes of footballs size 1, size 2, size 3, size 4, and size 5 – soccer ball size by ages. The different sizes of the balls fall under specific age groups.

Keep on reading if you want to learn how much does a soccer ball weight and the volume of a soccer ball.

Size 5 Soccer Ball

Have you ever wondered what size soccer ball for adults? Well, now you’ve got your answer. Size 5 soccer ball is the pro soccer ball size. It is a professional soccer ball used as the matchday soccer ball. The size 5 football is also used as a youth soccer ball, by footballers above 12.

The best footballers have scored their best soccer goals using this ball.

This ball is for any footballer above 12 years including the pro-footballers. The circumference of these balls is 27″-28″. The soccer ball weight is between 410 and 450 grams.

Matchday balls must have a FIFA Approved stamp, hence they can be more expensive. This is because FIFA Approved balls have undergone testing that tests for the quality and design of the ball.

Size 4 Soccer Ball

Now we have entered into the kid’s soccer ball category. According to Nike one of the world’s leading producers of the best soccer balls suggest that balls used in youth leagues might differ in size due to league standards and location.

However, the following are the standard measurements of a football in this category. The balls weigh between 350 and 390 grams and have a circumference of 25″-26″. Kids between the ages of 8 and 12 are highly advised to use the size 4 soccer ball to train and play. They might find it difficult to play with a size 5 ball due to its weight.

Size 3 Soccer Ball

Ever wondered what size soccer ball for toddlers? The size 3 soccer has a small enough weight and size not to cause any injuries to young players developing their game. This is the smallest soccer ball used in competitive matches.

This is a kids soccer ball for children below 8 years. It has a circumference of 23″-24″ and weighs between 300 and 320 grams. The ball is perfect for children because they can easily learn how to handle the ball using a ball they are comfortable with.

Size 2 Soccer Ball

Have you ever seen freestylers perform those out of the world soccer juggling skills? Have you ever noticed they use a much smaller soccer ball? Probably not, you were mostly concentrating on those juggling skills. Right?

Pro-freestylers use the size 2 ball to practice and perform freestyle tricks. Therefore this ball is perfect for all ages. Pro-footballers also use the ball to hone their skills.

A size 2 soccer ball has a circumference of 20″-22″ and weighs between 250 and 280 grams. The ball is also perfect for toddlers.

Size 1 Soccer Ball

The size 1 soccer ball is also known as the ‘mini-ball,’ The ball has a circumference of 18″-20″ and weighs between 170 and 280 grams.

The ball is also used for practicing and performing freestyle tricks. The size 1 ball is also the perfect ball for toddlers to kick around. Perfect ball to introduce them to soccer.

The ball is mainly used as a collectible and as souvenirs. Soccer clubs sell size 1 balls with their club crests on the balls. They are used as collectibles because they are the balls soccer stars sign autographs on. Hence, their status as souvenirs rather than playing balls.

To learn any kind of skill you need to be in a comfortable environment. The same applies to soccer, especially for young kids. Kids playing with a ball larger and heavier than they can handle easily injure themselves, and will not have fun playing soccer.

It is also very difficult for young players to develop soccer skills with the wrong ball. Hence, the different sized balls for different age groups.

Before making the final decision on which soccer ball size to use, we recommend contacting your league to confirm the appropriate ball size.

If you had fun reading this article, read this article on different exercises soccer players can perform at ApprovedByCoach.com.