If you are interested in or play soccer, you probably recognized that there are different soccer ball sizes. Here we have gathered some information for you and will give a detailed explanation.
Important parameters of the soccer balls
In this part, we are going to about the parameters of the soccer balls that should be considered.
The first parameter that we’re going to talk about, is the size of the ball. This parameter is important since players of different ages use different soccer ball sizes.
The second one is the weight of the soccer ball. This parameter mostly depends on the ball size and plays a significant role, since you need to apply a different amount of power for a ball of different weights.
The third one is the pressure of the soccer ball. This parameter does not depend on the size of the ball, but you have to set a certain pressure for each ball’s size and weight.
So, these are the main parameters of the soccer balls that we wanted you to know.
Soccer ball sizes classification
The soccer ball size is based on the age group for which this soccer ball was designed. Similarly, the weight of the soccer ball is also different depending on the age group.
In this part, we’re going to talk about soccer ball size and weight.
There are five soccer ball sizes that differ from 18 to 28 inches in circumference. They also have different weights. For example, size 5 soccer balls, which have 27 to 28 inches in circumference, weigh from 410 to 450 grams. This size soccer ball is FIFA-approved.
In the paragraphs below, we have listed all existing soccer ball sizes for you.
Soccer ball size chart
In this soccer ball size chart, we’re going to talk about the different sizes of soccer balls. How they differ in characteristics like weight, pressure, and circumference, and how the soccer ball size corresponds with the age.
Size 5 soccer ball
A soccer ball of this size has from 27 to 28 inches in circumference and weighs from 410 to 450 grams.
The soccer balls also should have appropriate air pressure. A size 5 soccer ball needs to have a pressure of 8.7 pound-force per square inch.
A size 5 soccer ball is designed for soccer players aged 12 and higher. Also, it is the official size of the soccer ball that is used in a professional players league.
This soccer ball size is not designed for the youth players, that are learning the game, since it is too big and heavy, which makes it difficult for them to maneuver.
Size 4 soccer ball
A soccer ball of this size is slightly smaller than a soccer ball size 5, it has from 25 to 26 inches, and weighs from 350 to 390 grams. The appropriate pressure should be about 8.7 pound-force per square inch.
The size 4 soccer ball is also sometimes called medium size, and fits well for youth soccer leagues, for players aged 8 to 12 years old. This ball size is also can be used for training to master your ball control, which is helpful for the player’s development.
They are also commonly considered mini soccer balls or futsal balls.
Size 3 soccer ball
The circumference of this size soccer ball ranges from 23 to 24 inches.
It weighs from 300 to 320 grams.
The appropriate pressure for this soccer ball size is about 8.7 pound-force per square inch.
A size 3 soccer ball is also can be considered a youth soccer ball. However, it is mostly used for younger players in junior-level soccer. The age of the players who play with 3-size balls ranges from 5 to 8 years old.
It is also the smallest soccer ball size that is used in competitive play, and the first size where weight is measured for proper use in a soccer game.
Size 2 soccer ball
The circumference of this size soccer ball ranges from 20 to 22 inches.
The weight lies between 250 and 290 grams. The pressure that would be suitable for this size is slightly less than for bigger ones and counts about 7 pound-force per inch.
A size 2 soccer ball is often called a skills training ball since it suits perfectly young players to practice skills.
It is also a great option for training the proper ball handling and footwork for older players.
Besides that, a ball of that size is actually made for young players aged 3 to 5 years old, who are learning how to play soccer and cannot use larger balls.
Size 1 soccer ball
The circumference of this ball size ranges from 18 to 20 inches.
The weight ranges from 195 to 205 grams. For this size, the appropriate pressure is about 4 pound-force per square inch.
Soccer ball size 1 is the only soccer ball size that does not have anything to do with the player’s age. Even though, this soccer ball size is used for training children under 3.
These small balls are mostly used as souvenir balls that you can present to someone or collect for yourself.
They also often have club logos on them. Another name for this small ball is a “mini”.
Choosing a right soccer ball size
Here we’re going to speak about what the main point is in choosing the right soccer ball size based.
For adult and professional soccer players, the most suitable ones are size 5 soccer balls. Since the 5-size ball is accepted as an official soccer ball size. In professional soccer, you also have to make sure that the new soccer ball you bought is “FIFA inspected”.
To choose the right size soccer ball for young players, you should lean on the child’s age. So, you would probably select a smaller one. For example, a size 4 or a size 3 soccer ball. Because they weigh less than the larger ball, and would not look like an oversized ball.
If you are going to do some skill training, the best soccer ball size that you can select is a 2-size ball.
Why are the soccer ball sizes important
Talking about why the size of soccer balls has a crucial meaning, we have to, first of all, say that people of different ages have different physical abilities.
What is meant there is that you cannot give a ball that weighs 450 grams to 8 years old. As well as, a ball that is 25 to 26 inches and weighs from 320 grams to 390 grams is too small for adults.
Conclusion
We hope that this article gave some understanding about the sizes of balls and that the tips we introduced above will help you to choose the best soccer ball size for you, which will make you enjoy this beautiful game.
Frequent questions
Adult soccer ball size. What size soccer ball do adults use?
As we told you before, adults usually play with 5-size balls.
Is size 5 soccer ball full size?
We can call size 5 balls the full size if we consider that it used by professionals.
Is there a size 6 soccer ball?
There is no 6-size ball in soccer.
Is size 5 the biggest soccer ball?
According to the answer to the previous question, the 5 size is the biggest. Want to know how long are professional soccer games, read the article.