Soccer Ball Sizes: What Sizes Do I Need?
Do soccer ball sizes matter?
At eight years, my rich neighbor bought a soccer ball and asked me to join him for training. I loved soccer and was dying to perfect my dribbling skills.
My neighbor kicked the ball toward me, and I knew controlling it would earn me respect. Sadly, the ball was too heavy and injured my foot.
Well, that size was too big for me to control!
If you’ve purchased the wrong ball size, you don’t want to repeat the same mistake. Scaling the right soccer ball size may not be easy without some knowledge of soccer ball sizes.
Whether you are new or a veteran of soccer, understanding that different soccer ball sizes can change the outcome of the game is critical.
Soccer balls are created for different ages, and choosing the right size for your age may improve your skills.
Currently, manufacturers have understood the need for ball sizes, and as the demand goes up, many are getting opinions through surveys on which FIFA official ball sizes work for players. Therefore, you need to research ball sizes and get the one that meets your demands.
We’ve compiled information about ball sizes ad the size you need for your training. Keep reading as we explore the different ball sizes currently available.
What Size Soccer Ball is Right for Me?
What size soccer ball is right for me? This common question takes us back to preferences. Based on your age and weight, you can get a soccer ball that is the right size for you.
The player’s weight determines what size soccer ball they need to play with. Generally, soccer balls are typically sized anywhere between 6 and 10 ounces, depending on the age group.
The following factors are essential when choosing ball sizes.
Age
Can you select soccer ball sizes by age? The age and level of play are key during ball sizing. Often, smaller kids will have small size soccer balls.
There’s no point in having a 12-year-old play with an 18-inch ball because it won’t be appropriate for them. They are not Messi or Ronaldo, at least not yet.
Size
It doesn’t matter how old your child is—they still need to learn how to kick a soccer ball, control the speed of their shots, and ensure they don’t kick them too hard. Usually, 8-year-olds trying out their first soccer game need a soccer ball that doesn’t exceed 9 inches in diameter.
This improves their ball control before they graduate to more complex leagues.
Soccer Ball Size Chart By Age
| Soccer Ball | Size/Circumference | Age | Weight | Good For |
| Soccer Ball Size 5 | Circumference: 27 to 28 inches | 12-year-olds and above | Weights 410-450 grams | Perfect for individuals who want to participate in professional soccer |
| Soccer Ball Size 4 | Circumference of 25 to 26 inches | 8 to 12 years old | Weighs 350-390 grams | Good for kids who are yet to start professional soccer and are competing in youth soccer tournaments. |
| Soccer Ball Size 3 | Circumference of 23- 24 inches | 8 years and younger | Weighs 300-320 grams | Suitable for youths who want to learn and improve their soccer skills |
| Soccer Ball Size 2 | Circumference of 20-22 inches | 3 and 7 years old | Weighs 210 – 280 grams | Good for kids age 3 -5 who just learning to kick the ball. |
| Soccer Ball Size 1 | Circumfurence18 – 20 inches | 3- 5 years Trainers of any age | Weighs between 11-12 ounces. | Perfect for kids 3-5 years. Also, great for trainers, Great for team logo souvenirs and collections |
Size 5 Soccer Ball
Size 5 is a high school soccer ball size suitable for soccer players aged 12 years and older. The size 5 ball has a circumference of 27 inches to 28 inches.
The soccer ball size 5 is standard and weighs between 410 and 450 grams; that’s why professionals like them. This is the same size of balls you find at the World Cup and the Premier League.
Size 4 Soccer Ball
We know that children love to play. Getting them the right ball size is key. The size 4 soccer ball suits children aged 8 to 12. The size 4 ball circumference is 25–26 inches, and suitable for children exploring soccer for the first time.
Size 4 soccer balls are best for indoor games and maybe a bit small for outdoor play. Furthermore, this is the perfect size for beginners or players looking for a ball that is not too heavy or too light but just the right size.
The soccer ball size 4 weighs 350–390 grams and is a great youth ball size for youngsters who want to improve their skills.
Size 3 Soccer Ball
Size 3 soccer balls are perfect for kids eight years and younger. The size 3 soccer ball has a circumference of 23–24 inches.
This size is ideal for children learning how to kick a soccer ball and ready to take their skills to the next level. It’s also perfect for recreational players who want to improve their skills.
The size 3 ball is the most popular size in youth leagues. The size 3 ball weighs approximately 300-320 grams. Although they are not common in professional matches, the size is used in some junior leagues.
Size 2 Soccer Ball
The most common size for soccer balls is size 2. Soccer ball size 2 is for children between the ages of 3 and 7.
This sized ball is perfect for kids just learning how to kick a ball back and forth with their feet. If you want your 3-7-year-olds to improve their skills quickly, you should get them a size 2 ball.
Although it’s great for children, you can use it for skill training thanks to its perfect size and grip. It weighs 210–280 grams, making it lightweight and easy to carry.
This training ball comes in sizes of 20–22 inches around. Although not recommended for advanced players due to its low weight and high bounce rate, this training ball is still many people’s favorite.
Size 1 Soccer ball
The last size is soccer ball size 1. This soccer ball is suitable for 3-5-year-olds and trainers working on footwork, tricks, dummies, and ball control.
The circumference of a size 1 ball is 18–20 inches, making it ideal for kids aged 3–5 years old who are just starting out playing soccer.
Its excellent grip makes it easy for little hands to hold onto and maneuver independently. The size 1 soccer ball is not too bouncy when kicking around.
It’s not common for parents to buy a size 1 soccer ball for their kids. But it is present among souvenir collections and primarily used for skill training. The size 1 is also called the Minis because it is the smallest size ball of all the 5.
Calculating the Diameter of a Youth Soccer Ball
Imagine that you’re playing soccer with a friend’s kid. They bring out the ball and tell you it’s a “Youth Soccer Ball.” What comes to your mind? Do they mean it’s for kids five years old and under?
Nevertheless, there are some things you can do to determine if this is the right size for your child.
The best way is to find the measurements of the ball. You will have to find the diameter of the given ball. Remember to inflate the ball in question before attempting any of these procedures.
Then place it on the ground against a closed door using a frame. You may use any object with 90-degree angles. Press the opposite side of the ball as hard as you can.
Calculate the distance between the door and the bottom of the picture frame. The numbers you find are the soccer ball size.
Now multiply that answer you find by 3.14. The figure you get is its circumference in inches (for example, if a soccer ball has an inside diameter of 3 inches and an outside diameter of 4 inches, multiply those numbers to get 9 inches).
Why Are Size And Weight Important?
Soccer balls are available in various sizes and weights, but what does this mean for you? The weight of a soccer ball is measured in pounds, the standard unit used to weigh things in the United States.
In general, the heavier a ball, the harder it will be to kick. The same goes for its size. The larger the ball is, the more challenging it is for footwork. According to UK soccer rules, a ball should not weigh more than 16 ounces and less than 14 ounces.
The best way to determine how much weight and how big your soccer ball needs to be is using a measuring tape or ruler, look at pictures of the soccer balls available; it should be easy enough to understand what they look like, so you can compare them with yours.
When it comes to soccer balls, size and weight are important factors. The larger the ball and the heavier it is, the more likely you’ll be able to control it while playing.
It’s also important not to get too hung up on the size of a soccer ball—you can find one that fits your needs perfectly if you know what you’re looking for.
What Size Soccer Ball Do 11-Year-Olds Use?
Players ages 8-12 should use a youth size 4 soccer ball. At the age of eight, children have developed the strength, skill, and size to handle the size four.
The youth soccer ball size is designed for players ages 10 and up. This is mostly referred to as the youth soccer ball.
A youth size 4 soccer ball usually has a circumference of 25-26 inches. Soccer balls come in various sizes, so you must know which size is right for your child or team.
What Size Soccer Ball for 10-Year-Olds?
10-year-olds use the Youth (U8-U12) category, which means they are between 8 and 12 years old.
What Size Soccer Ball for 8-Year-Olds?
The best soccer balls for 8-year-olds are size 4 soccer balls. These balls are typically about 23 inches in circumference and weigh 300 grams or less. This size is perfect for children who are just beginning to play soccer and those who are older but still learning the game.
If you have an 8-year-old player in your house, having a size 4 soccer ball on hand is a good idea. It’s small enough that they won’t get frustrated while playing with it but large enough that they can use it to practice their skills.
But if your 8-year-old is younger with smaller feet, you can consider buying them a size 3 soccer ball until they are old enough to kick a size 4 ball.
Soccer Ball Sizes: What Sizes Do I Need? FAQs
As a soccer expert, I come across many questions regarding soccer ball sizes. Many people as the right size they need for excellent training. Below are some questions and responses to help you select the right size.
What Are the Soccer Ball Sizes?
The most common soccer ball sizes are size 5, size 4, size 3, size 2, and size 11. The size 5 is suitable for senior youths (adults) and adults. A professional soccer ball size is common in professional soccer leagues, tournaments, and cups.
Size 4, size 3, and size 2 are suitable for ages 8–12, 6–8 years, and 3–6 years, respectively. The size is also good for kids aged 3–6 years but is mainly used for training with professionals looking to improve their skills.
What Are the Three Sizes of Soccer Balls?
The 3 sizes of soccer balls are size 5 and 4, size 3, and size 2 and 1. Soccer balls in sizes 5 and 4 are popular among youths and adults and are used in professional competitive matches worldwide.
Size 3 is perfect for kids 8 years old and younger, thanks to its perfect grip and size. The last size is size 2 and 1. These two are primarily used interchangeably because they are almost similar. They are good for kids 5 years old or younger.
Even though kids can play with size 1 soccer balls as they learn to kick a soccer ball, it’s common among trainers who want to improve their skills. Many also use them as souvenirs and collections.
Are There Size 6 Soccer Balls?
Unfortunately, the size 6 balls are not common. The most common standard soccer ball sizes are size 5, size 4, size 3, size 2, and size 1.
Conclusion: Now You Know the Perfect Ball to Buy
We are confident that you know ball sizing and how to pick the right one for you. You also know the standard soccer ball size to get for your kid.
In a nutshell, there are only 5 sizes of balls, at least according to soccer standards. As you have seen, these soccer ball sizes are size 5, size 4, size 3, size 2, and size 1.
Size 5 soccer balls are great for youths 12 years and older and professionals. They are used in competitive professional football like major leagues and tournaments.
Size 4 is suitable for kids 8-12 years old. These balls are used in some junior youth tournaments.
You also learned about the size 3 soccer balls, perfect for kids aged 6–8, thanks to their 23–26 inch circumference. Size 3 soccer balls weigh 300-320 grams.
The other ball sizes are size 2 and size 1. You can use size 2 and size 1 interchangeably. They are suitable for kids aged 3 to 6 years. But size 1 is not common among kids. Because it’s the smallest, it’s common among trainers who like to work on their ball movement.
Many teams also use Size 1 as a souvenir collection by putting their logos on size1 soccer balls.
You have also learned why you should consider the ball’s weight and size before buying one. Lastly, you know the right size soccer ball for the different age groups, like ages 11, 10, and 8.
It’s time to buy the right soccer ball sizes for you, and this will be an easy task for you. With some patience, you are certain to get the right size. Use this review to help you make an informed buying decision.
