If you are looking to buy a new soccer ball, you might be perplexed by the various soccer ball sizes or might not understand the soccer ball size chart. The soccer ball size chart has soccer ball size by age or by weight. This article has compiled a comprehensive list of the various sizes and weights in which a soccer ball comes and which size you should buy based on your demands.
How Many Soccer Ball Sizes Exists?
Five soccer ball sizes range from 18 inches to around 28 inches. These different sizes each serve a different purpose. Each different soccer ball sizes correspond to a different weight. The soccer ball size chart also has different soccer ball size by age.
Soccer Ball Size By Age
The five different soccer ball sizes correspond to different age groups or can be used by even the most seasoned players for practice.
- Anyone can use size 1 soccer ball. Ideally, it is the soccer ball for kids who belong to the age group of 3 years and below. It is the most miniature ball available and is safe for young kids to play with to get a feel of the game.
- Size 2 soccer ball is meant for kids over the age of 3 but under 5. As kids grow a bit older, this ball is the right size for them to get accustomed to the game with an appropriately sized ball proportioned to their height and weight.
- The size three soccer ball or the u8 soccer ball size refers to the same thing. It is targeted for under eight years of age kids and is a great practice ball for kids above the age of 5 up to the age of 8 learning to play soccer or football, as it is popularly referred to as because this ball can be used during real-time game-play.
- The size four soccer ball is aimed at players older than eight up to 11 years of age. This is only slightly smaller than a regulation soccer ball. The tiny size difference that exists allows players to finely hone their skills and physical strength to handle the size five soccer ball correctly.
- Size 5 soccer ball is used in professional soccer and is designed for players aged 12 years and above. This ball is approved for professional and international matches.
Even though the various soccer balls in this list are designed for different age groups, it does not imply that other age groups cannot gain utility. The soccer ball size by age chart provides a mere guideline, but other players can improve their ball control and overall practice skills by training using a smaller ball. The petite soccer ball sizes are also used for promotion purposes.
Explaining The 5 Soccer Ball Sizes:
- The size one soccer ball is about 18 to 20 inches. This is relatively tiny for a soccer ball and hence, is recommended for kids. Adults can also use this type of ball for practising as its small size makes it difficult to manoeuvre. This size is great for promotions, and several collectors even keep the balls as souvenirs in support of famous clubs or players.
- The size two soccer ball is quite similar to the size one soccer ball as it is only slightly larger. It is about 20 to 22 inches, and just like the size one soccer ball, it is used by children and adults alike to improve their playing skills. Another similarity between the two sizes of soccer balls is that both are used for promotions. Clubs release special edition balls in this size that fans treasure as a collector’s item.
- The size three soccer ball or the u8 soccer ball size is the next in our soccer ball size chart. It is about 23 to 24 inches and weighs 300 to 320 grams making it suitable for use in actual games. This ball also helps players train irrespective of the age category they belong to.
- The size four soccer ball is about 25 to 26 inches. This is only slightly smaller than the size five soccer ball, but it teaches players to work on their control and dribbling skills.
- Size 5 soccer ball is about 27 to 28 inches and is used in professional soccer matches. To weigh about 410 to 450 grams.
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What is the correct Pressure for a Soccer Ball?
Different soccer ball sizes are all inflated differently to provide a certain amount of pressure. An overinflated ball is difficult to play with, and an underinflated ball has troubles travelling. As per the soccer ball size chart, the ball pressure is the same for all three balls that are 8.5 to 15.6 PSI. This is a very wide range, but it is as per the official rule of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association.
How to Choose a Soccer Ball Correctly?
Based on your various requirements, you need to choose a soccer ball from the soccer ball size chart. Look at the size, weight, cover construction, lining, bladder type, etc., to decide which ball is suitable for you.
This article has already discussed the size of the ball in detail. The cover construction refers to the outer layer of construction of each soccer ball and is made of PVC or synthetic leather. PVC is associated with lower-end balls. The lining covers the bladder and creates and enhances the strength of the ball. It has a foam layer to add softness and is normally found in high-quality balls. The two main types of bladders used in soccer balls are latex and butyl. Latex naturally loses air faster than butyl. Based on all of these features, you need to determine the soccer ball that serves the right fit for you.
The Importance of Size and Weight of the Ball
The various sizes help mainly in the development of young players. This is because smaller balls weigh less and are, therefore, safer for younger kids to play with. Young children have a difficult time manoeuvring large balls. The small ball encourages them to learn and enjoy the sport.
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