Soccer Balls Sizes By Age: A Complete Guide

Soccer ball sizes by age

Ever wondered what soccer ball by size is appropriate for both kids and adults when buying or choosing a ball to play with?

The lack of knowledge in choosing the right ball size per age could lead to people buying the wrong size, but when you’re aware of the size to buy, shopping for a soccer ball wouldn’t be a problem.

The biggest factors in selecting the right ball size are the age range and probably the size of the child or person buying the ball. Since there are worldwide standards for ball size according to age group, let’s take you through different sizes of soccer balls by age.

Why soccer ball sizes matter

Knowing the correct ball size to buy as a professional or kid is very important because a ball that is not the right size for you can lead to injury.

As a toddler or kid, kicking a ball not meant for your age range over time can lead to injury because the worldwide standard ball size comes with different diameters and pressure.

So in order to avoid picking up an injury while kicking a ball not meant for a particular age, the best thing is to have full knowledge about it and then purchase the appropriate ball.

Soccer Ball Sizes By Age

There are four basic standard sizes of a soccer ball for you to choose from, either as a kid or an adult, with each coming within a recommended age range.

Asides from distinguishing the size that best suit your soccer style and age, it’s also important to understand the purpose of each size.

Size (5) Soccer Ball

The size 5 ball is the professional soccer ball that the elite players use because it is the appropriate and ideal soccer ball recommended for players from the ages of 12 upward.

As the worldwide standard stated, the size 5 ball is the appropriate ball used in professional matches.

Size 5 soccer balls have a diameter of 8.6-9 inches (22-23 cm) and circumference of 27-28 inches (68-70 cm). The weight of a Size 5 soccer ball is between 14-16 oz (400-450 grams) with a pressure is typically between 8.5-15.6 psi (58.6-107.6 kPa).

Children or kids can’t play the size 5 because it is too big to handle and can as well injure them when struck by the ball.

When getting a size 5 ball, it is also important to get the FIFA-approved ones because it comes with the appropriate measurements.

Size (4) Soccer Ball

The size 4 is often referred to as medium and is meant for amateur soccer players. This size 4 ball acts as a buffer between the small and the big size because it helps the players have a grasp of the necessary skills before graduating to play the size 5.

The size 4 is suitable for players between the ages of 8 to 12,

Size 4 soccer balls have a diameter of 8-8.25 inches (20-22 cm) and circumference of 25-26 inches (63-66 cm). The weight of a Size 4 soccer ball is between 12-14 oz (350-390 grams) with a pressure is typically between 8.5-8.7 psi (58.6-60 kPa).

Although the size 4 is a bit closer in size to the size 5 meant for adults, it is important to know that players within the age range can’t play it until they’re mature enough to feel it.

Size (3) Soccer Ball

The size 3 balls are often used by junior-level soccer players between the age of 6 and 8, for a kid who chooses to use the size 3 while playing is obviously an excellent choice because it encourages proper ball handling and can’t hurt or damage their leg.

Size 3 soccer balls have a diameter of 7 inches (17.8 cm) and circumference of 23-24 inches (58-60 cm). The weight of a Size 4 soccer ball is between 10.5-11.6 oz (300-320 grams) with a pressure is typically between 8.5-8.7 psi (58.6-60 kPa).

With this ball size, children can easily learn the basic skills in soccer without any problem because it’s easy to handle and play around with it on the pitch.

In terms of its circumference, the size 3 ball is slightly bigger than the size 1 and can withstand harder kicks compared to the size 1, basically for toddlers.

Size (2) Soccer Ball

The size 2 soccer ball are not very common and are hardly ever used to play soccer.

The reason size 2 soccer balls are rarely used because they are so close in circumference to size 1 soccer balls.

Nonetheless, the size 2 soccer ball can be used by toddlers aged 4 or 5.

Size 2 soccer balls have a diameter of 5.5 inches (14 cm) and circumference of 19-21 inches (48-52 cm). The weight of a size 2 soccer ball is between 8.8-9.8 oz (250-280 grams) with a pressure is 7 psi (48 kPa).

Soccer ball sizes by age

Size (1) Soccer Ball

The size 1 soccer balls are known as mini-balls or skill balls because they are often used to train players in skill development and ball control for those who have yet to grasp the basic skills of the game.

It is usually used by kids aged 3 and below.

The unique thing about the size 1 soccer ball is that anyone can use it to improve their skills, ball control, and shot regardless of age.

Due to its diameter is also very lightweight and small in size, and it can easily be purchased for kids or toddlers who just start kicking.

Size 1 soccer balls have a diameter of 5 inches (12.7 cm) and circumference of 18-20 inches (46-50 cm). The weight of a size 2 soccer ball is between 6.8-7.2 oz (195-205 grams) with a pressure is usually 4 psi (28 kpa)

It can easily be handled by any toddler who just starts kicking a soccer ball and is quite affordable to purchase.

Other Types Of Soccer Balls

Different types of balls are used around the world for soccer, including beach soccer, futsal, and indoor soccer.

All of the above balls come in different sizes to serve their purposes, and while the normal soccer ball is different from the futsal ball, the beach soccer ball is also different from an indoor soccer ball.

For the sake of awareness, beach soccer balls are the same size as the official adult ball in normal soccer. However, they’re lighter due to the fact that it is kicked bare feet, and they’re designed differently in a brighter color for visibility against the color of the sand.

For indoor soccer balls, it comes in size 4 and they’re often covered in felt or suede to increase friction with the indoor turf. Moreso, the indoor soccer ball bounces more than other kinds of balls except for the normal soccer ball.

While futsal balls come in size 4 just like the normal soccer ball, they’re made slightly differently than traditional soccer balls in order to reduce the way they bounce on the hard indoor surface due to what is made of.

FAQ

What size is a youth soccer ball?

A youth soccer ball can be either size 4 or 5, but it depends on how you define a youth. The age range for those that can play the size 4 ball is between ages 8 to 12, while the size 5 is from the age of 12 upward.

What soccer ball size is appropriate for high school soccer player?

As a high school student or player who likes the beautiful game of soccer, the best soccer size and weight to use is 4 with a diameter of 25-26 and a weight between 350-390 grams.

But if the college soccer player is above the age of 12 upward, the best soccer ball to play is size 5 with a diameter of 27-28 and 410-450 grams.

What age can a player between the age of 6-8 switch to a bigger size?

Junior-level players basically play the soccer ball for the ages of 6-8, but they can easily switch to a bigger size when they clock the appropriate age, which is between 8-12, and size 5 when they’re 12 or above.

What size soccer ball should I choose for my 5-year-old child?

For a 5-year-old child, it’s recommended to use a size 3 soccer ball. This size is appropriate for young players to develop their skills without being overwhelmed by a larger ball. The size 3 soccer ball is lighter and smaller, making it easier for young children to control and kick as they learn the fundamentals of the game. It’s important to consider the age-appropriate equipment to ensure a positive and enjoyable soccer experience for young players.

At what age should my child start using a size 4 soccer ball?

Typically, children aged 8 to 12 start using a size 4 soccer ball. As children grow and develop their soccer skills, they gradually transition to using a size 4 ball to match their increasing strength and abilities. Introducing the appropriate ball size at the right age helps players enhance their ball-handling and shooting techniques while promoting a positive playing experience.

What are the recommended soccer ball sizes for children aged 3-5?

Children aged 3 to 5 generally use a size 3 soccer ball. This size is suitable for their age group as it allows them to practice and play comfortably. The size 3 soccer ball is specifically designed to accommodate the physical capabilities and skill levels of young children, enabling them to engage in the sport with ease and enjoyment.

How do I determine the appropriate soccer ball size for different age groups?

To determine the appropriate soccer ball size for different age groups, it’s essential to consider guidelines provided by soccer associations, leagues, and youth soccer organizations. These guidelines are based on the age and skill level of the players, taking into account factors such as ball weight, circumference, and player development goals. By following these recommendations, players can benefit from using the most suitable ball size for their age and skill level.

What size soccer ball is suitable for youth players aged 10-12?

Youth players aged 10 to 12 commonly use a size 4 soccer ball. This size is designed to match their increasing strength and skills, providing a suitable playing experience for this age group. The size 4 ball allows players in this age range to further develop their ball control, passing, and shooting abilities while preparing them for the transition to using a standard size 5 soccer ball as they advance in their soccer journey.

Conclusion

When advised to choose the right soccer ball with the right size and weight, it doesn’t mean you’ve been told not to choose the ball of choice. However, it’s just important to choose the appropriate size because it aids in making a significant difference in the effective development of a player based on age range.

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