If you are shopping for a soccer ball for your kid, you should know about soccer ball sizes.
Many people don’t realize that soccer balls can be sized differently, and some think that ball size isn’t something to be bothered with. In reality, picking the wrong soccer ball size could be detrimental to your child’s training.
In this guide, I will introduce you to soccer ball sizes by age, and I will also help you understand why ball size matters for children.
Soccer Ball Sizes Chart
For easy guidance, refer to the following size chart:
Ball Size | Circumference | Weight | Age |
Size 1 (Skills) | 18 to 20 inches | – | Under 3, but often used for skill training by all ages |
Size 2 | 20 to 22 inches | 250 to 280 grams | 3 to 5 years old |
Size 3 (Youth) | 23 to 24 inches | 300 to 320 grams | 5 to 8 years old |
Size 4 (Junior) | 25 to 26 inches | 350 to 390 grams | 8 to 11 years old |
Size 5 (Adult/Professional) | 27 to 28 inches | 410 to 450 grams | 12 and older |
Choose a soccer ball size based on the age of the player, your training needs, as well as your league’s requirements.
The Different Soccer Ball Sizes Breakdown
Let’s now have a more in-depth look into these five soccer ball sizes so that you know what to expect with them and which soccer ball size to go for.
Size 5
Size 5 soccer balls are intended for soccer players aged 12 or older. These soccer balls are used by professionals as well. Balls used in competitions held under the auspices of FIFA or confederations must be Size 5 too.
The Game’s FIFA Laws require that the soccer ball be 27 to 28 inches in circumference (68 to 70 cm) and weigh between 410 to 450 grams. They also need a pressure of 0.6 to 1.1 atmosphere at sea level.
If you are interested in competitive play, look for a soccer ball that has FIFA Quality PRO, FIFA Quality, or IMS – International Match Standard marks. These indicate that the ball has undergone testing to ensure that it complies with the technical requirements listed in the Laws of the Game.
Size 4
With a circumference of 25 to 26 inches and weighing 350 to 390 grams, Size 4 soccer balls are primarily used by 8 to 11 years olds. Size 4 is also considered a youth size and may be used in youth soccer leagues.
Thanks to their smaller size and lightness, Size 4 balls make training easier for young players. Bulky and heavy Size 5 soccer balls are typically too much for children under 12. I’ll explain why picking the right soccer ball size is essential below.
Size 3
Size 3 soccer balls are best for children aged 5 to 8. Size 3 is also the smallest soccer ball size one will see in competition. Weighing 300 to 320 grams and sized at 23 to 24 inches, Size 3 soccer balls are optimally proportioned for children and efficiently improve their skills on the field.
Size 2
Size 2 balls are about half the size of a Size 5 soccer ball and are best for children under 3 to 5 years old. This soccer ball size is rarely seen in the United States, and many online guides don’t mention it at all – probably because not many kids aged 3 to 5 play soccer.
Size 2 balls are sometimes used to practice tricks as well. Smaller Size 1 balls are more popular among serious athletes for juggling or whatnot, but if you find Size 1 balls too challenging, a Size 2 soccer ball might be a better choice.
Size 1
Lastly, we have Size 1 soccer balls, which are the smallest soccer balls you’re going to find out there.
Sometimes referred to as mini soccer balls, Size 1 balls are sized at 18 to 20 inches and are typically used for skill training. The small size makes these balls much harder to hit accurately, so if you learn to handle a Size 1 soccer ball flawlessly, your skills should transfer wonderfully to larger balls.
If you have a kid aged three or younger who is showing interest in kicking things around, perhaps a Size 1 soccer ball would be a delightful toy for them too!
Size 1 balls are also commonly used as gifts and souvenirs, and many people collect them as well. Many soccer clubs sell souvenir balls with their logo on them.
Using The Right Soccer Ball Size And Weight - Why Is It Important?
For adults, choosing a soccer ball size is super-easy – you should go for a Size 1 soccer ball to practice tricks and a Size 5 soccer ball for everything else.
But for children, it’s crucial not to pick an oversized ball.
Children need to learn to feel the soccer ball correctly, and their skills must transfer to larger-size balls as they age. Small balls like Size 3 and Size 4 are more or less perfectly proportioned to young players’ physical characteristics.
A too heavy soccer ball or too big will not allow your child to learn proper ball handling. Worse, even if a child learns to control an oversized soccer ball, their skills may not transfer to larger ball sizes, which would turn all the hard work to waste.
With that, children mustn’t play with balls that are intended for older players.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Soccer Ball Is A Youth One?
Youth soccer balls are typically sized at 25 to 26 inches and weigh 350 to 390 grams. They are intended for 8-11 years old players. Some leagues or colleges may have their own definition of “youth,” so before buying a ball, make sure to check what’s required by the organization under which your kid is playing.
What Size Soccer Ball Do Professional Players Use?
Professional soccer players use Size 5 soccer balls. These balls are sized at 27 to 28 inches in circumference and weigh 410 to 450 grams.
Does Juggling A Small Soccer Ball Help?
If you want to acquire excellent control over a soccer ball, practicing with a small ball can be very beneficial.
Size 1 balls are great for juggling and other movements that require high accuracy and fine foot control. Some players go even further and use tennis balls (2.57 to 2.70 inches in diameter), but if you are a beginner, try a larger ball first.
But although a small ball could tremendously help your handling skills, I recommend that you alternate between regulation and small balls to make sure that your skills transfer to the field. Don’t let yourself get used to a tiny soccer ball.
What Age Do You Start Using A Size 5 Soccer Ball?
Size 5 soccer balls are usually used by players aged 12 and older.
What Size Is A Futsal Ball?
Futsal balls are usually Size 4, with a circumference of 25 to 26 inches and a weight of 350 to 390 grams.
The Extra Time
So the key takeaway is as follows – don’t pick an oversized soccer ball for your kid. Keep your child’s age, along with the requirements of their league or school, into account. A large soccer ball will feel awkward to your child, and he or she may struggle a lot with learning to control the ball.