Do I have the Right Soccer Ball Size by Age? - Everything You Need to Know! (Chart Included)
Soccer is a game for everyone but are all the soccer balls the same size as well?
No. (duh!)
Soccer balls come in 5 sizes and are categorized according to the player’s age and their skill-level. Some balls are ideal for practicing only while others are of professional ball size, some are best for little kids while some are for adults, etc.
If you find yourself having a hard time at being a good soccer player, chances are that you’re actually not as bad as you think and are only playing with the wrong ball. Remember, wrong ball size can not only hinder your gameplay, it may also cause injuries. (Trust me, I learned this the hard way!)
With so many options available, choosing the right soccer ball size by age can be a hassle. However, don’t worry because I did some digging and put my own knowledge to use to bring together an easy guide for you. Let’s learn ball sizes!
What Size Soccer Ball should you Buy for your Age and Skill Level?
Size 1: Toddler Soccer Ball Size
Age: 3 years and under - A Souvenir Item & for Young Kids
A Size 1 soccer ball has a circumference of only 18” to 20”. This is the smallest and lightest of all soccer ball sizes by age.
Also called a “mini”, this ball is mainly used for recreational purposes only. Young kids under 3 can play with it inside the house without worrying their parents much. Interestingly, it’s also sometimes used by professionals to hone a particular soccer skill.
Fun fact: These soccer balls are also used as souvenirs (those cool ones you get at official soccer matches!)
Size 2: Kids Soccer Ball Size
Age: 3-5 years - Fun & Skill Development Soccer Ball
With a circumference of 20” to 22”, this ball is the perfect size for 3-5 years old kids. It is also recommended for beginners who want to perfect their soccer skills and learn all those fancy soccer tricks our favourite players do!
They aren’t much bigger than size 1, but can do wonders for a player who wants to get their hands (or feet, I’d rather say) dirty with those funky techniques.
Size 3: A Bigger Ball for Bigger Kids
Age: 5-8 years
This one has a circumference of 23” to 24” and weighs around 310 grams. It is the smallest ball used in real matches, and is the first ball that gives a young player a taste of the real deal.
Young soccer players may outgrow this ball in a couple of years but the learning stays for long. (Ask all the professional players and they’d tell you they had this soccer ball when they were really young - so it’s worth the deal, right?)
Size 4: Transitioning to the Adult Size Soccer Ball
Age: 8-11 years
Although considered to be a kids soccer ball size, a size 4 soccer ball is a crucial step for any developing soccer player!
It has a circumference of about 25” to 26”, weighs between 350-370 grams and is perfect for kids between 8-11 years old.
Some coaches or parents make their kids skip this ball size and give them the final soccer ball (size 5) right away. This transition can be far too difficult for them as they are not given the time to adjust according to their body strength!
A size 4 ball helps a kid get the actual experience, but in accordance with their own body. Kids in this age-range are not as sturdy as adults. So, to make sure they practice the game without hurting themselves, these balls are the go-to option and worth every penny.
Size 5: Official Professional Soccer Ball Size
Age: 12 years and above
Finally, the biggest soccer ball. This is the ball you’ll find around any soccer pitch and is easily available in all sports stores.
This professional soccer ball size is about 27” to 28” in circumference and is the one to choose for the real deal! (This means keeping young kids away from this one is probably a good idea.)
It weighs the most too (410-450 grams) - giving you that much needed thrill you’d want right when you’re about to shoot for a goal! It can be handled really well and is exciting to play with if you know your game and have the right foot coordination.
Even if you’re not that good of a soccer player yet, keep in mind that you would eventually have to get a size 5 soccer ball if you want to be a real player!
Wrapping it Up: Our Soccer Ball Size Chart
Before I sign off, here’s a table to quickly summarize all that you just learned:
| Soccer Ball Size by Age | Circumference | Weight | Who is it best for? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size 1 | 18-20 inches | 200 - 240 g | Age: 3 years old or under Souvenir items, signed balls, etc. |
| Size 2 | 20-22 inches | 250 - 280 g | Age: 3-5 years old beginners Skill development for older players |
| Size 3 | 23-24 inches | 300 - 320 g | Age: 5-8 years old Smallest ball used in proper matches |
| Size 4 | 25-26 inches | 350 - 390 g | Age: 8-11 years old Transition ball: a crucial step for a developing player |
| Size 5 | 27-28 inches | 410 - 450 g | Age: 12 years old and older Professional soccer ball size used in soccer matches |
| Size | Circumference | Weight (g) | Who is it best for? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18-20" | 200-240 | Age: 3 years old or under Souvenir items, signed balls, etc. |
| 2 | 20-22" | 250-280 | Age: 3-5 years old beginners Skill development for older players |
| 3 | 23-24" | 300-320 | Age: 5-8 years old Smallest ball used in proper matches |
| 4 | 25-26" | 350-390 | Age: 8-11 years old Transition ball: a crucial step for a developing player |
| 5 | 27-28" | 410-450 | Age: 12 years old and older Professional soccer ball size used in soccer matches |
With so many soccer balls around, choosing the correct soccer ball size for yourself or for your kids can be tricky. However, a little research while making a one-time investment like this can go a long way.
Think I missed something? Let me know in the comments below!
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