Soccer Balls

Selecting the right soccer ball boils down to choosing the size and construction of the ball based on the player’s age and league requirements. The younger the player, the smaller the ball in most cases. Cost is also a big factor in selecting the correct soccer ball. Synthetic-leather balls are the most expensive and basic rubber-type soccer balls cost the least. Leather is no longer the favorite choice of soccer ball coverings because leather absorbs more moisture than synthetic soccer balls. A wet leather ball gets heavier over time and becomes much slower in play.

Selecting the right soccer ball boils down to choosing thesize and construction of the ball based on the player’s age and leaguerequirements. The younger the player, the smaller the ball in most cases. Costis also a big factor in selecting the correct soccer ball. Synthetic-leatherballs are the most expensive and basic rubber-type soccer balls cost the least.Leather is no longer the favorite choice of soccer ball coverings becauseleather absorbs more moisture than synthetic soccer balls. A wet leather ballgets heavier over time and becomes much slower in play.

There are three basic categories of soccerballs. Match soccer balls used in professional international matchesmeet all Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) requirementsand are imprinted with the organization’s logo on the ball. They are also themost expensive type of soccer ball. In the middle range are the competitionballs used in college and high school competition. Recreational and trainingballs fill are the least expensive.

Most soccer balls are made of blends of polyurethane (PU),polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and common rubber or nylon. The best and mostexpensive PU balls feel like leather and are very firm, durable andwater-resistant. The PVC balls are also very durable but are not as soft andresponsive as the PU-blend balls. Common rubber and nylon balls can present areal value because they cost the least and last the longest. Although therubber and nylon soccer balls lack the feel of match balls, they are fine forpractice and training.

Soccer balls are all clearly marked in one of three sizeswith the smaller the size number, the smaller the ball. Most all soccer ballscome marked in sizes 3, 4 or 5.  Size 3soccer balls are used for beginners under 8 years old are 23-inches incircumference and weigh 12-ounces. Size 4 balls are designed for playersbetween the ages of 8 and 12 and weigh about the same as the smaller balls at12-ounces but are larger in circumference at just over 25-inches. Size 5 soccerballs are designed for use by all players 13 and older and are built to theinternational standard size for all sanctioned competition. The size 5 ballsweigh about 15-ounces and have a circumference of 28-inches.

Additional factors to consider in soccerball construction are the lining and inner bladder. The liningunderneath the outer covering controls the shape and feel of the ball. Thebladder contains the air inside the ball and also contributes to shape andresponsiveness in play. Match soccer balls usually have four layers of acombined cotton/polyester-blend lining. Mid-range balls have two layers ofcotton and two layers of polyester lining, and the least expensive balls haveonly two layers of polyester lining.

Soccer ball bladders come in both latex and butyl. The latexbladders are considered the best type of ball construction, but they don’t holdair as long as butyl bladders and need attention to proper inflation. Butyl orbutyl-blend bladders hold their air better but are harder less responsive inplay. The most common bladder found in mid-priced balls will usually be a blendof 80% butyl with 20% rubber.

The number of panels on a soccer ball can influence flightcharacteristics and how much control the player will have in play. A 32-panelball is the type used in international soccer competition. Major League Soccerin the United Statesuses an 18-panel ball, and most indoor soccer leagues use 6-panel balls. Thepanels on high-end soccer balls are hand-stitched with synthetic thread.Mid-priced soccer balls have the same high-quality thread but are machinestitched to reduce cost. Low-cost practice and training balls will usually havepanels that are glued together.

Adidas, Nike, Voit, Puma, Brine and Diadora all make goodall-around quality balls that are relatively affordable, ranging from $20 to$80. Good practice balls can be purchased for as little as $15. For most youngplayers today, an inexpensive training ball is usually all they will need toget into soccerand start having fun.

Mike Jones is an experienced blog master and published author. He lives in
Los Angeles California. For more info please visit www.soccerballs.com

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