Soccer Ball Size by Age: What Size Soccer Ball to Buy?

As I’m sure you know, a soccer ball is the most significant piece of equipment when playing soccer.

There are many different sizes of soccer balls and each is right for a various age group. 

For example, you wouldn't want to use a size 2 soccer ball when a child of a certain age should have a size 4. 

These reasons are why it's so important to understand how to choose a soccer ball size by age.

In this guide, we'll cover the different sizes of soccer balls by age and teach you how to choose the right one for your youth athletes.

 

Different Soccer Ball Sizes by Age 

You may be curious why the size of a soccer ball matters. Many shoppers may not know why it matters when purchasing a soccer ball. This lack of knowledge might easily lead people to buy the wrong ball. Soccer balls differ in terms of construction, shape, and height.

Purpose Behind Soccer Ball Sizes

Let's say we need the ball for practice rather than playing. To accommodate our needs, we should look for balls made for practicing purposes only. The official ball used for the match is way different from the practice ball. In terms of characteristics such as air, form, water absorption, slope, and trajectory, official match balls vary from practice balls.

Similarly, the construction and other features of the indoor, pool, and street balls differ.

Why Size Matters

Knowing the correct size for you or your child is essential. It is necessary because a ball that’s not the right size can possibly lead to injury. If a youth player kicks a size five ball made for adults daily, they are bound to sustain an injury. Only adult players can use a size five ball because of the pressure and diameter. 

It's not all about escaping injuries; a child might want a ball with the right bounce and weight for other required exercises. Therefore, while professional soccer players play with a size 5 pitch, they also use different skill development sizes.

Soccer Ball Size Chart

SOCCER BALL SIZE	AGE	CIRCUMFERENCE
1	Any Age	18 to 20 Inches
2	3-5 years old	20 to 22 Inches
3	5-8 years old	23 to 24 Inches
4	8-11 years old	25 to 26 Inches
5	Above 12 years old	27 to 28 Inches

Besides distinguishing which size best suits your soccer style, it is important to understand the purpose of each size. Most professional soccer players don't stick with one size. Instead, they may use a variety of sizes for different practice and skill training. To explain this thoroughly, we listed the five sizes available and their benefits as well as the best time to use them. 

Size 5 Soccer Ball Age - 12+

The size 5 is the professional soccer ball that professional players use. It is an ideal soccer ball for players ages 12 and up, including adults. All regular, elite, and international soccer matches use the size 5 soccer ball. The size 5 soccer ball measures 27′′-28′′ in diameter and weighs 410-450 grams.

The ball is too big for children to handle, making it difficult for them to move. Also, it’s important to know that the size 5 is not intended for newcomers to the sport.

Size 4 Soccer Ball Age - 8-12

The size 4 or a "medium" soccer ball is meant for an amateur in soccer games. Size 4 acts as a buffer between the small and huge soccer balls. Youth soccer players aged 8 to 12 primarily use a size 4 soccer pitch. The size 4 ball has a diameter of 25′′-26′′ and a weight of 350-390 grams.

The size reduction is suitable for this age range because it helps players become more comfortable with their skill sets. Any children aged 8 to 12 can technically play with a full-size professional soccer ball, but most of them would find it challenging to use a size 5. Therefore, size 4 will help children in this age range continue to train and develop without being hindered by the size.

Size 3 Soccer Ball Age - 6-8 

The junior-level soccer games group usually uses size 3 soccer balls, while other adult professionals use this for skill training. The size 3 ball is an excellent choice because it encourages proper ball handling in children. It is also toned appropriately for most children of this age. This size area is 23-24 inches, while its weight varies between 11-12 oz.

Typically, this size is for children under the age of eight and safe for kindergarten students without any issue.

Size 2 Soccer Ball Age - 3-5

The size 2 soccer ball is also known as a "skills ball" and used as a trainer ball. It is ideal for honing ball control, footwork, and ball-handling skills. Adults also use this size for ball control drills and to test the capability of the players' grip.

The size 2 Soccer Ball is recommended for kids ages 3 to 5 years old and for older players who wish to use it for drills.

Size 1 Soccer Ball Age - Toddler

The size 1 soccer balls are known as mini balls or skill balls. They’re usually used to train players in skill development and ball control. Anyone regardless of age can use this size to train and improve their skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you want to know the right soccer ball size by age, these questions will clear up any last minute thoughts. 

What size soccer ball for 8 year olds?

An 8 year old should use a size 3 or 4 soccer ball. 

What size soccer ball for 10 year olds?

A 10 year old should use a size 4 soccer ball. 

What size soccer ball for 5 year olds?

A 5 year old should use a size 2 soccer ball. 

What size soccer ball for 9 year olds? 

A 9 year old should use a size 4 soccer ball.

Final Thoughts

Soccer is a famous and popular sport for both kids and adults. Make sure to be aware of which soccer balls you’re buying so you buy the right ones to help you out in your or your child’s soccer training. Now that you know the ball sizing, you should also consider which soccer ball model to buy.

Our recommendation is to always go for the model that will stay with you through ups and downs. Learn more about soccer ball sizes.