What Type of Soccer Ball Should I Buy?
When it comes to playing soccer, there are so many different pieces of equipment you might want to purchase to get started. One of the questions we are so often asked by keen soccer players is what type of ball should I purchase. Whether you are a keen amateur player or run a local team, you’ll want to consider the most popular types of soccer balls to make sure you are well equipped for your next training session or match.
Training Balls
If you are a regular soccer player, we encourage you to primarily focus on training balls. They are known for how durable they are and can be used daily without having to worry about them getting worn out. A good set of training balls will last for months or years at a time, and they can be used in any weather conditions. You’ll also find that they come in a wide range of sizes for players of all ages. On top of choosing the right size of ball for your players, you could also consider purchasing a smaller football goal for your younger players.
Match Balls
When it comes to match day, you’ll want to get out your finest match balls for the occasion. These balls offer soccer players improved control and accuracy, however, they aren’t durable enough to use every day. They should only be used during special occasions, but you’ll find there is a wide range of colors on offer to match your team’s colors and design. We love matching soccer balls to soccer shirts for a more professional and cohesive overall look.
Indoor Balls
During the winter months, many teams take their training sessions and matches indoors. If you want to play indoors during the winter, you’ll find there are many different training balls on offer. They can be used in schools or sports halls and can be kicked on any type of surface, such as a laminated surface. The good thing about using indoor balls is that you don’t need to worry about them damaging the surface, and you can use them for matches or training.
Futsal Balls
When you compare soccer balls, you may also notice a type of ball called futsal balls. Futsal is actually a completely different game and is more similar to five-a-side football. If you are playing this game, you’ll need a different type of ball and goal, which are designed with the gameplay and hard court in mind. These balls are low-bounce and are smaller than your classic soccer balls. They are a great tool for improving your soccer skills and for more precise gameplay.
Purchasing a Bag to Carry Your Soccer Balls
When it comes to purchasing a set of soccer balls, you’ll want to think about how you will carry them. We only have one set of arms, so there’s a limit to how many balls you can carry in one go. Think about buying a large soccer ball bag which is ideal for carrying this type of sports equipment and other cones or accessories you may have. These are soft bags that can easily be folded down when not in use.
What Size Soccer Ball Should I Purchase?
When comparing soccer balls, you’ll notice they are numbered, which refers to their size. Size 5 is the standard size, which is recommended for professionals and adults over the age of 12. For younger players who are between ages 8 to 12, you’ll be best using a size 4 ball, and under 8s can drop down to a size 3 ball. Don’t make younger kids use a ball that’s too big for them, as they’ll find the whole experience far too frustrating. Make sure you check carefully what size of ball you are purchasing before you check out to offer your players the best experience.
The Color and Style of the Ball
One of the most fun things about selecting a soccer ball is choosing the color and design of the ball. You’ll find that many of the top brands, such as Nike and Adidas, offer soccer balls in a wide range of colors and designs. They often have themed balls that are designed to match the team colors of some of your favorite worldwide teams, and these can be a fun gift for any soccer fan in your life. If your team plays with a certain color of shirt, you’ll want to consider getting balls to match these. For anyone who is purchasing training balls, consider getting a wide selection of colors, as you can use these for various training activities and to avoid players getting confused about which ball they were using for drills.
While you may think purchasing a soccer ball is a quick and easy decision, as you can see, there’s so much more to consider than you might think. Choosing the type of ball should always be your first consideration, based on when you are going to use the ball, and from there, you can select the size of the soccer ball. The great thing about soccer balls is that they are generally quite inexpensive, so you’ll have no issue replacing it in the future if you lose it or it becomes damaged. Consider purchasing a few at one time if you are coaching a team to avoid any issues if you lose your new soccer ball.