• Size 5

They also have different construction

• Cover

• Panels

• Lining

• Bladder

How to select the right size of the ball

The basic thing you have to consider when buying a soccer ball is the right size of the ball for your age group. As soccer players have different age group they also have different size requirements for their soccer balls so make sure to check with your coach about this. As we have said, there are three different sizes of soccer balls which ranged from size 3 to size 5.

Size 3

These are the smallest of all soccer balls and are better used by children that are under the age of 8. They generally have circumference of 23-24 inches and its weight is between 11-12 ounces.

Size 4

These balls are appropriate for those who are between the ages of 8 – 12 years old. They can weight between 12-13 ounces with circumference between 25-26 inches.

Size 5

This is what we call the international standard size ball and can be handled by players with ages 13 and older. These are the standard size for adult players.

With regards to ball construction, you can also choose what materials will be more suitable for your playing.

Polyurethane

Soccer balls of PU materials have the feel of synthetic and plastic material construction so that they are durable. They can look and feel like leather because of their PVC construction. Their best assets are their scratch and water resistant qualities and have the glossing coating to make them more protected from scratches.

PVC

These balls are molded out from PVC materials that are also of plastic components. They are the cheapest of all soccer balls but also very durable, scratch and water resistant as well. They also have the glossy coating for more protection against scratches. However, they are not as soft as polyurethane balls.

Panels

All soccer balls are made up of number of panels and have different segments that make up the outer side of the ball. Because of this, their materials should also go along with their designs.

A soccer ball with 32 panels is the most common type and used on professional games.

There are also the standard designs that have 18 and 26 panel constructions and being used on different professional matches which include the Major League Soccer.

When a soccer ball has few panels, it can easily curve during use because it has less stability on its cover so the best way to protect it is to stitch the panels together or glue them for durability.

Stitched

The best quality soccer balls are those that are stitched and made with polyester or threads that have the quality of polyester.

Quality balls are always hand-stitched while balls that are mid-priced are stitched by the machines.

Glued

The mid-priced balls have only glued panels on their lining so they have harder feel. However, they are cheaper than the stitched balls.

Lining

The linings of soccer balls are inserted between the cover or on the panels and the bladder so that the round shape is achieved. When lining is perfect this can provide the right feel and proper structure and the ball can be controlled easily.

Higher end or good quality balls usually have four layers of polyester and cotton lining so that they can have excellent shape retention and more durable.

Mid-level balls, on the other hand, are usually composed of two or three layers of cotton and also have polyester of two layers.

The cheaper quality balls are commonly made with only two layers of polyester.

Bladder

The inside part of the soccer ball that contains the air is what we call the bladder. Some types of balls use butyl valves for their air retention. Higher-end balls, however, are using silicone-treated valves for excellent air retention performance. If you purchase your ball do not forget to also purchase a small pump and needles so that you can maintain a well inflated and rounded ball. There are actually two common types of bladders:

Latex

These are the usual bladders that are soft and have the comfortable feel. Latex bladders are usually used for good quality balls. The only problem is that they cannot hold air very long so they require constant air pumping.

Butyl

This type of bladder can retain air better than the latex type bladder. Some of them are combined with 70-80 percent butyl and rubber for more durability.