How Big Is A Soccer Ball? Size by Age

Learn about the history of soccer ball revolution, soccer ball size by age i.e. if you want to how big is a soccer ball in inches? from Size 1 to size 5 soccer ball diameter, weight and material used with the passage of time.

Various balls are used in several different sports however, the one we will discuss here below is the one used to play soccer. When looking for a new soccer ball, you may come to know that many varieties of balls are available in the market. They are of different sizes, weights, and classifications.

If you are a soccer player and want to know: –

How big is a soccer ball? And soccer ball size by age, then I have accurately covered all the information from mini to normal and standard size soccer ball, including other relevant important features.

In this article, I will explain soccer ball sizes, weights, and what each one is meant to be used for. We will also give a little touch to history and evolution process regarding shape and material of ball being used from past to present era.

History of Soccer Ball – Development Process Overtime

In the history of soccer ball, with the invention of the rubber bladder modern era of the soccer ball began in 1862. Prior to this, ball makers had used inflated pigs’ bladders to provide shape and structure for the leather cover of the ball. The new rubber bladders had several advantages over these pug bladders.

Whereas pig bladders vary in shape and size according to animal size, these new rubber bladders had the advantage of accomplishing the required specific dimensions. Rubber bladders were also extremely tougher and more long-lasting than the pigs’ bladders, which further enhanced the life of bladders and had to be replaced less frequently.

The invention of rubber bladders raised the requirements of specific dimensions of soccer balls. After ten years in 1872, the English Football Association first ever created a set of rules and regulations for ball size specifications, which was very similar to the modern-day balls with some minor differences in weight and size.

The 32-panel ball design was developed in 1962 and sports gears engineers keep research continues till this moment to develop soccer balls with improved performance. The 32-panel ball design was soon replaced by 24-panel.

Present-day widely used black-and-white patterned design, brought to prominence by Adidas and has become a symbol of the sport.

What Is the Size of a Soccer Ball?

Commonly there are 5 recognized sizes, starting from 1 to five. The purpose of the classification of soccer balls is to facilitate the soccer federations around the world, which are involved in game development, and to make assured that the size of balls that may be used by them are appropriate to the age and body volume of players, who play the game.

Physical protection problem leads to playing with the proper size of the ball according to age. If a full-sized soccer ball hits a younger player, may injure him severely. And ligaments and tendons may be broken in the incident that they start to kick a larger ball before they are physically evolved sufficiently to achieve this correctly.

There is additionally an amusement aspect – if a ball is simply too big, it could be dangerous to control and manage, and it is harder to evaluate dire skills like first contact, ball manipulation, and passing. Frustration can set in, and people stop to have fun while playing the soccer game.

Balls are classified in terms of circumference and weight, and sometimes air pressure is also included.

It must be kept in mind that there may be a difference in the length among more up-to-date and antique soccer balls, regardless of the form of the ball this is being measured.

Most new balls are normally smaller than the same size as the used one. While playing the balls are often kicked. That kicks pressure forced to pull the binding threads in opposition to the outside cloth which covers the ball. Over time, the soccer ball will enlarge slightly resultantly increasing the size of the ball.

Size 1 Soccer Ball

This smallest soccer ball is specially designed for any age to use this ball as a skills trainer and for particularly young kids, aged 3 and less, and aim to enhance their interest in kicking a ball to have fun. They’re just 18 – 20 inches (46–51 cm) in circumference and often mild, so children do now not harm themselves playing with them.

Size 1 balls are also used as souvenir and decoration pieces – many clubs promote them in their shops or online with their group crest or emblem emblazoned on them.

Size 2 Soccer Ball

One dimension up, this soccer ball has a weight between 250 and 280 grams and its circumference is from 20 to 22 inches. This ball is mostly used for youngsters who’re aged 3 to five years.

Like size 1, it is also suitable for adults and young players to improve their capabilities and technique, and professional football equipment shops frequently sell them featuring membership hues and emblems.

Size 3 Soccer Ball Age

Size 3 soccer ball is suitable for 3 to 7-year-old players. If you want to know that how big is a size 3 soccer ball? A size 3 soccer ball’s circumference is 23 to 24 inches and has a weight between 300 to 320 grams. The ball is more reliable when inflated to 8.7 psi air pressure, and may be used for practice and soccer games for ages 5 to 8 years old.

It’s however little heavier than the above two sizes, but it’s far still small and lights sufficient for kids in order to play and practice with it without any chance of serious injury.

Coaches who work with more young future players mostly use size 3 football balls to convert these kids into skilled, competent, and self-belief at the ball.

Although Size 3 ball is incorporate printed information on the ball itself, mentioning its size, a bendy measuring tape may be used to measure its dimensions.

Size 4 Soccer Ball

For ages above 8 players’ soccer ball size, 4 is best. This size soccer ball is normally used for youth matches age group 8 to 12). Its measurement is 25 to 26 inches in circumference, 350 to 390 grams weight (12.3 and 13.8 oz.), inflated up to 8.7 psi.

Size four balls aren’t always appreciably smaller than a standard regulation ball but represent a significant stage within the improvement of a young participant because it gives them time to modify as they get older and more potent, and increase greater abilities.

Size 5 Soccer Ball

Adidas (sportswear manufacturer) introduced the mostly-known size 5 soccer ball in the 1970 World Cup and gave it its name the Telstar. Since that day Adidas has supplied soccer balls for every world cup. This internationally recognized match ball measures 27-28 inches in circumference and weighs between 14-16 ounces. This size is suitable for everyone aged 12 and above. Size 5 soccer ball is used in all football leagues and tournaments all over the world. These balls are the first choice for the youths of all over the world to play soccer matches. 

While the performance of balls has evolved extraordinarily, thanks to new technology and the use of higher-grade constituents of their composition, the dimensions have slightly improved.

When you go shopping for a size five soccer ball, future customers need to make sure that it’s marked as “FIFA approved” or “FIFA Inspected.” this is because you could feel assured that balls which have been marked in this manner had been strictly tested to meet criteria including roundness, water absorption, loss of strain, size and form retention.

Soccer Ball Size by Age

Since soccer ball games are the most popular and interesting games in the world, classifying its ball size by age is the most important action to effectively promote each age group. The gradual change in ball dimensions helps to make a perfect game based on age.

The following soccer ball size classifications are based by age, with different weights, circumferences and diameters.

Soccer Ball Size for 3 Years Old

A size 1 soccer ball is best suitable for 3-year-old kids. A size 3 soccer ball is 23 to 24 inches in circumference and weighs between 300 to 320 grams. The ball works best when inflated to 8.7 psi, and can be used for practice and soccer games for ages 5 to 8 years old.

Soccer Ball Size for Adults

The best soccer ball size for adults is a size 5 soccer ball. This is the same size used in professional and international soccer matches regulated by FIFA. The size 5 soccer ball measures 27 to 28 inches in circumference, weighs 410 to 450 grams, and is typically inflated to 8.7 psi.

Soccer Ball Size for Above 8 years

For ages above 8 players’ soccer ball size, 4 is best. This size soccer ball is normally used for youth matches age group 8 to 12). Its measurement is 25 to 26 inches in circumference, 350 to 390 grams weight (12.3 and 13.8 oz.), inflated up to 8.7 psi.

What Size Soccer Ball For 7 Year Old

Size 3 soccer ball is suitable for 7-year-old players. A size 3 soccer ball’s circumference is 23 to 24 inches and has a weight between 300 to 320 grams. The ball is more reliable when inflated to 8.7 psi air pressure.

Soccer Ball Size for 12 Years Old

Size 5 soccer ball is used in all football leagues and tournaments all over the world. These balls are the first choice for the youths of all over the world to play soccer matches.  This internationally recognized match ball measures 27-28 inches in circumference and weighs between 14-16 ounces. This size is suitable for everyone aged 12 and above.

Soccer Ball Size for Elementary School

The best soccer ball size for younger students of middle school will be a size 4. This size soccer ball is normally used for youth soccer matches ages 8 to 12. The size 4 soccer ball measurement is 25 to 26 inches in circumference and the air pressure is 8.7 psi. When they become 12 years old, now it is suitable to shift them to a size 5 soccer ball.

Soccer Ball Size for Adults

The best soccer ball size for adults is a size 5 soccer ball. This is the same size used in professional and international soccer matches regulated by FIFA. The size 5 soccer ball measures 27 to 28 inches in circumference, weighs 410 to 450 grams, and is typically inflated to 8.7 psi.

Conclusion

According to my experience, if you want to be a perfect professional soccer ball player, then you have to practice more. But practice should not be limited to your body working hard day and night. You must be familiar with every bit of information related to soccer ball, you must be equipped with a best soccer ball having perfect size and quality characteristics for your daily practice according to your age.

By using appropriate tools and understanding their functions, you will become an outstanding player. one day you can become a champion and become a soccer ball hero who will represent and earn caps for his country.

Hope the above information how big is a soccer ball and its classification details according to different ages remain helpful for you. Please tell me your thoughts on the usefulness of various football sizes in the comments.

Best wishes to you!