Soccer Balls 101

Picking a soccer ball has become much more important than ever before. From training balls to match balls to soccer balls for beginners, picking the right soccer ball can be a tough choice. In this guide we’ll walk you through the most important things you need to consider when picking a soccer ball for the season.

Types of Soccer Balls

Did you know there are different types of soccer balls? Each soccer ball has different uses and technology that is perfect for a specific player, surface, and more! Check out the different kind of soccer balls and what they are used for:

Training: If you are looking for a ball for everyday wear and tear training soccer balls are perfect for you. These soccer balls are typically more durable than traditional match balls and are perfect in pretty much any weather condition. These soccer balls are typically heavier and slightly less responsive to touches or strikes than a match ball. If you are looking for a beginner soccer ball or an everyday wear soccer ball, a training ball is perfect for you.

Match: Match soccer balls are the most technologically advanced and game-specific soccer balls. Used specifically for matches and competitive play, match balls are the most advanced you can get. Match balls meet FIFA or specific League standards for weight, size, shape, bounce, and water absorption. When it comes to materials, these soccer balls use hand-stitched or thermally bonded panels that are not meant for rough surfaces and daily training. These materials give you a softer touch, better control, and an even more consistent flight pattern.

Futsal: If you are new to the soccer world, you may have just learned what futsal is. This hard court version of soccer builds skills and requires different technology than classic soccer. Futsal Balls are made specifically for the hard court indoor soccer game. These balls are smaller in size (if you use a size 5 outdoor you would use a size 4 for futsal) and feature a low bounce bladder so the ball stay closer to the ground on the hard surface. These balls encourage quick passing, very close control, and dribbling in tight spaces. These soccer balls are not made for traditional grass soccer fields.

What size soccer ball should I be using?

Picking the right size soccer ball is absolutely essential for success this season. If you are new to the game or are heading to the futsal courts for the first time, it’s important that you get the correct sized ball before you head to training. Check out which size ball you should be using below: