There are five soccer ball size variants, but the standard refers to the ball with 27-28 inches in circumference, 12 psi in pressure and 16 ounces weight. However, when referring to the soccer ball size, people usually think of one of the standard categories that are counted from 1 to 5. In the size 1 and 2 categories only practice and promotional balls are included, while from size 3 upwards, the soccer balls are designed according to group ages. Normally, the standard soccer ball size is 5. Anything below this range represents small-field variants, children’s gear or as novelty items. Knowing the soccer ball size when shopping could therefore be very helpful.
Soccer ball size 3 includes the smallest balls used for soccer games. They are especially designed for the group age under eight. The circumference of these balls is not larger than 24 inches and they weigh only 12 ounces. Slightly bigger, soccer ball size 4 has a 26 inches circumference and 13 ounces in weight. This size targets group age from 8 to 12. However, mention must be made here that size 4 is often chosen for indoor soccer matches because of the peculiarity of the field and the size of the goals. Moreover, requirements could also vary from one league to another.
The soccer ball size peculiarities represent a distinct part in the official laws of the game and competent international associations approve them. All the manufacturers comply with the regulations, although some companies prefer manufacturing only the official standard soccer ball size which is 5. Rigorous testing and approvals are necessary for the items used in the official matches as they are selected after careful examination and profile analysis only. The balls will afterwards receive the approval imprint logo. The amateur soccer ball needs to be a little familiar with the ball sizes in order to make a smart purchase.
It is a lot easier to find a suitable item when shopping in a sports store. The difficulty only appears when you have to order such an item online. For amateurs the inch or metric indications that describe size may not be relevant without the real thing in front of them. Therefore, understanding the specifics of every soccer ball size and category to which it belongs will be of great help. Finally, remember that some leagues have special requirements, and you need to comply with those when choosing your gear. Better learn which is the soccer ball size you need and then get it.
About the Author:
Jack Sawbridge started kicking the soccer ball at the age of seven. At the age of twelve he became a member of a soccer team. His passion in this kind of sports lead him to write various information about soccer balls. If this article interests you, you may want to read another article written by Jack about Brine soccer ball.
