A Complete Guide to Soccer Ball Sizes - Soccer Knowledge Hub (2024)

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When you’re buying a soccer ball for yourself or your kids, you need to be aware that there are different soccer ball sizes to choose from.

Therefore, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide that explains the different soccer ball sizes in detail before recommending the best soccer balls for different age groups.

By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to select the perfectly sized soccer ball for your needs.

What are the different soccer ball sizes?

There are four different-sized soccer balls – size 1, size 3, size 4, and size 5. Each is suitable for different ages, and it’s helpful to know the ideal size for your age group before buying a ball. We run through everything you need to know about soccer ball sizing in this article.

What is the standard soccer ball size?

The standard size of a soccer ball is 27-28in (68-70cm), and it’s also known as size 5 in soccer. Size 5 soccer balls are used in all adult soccer matches, both in the amateur and professional games.

Although there is no soccer rule that stipulates how big a soccer ball should be in the kids’ game, children are best suited to soccer balls that run from sizes 1-4, as we illustrate in a table a little later in this article.

It’s generally agreed that by the age of 12 or 13, kids are ready to start using size 5 soccer balls, but some make the transition earlier than this.

Ultimately, there’s nothing wrong with kids using different-sized soccer balls, as it gives them the chance to develop their skills.

How to know what size soccer ball to get?

The truth of the matter is that you can buy whichever sized soccer ball that you like. After all, lots of adults like to buy size one balls to work on their skills, so there’s no right or wrong size to buy.

That being said, it’s helpful to buy your children a soccer ball that is small enough for them to control. Giving a toddler a size 5, for instance, wouldn’t be much fun as they will struggle to kick it very far!

That’s why it’s best to base your decision on the age of your child when you’re looking to buy a soccer ball for the first time.

With that in mind, here are our recommendations for choosing the right soccer ball for different age groups.

Soccer ball sizes by age

To help you know which sized soccer ball is perfect for your kids, the below table highlights the different sizes available, as well as the suggested age bracket for the use of each ball:

As illustrated in the table above, the size of the soccer ball you should play with really depends on your age.

Pre-schoolers and toddlers are best suited to a size one soccer ball, which is also known as a mini ball. They’re ideal for getting your little one into soccer for the first time.

Top tip: Looking for the perfect soccer ball for your little one? Check out this recent article where we reviewed the best soccer balls for toddlers.

When your kids start attending school, they will be ready to move up to a size 3 soccer ball. This allows them to get more of a feel for how the game should be played.

Eight is an important age as far as soccer balls are concerned, as it’s often the time to move your little one from a size 3 to a size 4.

Most kids play with a size 4 soccer ball until they’re 13, which is when they’re ready to move to using a full-size adult ball (size 5).

Of course, you don’t have to follow the above guidelines to the tee, but they’re helpful if you’re planning to buy your child some soccer equipment for the first time.

Why should kids use smaller soccer balls?

The main reason why kids should use smaller soccer balls is that it enables them to control the ball and practice their skills.

If you give a small child a size 5 soccer ball to play with, they won’t be able to do a great deal with it. However, if you buy them a size 1, they can run around until their heart’s content while practicing their skills.

Also, bigger soccer balls can be a little dangerous for toddlers, as they can easily lose balance when trying to make contact with the ball.

So, while there’s nothing wrong with buying your kids several soccer balls of different sizes, make sure they have at least one that is the right size so they can use it to work on their skills and technique.

What’s the best soccer ball for kids? (Two top picks!)

Select Soccer Ball (Size 1 – Mini)

For your youngest, look no further than this classy mini ball from Select. It’s high quality and allows your little one to hone their skills as soon as they can walk. You can buy it in several colors, and it’s available at a great price point.

Franklin Soccer Ball (Sizes 3 & 4)

This retro soccer ball from Franklin is perfect for kids. Available in sizes 3, 4, and 5, you can pick up this ball for a great price and watch your kids showcase and refine their skills from an early age.

What’s the best soccer ball for adults? (A timeless classic!)

Nike Team Soccer Ball (Size 5)

When it comes to size 5 soccer balls, it’s hard to look passed Nike. Their Team soccer ball is played in leagues around the world and is pretty much the best ball you can buy. It’s durable, reliable, and perfect for soccer practice and match days. Our top pick for adults!

Recap: The different soccer ball sizes

Although size 5 soccer balls are used in all adult leagues around the world, kids playing in little leagues often use different-sized balls.

As illustrated above, kids’ soccer balls range from sizes 1-4, with each size being suitable for a different age group.

We hope you now have all the information you need to buy the right-sized soccer ball for your needs, and we will finish by answering three frequently asked questions about the size of soccer balls.

Soccer ball sizes FAQs

What size is a youth soccer ball?

A youth soccer ball would be either a size 4 or 5, but it really depends on how you define a youth.

For instance, if you class a youth as someone between the ages of 13-18, they should use a size 5. But if you also account for kids slightly younger than this, it is possible to use a size 4.

What size is a high school soccer ball?

In the first year of high school, you might find that players use a size 4 soccer ball. But thereafter, most teams will switch to using a size 5.

As our table above indicates, anyone over the age of 13 should be using a size 5 soccer ball, which is relevant for most high school soccer matches.

What age for size 3, 4, & 5 soccer balls?

Size 3 soccer balls are ideal for children between the ages of six and eight. Then, from ages 9 through 12, they should transition to size 4.

Finally, from the age of 13+, kids should be playing with size 5 soccer balls.