The Ultimate Soccer Ball Size Guide | Deploy Football
The Complete Soccer Ball Size Guide
When searching for the perfect football — it’s not one size fits all. There are various soccer ball sizes available — from junior training soccer balls for kids to signature balls for elite-level games — ensuring all players can find a ball proportionate to their size, age, and skill.
If you don’t know how to choose a soccer ball for your child’s skills or you want to upgrade your current one but don’t know where to start, we can help you. Our official football size guide will explore the distinctions between each ball size and provide recommendations on which ball best suits each age and skill level. The following sizes available at Deploy Football include:
Size 2 Soccer Balls
The perfect small football for children under 5 years. It has a typical circumference of 55-56cm.
Size 3 Soccer Balls
With a circumference between 58.5-61cm, this soccer ball is recommended for children aged 6-9.
Size 4 Soccer Balls
A youth soccer ball with a 63.5-66cm circumference, perfect for players between 10-13 years.
Size 5 Soccer Balls
This size is the standard soccer ball used for any player over 14 years old. Meeting the official regulations for match day, it has a typical circumference of 68-70cm.
Understanding Soccer Ball Sizes
Catering to soccer players of all ages and sizes, Deploy Football keeps it simple with four main football sizes: 2, 3, 4, and 5. The accepted soccer ball dimensions in Australian games are based on the age group of the players.
While games restrict soccer ball size by age, many players choose alternate ball sizes and weights to cater to a specific purpose, including:
- The intention of use: The size isn’t as significant if the soccer ball is merely for backyard play or friendly matches. In confined areas, a smaller ball would be easier for many players to manage.
- Skill development: Many players prefer to train with a smaller football when improving their technical footwork. This increases their precision and focus, enhancing their ball control on game day.
- The type of game: There are many variations of soccer — field, indoor and Walking Football. Indoor soccer balls have different regulations and are typically smaller and heavier than regular soccer balls. Walking Football is a small-sided, low-impact variation of football intended for older Australians. The Walking Football ball is slightly smaller and lighter than the others.
Beyond complying with game restrictions, training or playing with a ball that’s proportionate to you ensures proper skill development and comfortable ball control, further enhancing your game.
How to Choose the Right Soccer Ball for Your Age and Skill Level
Children & Beginners Under 12
Similar to many sports, equipment is typically scaled down for children to encourage more comfortable and safe participation. Just as you wouldn’t give a tee-ball player an adult-sized bat, it can be frustrating and even dangerous for a child to learn how to play soccer with the wrong-sized ball. This is why it’s best to start with a smaller-sized football and upgrade as the child grows and advances their skills.
According to the soccer ball size chart, a size 3 football is ideal for young children between 6 and 9 years old or children up to 12 years old who are learning basic ball skills. With a 58.5 - 61cm circumference, these dimensions are more manageable for their feet, helping them build ball control and boost confidence.
However, if your child is between 9 and 12 and is developing stronger and more accurate kicks, a size 4 football is more suitable. Upgrading them to a slightly larger ball will ensure they remain comfortable yet become more accustomed to playing with an adult-sized ball in their youth.
Deploy Football Recommendations:
- Engage II - Match Football: Designed for junior matches, available in sizes 3 & 4.
- T-Spec Series IV - Club Training: Perfect for casual play and training, available in sizes 3 & 4.
- Heading Pro: Helps players learn safe and effective heading techniques.
Teenagers & Adults
For players typically above the age of 14, a size 5 soccer ball is the standard size across all competition and recreational games internationally. This means that size 5 is the best soccer ball size for adults and teenagers of all levels, whether you’re a professional soccer player or you play at a local club on the weekend.
Crafted with a 68 - 70cm circumference, training with this size ball will help enhance performance as you can easily replicate the intricate plays and ball control techniques you developed in practice. With more of a focus on game performance, you can find size 5 soccer balls that help with a specific skill or goal.
Deploy Football Recommendations:
- Counter-Elite+ Match Football: Superior performance for elite players.
- Ignite Match Football: Ensures accuracy and balance in play.
- Evolve Training Football: Durable and perfect for skill development.
Why Is It Important to Use the Right Ball Size in Soccer?
The right size soccer ball will suit your age, skill level and game. This ensures you can play comfortably and safely, reducing the potential for injuries, particularly for children.
A proportionate soccer ball is also important for developing soccer skills, where young players can become acquainted with key movements and techniques before moving on to larger sizes as they age.
FAQ: Can a 10-Year-Old Use a Size 5 Ball?
It’s not recommended. A size 5 ball is designed for players aged 14 and over. A 10-year-old is advised to use a size 4 ball as it’s more aligned with their typical size and ability. Competitions and leagues with this age group will also use a size 4 ball in every game, meaning it would benefit the child to be more accustomed to playing with a size 4 ball.
Shop Deploy Football for the Best Soccer Ball in Every Size
At Deploy Football, we provide the finest footballs for every size in our football size guide. Crafting match and training soccer balls for players of all skill levels, ages and sizes, we ensure you can always play to the best of your ability.
Take a look at our diverse collection of Deploy Football soccer balls and find the perfect one today!
