Types of Soccer Balls
With a number of specialized uses, brands and features, basic types of soccer balls include:
- Match - Designed for use in game play, Match soccer balls offer the best performance available for the soccer enthusiast. Match balls are guaranteed to conform to official size, weight, and shape regulations of the appropriate regulating bodies like the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). Nike, Adidas and Select soccer balls are frequently used in a variety of matches and are often thought to be among the best. When attempting to identify Match soccer balls, they will normally be imprinted with approvals like FIFA Approved or FIFA Inspected.
- Training - Training soccer balls are intended for use in practice and are designed to take abuse. Often used for recreation and casual play, training balls typically use materials like PVC and can be constructed from molded materials. As a result, these soccer balls tend to be more affordable and practical for everyday play. Both individuals and teams generally consider Adidas, Nike, and Puma soccer balls among the more popular training ball brands.
- Indoor - Often covered with alternative materials like felt or even suede, indoor soccer balls are created to maximize performance on harder surfaces, while better protecting walls and fixtures. Futsal indoor soccer balls are specialized and have a foam bladder resulting in less bounce and a heavier feel.
Soccer Ball Selection Tips
With a wide variety of soccer ball types, brands and features available, choosing the right one can be a challenge. No matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran, these tips will help you find the one that’s right for you:
Choose the Right Size
Soccer balls are available in a variety of sizes and should be selected based on a player’s physical size. Younger players generally would use a size three, with pre-teens using a size four. Teens and adults should use size five soccer balls. Nike soccer balls, as with all of the brands we carry, have a wide range of sizes available. Finally, whichever size is the most appropriate, it is of the vitally important to practice with the same sized ball that will be used in a game. Players should confirm the size of the game ball with their leagues before making a purchase.
Select a Ball to Meet Your Needs
Whether you are considering Nike or Adidas, Select, Puma, Umbro, or others, there are many variables to consider that can affect the type of soccer ball that will suite your game best. Several points you’ll want to consider are:
- Indoor Soccer vs. Outdoor, Turf vs. Grass - Soccer balls are constructed for the playing surface, so be sure to pick one that is designed for the type of surface on which you will be playing.
- Materials - Select a ball constructed for your needs. Training balls should be durable, so PVC (Poly Vinyl Carbonate) is ideal while PU (Polyurethane) which provides more responsiveness and control makes up most Match balls.
- Price - As you can probably tell, there are many factors that determines the price of soccer balls. These factors include materials, construction, and size. From beginners to elite players, there is a price in everyone’s range.
