| Selecting the right soccer ball boils down to choosing | | | | and are built to the international standard size for all |
| the size and construction of the ball based on the | | | | sanctioned competition. The size 5 balls weigh about |
| player's age and league requirements. The younger | | | | 15-ounces and have a circumference of 28-inches. |
| the player, the smaller the ball in most cases. Cost is | | | | Additional factors to consider in soccer ball |
| also a big factor in selecting the correct soccer ball. | | | | construction are the lining and inner bladder. The lining |
| Synthetic-leather balls are the most expensive and | | | | underneath the outer covering controls the shape |
| basic rubber-type soccer balls cost the least. Leather | | | | and feel of the ball. The bladder contains the air inside |
| is no longer the favorite choice of soccer ball | | | | the ball and also contributes to shape and |
| coverings because leather absorbs more moisture | | | | responsiveness in play. Match soccer balls usually have |
| than synthetic soccer balls. A wet leather ball gets | | | | four layers of a combined cotton/polyester-blend |
| heavier over time and becomes much slower in play. | | | | lining. Mid-range balls have two layers of cotton and |
| There are three basic categories of soccer balls. | | | | two layers of polyester lining, and the least |
| Match soccer balls used in professional international | | | | expensive balls have only two layers of polyester |
| matches meet all Federation Internationale de Football | | | | lining. |
| Association (FIFA) requirements and are imprinted | | | | Soccer ball bladders come in both latex and butyl. |
| with the organization's logo on the ball. They are also | | | | The latex bladders are considered the best type of |
| the most expensive type of soccer ball. In the middle | | | | ball construction, but they don't hold air as long as |
| range are the competition balls used in college and | | | | butyl bladders and need attention to proper inflation. |
| high school competition. Recreational and training balls | | | | Butyl or butyl-blend bladders hold their air better but |
| fill are the least expensive. | | | | are harder less responsive in play. The most common |
| Most soccer balls are made of blends of polyurethane | | | | bladder found in mid-priced balls will usually be a blend |
| (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and common rubber or | | | | of 80% butyl with 20% rubber. |
| nylon. The best and most expensive PU balls feel like | | | | The number of panels on a soccer ball can influence |
| leather and are very firm, durable and | | | | flight characteristics and how much control the player |
| water-resistant. The PVC balls are also very durable | | | | will have in play. A 32-panel ball is the type used in |
| but are not as soft and responsive as the PU-blend | | | | international soccer competition. Major League Soccer |
| balls. Common rubber and nylon balls can present a | | | | in the United States uses an 18-panel ball, and most |
| real value because they cost the least and last the | | | | indoor soccer leagues use 6-panel balls. The panels on |
| longest. Although the rubber and nylon soccer balls | | | | high-end soccer balls are hand-stitched with synthetic |
| lack the feel of match balls, they are fine for practice | | | | thread. Mid-priced soccer balls have the same |
| and training. | | | | high-quality thread but are machine stitched to reduce |
| Soccer balls are all clearly marked in one of three | | | | cost. Low-cost practice and training balls will usually |
| sizes with the smaller the size number, the smaller | | | | have panels that are glued together. |
| the ball. Most all soccer balls come marked in sizes 3, | | | | Adidas, Nike, Voit, Puma, Brine and Diadora all make |
| 4 or 5. Size 3 soccer balls are used for beginners | | | | good all-around quality balls that are relatively |
| under 8 years old are 23-inches in circumference and | | | | affordable, ranging from $20 to $80. Good practice |
| weigh 12-ounces. Size 4 balls are designed for players | | | | balls can be purchased for as little as $15. For most |
| between the ages of 8 and 12 and weigh about the | | | | young players today, an inexpensive training ball is |
| same as the smaller balls at 12-ounces but are larger | | | | usually all they will need to get into soccer and start |
| in circumference at just over 25-inches. Size 5 soccer | | | | having fun. |
| balls are designed for use by all players 13 and older | | | | |