The very first soccer balls were made of inflated animal bladders, and the sport has come a long way since then. Soccer balls now can be bought in a variety of sizes, materials, and qualities. While variety is the spice of life, it also can make it nearly impossible to choose the right ball. Here are a few easy rules for choosing the perfect soccer ball for the soccer player in your life.
1. Choose the correct size. In general, a child under the age of eight will need a size 3 ball, while size 4 balls are for ages 8 through 11 and size 5 is for 12 and older. While you may be tempted to adjust up and down for a large child, remember that they will need to get used to the ball they will be using in their practices and games.
2. Keep it fun. There are a lot of fun patterns and colors on the market, and these can be a fun way to get children enthusiastic about soccer. For older children and adults, make sure they like the feel of the ball as much as they like the look.
3. Know the different types. In addition to standard soccer balls in their dizzying array of sizes and designs, there are the tiny mini select soccer balls as well as indoor soccer balls. Futsal balls are a little smaller and heavier than traditional soccer balls, while medicine balls are even heavier. While these are not used in soccer games, they can offer a good way to increase ball skills and control by working with a different size and weight. Serious players should buy several balls in a variety of types and qualities.
4. Buy from a sports specialty store. Not only will they have a superior selection of balls in a variety of brands, they will also have trained salespeople who can help you make your decision. They can explain the difference between different balls and often can direct you to a low cost, high quality alternative.
5. Choose quality. While cheaper balls have a butyl bladder, higher quality ones have a latex bladder, which gives a better feel. Similarly, many inexpensive balls are laminated--that is, glued together. These will not last even a fraction of the lifespan of a more expensive sewn ball. The most expensive hand sewn balls are both the most expensive and the highest quality. While the prices may seem daunting, remember that buying good quality soccer equipment will cost less in the long run and serve as an investment in your loved one's future in the sport.
Summary
As you can see, buying the soccer ball that is right for you is as simple as using these five steps to make an educated decision. The range of soccer balls and prices can now be an opportunity instead of intimidating. Buying the right soccer ball is the first step to learning the game and becoming the soccer player you have always wanted to be.
1. Choose the correct size. In general, a child under the age of eight will need a size 3 ball, while size 4 balls are for ages 8 through 11 and size 5 is for 12 and older. While you may be tempted to adjust up and down for a large child, remember that they will need to get used to the ball they will be using in their practices and games.
2. Keep it fun. There are a lot of fun patterns and colors on the market, and these can be a fun way to get children enthusiastic about soccer. For older children and adults, make sure they like the feel of the ball as much as they like the look.
3. Know the different types. In addition to standard soccer balls in their dizzying array of sizes and designs, there are the tiny mini select soccer balls as well as indoor soccer balls. Futsal balls are a little smaller and heavier than traditional soccer balls, while medicine balls are even heavier. While these are not used in soccer games, they can offer a good way to increase ball skills and control by working with a different size and weight. Serious players should buy several balls in a variety of types and qualities.
4. Buy from a sports specialty store. Not only will they have a superior selection of balls in a variety of brands, they will also have trained salespeople who can help you make your decision. They can explain the difference between different balls and often can direct you to a low cost, high quality alternative.
5. Choose quality. While cheaper balls have a butyl bladder, higher quality ones have a latex bladder, which gives a better feel. Similarly, many inexpensive balls are laminated--that is, glued together. These will not last even a fraction of the lifespan of a more expensive sewn ball. The most expensive hand sewn balls are both the most expensive and the highest quality. While the prices may seem daunting, remember that buying good quality soccer equipment will cost less in the long run and serve as an investment in your loved one's future in the sport.
Summary
As you can see, buying the soccer ball that is right for you is as simple as using these five steps to make an educated decision. The range of soccer balls and prices can now be an opportunity instead of intimidating. Buying the right soccer ball is the first step to learning the game and becoming the soccer player you have always wanted to be.
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