Soccer ball size guide
Soccer ball size is one of the few pieces of youth sports kit where getting it wrong measurably damages technique. Here is the chart, and why it matters more than parents expect.
Soccer ball size chart
- Size 3 — Ages roughly 4–8. Circumference approx. 58–61cm, weight approx. 300–320g. The correct ball for mini-soccer and early development.
- Size 4 — Ages roughly 8–12. Circumference approx. 63.5–66cm, weight approx. 350–390g. Standard for youth football.
- Size 5 — Ages 13 and above, including all adult and professional football. Circumference approx. 68–70cm, weight approx. 410–450g.
Our soccer balls are stocked in all three sizes. Always use the size the child's league specifies — requirements can vary slightly between schools and local leagues.
Why the wrong size damages technique
A ball that is too big and too heavy for a young player changes how they strike it. Instead of striking through the ball with a firm ankle, they lean back and scoop it upward to get it airborne, because that is the only way they can generate distance.
That compensation becomes a habit within weeks, and it takes years of coaching to correct. It is exactly the same problem as an oversized cricket bat or a heavy junior cricket ball — the child adapts their technique to the equipment rather than the other way round.
Buying a size 5 for an eight-year-old because it lasts longer is a false economy paid for in technique.
Inflation is the other half of the problem
An underinflated ball is the most common issue in school and club football, and it changes everything about how the game plays. A soft ball does not travel, it absorbs energy on contact, and it teaches players to strike far harder than they should.
Check pressure with a proper gauge rather than by squeezing. Most balls are marked with their recommended pressure near the valve. And always wet the needle before inserting it — a dry needle tears the valve, which is the single most common way a perfectly good ball gets ruined.
Making balls last
Keep them off harsh abrasive surfaces where you can. Tarmac and rough concrete wear through outer panels far faster than grass or an artificial pitch.
Wipe mud off after play rather than letting it dry into the seams, and store balls slightly deflated over a long off-season to take strain off the bladder and stitching.
Shin pads are compulsory
Under the Laws of the Game, shin pads are required in all organised football and must be entirely covered by the socks. Referees will not allow a player onto the field without them.
Junior sizes suit players up to roughly 150cm; Senior covers older juniors, teenagers and adults. The pad should finish about 5cm below the knee and just above the ankle. See our school sports kit checklist for a full list of what to buy at the start of a season.
Frequently asked questions
What size soccer ball for a 10 year old?
Size 4, which covers ages roughly 8 to 12. It measures approximately 63.5-66cm in circumference and weighs 350-390g. Check what your child's specific league specifies, as requirements can vary.
What is the difference between a size 4 and size 5 soccer ball?
A size 4 is 63.5-66cm circumference and 350-390g, for ages 8-12. A size 5 is 68-70cm and 410-450g, for ages 13 and up including all adult football. The size 5 is noticeably heavier.
Does soccer ball size really matter for children?
Yes. A ball that is too big and heavy changes how a child strikes it - they lean back and scoop rather than striking through the ball. That compensation becomes a habit within weeks and takes years of coaching to correct.
How do you inflate a soccer ball without damaging it?
Always wet the needle before inserting it. A dry needle tears the valve, which is the most common way a good ball gets ruined. Check the recommended pressure marked near the valve using a proper gauge rather than squeezing.
Are shin pads compulsory in soccer?
Yes, under the Laws of the Game in all organised football. They must also be entirely covered by the socks, and referees will not allow a player onto the field without them.
Still not sure what to buy?
WhatsApp us with the age, height or sport and we will tell you exactly what you need. Based in Springfield, Durban — delivering nationwide.
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