“Sportmaster PRO” expert, three-time football champion of the Leningrad region
“The football is a key element in the game, influencing both the success of the training process and the performance of the footballer during the match. The right choice is of great importance. There are options for different types of surface, weather conditions and skill levels, and purchasing errors can lead to discomfort and injuries. Let’s find out what to look out for.”
Types of soccer balls
1. Balls for playing on grass
They usually have a dense, wear-resistant outer layer – a pneumatic tire. Designed to provide good bounce and control on soft and uneven surfaces, these balls are used on both professional and amateur football fields.
Nike NK FLIGHT soccer ball (professional), 13,999 rubles.
Photo by: Nike
2. Balls for playing on artificial turf
Balls designed for playing on artificial turf are not very different from those for natural grass. Sometimes, footballers choose models that can withstand greater load and friction. These are characterized by a stiffer tire and greater wear resistance.
3. Balls for playing in competitions
Competition balls meet the strict standards of FIFA and other football federations: FIFA Quality and Quality Pro, FIFA Basic, IMS. They have the highest manufacturing quality and an ideal shape, making it easy to control and hit accurately. Used in official and amateur matches.
It is ideal for both social occasions and active training:
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Size and weight of the ball.
When choosing a ball, it is very important to take into account the age of the player. The correct size will allow you to improve your skills more effectively and will not discourage you from playing football. This is especially important for young footballers. If, for example, you give a child a heavy ball that is not suitable for him in size and weight, he will not be able to hit hard, pass normally and control the ball. At the same time, the risk of injury will increase.
The generally accepted size range includes:
Size 3 – for children under seven years old; Size 4 – for children from seven to 12 years old; Size 5 – for players over 12 years old (regular size for adults and competitions).
The same logic applies to the weight of a soccer ball: adults play with balls weighing 440-450 g (size 5), children from seven to 12 years old – 290-390 g (size 4), toddlers – 250-290 g (size 3).
Futsal balls, or indoor soccer balls, are slightly different from regular ones. Their maximum size is the fourth, while the weight does not differ so critically (420 g versus 450 g), so they feel heavier.
Demix DF900 Thermo FIFA Qualily Pro soccer ball (professional), 6,499 rubles.
Photo by: Demix
Ball material and design.
Leather balls
Traditionally, genuine leather balls were used in professional and amateur football, but today they are extremely rare, mainly as a souvenir with a retro aesthetic.
Leather provides good control, but its performance is highly dependent on weather conditions: temperature and humidity. The material absorbs water easily, which makes it heavier and makes the ball’s behavior very unpredictable. In addition, cold hardens the leather.
PUMA Orbita 1 TB Fifa Quality Pro (professional) football ball, 13,499 rubles.
Photo by: PUMA
Synthetic balls
Modern soccer balls are usually made from a synthetic material – polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They differ from their natural counterparts in durability and moisture resistance, making them an ideal choice for all weather conditions.
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Differences in the internal construction of balls.
Footballs can be manufactured using a variety of technologies. Which ones?
Machine sewing. It has become the most widespread. This is how economic balls are produced.Hybrid technology They are used in the production of balls in the mid-price segment: they can have a FIFA Quality, FIFA Basic or IMS license.Hand sewing It is used in the production of balls made of thick material that can withstand strong impacts and friction. These balls are sometimes used in tournaments and competitions.
Adidas Tiro Competition soccer ball (mid-range), 6999 rubles.
Photo by: adidas
Thermal technology, or seamless thermal bonding, is the technology used to make the most expensive professional balls. They most often have a FIFA Quality Pro license. They are used in top-level matches more often than stitched balls (including hand-stitched ones).
The inner part can be made of latex or butyl. The former provides better bounce but loses air faster, while the latter loses slightly in terms of control and predictability but retains shape and pressure for longer.
PUMA Orbita 4 Hyb soccer ball (children, suitable for training and games), 4,499 rubles.
Photo by: PUMA
The behaviour of the ball is determined not only by the tyre and the tube, but also by the special layer between them. It is also called the lining layer, the function of which is to ensure the ball’s rebound and protect the tube from sudden impacts. Typically, the layer is made of foam or non-woven material. The former is characterised by increased elasticity, the latter by strength.
Texture and aerodynamics
The texture of the ball directly affects its grip. The smooth version is less predictable in flight, while the textured version provides better contact with the boots and allows for better control of the trajectory.
Seamless thermal bonding technology often involves the use of different textures. In this case, the special surface of the ball allows for greater control when dribbling, receiving and passing. At the same time, thanks to the technology, it perfectly retains its shape, which guarantees the precision of the strike.
The aerodynamics of the ball play a key role in its behaviour in the air. The most optimal shape is a sphere, but its production is not as trivial a task as it seems.
Demix DF700 Hybrid FIFA Quality soccer ball (mid-range), 3399 rubles.
Photo by: Demix
If table tennis balls are made by fusing two identical halves, this is not possible with footballs: the size is too large and the performance requirements are too high. Therefore, for a long time, the most popular shape was the truncated icosahedron, which consists of 12 pentagonal and 20 hexagonal elements. The figure is as close to a sphere as possible in shape, but it is easy to produce.
In recent decades, developers have tried other forms. Modern technologies make it possible to create balls with optimized aerodynamic properties, which improves the accuracy and range of shots. An example is Telstar 18, which was used at the 2018 World Cup.
Color and design
Colour is not so much a functional feature but rather a taste feature. However, sometimes this parameter can make all the difference: for example, bright colours and contrasting patterns can make the ball more visible in low-light conditions or in large stadiums.
Kappa soccer ball (mid-range), 3,599 rubles.
Photo by: Kappa
Even beginners are advised to choose mid-priced balls. Pay attention to the material and size of the ball to make sure it is suitable for their age and level of play. Experienced players can invest in better balls that suit their needs.
FIFA quality certified competition balls are an excellent choice for sports enthusiasts.
And yet, the main thing is to choose a ball that you like not only for its characteristics, but also for its appearance. This is exactly the type that will inspire you to new workouts and help you achieve the desired results. And then every hit will be accurate and every fight will be a success!
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