Footballs

No sport has the kind of global popularity that football has achieved. Even the Americans are finally getting the idea, although they're a bit late and not very good. Why such popularity? Football is a fun sport to watch and is easy to understand, but the real reason for its popularity is the simplicity of its equipment. Unlike skiing or fencing or equestrian, football only requires one piece of equipment: a ball. Here are some pointers on finding the right football for you.

• Sizing
• Footballs come in three sizes: 3 ,4 , and 5 . Size 5 is the standard size for all professional games.
• The smallest size (23-24 inches) is for children under 8.
• Size 4 balls, which are slightly bigger and heavier, are meant for kids up to 13 years old, but are also used in indoor futsal soccer leagues.
• Teens and adults need a size 5 ball that weighs 14-16 ounces and that is 27 or 28 inches in circumference.
• Outer Construction Materials
• Synthetic leather  covers are common.
• For practice, PVC balls  are the most durable.
• Durable polyurethane balls  for games have a nice feel.
• Inner Construction Materials
• For the bladder, one made of butyl is more durable. It also holds air longer.
• For a more responsive ball, go for one with a latex bladder. You will need to refill it at least once a week though.
• Durability
• Machine-stitched  balls don't hold up as well as hand-stitched  balls, which cost more.
• Go for 5-ply polyester thread as well as Kevlar reinforcement .

Modern Footballs

Footballs have come a long way since the time of pig's bladders.  In 1855, Charles Goodyear invented the first vulcanized rubber football. Since the 1960's, the Buckminster ball has dominated the scene with its hexagonal and pentagonal design.  The black pentagons were implemented to help players see the spin of the ball.  This design is still the most popular today, but some companies are experimenting with new stitching schemes like in the adidas Jabulani FIFA World Cup 2010 Official Match Ball .  The 2010 World Cup ball will actually have "goose bumps" for superior grip and flight.

Match Balls

Match balls are simply much better constructed than training balls.  They have better stitching, gloss, exterior durability, and shape retention.  And they just plain look better too.  That is why these are the balls that are hand selected for your Sunday match. Expect to spend at least $30 on a match day football.  Be careful bringing these to football camp or practice, because high quality balls like these are bound to get stolen or lost.

Brine NCAA Championship Ball  This is a very durable ball that maintains its shape indefinitely.  It should be the last ball you'll ever need.	adidas Jabulani World Cup 2010 Top Ball  Features the same revolutionary stitching design as the ball being used in the World Cup, but without the advanced dimples.	Nike T90 Premier Team Ball  Hand stitched ball covering and six-winged latex give this ball excellent rebound and durability.	Select Numero 10 Ball  Select's most popular ball is renown for its durability and great feel.	Nike Total 90 Ascente Ball  The official ball of the English Premier League  has a micro texture on the cover that improves control.

Training Balls

These are the balls you take to practice or the yard every day and can afford to lose. If you want to keep yours around, I suggest getting a unique colour, so that you can easily find it after practice or a game. So hone your skills on these and wear them out.

FC Barcelona Replica Ball  You won't have any trouble finding this one in the bush.  Shows support for your favourite team too.	adidas Jabulani World Cup 2010 Training Pro Ball  As you can see, this ball has the traditional hexagonal stitching and is the economy model of the Adidas World Cup ball.	Nike T90 Strike Hi-Vis ELP  This the the training version of Nike's English Premier League ball.	adidas TerraPass Replique Ball  This is a highly durable training ball from Adidas.

Major Manufacturers

• Adidas 
• Reusch 
• Kelme 
• Mitre 
• Nike 
• Sondico 

Don't forget, you will also need to keep your ball inflated properly to get adequate responsiveness out of it. Use a ball pump  or inflater  to keep it filled.

Related Products

Jerseys	Shinguards	Boots	Socks	Magazines

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: Voetballen Shopgids