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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
- For practice, PVC balls
- Durable polyurethane balls
- 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
- Go for 5-ply polyester thread as well as Kevlar reinforcement
.
Major Manufacturers
Don't forget, you will also need to keep your ball inflated properly to get adequate responsiveness out of it. Use a ball pump
Related Products
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External Links
- Wikipedia.org -- Information about footballs from Wikipedia.
- TheFA.com -- FIFA rules on the ball, on the Football Association website.
- MasterSport.co.uk -- a few more tips on ball purchase and care.
International Resources
For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: Voetballen Shopgids