Adrian Dimakis
Some call it soccer; others call it football or futbol; whatever name you give it, one thing is certain — soccer is a “beautiful game.” The likes of Lionel Messi and Christian Ronaldo are known across the world, not because of their looks, but because of their amazing talent. They have a way of owning the game and utilizing their time with the soccer ball. But have you ever wondered what it would be like if they didn’t have the proper soccer ball on the pitch? Would soccer — the game of beauty — be the same? Definitely not!
You see, as much as talent plays a role here, the right soccer ball makes a huge difference. As a professional player or a soccer enthusiast who likes to spend hours at the park kicking the ball with your friends, you need to invest in the best soccer balls to make the game interesting and hone your skills.
Let’s get you started with ten cool soccer balls and some useful tips to help you find the right one.
Top 10 Soccer Balls of 2020 Reviewed
1. Kickerball – Curve and Swerve Soccer Ball
[wt_products id=”2971″ template=”5″]2. GoSports Premier Soccer Ball with Premium Pump
[wt_products id=”2974″ template=”5″]3. Franklin Sports Soccer Balls
[wt_products id=”2976″ template=”5″]4. Wilson Traditional Soccer Balls
[wt_products id=”2978″ template=”5″]5. Adidas Capitano Soccer Ball
[wt_products id=”2980″ template=”5″]6. Mikasa Serious Soccer Ball
[wt_products id=”2982″ template=”5″]7. K-Roo Sports Atomic Athletics 6-Pack
[wt_products id=”2984″ template=”5″]8. Adidas Glider Soccer Ball
[wt_products id=”2986″ template=”5″]9. MAC-T PE07927E Dimple Soccer Balls
[wt_products id=”2988″ template=”5″]10. AMERICAN CHALLENGE Brasilia Soccer Ball
[wt_products id=”2990″ template=”5″]How to Choose the Best Soccer Ball – The Ultimate Buying Guide
Soccer balls come in different types and have a lot of differentiating factors. While some balls last through periods of long use, others cannot just withstand the pressure that comes with constant kickers and headers. The following are some of the factors to consider when choosing the right soccer ball.
What Are The Types Of Soccer Balls?
Soccer balls are mainly classified on the basis of where they are played, how they are used when they are used, and the kind of construction it is made of. Each of these types of soccer balls comes with distinct features that make them advantageous in their own ways. Here, we discuss the various types of balls you are likely to find on the market.
- Training Balls. Due to the way they are likely to be used, training balls are designed to be highly durable. As such, it is possible to use them in all types of fields. If you do not have a field to play on, the street will suffice. Since they work well in skill development, they are great for use by kids and other types of players.
- Turf Balls. Not all balls can be used on artificial turf. As such, there is a special type of ball which features a design suitable for these surfaces. Apart from being durable, they are affordable. When used on a natural pitch, they tend to bounce more.
- Match Balls. Since they are used in competitive games, match balls tend to be more expensive than training or turf balls. That’s mainly because they are made of better quality. The outer shell is usually made of approved synthetic or leather material. Since they are likely to be used in wet weather, these balls are made to be water-resistant. For these balls, the size also matters.
- Premium Match Balls. Mark the word “premium,” which simply means of the highest quality. Thus, these balls cost more than any other you will find anywhere on the market. Since they are required for international play, they are usually approved by FIFA. Some of the main characteristics of these balls include superior performance, water-resistance, and air retention. These the most preferred balls by the professional leagues.
- Indoors Balls. Did you know that there are some balls which are designed just for indoor use? These balls usually bounce less so as to make them easily controllable on tighter fields or courts. They also have strong covers to withstand play on hard court and the impact of walls.
Does The Size Of The Ball Really Matter?
You will find soccer balls in different sizes, including the following:
- Size 1. Mainly a miniature soccer ball, it is mainly used in sharpening players’ footwork. Due to their extremely small sizes, these balls are mainly bought for fun and not serious soccer.
- Size 2. Almost half of the normal soccer ball, this size is great for people looking to play in tight spaces. Children playing in organized soccer leagues use these balls in competitions.
- Size 3. This is a small soccer ball with a weight suitable for the youthful foot. Thus, it is meant for use by younger children.
- Size 4. If you have children under 12, this is the perfect size of a soccer ball to buy for them. It is a size smaller than the normal size of a soccer ball and can go a long way in advancing young players’ skills.
- Size 5. Since it is the regulation size for a soccer ball, this is recommended for use by both men and women in all forms of organized play whether in high school, colleges, or professional soccer.
Things to Be Super-Attentive To
- The quality of materials used to make the ball
- The inner lining, which determines how durable a ball is
- What kind of bladder is used to make the ball
- Whether the ball is bonded together for shape retention
What Kind Of Construction Does The Soccer Ball Have?
The science behind the flight of a soccer ball has everything to do with the construction or craftsmanship used to make it. This usually has no relationship with the cost of the ball. While some panels are stitched, others might be fused. Today, soccer balls can be made using three main types of construction.
- Hand stitching
- Thermal bonding
- Machine-stitching
Regardless of the construction, it is the quality of work that goes into making a soccer ball that determines whether it is of good quality or not. For example, water-resistance is more a function of the quality of work than anything else. A ball that absorbs a lot of water is likely to become too heavy to kick around. It could even injure the players. That’s why getting a water-resistant soccer ball is important.
You may also have to look at the number of panels used to make the ball. For instance, you are likely to find an 8-panel, 18-panel, 26-panel, or 32-panel ball. The more the number of panels, the higher the performance of the ball. However, fewer panels mean fewer seams and greater ability for the ball to retain its shape.
What Material Is The Ball Made Of?
While the first soccer balls were made of leather, the most preferred material for today is synthetic. In fact, most of the modern balls have outer coatings made of polyurethane or PVC. Of these, PVC balls are the most affordable. They are great for indoor use.
On the other hand, polyurethane is the preferred material for making premium match balls. They are usually soft and water-resistant. However, it is the glossy coated balls that have the highest levels of water resistance.
Apart from the outer cover, the material from which the cover is made also matters. Most balls feature natural latex bladders for a more natural bounce, softer touch, and smooth roll. However, latex bladders tend to lose air all the time and must be refilled consistently. That’s why it might be important to consider a ball with a butyl rubber bladder. With this, the ball can maintain shape without constant refilling.
How Much Does The Soccer Ball Cost?
Soccer balls are priced differently depending on how you intend to use them. For example, playground soccer balls cost $20 or less. They might be durable, but they tend to lose their shape quickly. If you want a training ball, you can find one for anything between $30 and $50. When maintained properly, the balls tend to last a long time.
For match balls, be prepared to pay between $50 and $100. The quality of these balls is high enough for competitive soccer. The last kind is the premium match balls which cost between $100 and $150. You wouldn’t find better balls for soccer practice and competitive play.
Conclusion
So what’s the reason you need a soccer ball? Have you found what you are looking for among the balls reviewed here? If you haven’t, then the buying guide is what you need to choose an affordable ball that is going to serve you the way you want it to. Don’t dwell too much on the price unless you are looking for nothing more than a playground soccer ball.
