Which mini soccer ball is the best?
Football is popular all over the world, and everyone can enjoy kicking a football. Mini soccer balls may look adorable and look like toys, but they have a practical use. They can serve as a gateway for young children to get into football. In addition, they are perfect for practicing certain skills such as dribbling and passing.
The SELECT Mini Skills soccer ball series is an amazing all-around mini soccer ball. It’s a legit level 1 soccer ball and a great choice for toddlers looking to get into soccer.
What to know before buying a mini soccer ball
Mini soccer balls are made for kids and practice
Mini soccer balls are used in many children’s games because official size soccer balls are too big for young children to play with. These balls give toddlers and kids a chance to learn the basics. That way, when they get older, they’re ready for the real thing.
Mini soccer balls can also be a good training tool for people of all ages. Since these balls are smaller, they can actually improve both technique and hand-eye coordination. Practicing skills like dribbling, juggling and passing with a smaller ball will better prepare players for real games with official balls.
There are four sizes of soccer balls
- Balloons size 1 are also known as mini soccer balls and range from 16 to 20 inches. These are best used for young children and practice.
- Balloons size 3 range of 23-24 inches. These balls are ideal for children from 5 to 8 years old.
- Balls size 4 are 25 to 26 inches. These are best suited for children 8-12 years old.
- Balloons size 5 are 27 to 28 inches. This is the size used in official football matches.
Goalies may have the most to gain from using mini soccer balls
Goalkeepers can use mini soccer balls for more practice as they are harder to block. A goaltender who is very good at blocking smaller balls will do better with larger, regulation-sized balls. They might have the most to gain by practicing with smaller balls, but they also need to make sure they practice with size 5 balls to stay game ready.
What to Look for in a Quality Mini Soccer Ball
The size
Ask yourself why you want to buy a mini soccer ball. Size 1 balls are primarily for younger learners and for practicing specific skills. They are often given to toddlers to play with, as larger balls are both too big and too difficult to use. Getting hit with a soccer ball is painful without pads. Older children will likely see a mini soccer ball more as a toy than something they want to use in a real game.
Many people will also give mini soccer balls to pets, as they tend to be softer and less expensive than larger balls.
Usability
Some mini soccer balls are actually just foam balls that are more for casual play. These balls are great for classrooms and toddlers, but they cannot be used for practice or games. Instead, you need a balloon that can be inflated and used as a proper balloon. Make sure the mini soccer ball is filled with air, not foam.
colors and design
The colors and design will depend on your preferences. You can choose from mini soccer balls that look like a classic soccer ball – a black and white checkered design – or get a ball with a different color scheme. Many mini soccer balls even come with cute designs such as animals and famous people because they are aimed at children.
How much you can expect to spend on a mini soccer ball
Mini soccer balls are very affordable and should cost no more than $25.
Mini Soccer Ball FAQs
What are mini soccer balls made of?
A. Most mini soccer balls available online are made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). It is a non-toxic class of plastic and commonly used in sports balls.
At what age can toddlers start playing soccer?
A. This will depend on their own growth and abilities, but generally speaking they can enjoy kicking a football around the age of 3. However, at these early stages, they might just want to have fun rather than be competitive.
What are the best mini soccer balls to buy?
Top mini soccer ball
Mini Skills SELECT Soccer Ball Series
What do you want to know: This is a fully functional 16 inch soccer ball that can be used for training or kids games.
What you will love: It’s an authentic balloon that functions like a normal sized balloon when inflated. The color and design look professional. It is ideal for young children who are getting into football.
What you should consider: This balloon arrives deflated and the pump is sold separately.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
Top mini soccer ball for money
Daball Soccer Ball for Kids and Toddlers — Size 1
What do you want to know: An 18 inch mini soccer ball that comes with different animal designs and includes a pump.
What you will love: Kids will love the size of the balloon as well as the cute animal designs. A pump and a gift box come with the mini soccer ball. It’s great for practice and play.
What you should consider: Older children might find the animal designs too juvenile.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
PECOGO Sports Soccer Balls Size 1.5
What do you want to know: This is a mini soccer ball with a classic black and white checkered design.
What you will love: This is a size 1.5 ball that can be used for both training and a kids game. It looks like a classic soccer ball. The soft design allows children to practice bouncing without injury.
What you should consider: This balloon arrives deflated and the pump is sold separately.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
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Stephane Morin written for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their buying decisions, saving them time and money.
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