9 Points to Follow Before Buying a Soccer Ball

We can't help but notice that a soccer ball comes i/n various types and prices. For a professional, it's an opportunity to choose from the options. But for a beginner, the purpose and expenditure aren’t entirely clear. We tend to buy the cheapest option if we are not well aware. Isn't it? But ask yourself is it is the best option always. There are various other factors to differentiate than just price. 

Here, we talk about all those features that help you differentiate soccer balls from one another. Also, we will help you choose the most appropriate soccer ball for sale. 

Features to look for in a soccer ball

• Outdoor and indoor soccer balls

The material of outdoor and indoor soccer balls is different. They are made specifically for their respective playing conditions. As most soccer players practice in outdoor conditions, they look specifically for a ball that says "outdoor" in its feature list. Outdoor soccer balls are more sturdy and made for rough but softer surfaces. Indoor soccer balls are made for smoother but harder services. 

• Bladder material

The shape of a soccer ball is given by its bladder that resides inside. Good quality balls have latex bladders, whereas cheaper quality balls have butyl bladders. However, you might not notice the difference in one go as both can hold the same amount of air. Latex bladders can lose air pretty quickly and need to be reinflated more often. Latex bladders also ensure more accuracy.

• The weight

A Lightweight soccer ball is always recommended as it has more momentum and doesn't hurt anyone. On the other hand, a heavy ball can pose a risk to the kicker's foot as well as the one on the receiving end. It doesn't have much momentum as well. 

• Well put together

A good quality soccer ball is always sewn together. No other type of outer material will be as durable. If not sewn together, it makes the soccer ball flimsy and disposable after some time. Inferior quality soccer balls are either glued together or bounded by other adhesives. 

• The brand image

A branded soccer ball is always better than a local made one. For obvious reasons, the brand suits the preferences of almost every player who wants durable material and a series of options. An Adidas soccer ball is used extensively irrespective of the level of the game. 

• The ball size

A soccer ball comes in different sizes i.e., 3, 4, and 5. 5 is the full-size appropriate for players more than 12 years of age. Younger players can use the size 3 and 4 depending upon the league. The correct size of a soccer ball is very critical while training. Adidas soccer ball size 5 has the most amount of preferences in the online market. 

• The firmness level

A soccer ball must not be too firm or too soft. It has to be somewhere in between keeping in mind there will be headers and some swift shots to defend. Also, you need some firmness to make sure it has the momentum and traveling ability to a certain distance. 

• The price

One thing that most players considered the top decider is not the most important. But, yes, the price does matter. For beginners, a cheaper soccer ball is more practical. As you move up the ladder of performance and skill, you can buy better quality. However, make sure that you get precisely what you pay for. For example, if you ordered a branded soccer ball, you won't settle for a local made one disguised as a brand. 

• The outer design

The exterior design of a soccer ball also influences the decision to purchase. It's not only about the looks. There is also a practical side to the exterior design. The number of panels outside a soccer ball determine how aerodynamic and fast it is. Soccer ball with more panels will be good for accuracy but the one with fewer panels will be more agile. The most common soccer ball uses 18 panels in some major leagues. 

Remember, an appropriate soccer ball doesn't have to be of the utmost quality to meet your requirements. It just has to tick all the boxes.