Buying The Right Soccer Ball
One of the fabulous things about soccer is that you don’t need much equipment to get playing. But it’s not easy to play soccer without having a ball! So if you have a child who is keen to play soccer, you will need to buy a soccer ball. Faced with a whole lot of possibilities, it’s not easy to choose which ball is the best choice for your child. So let’s take a look at how to choose the right soccer ball.
The first thing is to go to a store that has a good selection. If there are only one or two choices, how can you possibly know you’ve bought the best one? If possible, the store should have several brands available, and preferably a few choices of ball for every brand. It also helps if the store has knowledgeable salespeople, so it can be a good idea to ask around for ideas.
One of the first things to check is whether the ball has been stitched or laminated. A laminated ball has been glued together and will usually be harder. Generally the better quality balls are stitched, with some of the most expensive balls being hand stitched.
Apart from the “hardness” of the ball, the feel of a soccer ball is affected by the type of bladder. This is inside the ball and holds the air. If the ball has a butyl bladder, it will usually be cheaper and harder. More expensive balls usually have latex bladders.
Some players will prefer the harder type of soccer ball, especially if they’re planning to use the ball in striking practice. However if you’re buying a soccer ball for a younger player, it’s usually best to choose a softer ball, particularly if they will be using it to practice heading. A PVC plastic ball may be a reasonable choice, if it’s specifically designed for youth soccer. You can test the hardness of a soccer ball by pressing your thumb into it. Also be aware that the ball may feel harder if used in cold weather.
Another factor to look at is the size of the ball. Generally, 8 and unders use size 3, 8 to 12 year olds use a size 4, and from 13 years of age on a size 5 ball is used. Size 5 is the standard international size soccer ball. Although it may seem cheaper to just buy a size 5 ball and not a smaller size, it can be hard for a younger child to swap from one ball size to another, for example if they practice with a team which uses size 3 balls.
The manufacturer’s reputation can also help you decide which soccer ball to buy. Ask the team coach or an experienced player which brand they recommend. Check to see if the ball has the words “FIFA Approved” or “FIFA Inspected” if you’re buying an expensive ball.
Finally, have your child test the ball if you possibly can, even if it’s just a few little taps around the floor of the sports store. They’ll soon tell you whether they like it or not.
A few final words of advice. Remember that soccer balls may get lost, so be certain to put your child’s name on the ball if they’re playing with it at school or soccer practice. And purchase a good hand pump – it’s necessary to keep soccer balls properly inflated or else they could get damaged.
To find out more about choosing a soccer ball, visit my site http://www.infoaboutsoccer.com
Hitler Has Only Got One Ball
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