Find the perfect branded football for your game!

The game of football has become extremely popular in the past few years and a lot of if it has to do with the fact that more and more people are now playing it. With the matches of premier leagues being telecasted, with the rise of several domestic leagues, which are also attracting foreign players and of course the start of several football coaching academies, there is now a constant demand of branded footballs.

It is easy enough to go to a neighbourhood sports shop and pick a random football and that might be ok for kicking around inside the society or for kids to play; however, if you are looking for a proper ball that will allow you to train and learn football the right way, then you need to come to SportsBunker, which is where you will be able to find the best quality footballs.

When you have the right type of football in your possession, not only will your game become better, you will be able to learn and practise your skills better too. As a matter of fact, serious players will ensure that they play only with a regulation ball that is made with the right material and is the right size!

Adidas football or Cosco football? Make the right choice!

When you come to SportsBunker, you will find an abundance of options for not only footballs, but also all other accessories – but when you are looking specifically for the best quality football, you can’t just pick the first option you come across. Picking a football, as is the case with any other serious sporting equipment, needs a fair bit of thought.

There are different materials, sizes and types that you can pick and choose from and the choice needs to be made on your playing style and skill levels. Where you are playing football will also make a difference and will influence your choice of ball too. There are also match balls and training balls; there are different sizes that you can pick from and so on. Should you count the various factors that need to be considered, the list would be a long one.

Does the material of the football ball matter?

When you are looking to pick a soccer ball, you need to first and foremost pay attention to the material with which it is made. There are basically a few types of materials that are used for making these balls – each ball is generally made of two main parts; a casing and a bladder. The casing, as the name suggests, is the outer layer of the ball and holds the panels. The bladder is the inner compartment which is what holds the air and both the casing and the bladder can be made of various different materials.

The panels are those octagon shaped quilts that make the footballs make recognisable and can be seen on the outside of the balls. The FIFA approved ball will have 32 panels, but you can find variations with 26 and even 18 panels.
The casings can be made with PVC (poly vinyl carbonate), PU (polyurethane), a combination of both or even synthetic leather. PVC balls are usually cost effective, but can be hard. PU balls are generally better in quality and can cost a little higher and are softer to touch. Finally, synthetic balls are designed for professional games and have an increased level of control.
The bladders of the balls are either butyl or latex – the former has a higher air retention and needs to be reflated more often; however, the latex bladders are softer and normally chosen by professionals.

Why you need to pay attention to the size of the ball

You take a look at a Nivia football and you think it looks good, but have you paid attention to the size of the ball? Yes, even the size is an important factor to consider while buying a football.

Did you know that football balls come in various sizes?

Size 1 – This is the smallest size and is also known as a mini ball and is not really used for playing. While it might be given to children to simply kick around or at the most improve footwork, this size is generally used as memorabilia, gifting and sponsorship balls. These tiny balls have a circumference of only 18-20”, but the weight can vary. If the balls are being created for promotional purposes, they can weigh more or even less.
Size 3 – These are officially the smallest balls that are used in play and are normally used in matches where children under the age of 8 are playing. Generally measuring between 23-24”, these balls don’t exceed 320 grams in weight. It allows young footballers to improve their skills and play with proper ball handling.
Size 4 – These balls will be seen in matches where children between the age of 8 to 12 are playing. These balls are normally in the 25-26” circumference and can weigh between 350- to 390 grams. The reduced size allows for players to be more comfortable while playing and improving their skill sets.
Size 5 – These are the largest balls per size and are what are used for most adults matches, including those of children 12 and above. These balls have a circumference of 27-28” and the weight can be around 400-450 grams. If the balls are being used for a professional match, they need to have a FIFA approved or FIFA inspected stamp.

There is more to football sizes

In addition to all these standard sizes, there are also other types of balls:

Turf balls – These are made to withstand the wear and tear, because they are normally used on a rougher playing surface.
Futsal balls – Normally size 4 balls, these normally have a lesser bounce and are used on a hard surface. These balls can sometimes have a suede casing.
Indoor balls – Generally size 5 balls, these will have less rebound, which is what will be needed for an indoor field or playing surface.
Beach ball – Lighter than an official football, these are normally bright coloured, which makes them easy to see on the beach and are water resistant as well.

How to maintain your football

If you want to make sure that your Adidas football or whichever branded football that you buy, lasts you a long time, then you need to take really good care of it. Here are some of the major dos and don’ts:

Yes, your ball will not look clean after usage, but you need to make sure that you clean it. Use a wet cloth to wipe it clean and then use a dry cloth to remove all moisture.
Remember to inflate the ball properly every time you play – in case the pressure feels less, inflate it again, but do keep in mind, not to overinflate it.
If you are planning to store the ball away for a while, deflate it as much as possible and then store in a cloth bag.
Standing or sitting on the ball is not a good idea as this can damage the ball and leave it warped.
Remember that each type of ball is meant for a particular type of field and it is best that you use the appropriate ball.

FAQ

Which football ball is the best?

There are plenty of brands that offer good quality footballs – Adidas, Nike, Nivia are all recognised names in the world of football and are available at SportsBunker.

What are football balls made of?

It depends – you can find football balls made of PVC, PU, a combination of both or even synthetic material.

What is a size 5 football?

This is the largest and most standard size ball, which is used in professional games.

What soccer ball do professionals play?

Professionals will most definitely play with a size 5 ball, but the brand may vary from team to team and league to league.

Are there water proof footballs?

Yes, you can find water proof and water-resistant balls.

Which football is used in FIFA?

In the year 2022, the Adidas Plastic Al Rihla League Football - size 4 was used in the colour white.

Are there separate balls for training and playing?

Yes, you can find different types of balls for training and playing – these will vary in size and bounce levels.

Are footballs expensive?

That will depend on the size and brand that you are picking. At SportsBunker, you will be able to pick and choose from a huge range.

How do you clean a football?

Use a soft cloth to clean away all the dirt and dust first; then use a wet cloth to remove all stubborn stains. Remember to dry the ball before using.