Definitive Football Size Guide
Correctly knowing what is the correct size football to be used by age, can have a major impact on a player’s development. A regular question I hear is ‘what size football should I buy?’ and its remarkable how many websites have outdated information.
The FA issued their new directive on the sizes of footballs to be used across all ages, alongside new heading guidance too. Subsequently the new health and safety guidance on heading footballs has had an impact on the size of footballs used. Given the increasing number of players reporting dementia issues later in life, the introduction of The FA’s Heading Guidance is a positive step. Sensibly, heading a football is now not introduced to players until they reach the under 12 age group.
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What Size Football Is Used At Age….?
The foundation phase encompasses all ages from under 6 through to under 11. The focus for coaching players of these ages should be on learning to master the ball and body, through fun activities.
- U6 should use a size 3 football
- U7 will use a size 3 football, with games of 5 v 5 as the recommended format.
- U8 also use a size 3 football and play 5 v 5 games.
- U9 can play 7 v 7 games but still use a size 3 football
- U10 is the final year using a size 3 football and remain in the 7 v 7 format.
- U11’s move up to a size 4 football and the size of games increases to 9 v 9.
Indeed, in today’s modern game, children will play on smaller pitches. This is in part due to limited spaces available to football clubs but also to reduce the stresses on young players. Players will develop skills in a fun and supportive environment, playing the small, sided games.
What Size Football Is Used At Age 12?
At under 12 and 13 players move into the youth development phase of football. Aiming to continue to provide a fun, enjoyable and memorable experience for young players. At under 12 heading remains a low priority and should be limited to one session per month. Heading must be unopposed and limited to 5 headers per session, ideally using lighter footballs. However, at under 13 heading sessions can be weekly but remain limited to 5 headers per session. If possible, lighter footballs should be used when heading, helping develop technique, without causing long term injuries. Nevertheless, coaches are going to have trouble managing the amount of heading a player has if they also playing at school.
- U12 use a size 4 football and play 9 v 9 games
- U13 players use a size 4 football and move on to 11 v 11 games.
What Size Football Should An Under 14 Use?
At under 14, 15 and 16 heading remains a low priority, the allowance increases to 10 headers per weekly session. It is noted that an ability to make key decisions within a game should now have been developed by the player. The increase in tactical restarts (free kicks, corners and throw ins) result in more opportunities for players to head the ball during games. Players should now be able to inform coaches of any injuries or problems when heading a ball. A key part of a player’s development will address the difference in positional heading. All ages from under 14, play 11 v 11 games.
- Under 14 players use a size 4 football and this is the final year before moving onto a size 5 ball.
- Under 15’s use a size 5 football for the 1st time
- U 16 also use a size 5 football.
At under 18, coaches introduce contested heading. Players will be heading a football more often during games, therefore heading in training should be carefully monitored. The focus should be on technique rather than repetition. The keys factors should be as follows
- Judge and adjust to the flight of the football
- Attack the football at optimum point
- Head contact and ball contact to control direction and distance of the ball.
Size 5 balls continue to be used for all adult football.
For more information on The FA’s Heading Guidance can be found on their website.
If you need help in choosing the best football for you or need help choosing a brand, then our Ultimate Football Buying Guide should be helpful.
