Are Nike Training Footballs The Best Available?
Nike Pitch Team – You would expect the might of Nike to have the very best training footballs, to compliment their match ball range. It is a matter of opinion but i’m not so sure they do, or at least the basic model leaves a bit to be desired. The price point the Nike Pitch Team ball is competing with is similar to the Mitre Impel and the PT Fusion ball. However, the Pitch Team ball is smooth and the graphics are minimalistic, both of which, I am not a huge fan of. If you have a larger budget and want a Nike ball then I would suggest looking at the Nike Pitch model as the graphics are much more appealing but, it is around £5 more expensive.
The range has a number of colours available which helps when assigning colours to specific age groups. The ‘Swoosh’ graphic is claimed to provide excellent visibility during play or practice, as I mention I would prefer more interesting designs though. The ball does feel good, as it is a soft touch so is suitable for younger ages. Remember that young players are no longer supposed to head the ball, although how this can be adhered to when the ball is in the air is anyones guess. The consistent feel of this Nike football offers a truer flight off the foot for an improved performance, well thats what the marketing spin suggests. It is a good ball and at a great price point but I wish the design was more exciting. I did level this criticism at the Mitre Impel too but that ball does have a textured surface.
The Nike Pitch Team football is available in 3 sizes – 3, 4 and 5 coupled with at least 4 colour choices, giving a ball for each age group without a colour clash or mixing sizes.
Is The Nike Pitch Football A More Traditional Football?
It is true the Nike Pitch Team football has a traditional feel to the ball rather than having an embossed or textured surface. The Pitch football has a completely smooth outer layer which is also very glossy, giving it a hard wearing feel. The TPU casing is similar to the other training balls reviewed except the Pitch Team is smooth and glossy.
What Types Of Pitch Are The Nike Pitch Balls Suitable For?
The Pitch footballs are designed for use on grass and astro type pitches. They have a reinforced rubber bladder to keep the shape for longer and also retain the air pressure. It is constructed using the 12 panel design which is also visually appealing. Material make up of the ball is; 60% rubber, 15% polyurethane, 13% polyester and 12% EVA.
What Colours Are The Nike Pitch Balls Available In?
There are at least 5 different colours of Nike Pitch Team footballs so there should be a colour that appeals. The graphics are simple and only include the Nike ‘tick’, some say this is dull, some say this is a sign of quality, I will leave that for you to decide.
- White
- Green
- Orange
- Yellow
- Red
Why Has The Nike Pitch Football Been So Popular?
Obviously Nike are a major force in supplying footballs across the world. Their match footballs are seen in many of the top football leagues across Europe. The traditional feel to the ball, is now rare amongst training footballs. Whereas other manufacturers have moved towards the textured style, which is apparently more popular (I have to agree). The Nike Pitch balls are available in a large range of colours, which allow coaches to colour code per age group. Making it easier to tell which size is for each group of players. Finally they are also available in 3 sizes so offer a great choice for clubs across Europe.
What Do Nike Say About Their Nike Pitch Team Training Football?
The Nike Pitch Team ball has the following features according to Nike
- 60% Rubber, 15% Polyurethane, 13% Polyester, 12% EVA.
- Smooth, durable casing giving a consistent feel.
- The rubber bladder helps maintain air pressure and shape.
- High-contrast graphics are designed to make it easy to track the ball.
- Popular TPU casing for durability.
- Reinforced rubber bladder for enhanced shape retention.
- 12 Panel ball.
- Suitable for use on grass and astro.
| Graphics and colour availability | 7/10 |
| Size available – Size 3, 4 and 5 | 10/10 |
| Weight and feel of the Nike Pitch Team Football | 8/10 |
| Affordability | 8/10 |
| Grip/Control | 8/10 |
| Overall rating of the Nike Pitch Team Training Football | 8.2/10 |
In summary, this is the ball for you if you like a minimalistic design and a smooth textured football for training. Here is a review I did a couple of years ago for our YouTube channel
