What are the Size and Dimensions of the Futsal Ball?
The most important differences are the futsal ball’s smaller size, heavier weight, and critically, its low bounce properties compared to an outdoor soccer ball. This controlled, reduced bounce is the defining characteristic of a true futsal ball.
The precise size, weight, and low bounce develop close ball control, quick reactions, creativity in tight spaces, and accurate passing technique. A properly engineered futsal ball improves a player’s touch and makes the ball controllable more easily.
Selecting the correct size futsal ball ensures proper skills development across ages and competitive levels. standardized futsal ball sizes are:
| Futsal Ball Size | Circumference | Weight | Bounce | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size 2 (Mini) | 50-55 cm | 280-320 g | 40-50 cm | Under 8 years |
| Size 3 (Junior) | 59-61 cm | 350-380 g | 55-65 cm | 8-12 years |
| Size 4 (Standard) | 62-64 cm | 400-440 g | 50-65 cm | 12+ years |
Quality brands like Mitre, Select, Mikasa, Kipsta, and Adidas design futsal balls to provide ideal performance, durability, and safety on indoor hard courts. Search for balls specifically labeled for futsal rather than outdoor soccer when choosing a ball specifically for futsal.
Along with the right futsal-specific ball, proper footwear like the best futsal shoes with non-marking soles allows for rapid changes of direction, pivots, and acceleration on indoor floors without scuffing or damaging the surface. Soccer shoes engineered for futsal have low-profile uppers, cushioning systems, and indoor gripping tread patterns optimized for the court version of the game.
With the correctly sized and weighted futsal ball plus appropriate non-marking shoes, players can experience futsal as the optimally paced, technical, and intensely fun indoor version of the beautiful game.
Futsal accelerates the development of fundamental ball skills, creativity, close control, and quick reactions that directly translate to elevated success on the outdoor soccer pitch.
The size of the futsal ball is one of the key differences that sets it apart from a traditional outdoor soccer ball.
Official Futsal Ball Sizes
Futsal balls are smaller and heavier than standard soccer balls to improve control on hard court surfaces. There are 3 official ball sizes approved for competitive futsal. Size 2 mini futsal balls have a circumference of 50-55 cm and weigh 280-320 grams.
These very lightweight balls are meant for beginning players under age 8. Size 3 junior futsal balls have a circumference of 59-61 cm and weigh 350-380 grams. They have a bounce of 55-65 cm. Size 3 balls are used for U8 to U12 age groups to improve touch and feel for developing players.
The standard size 4 futsal ball has a circumference of 62-64 cm and a weight of 400-440 grams. It has a reduced bounce of 50-65 cm compared to outdoor soccer balls. This heavier ball with a low bounce forces players to keep it closer to the ground and constantly adjusts touches.
Size 4 is approved for competitive play at age 12 and up through the professional level. The official standard size, weight, and bounce of Size 4 futsal balls accentuate the fast pace of the game with quick exchanges of the ball on the hard indoor court.
Futsal balls are designed for indoor conditions. Mini Size 2 balls help beginners under 8 get used to striking the ball. Size 3 junior balls improve touch for U8 to U12 players. Size 4 is the official standard size approved for competitive futsal from age 12 on up.
The reduced weight and bounce compared to soccer balls contribute to the speed of play, close control, and constant adjustments required by the indoor game. Futsal balls allow official indoor futsal leagues and matches to maintain consistent and fair play.
Futsal Ball vs. Soccer Ball Sizes
Futsal balls are smaller in size than soccer balls used by the best futsal players. Futsal ball circumference ranges from 50-64 cm. Soccer balls are bigger at 68-70 cm for sizes 3, 4, and 5 balls. Futsal balls are 4 to 6 cm smaller in diameter.
Futsal balls are slightly heavier than soccer balls. They weigh 350-440 grams. Soccer balls weigh 370-450 grams on average.
| Futsal Ball vs. Soccer Ball Size Details | |
|---|---|
| Circumference | Futsal ball sizes range from 50-64 cm in circumference – Soccer balls are bigger at: – Size 3: 68-69 cm – Size 4: 63-66 cm – Size 5: 68-70 cm |
| Futsal balls are 4 to 6 cm smaller in diameter than their soccer equivalents. | |
| Weight | Futsal balls weigh 350-440 g – Soccer balls weigh from 370-450 g |
| Futsal balls are slightly heavier than soccer balls when comparing equivalent sizes. | |
| Bounce | Futsal balls bounce 40-65 cm from a 2m drop – Soccer balls bounce 100-150 cm from the same height |
| The futsal ball bounces much lower due to its specialized design. | |
The most noticeable difference is the bounce. Futsal balls have a low bounce of 40-65 cm from a 2-meter drop height. Soccer balls bounce much higher at 100-150 cm from the same height.
The specialized futsal ball design with a smaller size, more weight, and lower bounce contributes to the control required for indoor play. The compact size and reduced bounce keep the gameplay tight and fast-paced.
Why Does the Futsal Ball Bounce Less?
The reason futsal balls have a dramatically lower bounce comes down to the internal construction:
Inside a soccer ball, you find just the air bladder and inner lining. More air pressure gives it more bounce.
Inside a futsal ball, there is an extra layer of foam, textile, or cotton padding between the lining and bladder. This padding reduces the overall bounce to give better ball control.
The precise materials and thickness of padding can fine-tune the ball’s bounce, weight, and flight characteristics. Top futsal brands carefully engineer the interior to meet exact specifications for responsiveness and touch on the court.
| How Futsal Ball Improves Skills |
|---|
| Quicker reactions The faster game speed in tight spaces improves reflexes and mobility. |
| Softer first touch The low bounce encourages controlling the ball in one motion rather than letting it bounce first. |
| Shielding and protecting the ball The heavier ball requires shielding from opponents in tight spaces. |
| Precise passing and shooting The ball punishes mishit shots and loose passes quickly. Players learn accuracy. |
| Creativity in close quarters Less space and time on the ball rewards skill, invention, and fast combination play. |
Choosing the Right Futsal Ball Size
For casual play, match the ball to the youngest player to keep things fair and enjoyable. If unsure, choose the next smallest size to favor control over unpredictability.
Professional futsal leagues around the world exclusively use size 4 match balls for adult competitions but their national teams FIFA Futsal Ranking isn’t affected. Only use a mini or junior-size ball for organized youth matches.
| Recommended Futsal Ball Size by Age |
|---|
| Under age 8 – Mini size 2 futsal ball |
| Age 8-12 – Junior size 3 futsal ball |
| Age 12 and up – Standard size 4 futsal ball |
| Adult match ball – Size 4, official match ball approved by organizing body |
Be sure genuine futsal balls say “designed for futsal” or “official futsal ball” from a reputable brand. Avoid cheap soccer balls that behave erratically indoors in compact futsal formations.
With the right-sized futsal ball, players can develop skills and experience the full speed of the game as it was meant to be played.
Futsal Ball Pressure
Proper inflation pressure is critical for optimal futsal ball performance and safety during futsal games. Futsal balls need to be inflated to recommended pressure ranges based on ball size. Pressure that is too low causes inconsistent bounces, poor flight, and lack of responsiveness.
Overinflated balls become extremely difficult to control and can lead to injuries. The right inflation pressure allows the futsal ball to react properly off hard indoor surfaces. It provides the correct weight and bounce to enable controlled trapping, accurate passing and shooting, and dynamic dribbling.
| Recommended Futsal Ball Pressure by Size |
|---|
| Size 2: 40-55 kPa (6-8 psi) |
| Size 3: 45-60 kPa (6.5-9 psi) |
| Size 4: 55-62 kPa (8-9 psi) |
Indoor vs. Outdoor Futsal Balls
Futsal originated as an indoor sport. Indoor futsal balls have a durable outer material that withstands concrete and wood courts without excessive abrasion or floor marking.
Outdoor futsal balls feature a softer high-grip outer casing designed for tennis courts and artificial grass. The fuzzier surface produces a better first touch. However, outdoor futsal balls wear down faster on abrasive surfaces.
Both indoor and outdoor futsal balls have the same weight, bounce, and size. The main difference is the durability and touch of the outer material.
Futsal Ball Materials
All quality futsal balls consist of three main components:
| Futsal Ball Construction |
|---|
| Outer Casing – Made of leather, synthetic leather, or textured polymer. Provides shape, softness of touch, and protection from scrapes. |
| Inner Lining – Thin durable material to seal air inside and hold ball shape. Usually synthetic leather or durable woven fabric. |
| Bladder – Air-filled rubber or latex bladder at the core inflates to give the ball shape and bounce. May have interior foam or fabric padding. |
Better balls optimize these components for ideal bounce, touch, flight, water resistance, and durability. Hand-stitched premium leather balls offer the best feel, while molded composite balls are the most durable. The cost rises with the quality of materials and attention to detail in construction.
Top Futsal Ball Brands
Choosing an official match ball from a leading futsal brand ensures ideal performance and durability.
| Top Futsal Ball Brands |
|---|
| Mitre – The official futsal ball of US Youth Futsal, Mitre designs quality balls for all levels. |
| Select – The leader in hand-stitched match balls, endorsed by pro leagues worldwide. |
| Mikasa – Produces the official futsal ball used in FIFA and UEFA competitions. |
| Kipsta – Affordable futsal balls with excellent reviews from Decathlon’s in-house brand. |
| Adidas – A trusted option for pro-quality futsal balls and gear. |
For casual play, less expensive training balls from these and other major brands offer excellent value and performance.
Care and Maintenance of Futsal Ball
Properly caring for your futsal ball improves performance and extends its usable life. Inflate the ball fully before each use and check pressure weekly to maintain responsiveness. Wipe the ball down after play to prevent dirt buildup that can abrade the material.
Store the ball indoors at room temperature away from direct sun and heat, which can damage the surface. Use a ball bag for protection when not in use. Avoid excessive water exposure which can deaden the surface and strain the bladder.
With basic care, today’s quality futsal balls will easily last 1-2 seasons. But eventually, lack of bounce, inability to hold air, and visible damage show it’s time to replace your ball. Investing in a fresh high-performance ball helps maximize your indoor game.
| Care and Maintenance of Futsal Ball |
|---|
| Inflate fully before each use and check pressure weekly. Underinflation damages the bladder. |
| Use a ball bag to protect the ball when not playing. |
| Wipe down after use to remove dust and dirt that can abrade the surface. |
| Avoid excess water exposure which reduces grip and pressures the seams. |
| Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent premature cracking. |
| Replace when lacking bounce, won’t hold air, or becomes visibly damaged. |
By following some simple maintenance steps, you’ll keep your futsal ball in top playing condition session after session. Proper care allows you to get the most out of your ball before it’s time to retire it.
Concluding What Size is a Futsal Ball?
Futsal balls differ from standard soccer balls in their strategic size, weight distribution, and critically, their controlled low bounce. These precise specifications make the futsal ball ideal for developing skills and performing in compressed indoor spaces like a futsal court.
Understanding the different standard sizes of futsal balls ensures players can select the proper ball to optimize development and enjoyment at any age or skill level:
- Size 2 futsal balls help build coordination in players under age 8 with their mini 50-55cm circumference.
- Size 3 futsal balls support technique in ages 8-12 with a junior ball circumference of 59-61cm.
- Regulation Size 4 futsal balls bring the full authentic experience to ages 12 and above at the official 62-64cm circumference.
Quality futsal brands like Mitre, Select, Mikasa, and Kipsta engineer balls specifically for the demands of indoor courts. Their materials, stitching, and interior padding create the ideal weight, feel, grip, and critically reduced bounce that makes futsal unique.
The futsal ball demands technical precision and imagination to master the compressed spaces and rapid transitions of the indoor game. Legends like Pele, Ronaldinho, and Neymar all came up playing futsal, which accelerated their development into icons of the world’s soccer.