Soccer Balls

Soccer Ball Chart

Construction

Outer Covering

Synthetic Cover - The best qualities balls are covered with a synthetic leather material which offers superior feel and softness but are less water resistant and durable. More Expensive.
Polyurethane Cover - These better balls are covered with a synthetic material and offer a feel similar to leather. More water and scuff resistant.
PVC Cover- Least expensive ball molded out of a PVC material that is plastic like. They are the most durable ball but usually the least popular because of the feel.

Bladder Types

Latex - Gives the ball the most lively play and good feel but has the least air retention. Butyl - Better air retention and is the most common

Stitching

Today, most soccer balls are machined stitched and hold up quite nicely. You can still find hand stitched soccer balls but expect to pay a lot more.

Types of Soccer Balls

Profession Match Balls- designed for the top professional soccer clubs and are approved at the highest international standards.
Match Balls- are high performance ranged balls developed for use in most amateur soccer matches. Guaranteed to conform to official size and weight by FIFA or NFHS ( National Federation of State High School Associations).
Practice or Camp Balls - are designed to be used by coaches for all age groups and general practice applications.
Indoor Soccer Balls are usually the same size and weight as outdoor balls but have an outside cover similar to a tennis ball.
Futsal Soccer Balls are usually the same size as other balls but the bladder is filled with a foam like substance to give it less bounce for play on harder surfaces.

Other Soccer Ball Tips

Deflate Match Soccer Balls slightly after use. Before inflating any soccer ball, give the needle valve a shot of silicone to help keep it moist.