Dribble Indoors With the Best Indoor Soccer Ball of 2025

Finding Your Next Indoor Soccer Ball: A Buyer’s Guide

Choosing an indoor soccer ball is as much about looks as it is about function. In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we’ll go through the key characteristics to look for when purchasing your next indoor soccer ball, such as what material to go with, the most effective paneling, and whether you should consider an ethically manufactured ball. Plus, we’ll give you some bonus tips and suggestions on how to maintain your indoor soccer ball for long-lasting life. Let’s take a look!

Consider These Important Features of Indoor Soccer Balls

Material

A soccer ball consists of two parts: The bladder and the casing. The casing makes up the outside ball and panels. The bladder is the inside compartment that holds the air. Each of these parts can be made from different materials. Below, we explore these different materials, makes, and styles:

• Panels: The octagon-patterned quilt on the outside of the soccer ball is known as the panel. The official FIFA-approved soccer balls contain 32 panels, but other training varieties can contain 18-26 panels.
• Casings: Casings are either made from polyurethane (PY), polyvinyl carbonate (PVC), or a combination of both. Sometimes, a casing is also made from synthetic leather. PVC balls are the cheapest option, very hard, and highly durable. On the other hand, PU balls are softer, making them more responsive than PVC balls. Synthetic leather balls are usually preferred by an expert or professional athletes; you’ll often see these used in a professional match as these balls give the players added control. Lastly, manufacturers will sometimes add a glossy finish to the ball to reduce scuffing and water damage.
• Bladders: These are usually made from butyl or latex. Latex is softer, and most professionals prefer it over Butyl. On the plus side, butyl bladders have high air retention, so you rarely need to reflate them. On average, soccer ball bladders take about 9-10 pounds of air.

Size

Soccer balls are usually available in four sizes. The size that is most suitable for you depends on your age. However, the choice may differ from league to league; always check with your coach about any size restrictions.

• Size 1: These soccer balls are popular as skill balls or mini soccer balls. They are great for players who want to improve their footwork.
• Size 3: These are officially the smallest balls used in a match, generally for children under the age of 8.
• Size 4: These balls are used for children in the age group of 8-12.
• Size 5: These soccer balls are the official size and standard for players above age 12.

Panel construction

Paneling is an important detail that determines a soccer ball’s longevity. Before purchasing your soccer ball, be sure to inspect the paneling and determine if it was hand-stitched or machine stitched. Hand-stitched balls feature deeper seams in the areas where the panels join, making the ball highly durable. Machine-stitched balls tend to have more shallowly stitched seams and are not as long-lasting.

Ethically produced

While some buyers may not care if their soccer ball is ethically produced, choosing a ball that comes from a factory or manufacturer that values workers’ rights will give you a clean conscience as you play, knowing that the person who stitched or made your ball earned a living wage. If you want to purchase an ethical indoor soccer ball, check the company’s safety standards and manufacturing policies. If a ball is fair-trade certified, it likely comes from a factory where child labor is outlawed and workers’ have rights. Most companies who produce ethical balls are upfront with the details of their ethical factories, making it a selling point for the conscious customer.

Type of use

Before buying an indoor soccer ball, consider how you plan to use the ball. Everything from what level player you are, to what type of field you plan to play on, to your practice style will determine the type of ball best suited for you. There are two types of soccer balls to consider: Match balls and training balls.

Match balls are used primarily for games and serious practice; they must be a regulated size, weight, and shape. Training balls are recreational soccer balls and are great for general practice, learning the sport, or just kicking around the neighborhood for fun. These balls don’t need to be a certain weight, size, or material.

How to Care for Your Soccer Ball

Choosing the right ball for you and your playing style is one hurdle. But taking care of the said ball is a whole other ball game. If you want your soccer ball to last for a long time, you’re going to need to perform some basic maintenance. Below, we outline how best to care for your soccer ball to give it a long life on and off the field.

Proper use

You may feel that your soccer ball is strong and tough enough to withstand anything, but this is a misconception. The ball is only designed to endure kicks and other field tactics. If you use it on rocky terrain, the sharp and harsh edges of the rocks will shorten the ball’s life and impact its performance. What’s more, we don’t recommend kicking your ball against a hard surface — like a wall — as this may cause unnecessary wear and tear.

Also, a soccer ball should never be used as a seat. Soccer balls are designed to take the pressure of a kick from one side. If you sit on the ball, your body will put pressure on both sides, which will affect the bladder and ultimately deform the ball. Keep in mind that sitting on the ball could also cause the ball to suddenly burst.

Proper inflation

We recommend inflating your soccer ball to a pressure of 6-8 lbs per square inch (PPI). Use a pressure gauge to tell when the ball has enough air in it. Over- or under-inflating your soccer ball will change how it functions on the field. For instance, an under-inflated ball will not be as resistant to a kick’s impact. On the other hand, an over-inflated ball may cause the bladder to stretch, adding extra pressure to the paneling.

Before inserting an inflation needle, apply some drops of silicone lubricant to the valve of your ball. This will help prolong the life of the valve. Another tip to increase the lifespan of your indoor soccer ball is to deflate it slightly after use; this will relieve the bladder from unnecessary pressure.

Cleaning your ball

Always clean your ball after playing. Removing stains and mud from your ball will not only make it game-ready for your next practice session but will also make it last a long time. Here’s how to do it: Start by taking a wet cloth and wiping your ball down with it. Avoid using detergent or stain removers on your soccer ball, which could damage the outer casing. If there’s mud stuck to the ball, wait for it to dry. Then, use a soft bristle brush to easily scrape the mud off. Always dry your ball with a towel before putting it away.