The Best Youth Size Football - 2021
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Our Picks For The Top Youth Size Footballs
Official Pro StyleYour child is sure to love this high-performance football, since it's the same style as what the pros use.
Show Your SupportFans of all ages will enjoy playing fall football with this NFL-licensed product.
Perfect for PracticeLet your child have all the fun and none of the damage with this footfall.
Enhanced Grip; Lots of LogosThis junior-sized ball is perfect for fun anywhere.
While baseballs and golf balls are always the same size, football sizes start out smaller for younger kids and increase in size as they grow. The size of a football depends on the child’s age and the level at which they are playing.
The recommended weight and length for ages 6 to 9 (pee wee football) is 10 ounces/17.5-24 inches; for ages 9 to 12 (junior) it is 11 ounces/18.5-25 inches; and for ages 12 to 14 (youth), it is 12.5 ounces/19.25-26.25 inches.
If your child plays for an organized football team, that group will set their own standards for the footballs they use in games. So, if football manufacturing companies want their balls to be used in league games, they must adhere to those specifications.
If you are buying an extra ball for your league player to use outside of their games, it may make sense to get the same size that their team uses. Leather footballs are thought to be the highest quality. However, you might not need to invest in a smaller leather football, since it is for practice and kids will outgrow it.
The NFL only uses leather footballs. They are manufactured with a tanning process, which makes them tacky and easier to grip. If your athlete is planning to continue in their sport, getting used to the feel of leather isn’t a bad idea.
Rubber and synthetic leather are both suitable for younger age groups and are usually pebble-textured for better grips. When they are not textured, they can become quite slippery, which makes them harder to throw and catch. These materials are also more moisture-resistant than genuine leather.
You can also find foam footballs, which are very lightweight and inexpensive; these are good for younger football players just learning how to catch and throw. They are also good for just horsing around with friends. After all, if you lose one, you won’t have to worry much.
The Best Youth Size Footballs
WILSON Youth Size Super Grip NFL Football
This smaller-sized Wilson football is made from high-performance composite material, has a tacky coating for a better grip and is just right for children ages 9 to 12. This essential sports accessory is a must for every kid’s activity shelf.
Features
Specifications
Rawlings Green Bay Packers NFL Youth Size Football
Kids and adults can all enjoy tossing this ball, which is made for smaller hands and suitable for long-distance throws. Pick your preferred team, and the ball will come with the right colors and logos on the front and back.
Features
Specifications
Passback Composite Youth Training Football
This passback football has one pointed end and one blunt end, so when junior athletes throw it against walls and other flat surfaces, it comes spiraling back in their direction. You will never need to buy a throwing machine or rebounding net with this cleverly-made football, and kids can easily double their number of reps during practice sessions.
Features
Specifications
Rawlings Philadelphia Eagles NFL Youth Size Football
This 9-inch gametime football has a sponge rubber shell, raised white lacings and your favorite team’s embossed logo on two sides. Throw this junior-sized ball around in the backyard, at the park, on the beach and at tailgate parties.
Features
Specifications
Franklin Sports Rubber Youth Size Football
This youth-sized football comes in five colors and is durable enough to stand up to concrete, grass and other surfaces. Kids who are itching to practice and perfect their throwing and catching skills will make good use of this all-weather football.
Features
Specifications
Our Youth Size Football Buying Guide
While baseballs and golf balls are always the same size, football sizes start out smaller for younger kids and increase in size as they grow. The size of a football depends on the child’s age and the level at which they are playing.
The recommended weight and length for ages 6 to 9 (pee wee football) is 10 ounces/17.5-24 inches; for ages 9 to 12 (junior) it is 11 ounces/18.5-25 inches; and for ages 12 to 14 (youth), it is 12.5 ounces/19.25-26.25 inches.
If your child plays for an organized football team, that group will set their own standards for the footballs they use in games. So, if football manufacturing companies want their balls to be used in league games, they must adhere to those specifications.
If you are buying an extra ball for your league player to use outside of their games, it may make sense to get the same size that their team uses. Leather footballs are thought to be the highest quality. However, you might not need to invest in a smaller leather football, since it is for practice and kids will outgrow it.
The NFL only uses leather footballs. They are manufactured with a tanning process, which makes them tacky and easier to grip. If your athlete is planning to continue in their sport, getting used to the feel of leather isn’t a bad idea.
Rubber and synthetic leather are both suitable for younger age groups and are usually pebble-textured for better grips. When they are not textured, they can become quite slippery, which makes them harder to throw and catch. These materials are also more moisture-resistant than genuine leather.
You can also find foam footballs, which are very lightweight and inexpensive; these are good for younger football players just learning how to catch and throw. They are also good for just horsing around with friends. After all, if you lose one, you won’t have to worry much.
DWYM Fun Fact
American football (which was originally known as gridiron football) originated in the late 19th century and combined elements from both rugby and soccer.
The “Father of American Football,” Walter Camp, helped form the original Intercollegiate Football Association and created many of the rules that are still used today.
The American Professional Football Association was founded in 1920 and later became the National Football League (NFL). There are now 32 member teams and countless footballs that proudly showcase their names.
The Youth Size Football Tips and Advice
- Some footballs are sold in sets and purchased by coaches and leagues.
- You can find footballs that come with their own pumps and kick-off tees.
- Passback footballs are a good choice, because they allow athletes to practice on their own. Passback footballs are blunted at one end so that when kids throw it against a wall, it bounces back to them. These are very helpful for both quarterbacks and receivers.
- Look for footballs that have eight equally-spaced lacings and two 1-inch white stripes. This is the NFL standard.
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