Best Size 4 Soccer Balls
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Size 4 is the ball for ages 8–12 — the step up from the size-3 ball young players start on, and the bridge to the full-regulation size 5 used at U13 and above. At this stage players are building passing range, shooting power, and first touch — getting those reps with the correct circumference (25–26 in) and weight (350–390 g) accelerates that development. Butyl bladder holds air 3–4× longer than rubber; TPU cover handles multi-surface abuse. Both criteria are applied to every pick below.
Our Top Picks
Best Budget: adidas Starlancer — Size 4
Durable TPU cover and machine-stitched panels hold up to the hard-running sessions that define U9–U12 play — a solid size-4 ball that handles grass, turf, and all-weather use without fuss.
- Size 4
- TPU cover
- Machine-stitched
- All-surface
Mid-Tier Pick: adidas Training Ball — Size 4
Butyl bladder keeps inflation consistent through coached sessions and backyard reps alike — the size-4 weight trains exactly the touch and passing range that 8–12-year-olds are actively building.
- Size 4
- TPU cover
- Butyl bladder
- Club training
Premium Pick: Mitre Ultimatch League — Size 4
FIFA-inspected construction scaled to size 4 delivers the exact flight and feel of the balls used in U9–U12 competitive matches — a genuine training-to-match upgrade for players ready for it.
- Size 4
- FIFA Inspected
- Match quality
- Latex bladder
Also Need: PodiuMax Portable Pop-Up Goal
A real target transforms solo shooting sessions. Sets up in seconds with no tools or stakes, packs flat for the car, and pairs with any size-4 ball for back-garden finishing practice.
- Portable goal
- Pop-up setup
- No tools needed
- Youth size
What to Look for in a Size 4 Ball
Size compliance
A genuine size 4 ball measures 25–26 in circumference and 350–390 g. Undersized or overweight balls distort technique at the exact age when habits are forming. Check the spec label on the ball before buying, not just the listing title.
Cover material
TPU is the practical choice for most U9–U12 players: durable on grass, turf, and hard courts without costing match-ball money. PU offers better touch for skill-focused training but wears faster on abrasive surfaces. Rubber is budget-level and fine for casual play, but not the right choice if your child is training multiple days per week.
Bladder type
Butyl bladder is the standard recommendation for youth training balls because it holds air 3–4 times longer than natural rubber. That means less time pumping and more time playing — and consistent feel across sessions. Natural latex bladders are used in premium match balls for a softer touch, but require more frequent inflation checks.
Construction
Machine-stitched panels are standard for training and recreational balls and handle the daily-use load that U9–U12 players put on a ball. FIFA-inspected certification confirms the ball meets competition standards for weight, circumference, and bounce consistency — worth the upgrade for players entering competitive league play.
Training add-ons
A portable pop-up goal changes solo practice. Rather than shooting at a fence or marking imaginary targets, a real goal creates finishing scenarios that transfer to match conditions. The PodiuMax pick sets up in seconds and packs flat for transport — a low-cost way to make home training sessions significantly more useful.
Get the Free 30-Drill Training Guide
Drills, diagrams, and training plans to develop every young player's skills — printable and free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Size 4 is the standard for U9–U12 players, roughly ages 8–12. Most AYSO and US Club leagues move from size 3 at U9 and stay on size 4 through U12.
A size 4 ball measures 25–26 inches in circumference and weighs 350–390 grams. It is noticeably heavier than size 3 — the additional weight builds leg strength and passing technique in the 8–12 age window.
Target 8–10 PSI. Drop the ball from waist height — it should bounce to roughly hip or lower-rib height on a hard floor. Under-inflation kills technique development; over-inflation creates a harsh feel that can hurt young ankles on first touch.
Yes. Size 4 works well for indoor skill sessions on gym floors or in tight spaces. Inflate to the lower end of the range (8 PSI) for a softer bounce indoors.
Most leagues transition to size 5 at U13, around age 12–13. If your child is playing comfortably with size 4, there is no rush — but moving to size 5 introduces the full regulation weight and feel used in adult and competitive play.