What makes a football fly true? Think about that perfect spiral soaring through the air. It’s a moment of pure skill and connection. But achieving that beautiful flight often starts before the game even begins—it starts with the ball itself. Choosing the right kicking football can feel like a maze. Should it be leather or synthetic? What about the size and weight? A poor choice leads to frustrating shanks and unreliable passes, making practice a chore instead of a thrill.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down the essential features of kicking footballs, making sure you understand what matters for power and accuracy. You will learn exactly how to match the ball to your playing style and environment. Get ready to ditch the guesswork. Read on to discover the secrets to selecting the perfect football that will help you dominate the field and make every kick count.
Top Kicking Footballs Recommendations
- SIX PACK: Includes 6 premium regulation size footballs (NFHS / NCAA), ball pump, and mesh carrying bag
- OFFICIAL SIZE: NCAA / NFHA size footballs for high school and college players; Great high quality, low cost option for official training balls
- PRO GRADE CONSTRUCTION: Exceptional grip and feel for top tier players and coaches that require uncompromised performance; Composite leather exterior provides optimal flight and grip
- ALL-WEATHER DESIGN: Built to withstand indoor and outdoor use
- GREAT VALUE: Same feel and quality as more expensive footballs, without the inflated price tag; Includes ball pump and mesh storage bag
- Wilson NFL Super Grip Composite Football - Official Size, Brown
- SUPERIOR FEEL: Designed for the optimal balance between softness and toughness, the soft composite material enhances the natural feel of the ball, allowing for better handling and precision
- NFL LACING: The classic style laces you know for a trusted game feel
- AIR RETENTION: A Pressure Lock Bladder helps keep your ball fully inflated for longer with less time spent pumping and more time playing
- NFL AUTHENTICITY: Wilson is the Official Football of the NFL and trusted by the world’s best athletes for over 100 years
- Wilson NFL MVP Football with Pump and Tee - Junior Size, Brown
- VERSATILE: A proper fit for fans of any age playing on any surface
- GRAPHICS: Marked with the official NFL logo as well as the elite MVP insignia
- NFL OFFICIAL: Wilson is the official partner of all NFL balls, partnered since 1941, one of the grandest traditions in the sport
- CLASSIC COLOR: NFL leather red that informs a classic look and feel from the roots of Wilson's traditional football
- OFFICIAL SIZE: This football is constructed with the same dimensions as the balls used by NFL pros to help bring an authentic feel to your backyard games
- EXTRA GRIP: This football has a synthetic leather covering designed with deep pebble texture to provide enhanced grip for easier catching and throwing
- PRO STYLE LACES: The pro-style, double-tuck, hand sewn laces are easy to grip so players can throw tight spirals all over the field
- PREMIUM DURABILITY: This football is built tough with all-weather materials so you can play rain or shine season after season
- AIR PUMP INCLUDED: Footballs arrive deflated and includes an air pump with needle so you can inflate the ball to the perfect level for play
- Wilson GST SpeedSkin Football - Brown, Official Size
- Sewn Stripe: Sewn-on stripes are composite material instead of paint and provide 82% more grip to aid release for more accurate throws.
- Graphics: Marked with official Wilson script logo.
- Precision Laces: Raised pebbled laces give your fingers stronger grip points allowing for more control, as well as easier accurate throwing.
- SpeedSkin Cover: Soft material provides a better grip and feel for skill development, and consistent pebble definition enhances control. SpeedSkin material is always ready to play, right away. No break-in required.
- ULTIMATE TRAINING AID: Perfect practice net for football players of all abilities and coaches for practicing punts and place kicks
- KICKING NET: 7 ft x 4 ft training net with included sand bags to withstand even the strongest kicks
- OPTIMIZE PRACTICE: Transform any backyard into a personal field kicking area or use as a sideline training tool to keep kickers loose before a big kick and ensure peak performance
- FOLDABLE SETUP: Reinforced bow type frame with high density polyester net and portable carry case; Great for football players, coaches, kicking camps, and more
- TIP RESISTANT: Ultra sturdy bow type frame construction provides maximum stability; Set includes 2 sandbags to withstand countless drills
- IMPROVE YOUR GAME – The Champion Sports 2” Kicking Tee helps you launch stronger, higher kickoffs with confidence and consistency—ideal for practice or game-day performance
- BUILT TO LAST – Constructed from heavy-duty molded rubber, this tee stands up to rugged field conditions and repeated use season after season
- ELEVATED FOR DISTANCE – The 2" height provides extra lift, allowing kickers to achieve greater height and range on every kick
- STEADY AND SECURE – Molded ridges on the surface grip the football in place, helping reduce movement and ensure a clean, accurate strike
- EASY TO SPOT – Bright orange color enhances visibility on the field, making it quick to position during drills, scrimmages, or live play
- IMPROVE YOUR GAME – The Champion Sports 1" Heavy Duty Kicking Tee is designed for consistent, accurate kickoffs. Perfect for practice or game day performance at any level
- BUILT TO LAST – Constructed from ultra-durable rubber that withstands heavy use, season after season, on any playing surface
- SECURE BALL HOLD – Molded ridges on the top surface firmly grip the ball, preventing slips and ensuring a steady setup every time
- HIGH VISIBILITY DESIGN – Bright orange color makes the tee easy to spot on the field, simplifying quick setups during drills or gameplay
- STANDARD 1” PROFILE – The 1" height offers a low, clean strike zone—ideal for developing precision and control in kickoffs
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Kicking Footballs
Choosing the right football makes a huge difference in your game. Whether you are practicing alone or playing a big match, the ball needs to feel right. This guide helps you pick the best kicking football for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a football, certain features matter most. These elements directly affect how the ball flies, bounces, and feels when you strike it.
- **Size and Weight:** Footballs come in different sizes (Size 5 is standard for adults). Make sure the size matches the player’s age. A heavier ball travels differently than a lighter one.
- **Bladder Quality:** The bladder holds the air inside. A good butyl or latex bladder keeps the air pressure steady for longer periods.
- **Panel Construction:** Most modern footballs have 32 panels, but some use fewer for a smoother surface. Check how the panels are stitched or thermally bonded.
- **Valve Type:** The valve lets you pump air in. A recessed valve often lasts longer and creates a smoother surface for kicking.
Important Materials
The material covering the ball determines its durability and performance in different weather.
Most quality footballs use synthetic leather (often polyurethane or PVC). **Polyurethane (PU)** is generally better. It feels softer and performs more like a traditional leather ball. **PVC** is tougher and cheaper, but it can feel hard, especially in cold weather.
The inner lining also matters. Multiple layers of polyester or cotton lining reinforce the ball. This lining stops the ball from losing its shape after hard kicks.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The way a football is made heavily influences its quality. High-quality balls offer better consistency.
Construction Methods
The best footballs use **thermal bonding**. Manufacturers fuse the panels together using heat. This creates a nearly waterproof surface that flies truer and maintains its shape well. Stitched balls are common, but the seams can wear down or absorb water, which adds weight.
Durability vs. Feel
A very durable ball might use thick PVC, but this often sacrifices ‘feel.’ Top-tier match balls balance soft PU covers with strong internal construction. If you play mostly on grass, a softer ball works well. If you play on rough asphalt, you need a very tough, possibly machine-stitched ball.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how often you plan to use the football.
For **Match Play**, you want a thermally bonded, high-grade PU ball. These offer the best responsiveness and flight stability. They are usually more expensive.
For **Training and Practice**, durability is key. A machine-stitched, slightly heavier ball handles daily abuse better. These balls save money and last through intense drills.
If you are playing in the **Rain or Snow**, look for balls labeled as ‘all-weather’ or those with excellent water resistance. Poorly sealed balls become heavy when wet, changing how they kick entirely.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kicking Footballs
Q: What size football should I buy for a 12-year-old?
A: Most children aged 10 to 12 use a Size 4 football. Always check the recommended size chart for the specific league or age group.
Q: How much air pressure should a football have?
A: Pressure varies by ball type, but most adult balls need between 8.5 and 15.6 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch). Check the valve area on the ball for the exact range recommended by the manufacturer.
Q: What is the difference between a stitched ball and a thermally bonded ball?
A: Stitched balls use thread to join the panels, which is cheaper but less durable. Thermally bonded balls use heat fusion, creating a seamless, waterproof surface that flies straighter.
Q: Can I use an indoor football outside?
A: No. Indoor footballs have a dense foam core and very thin outer shells. They will quickly tear apart on outdoor grass or pavement.
Q: Why does my football feel hard when it’s cold?
A: Colder temperatures cause the air inside the bladder to contract, lowering the pressure slightly. Also, PVC covers become naturally harder in the cold.
Q: How often should I pump up my football?
A: If you use a high-quality butyl bladder, you might only need to check the pressure every few weeks. Cheaper latex bladders lose air faster, so check them before every practice.
Q: Are expensive match balls worth the extra cost?
A: Yes, if you play seriously. Expensive balls use better materials for superior touch, consistent flight, and better water resistance, which helps your kicking accuracy.
Q: What does ‘PU’ mean on a football cover?
A: PU stands for Polyurethane. It is a synthetic material that mimics the feel of real leather, offering excellent grip and a soft touch.
Q: How can I clean my football after playing in the mud?
A: Wipe the ball down gently with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh soaps or high-pressure water, as this can damage the seams and the outer coating.
Q: Does the color of the football affect its performance?
A: Generally, no. However, high-visibility colors (like bright yellow or orange) help players see the ball better during twilight or snowy conditions.