Guide to choosing balls for children according to age
Playing ball is a fun and rewarding activity for children, helping to develop physical and motor skills. However, to ensure safety and suitability for children’s abilities, choosing the right ball for each age is very important. Below is a guide to choosing the right ball for children according to their developmental stages from young to old.
1. Children from 1-3 years old
At this age, children are just beginning to develop basic motor skills such as grasping, rolling, and throwing balls. Therefore, balls for children aged 1-3 should be of moderate size, soft and light, ensuring safety when playing.
Ball selection:
- Soft foam ball: This is the ideal ball for young children because it is light and does not cause injury if it hits a person.
- Soft rubber or cloth ball: Soft fabric or rubber material makes it easy for children to hold and roll the ball without fear of injury.
- Diameter: From 10-12 cm, just enough for children to hold with both hands.
2. Children from 3-5 years old
At this age, children’s motor skills are more developed. They can throw, kick, and pass a ball better and require more challenging play. Balls for this age group need to be more durable but still soft for safety.
Ball selection:
- Light rubber ball: This type of ball has good bounce, helping children practice throwing and kicking skills without fear of injury.
- Soft plastic ball: Lightweight plastic balls are also a safe choice and are suitable for games like goal-scoring or light kicking.
- Diameter: 12-15cm, big enough for children to easily control.
3. Children from 5-7 years old
At this stage, children can participate in more technically demanding ball activities, such as playing basketball, volleyball or soccer. Children need larger, more resilient balls to practice more complex motor skills.
Ball selection:
- Rubber or soft leather ball: This type of ball is suitable for playing sports such as basketball, volleyball, helping children develop ball control skills and improve coordination.
- Mini soccer: A small soccer ball with a diameter of about 20 cm is the ideal choice for a child’s first soccer practice sessions.
- Diameter: From 15-20 cm, helping children easily perform throwing, kicking, and passing techniques.
4. Children from 7-10 years old
During this stage, children have better ball control and can participate in more competitive games such as soccer, basketball or volleyball. Balls need to be standard size and durable to suit sports activities.
Ball selection:
- Soccer size 3: This is the standard ball size for kids of this age when starting to play more professional soccer.
- Mini basketball: Basketballs are smaller than standard balls, making them easier for children to control while playing.
- Children’s volleyball: Soft volleyball with good bounce helps children practice spiking and passing skills.
- Diameter: From 20-22 cm, suitable for games that require better skills.
5. Children 10 Years and Older
By the time children reach the age of 10, they can use balls that are closer to the standard adult size. They have developed good motor skills and are ready to participate in competitive sports such as soccer, basketball, or volleyball.
Ball selection:
- Soccer size 4: This is the standard ball size for children aged 10-12 when playing soccer.
- Basketball size 5: Basketballs are smaller than adult balls, but are suitable for the hand size of children at this age.
- Standard volleyball: Standard size volleyball helps children get familiar with the technical requirements when participating in official competitions or training.
- Diameter: From 22-24 cm, equivalent to standard ball size.
Choosing a ball for children
Choosing the right ball for your child according to their age is the best way to ensure their physical development and safety. Each stage of development requires a ball that is suitable for their motor skills and abilities. By choosing the right ball, parents can help their children develop their motor skills, improve their health and have fun in sports activities.