No matter the age of your child, a flag football player needs the right-sized equipment to play comfortably and safely. Plus, what if your child is the future Tom Brady? (We can dream, right?) Then you might want to buy a size up so they can have it for a few years.
When it comes to flag football, the most important piece of equipment is the ball itself. After all, that’s what they’ll be throwing around (or running with) the most. But what size ball should you buy for your child?
Well! Worry not, dear parent, because we have all the answers for you right here.
Flag Football Size and Weight Matters
The first thing to consider when purchasing a flag football ball is, of course, size. You want to make sure that the ball is not too big or too small for your child’s hands.
- If the ball is too big, it will be hard for them to grip and throw.
- If it’s too small, they won’t be ready to play with bigger versions when the time comes.
So, what is the right size ball for your child? Here is a general guideline.
The Different Options In Flag Football Sizes For Youth
The youth flag football comes in four different sizes:
Size 5: Pee Wee Size: For ages 5 to 8. The ball weighs about 10 ounces.
Size 6: Junior Size: For ages 9 to 11. The ball weighs about 11 ounces.
Size 7: Youth Size: For ages 12 to 14. The ball weighs about 12.5 ounces.
Size 9: High School Size: For ages 14+. The ball weighs about 14-15 ounces.
Pee Wee Size Flag Football
This is made for the youngest players in the sport. If your child is between the ages of 5 to 8, then this would be the right size for them. It weighs around 10 ounces which is easy for them to throw and catch.
Junior Size Flag Football
This size is for those kids who are a little bit older, between the ages of 9 to 11. The ball itself weighs 11 ounces, making it a tad heavier than the Pee Wee size but still manageable for your child.
Youth Size Flag Football
The youth size is recommended for those aged 12 to 14 years old. The ball weighs around 12.5 ounces, making it a good option for those ramping up in the sport.
Players of this age group are generally well-versed in the basics of gripping, holding, and throwing a football, making the youth size a perfect choice for them.
High School Size Flag Football
This size is perfect for high schoolers or anyone aged 14 and up. The ball itself weighs around 14 to 15 ounces, making it a good choice for those who want a heavier ball.
This size is close to the size of flag football used in professional and college leagues. So, if your child is the future Tom Brady (or even if they’re just a high school football player), this size would be perfect for them.
While you’re here, learn about the best gloves for receiving!
But, How Exactly Does Size Matter?
So now you know which size is best suited for your child, but how exactly does size matter when it comes to flag football?
Your Child Will Be Able To Play
How can a player catch a ball that’s too big for their hands? How can they improve and grow in the game with a ball that’s too small? The answer is they can’t.
That’s why choosing the right size ball for your child is important. If the ball is too big or too small, it will be hard for them to play catch or throw the ball.
The right size ball will make the game more playable for your child and will allow them to enjoy the game more.
Your Child Will Be Able To Grow With The Ball
The significance of size also comes into play when your child is growing with the ball.
If you choose a size that’s too big for them, they will have a hard time gripping and throwing the ball. They may also get discouraged because they can’t throw the ball as far as their friends can.
On the other hand, if you choose a size that’s too small for them, they will quickly outgrow the ball and will need to buy a new one.
So, it’s important to choose a size that your child can grow with. This way, they will be able to use the same ball for a longer period of time and won’t have to buy a new one as often.
Learn more about flag football equipment.
Your Child Will Learn In Stages
The size of the ball also matters because it will allow your child to learn in stages.
If you start with a Pee Wee size ball, your child will be able to learn how to grip and throw the ball without the size and weight being too much for them.
As they grow stronger, they can move up to a Junior size ball. And, when they’re ready for a challenge, they can move up to a Youth size ball.
This way, your child will be able to learn at their own pace and won’t get discouraged if the ball is too heavy or too light.
Now that you know how size matters, it’s time to choose the perfect size ball for your child.
Top 5 Flag Football Options To Consider In 2023
1. Wilson GST Football
This is undoubtedly one of the most popular flag football options on the market. The Wilson GST is an official game ball that’s used in many leagues and comes in many sizes. Wilson is one of the country’s top providers of high school sports equipment.
The ball is made of high-quality leather and has a great grip, making it a good choice for those who want a durable and reliable ball. Also, the ball has many other minor details, such as the stripe on the front and back half of the ball, that help distinguish it from other options.
These stipes help the receiver perceive the depth of the ball when trying to catch it, making it easier to catch. Plus, these stripes are stitched on instead of printed, so you don’t have to worry about them fading over time.
2. Rawlings NFL Gridiron Football
The Rawlings NFL Gridiron is the best option for those who want an all-purpose ball. It’s a junior size, so it fits in a youth hand, but it’s large enough to satisfy an adult arm.
This ball is designed to show off your team pride with bold colors and logos. The all-rubber design makes it easy to catch and throw, and it’s sturdy enough to withstand any weather conditions. Officially licensed by the NFL, this ball is a great combination of value, usability, and style.
Available in all team options, this is a good choice for those who want to show their team spirit. It’s also a good choice for those who want an affordable ball that’s still of high quality.
3. Wilson NFL Football Super Grip Composite Rubber Ball
This Wilson ball is designed for those who want a super grip. It is made of composite rubber, which gives it a softer feel and better grip than most other options.
Its softness also makes it easier to catch and throw, and the ball maintains its shape well. The ball comes in a junior size, so it’s small enough for younger players but large enough for older ones.
4. Wilson NFL MVP Football
The Wilson NFL MVP junior-size football is one of the most affordable options on the market. It’s made of composite leather, which gives it a soft feel and good grip.
The ball is also a junior size, so it’s perfect for those who want a smaller ball. Its size also makes it easier to throw and catch. In addition, it is very loved by kids and adults because of how affordable it is.
Franklin Sports Extra Grip 1000
This football from Franklin Sports is designed for those who want an extra grip. The ball is made of pebble-grain synthetic leather, which gives it a softer feel and better grip than most other options.
This ball is perfect for your young child not only because of its durability and low cost but also because of the extra traction ensured by double-tuck synthetic laces.
Buy A Perfect Size Flag Football!
So there you go. We hope this guide was helpful in choosing the perfect size ball for your child. As you can see, the youth flag football comes in 4 different sizes.
Pee Wee is best for ages 5 to 8, while Junior is best for ages 9 to 11. The Youth size is perfect for those aged 12 to 14, while High School is the biggest size and is meant for those aged 14 and up.
And don’t think that the size of the football doesn’t matter. It does! The right-sized ball will make it easier for your child to grip and throw the ball and will also help them build their confidence on the field. So be sure to choose the perfect size ball for your little flag football star.
So get down there to your local store and pick up a ball today. And get ready for some serious fun!
Vance J has played flag football since he was a boy. Since then, he has become a coach and a huge advocate for growing the sport. He loves to write and talk about flag football!
