High school girls play with a Size 5 soccer ball, the full adult and competition standard for players aged 13 and up. This guide gives the exact specs, the age by size chart, and what to look for when buying one.
You will also see how ball size and weight relate to heading safety for female players, plus simple care tips that keep a Size 5 ball performing and safe all season.
Table of Contents
- What Size Soccer Ball Do High School Girls Use?
- What Are the Exact Size 5 Soccer Ball Specs?
- What Soccer Ball Size Does Each Age Group Use?
- Do Girls and Boys Use Different Soccer Ball Sizes?
- When Does a Player Move Up to a Size 5 Ball?
- How Do You Choose a Size 5 Ball for a High School Player?
- What Are Common Mistakes When Picking a Ball Size?
- Does Ball Size and Weight Affect Heading Safety for Girls?
- How Do You Care for a Size 5 Ball?
Key Takeaways
- Size 5 is the answer: High school girls use a Size 5 soccer ball, the same official ball used in college, professional, and FIFA matches.
- Same as boys: There is no gender difference in ball size. Boys and girls both use Size 5 at age 13 and up.
- Know the specs: A Size 5 ball is about 27 to 28 inches around and weighs 14 to 16 ounces.
- The progression: Size 3 for under 8, Size 4 for ages 8 to 12, then Size 5 from age 13 and up.
- Safety matters: Ball mass, inflation, and speed influence head acceleration more than diameter, which matters for female players.
What Size Soccer Ball Do High School Girls Use?
High school girls use a Size 5 soccer ball, the official full size standard for all players aged 13 and older. It is the same ball used in college, professional, and international competition.
The National Federation of State High School Associations and most state athletic bodies require Size 5 for official games and practices. If you are unsure what size soccer ball do I need, the rule is simple at this level.
- Match standard: Size 5 is mandated for all official high school competition.
- No exceptions by team: Varsity, junior varsity, and freshman teams all use Size 5.
What Are the Exact Size 5 Soccer Ball Specs?
A Size 5 soccer ball has a circumference of about 27 to 28 inches, which is 68 to 70 centimeters. It weighs roughly 14 to 16 ounces, or 410 to 450 grams, at the start of play.
These figures follow FIFA Law 2 and align with NFHS and NCAA rules, so the ball your daughter trains with matches the one used at every higher level.
| Spec | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Circumference | 27 to 28 inches (68 to 70 cm) |
| Weight | 14 to 16 oz (410 to 450 g) |
| Diameter | about 8.6 to 9 inches (22 cm) |
| Recommended age | 13 and up |
What Soccer Ball Size Does Each Age Group Use?
Youth soccer uses three match ball sizes that scale with age, Size 3, Size 4, and Size 5. High school girls have aged into the largest, Size 5, which begins at U13.
The chart below shows the standard progression so you can confirm when a player moved up. The short clip after it walks through the same sizing logic visually.
| Size | Age Group | Circumference | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size 3 | Under 8 (U8) | 23 to 24 in | Youth leagues, beginners |
| Size 4 | Ages 8 to 12 (U9 to U12) | 25 to 26 in | Pre teen youth play |
| Size 5 | 13 and up (U13+) | 27 to 28 in | High school, college, pro |
Where Size 1 and 2 balls fit
Sizes 1 and 2 are mini or skills balls used for footwork drills, not official matches. They help players refine touch but never replace the Size 5 game ball at high school.
Do Girls and Boys Use Different Soccer Ball Sizes?
No. High school girls and boys both use a Size 5 soccer ball, with no difference in official ball size between genders at any level from age 13 upward.
The Size 5 standard keeps play consistent across girls, boys, college, and professional soccer worldwide. Skills carry over cleanly when you want to how to juggle a soccer ball or master other techniques.
- One standard: Governing bodies set Size 5 for all players 13 and up regardless of gender.
- Fair play: A shared ball size means consistent training and game conditions for every team.
When Does a Player Move Up to a Size 5 Ball?
Most players move up to a Size 5 ball at age 13, or U13, which lines up with the start of high school for many athletes. By high school, Size 5 is required for everyone.
Some coaches introduce it at age 12 for practice, while others hold it back to age 14 to protect technique. As players grow, advanced skills like how to curve a soccer ball become part of training.
- Ease the transition: Let a younger player use the Size 5 ball in solo practice before team sessions.
- Master fundamentals first: A strong Size 4 foundation makes the heavier ball feel natural.
How Do You Choose a Size 5 Ball for a High School Player?
Choose a Size 5 ball matched to its main use, with match balls for games and durable training balls for daily practice. Construction, panel bonding, and bladder type drive feel and lifespan.
For a reliable game day option, the RitFit Limited Edition Soccer ball offers a true Size 5 build for high school players.
- Match balls: Thermally bonded panels give a consistent flight for games.
- Training balls: Stitched, tougher covers handle high volume practice on rough surfaces.
- Bladder: Butyl bladders hold air longer, latex bladders give a softer touch.
- Accessories: Keep a clean RitFit soccer towels set in the bag to wipe the ball dry.
Round out the kit bag by browsing related sports accessories, then confirm general sizing details on this size reference page before buying.
What Are Common Mistakes When Picking a Ball Size?
The most common mistake is giving a young player a Size 5 ball too early to help them get ahead, which usually builds awkward habits rather than skill. Match the ball to the age band instead.
Another error is using a single worn ball for both games and rough practice, which wears it out fast and changes its flight before you would expect.
- Skipping sizes: A too big ball forces unnatural kicking mechanics in younger players.
- Ignoring inflation: An overinflated or underinflated ball plays and feels wrong.
- One ball for everything: Reserve the match ball for games to protect its feel.
Once the ball fits, refining technique like how to shoot a soccer ball and learning what is offsides in soccer rounds out a player.
Does Ball Size and Weight Affect Heading Safety for Girls?
Ball mass, inflation pressure, and speed influence head acceleration during a header more than diameter alone, and this matters because female players tend to sustain greater head accelerations than males.[1]
A 2025 systematic review reported that youth head accelerations could be cut by 59 percent with a lighter Size 5 ball and by 26 percent with reduced ball pressure, compared with a 430 gram match ball.[1]
"There was some consistent evidence that increased ball speed, mass and inflation increased head acceleration. Female players sustained greater head accelerations than males."
Osman Hassan Ahmed, PhD, Physiotherapy and Sports Concussion Researcher, University of Otago
A separate study found that reasonable reductions in ball parameters produced a 19.7 percent decrease in peak impact force during headers.[2] Pairing the right Size 5 ball with good technique helps, so practicing how to head a soccer ball with control is worthwhile.
- Use an age appropriate ball: The correct Size 5 mass and pressure suit players 13 and up.
- Limit hard repeated headers: Especially at high velocity during youth training.
How Do You Care for a Size 5 Ball?
Keep a Size 5 ball properly inflated, clean, and dry to protect both its performance and player safety. Research indicates that reducing inflation pressure or mass is a practical way to lower ball to head impact.[3]
Avoid leaving a ball outside in wet conditions, since water absorption increases its mass and impact force and can push it past competition weight limits.[2]
- Inflate to spec: Stay within the pressure range printed near the valve.
- Dry after use: Wipe a wet ball before storage to prevent waterlogging.
- Store indoors: Keep balls out of extreme heat or cold to preserve the bladder.
FAQs About Soccer Ball Size for High School Girls
What size soccer ball do high school girls use?
High school girls use a Size 5 soccer ball, the official adult and competition standard for players aged 13 and older. It is the same ball used in college, professional, and FIFA matches. Most state athletic associations require Size 5 for all official high school games and practices, for both girls and boys.
What are the exact dimensions of a Size 5 soccer ball?
A Size 5 soccer ball has a circumference of about 27 to 28 inches, or 68 to 70 centimeters. It weighs roughly 14 to 16 ounces, which is 410 to 450 grams at the start of play. These specifications follow FIFA Law 2 and are the standard for high school, college, and professional competition worldwide.
Do girls and boys use different soccer ball sizes in high school?
No. High school girls and boys both use a Size 5 soccer ball. There is no gender difference in official ball size at this level. The Size 5 standard applies to all players aged 13 and older across youth, high school, college, and professional play, keeping the game consistent and fair for everyone on the field.
When should a player move up to a Size 5 soccer ball?
Most players move up to a Size 5 ball at age 13, or U13, which lines up with the start of high school for many athletes. Some coaches introduce it as early as age 12 for practice, while others wait until 13 or 14 to protect technique. By high school, Size 5 is the required match ball for everyone.
Does soccer ball size affect heading safety for girls?
Research shows ball mass, inflation pressure, and speed influence head acceleration more than diameter alone, and one 2025 systematic review found female players sustained greater head accelerations than males. Using a properly inflated, age appropriate ball and limiting hard repeated headers are practical steps. A waterlogged, overinflated ball raises impact force and should be avoided.
Conclusion
For high school girls, the answer is simple and firm, use a Size 5 soccer ball, the same official ball required for all players aged 13 and up.
Match the ball type to its job, keep it inflated to spec and dry, and pair the right ball with sound heading technique to support both performance and player safety.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice or concussion treatment guidance. Consult a qualified coach, athletic trainer, or healthcare professional for personalized safety and training recommendations.
References
1. Ahmed OH, et al. What Factors Influence Head Acceleration During a Purposeful Header in Soccer Players? A Systematic Review. Sports Med. 2025;55(7):1677-1741. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12296814/
2. Auger J, Markel J, Pecoski DD, et al. Factors affecting peak impact force during soccer headers and implications for the mitigation of head injuries. PLoS One. 2020;15(10):e0240162. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7567382/
3. Oliva-Lozano JM, Gomez-Carmona CD, Muyor JM, et al. Potential Effects of Soccer Ball Characteristics on Ball-to-Head Contact: A Systematic Review. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2024;9(4). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11586965/
