What size of football

KayJay86

What size of football should I buy for my 4 year old to practice some drills in the garden? He was in a training group last year with our local club for Nusery/P1 ages (in the north) but I don't know which balls they were using. Didn't expect to see so many types in the online shops - Size 4, Size 5, Quick Touch, First Touch, Smart Touch.

KayJay86

Oh, didn't realise the different touches have different sizes within them. What's the difference?

startrek56

KayJay86 wrote: »

Oh, didn't realise the different touches have different sizes within them. What's the difference?

actually go with the quick touch.... for a 4 year old they wont see any difference

Uncle Pierre

Am involved with the nursery group in my own club - kids as young as 3, and no older than 7. My advice would be to go for a size 4 ball, something like this:
https://www.thegaastore.com/en/Mc-Keever-Go-First-Touch-Gaelic-Football/m-1143.aspx

That's not the exact brand we use ourselves, but close enough to it. And for what it's worth, have bought other stuff myself from that site a few times, and was always happy with it.

KayJay86

Thanks folks, appreciate it.

ChippingSodbury

As far as I remember,
U16 upwards: Size 5
U14: Size 4
U12: Smart Touch
U10: Quick Touch
U8 and lower: First Touch

As you move from First Touch to Size 5, the ball gets progressively bigger, heavier and harder. Don't buy a ball that's meant for an older age group because the kid won't get their kicking or catching techniques correct. Every kids wants to show you how far they can kick: if the ball is too heavy or too big, they won't get it very far.

rpurfield

First touch and quick touch are smaller and lighter than the size 4 so bear that in mind. My eldest lad is using the size four at U13 but the 8 year old finds it too heavy! It's a couple of years since we bought the first touch but it was only €10 or a bit under.

Uncle Pierre

Have to admit I always considered a First Touch ball to be a Size 4. Maybe it's actually a bit smaller. Either way, First Touch is the thing to go for.

KayJay86

Got it ordered. Thanks again all.

rpurfield

Uncle Pierre wrote: »

Have to admit I always considered a First Touch ball to be a Size 4. Maybe it's actually a bit smaller. Either way, First Touch is the thing to go for.

Yeah there isn't much in but it is lighter too.