Choosing a good football (soccer ball) is one of the most important pieces of football equipment to get right before you even play the game. After all, we wouldn’t even be able to play the game if not for the round white sphere.
Cheaper and worse quality footballs are prone to bulging, bursting and tearing more easily. When paying with friends, we’ve occasionally had to stop early because we’ve purchased a poor-quality ball (one of the worst feelings imaginable!) Having to keep buying poor balls is a waste of time and money.
But that’s not to say there aren’t good cheaper options out there. When buying a football, it’s worth taking time to look into the type of material it’s made from. Also, when purchasing your football, try to test it by lightly passing it. If the ball feels spongy and light, it’s a good choice. If the ball feels heavy and like it may need pumping up often, avoid it.
#1: Mitre Ultimatch Max
The Mitre Ultimatch is more designed as a match ball rather for training. However, this brand of Mitre has proven to be popular for training sessions as well as match days within English football for decades.
The Ultimatch has a simple design, but is extremely sturdy and durable so, even if you want to practice shooting as hard as you can, this ball won’t let you down. Also, the Ultimatch is suitable for all surfaces (grass, 4G, astro-turf and indoor) so wherever you play, this ball is a suitable option.
One of the main appeals of this football is its affordability too. It provides a cheaper alternative to some more high-profile brands but the price doesn’t compromise the quality of the football.
Key Features
Specification
Pros
Cons
#2: Mitre Impel Training football
The Mitre Impel training football provides a cheaper alternative of product from Mitre. This feature makes it a great option to buy in bulk if you are looking to take part in training sessions with lots of players. I’ve seen many players blast these over fences and into rivers, but it’s not an issue buying more due to their affordability.
Despite its cheap price, the Impel still offers plenty of quality and durability for players. Its multi-panelled design gives it a hard feel, but this helps to improve player control and touch. This is great for younger or developing footballers as it helps to improve confidence on the ball.
Key Features
Specification
Pros
Cons
#3: Adidas Team Glider Football
If you are looking for a good-looking football with a more lightweight and softer feel then the Adidas Team Glider is a ball designed to feel weightless as you make contact.
The ball has a beautiful feel and helps to support shooting and long-range passing. You will want to keep practicing with this ball because when you connect perfectly with the ball, it feels beautiful and glides through the air (hence the name ‘Glider’ for this particular product).
When using this football in the past, it has been more for a fun game with friends, or when playing shooting games in practice sessions. Due to its price, having one in your kit-bag for a fun session is more applicable to this ball.
Key Features
Specification
Pros
Cons
#4: Mitre EFL Delta
The Mitre EFL Delta is a replica of the match ball used in the English Football League. While you can purchase the exact same ball used by professionals for a lot more money, this ball provides a good alternative for both matches and training.
Compared to other Mitre balls, the Delta is designed to be used by high-performance players, but its design helps to support a range of technical skills of the player. Its heavier feel is great for close control and touch.
The Delta is affordable and can be bought in bulk if you are intending to use them for training sessions. They have an iconic look to them with the arrowed pattern revolving around the ball, which will resonate with anyone who has watched the EFL in the past.
Key Features
Specification
Pros
Cons
#5: Under Armour Desafio 395
Under Armour is usually a brand associated with high-performance sportswear rather than their sports equipment. However, the Desafio 395 football is a great product for improving individual skill, touch and technique and provides a good alternative to a group training ball.
The Desafio has a lightweight feel and is well-known for its high rebound technology which supports the players touch and feel of the ball. This technology makes the ball nearly weightless and when you strike a shot or a pass, your chances of hitting it well improve with this ball.
While it may not be as popular compare the other brands, this football is useful if you want to practice individually.
Key Features
Specification
Pros
Cons
#6: Nike Football Strike Premier League
The Nike Strike ball was used in the 2018/19 season in the Premier League and different colours were used throughout that seasons matches.
Nike created the ball to barely change when in flight, so if struck well, the ball stays true to its flight which makes it great for practicing shooting and finishing.
However, the ball has proven to be popular with new and younger players too. The soft outer layers and extra padding helps players with their first touch and control when playing.
If you want a comfortable experience when practicing your touch and shooting technique, then this ball is perfect. The higher price, in comparison to other balls, makes it useful for players who want to practice their individual skills.Key Features
Specification
Pros
Cons
#7: Adidas Telstar 18
The Adidas Telstar 18 was used as the official match ball during the Russia World Cup in 2018. It was designed to maintain a simplistic and traditional black and white pattern. This approach paid homage to the original Telstar used in 1970, which was made black and white so TV audiences could see the ball clearly on television screens.
A unique design of this football means it doesn’t have stiches to hold the separate panels together but they are glued together instead. This style helps to facilitate a cleaner contact when shooting and adds extra movement when the ball is air bound. Perfect for strikers and attacking players to practice their shooting skillsKey Features
Specification
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Although the variations in footballs are quite minor, based on the material they are made with or how soft they are, these features can make quite a significant difference.
But, the Mitre Ultimatch provides a good all-round choice. The ball is ideal for a range of surfaces and the Mitre brand is still used all levels of the English leagues. The long-standing brand is reliable and of proven quality. The Ultimatch is completely affordable and of a good quality so you can use it as your match ball, or buy them in bulk to use in training sessions.
