Updated October 30, 2026 · 7 min read
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Short on time? Our picks
Best overallWilson NFL Super Grip (junior)Check price on Amazon →
Best for younger kidsFranklin Grip-Rite 100tough rubberCheck price on Amazon →Footballs · 2026
The best footballs for kids
A football in the right size helps kids grip the ball, throw a real spiral and catch with confidence. An adult-size ball is too big for small hands, which is why kids’ footballs come in pee wee, junior and youth sizes.
Below is one clear ball for each age, plus a size chart and how to teach a spiral.
Quick answer: the best footballs for kids
- Best overallWilson NFL Super Grip (junior)
- Best for younger kidsFranklin Grip-Rite 100 · tough rubber
- Alternative junior ballFranklin 1000 Junior · synthetic leather feel
If you want one answer: buy the Wilson NFL Super Grip junior football. The soft composite cover is easy to grip, it has classic NFL-style laces, and the junior size suits most kids about 9 to 12. For kids under about 8, choose the Franklin Grip-Rite 100.
Buying this as a gift? See our football gift guide for ideas by budget, and check our Black Friday sports deals guide before you buy.
Pick by age
Franklin Grip-Rite 100
Little hands. A 10 inch rubber ball with deep pebbling and raised laces that is easy to grip and survives concrete and rain.
Wilson NFL Super Grip
Flag and youth football. A soft composite junior ball with NFL laces and a bladder that holds air.
Franklin 1000 Junior
Kids who want a ball that feels more like a game ball, with a synthetic leather cover and pro-style laces.
The best footballs for kids, reviewed
Wilson NFL Super Grip Composite Football (Junior)
You need this if: your child is about 9 to 12 and plays flag football, youth football or catch in the yard.
- SizeJunior
- CoverSoft composite
- AirPressure Lock bladder
Why we recommend it: The composite cover balances softness and toughness, the NFL-style laces help kids find the right grip for a spiral, and the bladder keeps it inflated longer.
Keep in mind: Check the size on the listing, because Wilson sells the Super Grip in several sizes. Composite covers wear faster on concrete than rubber.
Franklin Sports Grip-Rite 100 Junior Football
You need this if: your child is about 4 to 8 or will play on concrete and in the rain.
- SizeJunior, 10 x 6 in
- CoverDeep-pebbled rubber
- LacesRaised, pro style
Why we recommend it: Rubber is the toughest cover, so this ball survives driveways, puddles and dogs. The deep pebbling and raised laces make it easy for small hands to grip and throw.
Keep in mind: Rubber feels harder and heavier than composite. Older kids usually prefer the Wilson.
Franklin Sports 1000 Junior Football
You need this if: you want a junior ball with a game-ball feel at a low price.
- SizeJunior
- CoverSynthetic leather
- LacesHand-sewn, pro style
Why we recommend it: It gives kids a ball that feels closer to a leather game ball, with a grippy synthetic cover and hand-sewn laces that help them learn spirals.
Keep in mind: Size and grip are mixed in reviews. Choose it only if you prefer the leather feel, otherwise the Wilson is the safer pick.
Kids footballs compared
| Football | Best for | Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Wilson Super Grip | Ages 9 to 12 | Composite |
| Franklin Grip-Rite 100 | Ages 4 to 8 | Rubber |
| Franklin 1000 | Leather feel | Synthetic leather |
Prices vary by size and color.
Youth football size chart by age
| Ball size | Age (about) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pee Wee | 6 to 9 | Smallest size, easiest to throw |
| Junior | 9 to 12 | Most flag and youth leagues |
| Youth | 12 to 14 | Middle school |
| Official | 14 and up | High school, college and adults |
Leagues set the official size by age group, so check with your coach. For backyard catch, choose the size your child can grip with fingers on the laces.
What size football for a 4, 6, 8 or 10 year old?
- 4 to 5 years old: a soft foam ball or the smallest rubber ball. Focus on catching, not spirals.
- 6 to 8 years old: pee wee or a small junior rubber ball like the Grip-Rite 100.
- 9 to 10 years old: junior size, like the Wilson Super Grip junior.
- 11 to 12 years old: junior, moving to youth size for middle school leagues.
▶ How to Throw a Football: NFL FLAG DrillsNFL FLAG shows kids how to grip and throw a football with simple steps. The video loads from YouTube only when you press play.
How to teach a kid to throw a spiral
- Grip: ring and little fingers on the laces, thumb underneath, a small gap between the palm and the ball.
- Stance: side-on to the target, opposite foot forward.
- Ball up: bring the ball up by the ear with the elbow at shoulder height.
- Step and throw: step toward the target and throw over the top.
- Follow through: finish with the thumb pointing down and the hand by the opposite hip.
The right size ball matters most: if the fingers cannot reach the laces, the ball will wobble no matter how good the technique.
Rubber vs composite vs leather footballs
Rubber is the toughest and cheapest, ideal for little kids, concrete and rain. Composite is softer and grippier, the best all-round choice for kids who play regularly. Leather is used for high school and adult game balls. It feels best once broken in but costs much more and needs care.
Backyard football drills for kids
- Partner catch: start five steps apart and take a step back after every five catches in a row.
- Over the shoulder: the child jogs away and turns to catch a soft lob over their shoulder.
- Target throws: hang a hula hoop or set a bucket and see how many throws go through or in.
- Route running: teach a slant, a hitch and a fly, then throw to each route.
- Hand-off practice: the runner makes a pocket with the arms while the quarterback places the ball in.
Footballs for toddlers and preschoolers
Kids under about 5 cannot grip a real football yet. Soft foam footballs or small plush balls are better: they are easy to catch, do not hurt if they hit a face, and are safe indoors. Switch to a small rubber ball once your child can hold it in one hand.
Football gifts for kids
A football in their favorite team’s colors is one of the easiest gifts for young fans. Pair the ball with a flag football set for a party-ready gift, or with receiver gloves for kids who already play. Wilson and Franklin both make team-design balls in junior sizes.
When to buy a bigger football
Move up a size when your child joins a league that uses a bigger ball, or when their throws are consistently spiraling with the smaller ball and their hand easily covers the laces. Moving up too early makes throws wobble and can knock a child’s confidence, so wait until they are ready.
How to inflate a football
Inflate to the pressure printed on the ball, usually around 12.5 to 13.5 PSI for official balls, and a little lower for kids’ balls if it feels too hard. Moisten the needle first, and check the pressure every few weeks.
How to make a kids football last
- Use a rubber ball for concrete and driveways, and keep a composite ball for grass.
- Do not leave the ball outside in sun, rain or frost.
- Wipe off mud and let it dry naturally.
- Do not sit on the ball or use it as a kicking tee for hard kicks.
Starting flag football? See the best flag football sets. Want to help your child catch more? See football gloves for receivers.
Related guide: Practice at home with the best football throwing nets and the best football kicking tees.
Size guide: Not sure which size? See our football size by age chart for flag and tackle football.
Want the details? Buying for an older player? Read our Wilson GST leather football review.
Related: Gear up with youth football gloves and a mouth guard.
Related: Wilson football sizes
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
What is the best football for kids?
For kids about 9 to 12, the Wilson NFL Super Grip junior football. For kids under about 8, the Franklin Grip-Rite 100.
What size football for a 10 year old?
Usually junior size. Most flag and youth leagues for ages 9 to 12 use a junior ball.
What size football for an 8 year old?
Pee wee or a small junior ball. The ball should be small enough to grip with fingers on the laces.
What size football for a 6 year old?
Pee wee size or a small rubber junior ball.
What size football for a 4 or 5 year old?
A soft foam ball or the smallest rubber ball, for easy catching.
What is the youth football size chart by age?
Pee wee for about 6 to 9, junior for 9 to 12, youth for 12 to 14 and official for 14 and up.
Are rubber or composite footballs better for kids?
Rubber is tougher for concrete and young kids. Composite is softer and grippier for regular play.
How do I teach my kid to throw a spiral?
Use the right size ball, put the fingers on the laces, throw over the top and finish with the thumb pointing down.
How we chose
We picked one ball for each age. We have not tested these balls in person, no brand paid for placement, and prices change often. Read our full method.
We research sports gear for players, coaches and sports parents. We compare specs, read verified buyer reviews and name one clear pick for each kind of player. How we pick · Affiliate disclosure
