Updated October 29, 2026 · 7 min read
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Short on time? Our picks
Junior (TDJ)NFL Super Grip4.8★, 28,600+ ratingsCheck price on Amazon →
Junior game ballGST SpeedSkin4.8★, sewn grip stripesCheck price on Amazon →Wilson football sizes · 2026
TDP, TDJ, TDY, TDS: Wilson’s football sizes decoded
Wilson footballs come in five sizes, and the codes on the ball (TDP, TDJ, TDY, TDS) or the words on the listing (pee wee, junior, youth, official) can be confusing. Here is what each size means, which age it fits, and the best Wilson football in each one.
- Junior (TDJ)NFL Super Grip · 4.8★, 28,600+ ratings
- Junior game ballGST SpeedSkin · 4.8★, sewn grip stripes
- Official (TDS)GST Leather Game Ball · 4.5★, high school favorite
- Junior with pumpNCAA Supreme · pump and tee included
Wilson football size chart
| Wilson code | Size name | Typical ages | Length (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| TDP | Pee wee | 6–9 | about 9.5–10″ |
| TDJ | Junior | 9–12 | about 10–10.5″ |
| TDY | Youth | 12–14 | about 10.5″ |
| TDS | Official (high school) | 14+ | about 11–11.25″ |
| F1100 “The Duke” | Official NFL | Adults, collectors | about 11–11.25″ |
| Mini | Mini / novelty | Fans, toddlers | about 8″ |
Wilson prints the size code on the ball, usually near the laces or logo. The ages are typical league guidelines; many youth flag and tackle leagues set their own ball size, so check with the coach before you buy.
What the Wilson codes mean
- TDP (pee wee): the smallest game size, for kids about 6 to 9 learning to throw a spiral.
- TDJ (junior): the most popular youth size, for ages about 9 to 12. Most Wilson “junior” listings on Amazon are TDJ.
- TDY (youth): a step up for ages 12 to 14, often used in middle school.
- TDS (official): full size, used in high school and college. Most “official” Wilson game balls are this size.
- The Duke: the official NFL ball, also full size. Wilson sells replicas and minis too.
Junior vs youth vs official: which do you need?
| If your player is… | Buy |
|---|---|
| 6 to 8, first flag football season | Pee wee (TDP) |
| 9 to 12, rec or flag league | Junior (TDJ) |
| 12 to 14, middle school | Youth (TDY) |
| 14+, high school | Official (TDS) |
| An adult playing catch | Official, or junior for small hands |
When in doubt, go smaller. A ball that fits the hand teaches a proper spiral grip, while one that is too big forces a two-handed shove.
The best Wilson football in each size
Wilson NFL Super Grip Composite Football
You need this if: you want a durable, grippy junior ball for backyard and flag football.
- SizeJunior (also other sizes)
- CoverSoft composite
- BladderPressure Lock
- Rating4.8★ (28,600+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: One of the most-reviewed footballs on Amazon. The soft composite is easy for kids to grip, and it holds air well.
Keep in mind: It is a composite, not leather, so it won’t feel like a game ball.
Wilson GST SpeedSkin Football
You need this if: your child plays in a league and wants a real game-ball feel.
- SizesJunior and others
- GripSewn-on composite stripes
- LacesRaised pebbled laces
- Rating4.8★ (560+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: It brings the GST design (Wilson’s game ball line) to youth sizes. The sewn stripes add grip for release, says Wilson.
Keep in mind: It costs more than the Super Grip.
Wilson GST Leather Game Football
You need this if: you play high school football or want the classic game ball.
- SizeOfficial (other sizes listed)
- CoverLight Leather Formula
- GripSewn stripes
- Rating4.5★ (1,700+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: The GST is the best-known high school game ball. It needs breaking in, but feels great once it does. See our GST review.
Keep in mind: New leather is slick at first. Plan on a few weeks of catch to break it in.
Wilson NCAA Supreme Junior Football with Pump and Tee
You need this if: you want everything to start in one box.
- SizeJunior
- IncludesPump and kicking tee
- CoverComposite (PVC)
- Rating4.7★ (2,900+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: A simple gift: ball, pump and tee for under the price of a game ball.
Keep in mind: The PVC cover is harder than the Super Grip.
Wilson NFL Duke Football (Mini and Official)
You need this if: you want the NFL ball as a gift or display piece.
- SizesMini and official
- DesignClassic NFL Duke look
- UseGift, autographs, play
- Rating4.7★ (1,900+ ratings)
Why we recommend it: The mini is a popular autograph and gift ball, and the official version is the NFL shape.
Keep in mind: Choose the size carefully: the default may be the mini.
Composite vs leather Wilson footballs
| Type | Feel | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | Soft, grippy from day one | Kids, backyard, wet weather | Super Grip, NCAA Supreme |
| Leather | Breaks in, best feel over time | League games, high school | GST Leather |
| Hybrid / youth game | Game-ball design in small sizes | Youth league players | GST SpeedSkin |
How to break in a leather Wilson football
Play catch with it often, wipe it with a damp cloth to remove factory wax, and keep it out of the rain until it softens. Some players use a leather conditioner made for footballs. Avoid hair dryers and ovens, which can crack the leather.
How to inflate a Wilson football
Most Wilson footballs list a pressure of about 12.5 to 13.5 PSI. Wet the needle, insert it gently, and use a gauge. Too little air makes the ball wobble; too much makes it hard to catch.
Wilson football sizes for flag football
Flag football is where most kids start, and leagues are strict about ball size. NFL FLAG, the biggest youth flag program in the US, generally uses smaller balls for younger divisions and steps up as kids get older. A common pattern is pee wee or junior for ages 6 to 10, junior or youth for ages 11 to 14, and official for high school and adult leagues. Always ask the league, because some use one size for all divisions.
| Flag division (typical) | Ages | Wilson size |
|---|---|---|
| Pee wee / U8 | 5–7 | TDP or junior |
| U10 | 8–9 | Junior (TDJ) |
| U12 | 10–11 | Junior (TDJ) |
| U14 | 12–13 | Youth (TDY) |
| High school / adult | 14+ | Official (TDS) |
Size by hand, not just age
Age bands are a starting point, but hand size matters more for throwing. A simple test: have the player grip the ball with fingertips on the laces. If the thumb and fingers can wrap around enough to hold the ball without the palm flat against it, the size is right. If they have to cradle it against the palm or use two hands to throw, go down a size. Big-handed 11-year-olds may be ready for youth (TDY), while smaller 13-year-olds may still throw best with a junior ball.
Which Wilson footballs make the best gifts
For a young fan, the NFL Super Grip in junior size is the safe pick: it is the one they will actually throw every day. For a teen who plays, the GST Leather in official size is the “real deal” game ball. For collectors and autograph hunters, the NFL Duke mini is the classic choice. Pair any of them with a pump and a kicking tee for a complete gift. See our gifts for football players guide for more ideas.
How to care for your Wilson football
- Store it indoors. Heat and sun dry out leather and fade composite covers.
- Keep air in. Check pressure every week or two. A soft ball loses shape faster.
- Clean it gently. Wipe dirt with a damp cloth. Avoid soap on leather.
- Dry wet balls slowly. Let them air-dry at room temperature, never by a heater.
- Use the right surface. Concrete and asphalt scuff covers. Grass is best.
Common Wilson football sizing mistakes
- Buying “official” for a young child. It’s too big and heavy for kids under about 13.
- Missing the size menu. Many Wilson listings default to one size. Check the selected size before you order.
- Confusing the mini with junior. The mini Duke is a novelty ball, not a youth game ball.
- Ignoring the league. If the league provides game balls, practice with the same size at home.
Wilson vs other brands: are sizes the same?
Mostly, yes. A “junior” football from Wilson, Franklin or Rawlings is close in size, and an official ball is the same across all makers because leagues set its dimensions. The small differences are in shape and feel: Wilson junior composites like the Super Grip have a soft, tacky cover, while some budget brands use harder rubber. If a child already likes a certain ball, stick with that size when you switch brands.
How many footballs should a family buy?
One good ball per player is enough for most families. If kids of different ages play, buy each one their own size, since a 7-year-old and a 13-year-old shouldn’t share a ball. A cheap composite ball for the yard plus a leather game ball for league practice is a common setup for teens.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
What does TDJ mean on a Wilson football?
TDJ is Wilson’s junior size, for players about 9 to 12.
What size is a Wilson TDS football?
TDS is Wilson’s official size, used in high school and college.
What size football for a 10-year-old?
Usually a junior (TDJ) ball.
Is The Duke an official size?
Yes. The full-size Duke is the official NFL ball. Wilson also makes mini Dukes.
What size is the Wilson Super Grip?
The most common listing is junior size, and it is also sold in other sizes. Check the size menu.
How we chose
We used Wilson’s size codes, the standard youth league age bands and Amazon ratings and review counts as of October 2026. We did not test these footballs ourselves. For other brands, see our football size by age chart.
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
