Kick into the Future: The Best Smart Soccer Ball (2024)
What are the best smart soccer balls for youth soccer players? In recent years, the beautiful game has changed a lot due to the role of new technologies such as VAR, soccer trackers, training apps, cameras, and of course smart soccer balls.
The rise of smart soccer balls has allowed youth players to get good quality training from the comfort of their home. Regular soccer balls are one of the most important pieces of soccer gear and equipment, along with cleats and shin guards, and smart soccer balls are only a supplementary tool that could be worth your money depending on your situation.
In this blog I will go over what smart soccer balls are, features to look for, give you recommendations for best options, and answer frequently asked questions.
Image by Faizan Ali
What is a Smart Soccer Ball?
A smart soccer ball is a device for youth soccer players that offers a good way for them to train indoor or outdoors, which is preferred. These high-tech training balls have sensors embedded in them with Bluetooth capabilities, and/or other features.
The main goals of this training equipment is to help players gain confidence, improve their soccer skills, and gain new skills from the comfort of their home. The sensors track various performance metrics such as number of touches per set and provide real-time feedback and personalized coaching through companion apps that sync with the ball via Bluetooth.
Are Smart Soccer Balls Useful?
Before we get on to the list of best smart soccer balls let’s answer a very important question. Are smart soccer balls useful? Smart soccer balls can be a good option for younger players to get extra training, but it should not be a priority, and they are not designed for more advanced players or professionals.
The best ways to get better at the game are to play as much as possible through team trainings, real games, and variations of the game such as small sided games (5v5, 7v7, or 9v9) pickup games, futsal, beach soccer, soccer tennis, or soccer ping pong. If your young athlete is doing these things every week and they want to get extra training, then a smart soccer ball may be useful, but it should not be replacing these better forms of training.
Since we are talking about electronic devices, and you will have to use them to use these types of balls, it is important to discuss Electromagnetic radiation (EMFs) and how they can impact sleep, recovery, energy levels, and even your mindset.
The Best Smart Soccer Balls
Best Overall Smart Soccer Ball: Dribble Up Smart Soccer Ball
Dribble Up Smart Soccer Ball
$99.99
The most popular smart soccer ball on the market is the dribbleup smart soccer ball. This soccer ball comes with a companion app, the dribbleup app, which offers virtual training sessions at home. This soccer ball is designed to improve footwork technique and foot skills to help players progress through their early soccer journey.
Best Smart Soccer Ball to become Ambidextrous: Senseball
SENSEBALL
$44.99
The Senseball Smart ball is specifically designed to help young players become ambidextrous, which means you can use both feet equally. This ball has been used by professional soccer academies around the world, over 500 of them, including elite clubs such as Sevilla’s professional youth academy in Spain.
Best Hover Soccer Ball: Let Loose Moose Hover Soccer Ball
Hover Soccer Ball
$16.49
The Hover soccer ball is specifically designed for use indoors and its soft materials ensure it won’t be knocking things down around the house. This is a great gift for any young soccer player that likes to kick a ball around the house.
Best Adjustable Solo Trainer: SKLZ Star Kick Hands Free Solo Trainer
SKLZ Hands free solo trainer
$14.99
Next on this list is not exactly a smart soccer ball itself, but it is a piece of equipment that can make your soccer ball a bit smarter. The SKLZ Star kick hands free solo trainer attaches to your soccer ball and keeps it coming back to you every time you kick it away. It is like having a partner that does not get tired and can help you practice, passing, shooting, and ball control skills.
Best Light Up Soccer Ball: Nightball Soccer Ball
NIGHTBALL
$29.99
Last on this list is a soccer ball that again is not that technologically advanced, but it does have a unique design. The Nightball soccer ball glows in the dark and will allow youth players to improve skills in the dark, adding a new element to their training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Smart Soccer Balls worth it?
Smart soccer balls may be worth your money, but only for a young soccer player that can be considered a beginner and has a lot to learn. More advanced players will not really benefit from a smart soccer ball.
How do you inflate a smart soccer ball?
To inflate or deflate a smart soccer ball you will need a ball pump for the best results, but if you don’t have a ball pump you may be able to use common household items.
How can I learn more about the game?
To learn more about soccer the most important thing is to join a team and play the game as much as possible. If possible, analyze high level games as much as you can and your own games as well by recording them with a soccer camera. Also read soccer books, listen to podcasts and interviews watch soccer documentaries, as well as some movies, tv shows, and anime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, smart soccer balls are not a mandatory piece of equipment, but if you have the money, if you are training correctly, and if you want extra training, then they can be a great investment. In this blog I went over what a smart soccer ball, how they can be useful for some players, as well as gave some recommendations for best smart soccer balls.
