Size 3 Soccer Ball
Size 3 soccer ball is the smallest ball used for matches. This size is recommended for players under 8 years. It weights no more then 12 oz and they usually measure 23-24 inches in circumference. Size 3 soccer balls can be made of synthetic material or polyurethane or it can also be made of PVC. The most expensive balls are the ones with a cover made of synthetic material and those are the best quality ones as well. The cheapest are the PVC balls even though they are the most durable and the most water resistance ones. Size 3 soccer balls can be produced by stitching or gluing 32 panels (they may have 18 or 26 panels like the balls used in some professional leagues). The best quality balls are those with 32 stitched panels and they are as well the most expensive.
Size 3 soccer ball is the standard ball for handball. Handball is a popular indoor sport played mostly in the European countries. There are also versions of outdoor handball even thought it is mostly played indoors and there is another version called beach handball, played of course on sand. Do not confuse handball (also known as team handball or Olympic handball) with American handball which is a completely different sport, also played indoors. Team handball is played between two teams of seven players each including the goalkeepers in which, for two periods of 30 minutes the players have to pass and bounce the ball until they score throwing the ball into the goal of the opposing team. The team with most goals is the winner.
A proper maintenance of a size 3 soccer ball consists in always removing excessive dirt from the ball after use. For that it might be used a damp cloth to wipe the ball and, if necessary, stains can be removed using mild soap or leather cleaner. Using detergents is not recommended because they could damage outer covering or stitching. On the other hand, it is not recommended to use excessive water sprays to clean the ball because the water can get into the ball. Otherwise, the right pressure will be indicated on the ball. Usually soccer balls have a pressure between 6 and 8 lbs. It is recommended to reduce pressure in the ball after a match to help protecting the ball steams and stitching by reducing the pressure on them.
Size 3 soccer ball can be used by players younger than 8 years old and it is the standard ball for European handball.
