Field hockey is a difficult sport to play. But it's also incredibly rewarding. There's nothing quite like scoring a goal and hearing the crowd go wild. That's why it's important to start your game with the right ball. It can make all the difference in your performance.

Things to Consider for the best Field Hockey Balls

There is a lot that goes into choosing from among so many options, but if you know what your priorities are then it should be easier. To start with, there's size and weight: Do you want something light enough as possible?

And how big exactly do we need our stick/ball ratio - Is anything too small going to the back burner?

Does it matter what the ball is made of inside?

What's inside a field hockey ball?

Features to consider

Sure, field hockey balls may all look the same, but the little things make a good ball different from the rest. Let's check out things that matter.

Color

Field hockey can be played on both regular and artificial fields. Fields can be grass, clay, hard court, or turf. If the hockey ball is visible, it will help to reduce or eliminate potential confusion. A ball must be visible not only to players and umpires on the field but also to officials, photographers, and even spectators.

This is also important so that the field hockey ball can be seen, especially on deep grass courts. Additionally, the color of the selected ball should not match the ground and surroundings. Thus, a ball with a green color would not be suitable for a green grass field. A field hockey ball should be brightly colored to be easily identified on and off the field. For this reason, white is often used as the standard color.

Ball Texture

Depending on the surface, players can lean toward one of two types of field hockey ball surfaces.

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Clear smooth balls are regularly used on sand-based fields.
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Dimpled balls are perfect for water-based artificial pitches.

Dimpled balls allow water to spread more quickly through the convexity of the ball, allowing it to travel greater distances at higher speeds.

Field hockey balls with cork are ideal for daytime play and increased control.

Size

Field hockey balls must meet specific weight requirements set by the World Council. According to the FHA of the US, field hockey balls used in professional competitions must weigh between 5.5 and 5.75 ounces or somewhere between 156 and 163 grams. They are typically 8.80 to 9.25 inches in circumference.


Factors to consider

Selecting the right field hockey ball to meet specific requirements can sometimes be difficult and time-consuming. The most important factors you will need to consider before buying the best field hockey ball are brand, use, and user reviews.

Use

Earlier, to buy a field hockey ball, you will need to consider if you can play on sand-based turf, hard court, turf, grass, and clay with this ball. You also have to consider whether it is useful outdoor or indoor use, whether it is usable for high-level competition matches or just practice.

If the ball is lightweight, sand-based turf will be the best instead of turf or grass. The newcomers and young players use lightweight balls, but the professionals prefer heavier balls.

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There are three main types of field hockey balls: indoor, outdoor, and practice balls. 
  1. Indoor balls are designed to be lighter and have a softer exterior.
  2. Outdoor balls are heavier and have a harder surface to withstand rougher playing conditions; they are distinguished by their dimples.
  3. Practice balls are typically cheaper and made of a less durable material for training purposes.

Brand

The brand of the ball displays its performance over a long period. Buyers would take a brand seriously if its performance has been consistently and admirable in the past. In this way, it will promote itself as a reputable brand.

Reviews

When any customer goes to buy a product, first of all, he will look at the reviews. This position is still considered recommended for purchasing field hockey balls. Reviews are a summary of the experiences of people who have bought and used the item and can vouch for its quality. If the ball fulfills the purpose for which it was made and purchased, then the rating will be positive, and if it does not, then the rating will be negative. Generally, the higher the quality of a field hockey ball, the better reviews it will receive.


🏅 Best Practice Field Hockey Balls

Simbra practice balls

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❤️ why we love this ball

Add this Simbra ball to your shopping cart for your practices. Simbra produces this practice ball made up of cork material and comes in a bright pink color. Its diameter is 2.9 inches. These hockey balls have an official field hockey ball size. It is the reason that these balls are the top choice for the varsity league field hockey, high school JV, and all the hockey players.

A pack consists of 12 standard field hockey balls that ensure continual play. There will be a spare ball in case a ball hits out of bounds during practice.

🏑 features

It is the best hockey practice equipment. These field hockey balls consist of the best quality durable materials that are reliable to maintain their integrity. The coaches and players have not to worry about being unable to see the ball; these colourful field hockey balls will be visible from a distance.


🥈 Best Field Hockey Competition Ball

TK field hockey ball

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❤️ why we love this ball

The TK Field Hockey Ball is your new best friend on the field because it’s made with competition in mind. This ball is perfect for intense field hockey games. It has a frictionless surface, making it super easy to maneuver with your stick. Not only that, but thanks to its unique color, you'll never be confused about where the ball is.

TK provides the best field hockey balls around – ones that keep up with all the back and forth while you focus on one thing – making that goal. With this ball on the field, going for the goal is your focus.

🏑 features

The TK Field Hockey is game ball ready for the competition stage with their 4.5” diameter, 5.75 ounce weight and vibrant colors. Regardless of wet or dry conditions, these TK game balls remain consistent in performance, giving you a great competitive game to play with (who'll be wishing they had TK). The protective coating on TK's field hockey balls will keep you from slipping up - literally - so you can focus on taking that winning shot! So whether you’re playing at school, club or any other competition, TK ball is a knockout as the most trusted name in field hockey sporting goods. TK knows your skills deserve the best: all hail field hockey's #1 ball for unrivaled performance for you to compete.


🥉 Best Water-based Pitch Outdoor Field Hockey Balls

iPerform Outdoor Field Hockey Ball

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❤️ why we love this ball

Introducing the iPerform Field Hockey ball designed to live up to the name; delivering top-notch performance for outdoor play. Featuring dimples like a big golf ball. This dynamic design ensures excellent grip and control on water-based pitches. No more worrying about slips and slides during matches! And don’t let its looks deceive you – this durable ball hates being kicked but loves being bounced around like a pinball machine with your sticks. Take it with you to your next field hockey outing – that’s what we call an ace play! Get the right equipment for the occasion.

🏑 features

These balls are usable in warm weather. The diameter of these balls is 65mm, and the weight is 50 grams. The Winnwell Street Hockey Balls can be the best choice for the children due to their 2.55 inches diameter and 50 grams of weight. These field hockey balls will be a great addition to all hockey players’ bags.


Field Hockey Ball FAQs

Our Frequently Asked Questions section will tell you everything you need to know about your new potential field hockey ball. We hope these Answers help you on your search.

What ball is used in field hockey?

The ball used in field hockey is called a hockey ball. It is typically made of hard plastic and is about the size of a tennis ball. The ball is designed to be played on grass or artificial turf.

What are the different types of hockey balls?

There are three main types of hockey balls: wooden, vulcanized rubber, and plastic. Wooden balls are the oldest type of hockey ball and are still used in some traditional games. Vulcanized rubber balls are the most common type of hockey ball, and are used in most professional and amateur games. Plastic balls are newer and are becoming more popular because they are lighter and don't damage as easily as rubber balls.

What are field hockey balls are made of?

The field hockey balls are very durable and made up of solid plastic. In some cases, these balls also have a cork core. Some cores are hollow. Generally, the outdoor field hockey balls are dimpled in order to keep up the constant pace when you play on wet surfaces or turf.

How much does a field hockey ball weigh?

A field hockey ball weighs approximately 162 grams, while a smaller ball (such as a Kookaburra Furry Mini ball) has about 104 grams weight. 

Is there any difference exist between field hockey and street hockey?

Field hockey and lacrosse have many similarities, despite the differences in their techniques and origin. The field conditions, playing surface, and league rules determine what you choose. The same goes for street and field hockey balls.

What is the difference between field hockey practice balls and game balls?

Practice balls are exactly that; for practice. They are not official size for game time.

Bottom Line

So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, make sure to check out our reviews on the right field hockey balls before making your purchase. By doing so, you can be confident that you’re getting a ball that will be geared for your game.

Have some fun!

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