Ever tried to play indoor football, only to have the ball bounce awkwardly or feel too hard against your feet? It can really spoil the fun of the game! Choosing the perfect indoor football is trickier than it looks. You need a ball that grips the floor well, doesn’t fly out of bounds constantly, and feels just right when you kick it. Many players end up frustrated with balls that are too heavy, too light, or just don’t react the way they should on indoor surfaces.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore exactly what makes a great indoor football. You’ll learn about the best materials and sizes designed for fast-paced indoor action. By the end of this post, you will confidently know how to pick a ball that elevates your game, making every pass and shot feel perfect.
Top Indoor Football Ball Recommendations
- Football Without the Fumbles (or Broken Lamps) – Finally, a football that won't turn your living room into a disaster zone. It’s soft, quiet, and approved by moms, dads, roommates, and probably your cat.
- Soft & Quiet Design – Made with a soft neoprene outer layer, this football is easy on floors and walls—ideal for apartments, dorms, and shared spaces.
- Play Anytime, Rain or Shine – No need to wait for good weather. The In The House Football keeps the game going indoors when it's rainy, snowy, or dark outside.
- Perfect Gift for Football-Obsessed Boys – Whether he's 6 or 16, if he eats, sleeps, and dreams football, this is the gift that lets him play indoors without wrecking the house (or your sanity).
- The Ultimate Indoor MVP for Football Season – Can’t get enough football? Now the living room is the field. Toss passes during commercials, halftime, or any moment that calls for a clutch play between snacks.
- PERFECT TOY FOOTBALL: The Probrite kids mini foam football is the perfect toy football for all kids who are looking to pass, catch and play with their friends in the backyard!
- SOFT FOAM: Constructed with soft foam, this toy football is perfect for kids who are looking to learn the basics of football or just have fun with friends and family
- SPIRAL SHAPE: This spiral foam design provides extra grip to throw further with more accuracy to practice football skills and up your game!
- INDOORS + OUTDOOR BALL: The soft foam material makes this kids mini football the perfect ball for both indoor and outdoor play so kids can stay active rain or shine
- HIGH VISIBILITY: Designed with a bright, fluorescent colored cover for maximum visibility indoors and outdoors
- NERF FOAM: This mini football is made with soft NERF foam, which makes it perfect for kids to throw and catch with ease
- MINI SIZE: Designed for kids, this 9" inch junior size foam football is perfect for small hands to grip
- INDOOR + OUTDOOR: The soft but durable foam construction makes it safe for kids to use indoors while still being rugged enough for backyard football games
- PERFECT FIRST FOOTBALL: This kids football is the perfect toy for young sports fans who are looking to learn the basics of football
- FUN FOR ALL PLAYERS: This football is perfect to bring to the beach, cookouts, tailgates and more for players to get in the game and toss the football around!
- NERF FOAM: This youth mini football is made with soft NERF foam, which makes it perfect for kids to throw and catch with ease
- MINI SIZE: Designed for kids, this 9" inch junior size foam football is perfect for small hands to grip
- INDOOR + OUTDOOR: The soft but durable foam construction makes it safe for kids to use indoors while still being rugged enough for backyard football games
- PERFECT FIRST FOOTBALL: This kids football is the perfect toy for young sports fans who are looking to learn the basics of football
- FUN FOR ALL PLAYERS: This football is perfect to bring to the beach, cookouts, tailgates and more for players to get in the game and toss the football around!
- Safe for Your House, Fun for Your Feet – Our soft, padded size 4 soccer ball is designed for indoor play without turning your living room into a disaster zone.
- Ideal for Everyone (Ages 3+) – From future soccer stars to dads thinking they still got it – perfect for everyone who’s ever tried to score a goal and hit the couch instead.
- Durable Yet Soft Design – Built to withstand hours of indoor fun while remaining gentle on your furniture. Kick hard, but no need to start budgeting for new picture frames!
- Perfect for Rainy Days – When the weather says “No” but your soccer spirit says “Yes,” bring the game inside and avoid the dreaded “Don’t play ball in the house!” rule.
- Don't be fooled by knockoffs of The House Ball. Our product was designed in the USA, produced by a world-class soccer ball specific factory, and was extensively tested and issued a Children’s Product Certificate to ensure it is compliant with USA regulations.
- This indoor training soccer ball is perfect as a toddler soccer ball, juggling trainer, wall pass ball, and indoor rondo ball. It will not scratch your walls. It’s great for any age and extensively tested by kids 4-12 years of age.
- Designed to be the best indoor soccer ball for kids 4-6 to use on days they can’t get outside to play. This realistically weighted size 4 soccer ball has the feel and response of a outdoor ball with a soft exterior.
- A shock absorbing foam layer that takes the sting out of kicking or getting hit by the ball will make this small soccer ball your size 4 soccer ball for indoors. This soccer ball keeps parents happy and kids entertained.
- Better than standard nerf balls for kids. This soccer ball size 4 provides a low-impact soccer ball option for inside the house. This youth soccer ball goes easy on your home with its nerf ball feel!
- ALL SPORT SET: This mini foam sports ball set is the perfect gift for any young sports fan and has everything they need for hours of endless sports fun
- THREE SPORT PACK: This set comes complete with (3) NERF sports balls: (1) mini football, (1) mini soccer ball, and (1) mini basketball
- KID SAFE: These mini foam balls are perfect for young sports players to throw and catch with ease with no bumps or bruises
- PLAY INDOORS AND OUT: The soft foam construction makes it safe and easy to bring the sports fun indoors on rainy days
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Made with NERF's durable soft foam so you can pass, kick, and shoot rain or shine, season after season
- Indoor Soccer Fun, No Damage – Designed for safe play indoors, this foam kids house soccer ball is soft enough to protect walls and furniture while providing real kicking action
- Bright & Stylish Design – Eye-catching color pattern makes this house soccer ball your kids will want to play with every day. Great for keeping them active and off screens
- Soft but Durable – The foam soccer ball constructed with quality materials that are soft to the touch but hold up to repeated kicks, passes, and indoor training drills
- Size 4 for Growing Players – This soccer ball size 4 is ideal for youth soccer balls needs, providing the right balance of control, grip, and fun for kids aged 6–12
- Perfect Soccer Gift for Boys 8-12 – Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because, this indoor soccer ball with football pump is one of the top soccer gifts for boys 8-12 who love the game and want to play inside
Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Indoor Football Ball
Playing football indoors is fun! You need the right ball to make the game great. This guide helps you pick the best indoor football. We look at what makes a good ball so you can score big, even inside.
Key Features to Look For
When buying an indoor football, some features really matter. Think about these things before you buy:
Size and Weight
- Size: Indoor footballs often come in sizes 3, 4, or 5. Size 4 is common for youth or casual adult play indoors. Make sure the size fits the players.
- Weight: Indoor balls should be lighter than outdoor balls. A lighter ball bounces less hard off walls and floors. This makes the game safer and easier to control.
Bounce and Responsiveness
- Low Bounce: This is super important for indoor play. A low-bounce ball stays closer to the ground. This stops the ball from flying wildly into lights or high ceilings.
- Touch: How the ball feels when you kick it matters. Good touch lets you control passes and shots better.
Durability and Seams
- Stitching/Seams: Strong seams keep the ball together longer. Look for machine-stitched or thermally bonded balls for better durability indoors.
Important Materials Used in Indoor Footballs
The stuff a ball is made of changes how it plays and lasts. Good materials make for a better experience.
Cover Material
- Synthetic Leather (PU or PVC): Most good indoor balls use synthetic leather. PU (polyurethane) often feels softer and gives better control than PVC (polyvinyl chloride). These materials resist scuffing on gym floors.
- Textured Surface: Many indoor balls have a textured grip. This helps players control the ball even when their feet are a little sweaty.
Bladder
- Butyl Bladder: This material holds air very well. A good bladder means you do not have to pump the ball up constantly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all indoor balls are made equal. Some things make a ball fantastic, while others make it fall apart quickly.
Quality Boosters
- Thermal Bonding: When panels are glued together with heat, the ball is smoother. This makes flight more predictable and keeps moisture out.
- Panel Count: Fewer panels (like 12 or 14) often mean a smoother surface, which improves flight.
Quality Reducers
- Hard Panels: If the outer material is too stiff, the ball will feel “dead” and hard to control. A hard ball also hurts more when you block a shot.
- Poor Air Retention: If the bladder leaks air quickly, the ball becomes flat and heavy. This ruins the low-bounce feature.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you play. This helps you choose the right fit.
Indoor Use Cases
- Gym Floors: Balls designed for gym floors are usually smooth but grippy. They must not leave scuff marks.
- Futsal Courts (Hardwood/Concrete): Futsal balls are technically low-bounce, but they are often heavier than standard indoor balls. Check if your game needs a true low-bounce recreational ball or a heavier futsal-specific one.
- Casual Play vs. League Play: If you play often, invest in a higher-quality, thermally bonded ball. For occasional fun, a cheaper, machine-stitched ball works fine.
A good indoor ball gives you great control. It should feel soft when you strike it but still respond well to quick passes. Look for the low-bounce feature first; it makes indoor football playable and fun!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Indoor Football Balls
Q: What is the main difference between an indoor ball and an outdoor ball?
A: The main difference is the bounce. Indoor balls have a low bounce so they stay on the floor. Outdoor balls bounce much higher for grass fields.
Q: What size indoor ball should I buy?
A: Size 4 is the most common size for indoor youth leagues and many adult casual games. Always check your league’s rules if you are playing competitively.
Q: Do I need a special pump for an indoor ball?
A: No. You use the same standard needle pump for most footballs, including indoor ones. Just be gentle when inserting the needle.
Q: Why does my indoor ball feel hard?
A: If the ball feels very hard, it might be over-inflated. Check the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) listed on the ball and deflate it slightly until it feels soft but firm.
Q: Can I use an indoor ball outside?
A: You can use it outside briefly, but it is not recommended. Rough surfaces like concrete will quickly wear down the soft outer cover of the indoor ball.
Q: What does “low bounce” really mean?
A: A low-bounce ball is designed to absorb some of the impact when it hits a hard surface. This means it does not rebound as high as a regular ball, keeping the game flowing indoors.
Q: How can I make my indoor ball last longer?
A: Keep it clean by wiping it down after use. Store it indoors away from extreme heat or cold, and always keep it inflated to the correct pressure, even when not playing.
Q: What is the best material for indoor ball longevity?
A: Thermally bonded synthetic leather (PU) lasts the longest and offers the best feel because it resists moisture and abrasion well.
Q: Should I choose a textured or smooth indoor ball?
A: A textured surface usually offers better grip, especially when passing quickly or if your hands are slightly damp. Smooth balls might offer a slightly truer flight path.
Q: Where is the best place to buy an indoor football?
A: Major sporting goods stores or reliable online retailers usually stock the best selection of quality indoor and futsal-specific balls.