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Until the late 1960s, balls were closed with laces or buttons. Heading a ball at the wrong angle proved painful.

In 1912, standards were established for the size and weight of soccer balls.

Leather balls can absorb water and become very heavy.

Today, the standard size of a ball for international matches is 27-28 inches around with a weight of 14-16 ounces. This is called a number 5 ball. Youth leagues play with smaller balls.