The Sherrin size 2 leather ball is very popular in AFL training. However, if you do not know much about this type of equipment and want to learn more about it, this post can be helpful. Here, we will discuss whether these footballs are worth your money and whether they are at all helpful for your child. So, without further details, let’s begin.
What Is a Size 2 Sherrin Leather Ball?
All Sherrin’s size 2 AFL leather footballs are designed for children aged 9 to 11 years. These balls are smaller and lighter than the full game-size ball. This makes them more manageable for young players to kick, catch, and handball. Furthermore, since these balls are made of real leather, players can have a good grip. Besides, these balls are quite durable compared to most synthetic balls.
What Are the Strengths of These Balls?
When it comes to whether these balls are worth the money, a discussion about their strength is necessary.
- Authentic Feel & Grip
Leather offers a premium experience for players. It offers a better grip as the ball “breaks in.” Many players say that a real leather Sherrin feels much better in the hand than lower-end synthetic balls. Red or yellow leather with proper finishing gives good control once damp or after a few kicks.
- Durability
When you have high-quality leather with good stitching, you can rest assured that it lasts many training sessions and matches when used on appropriate surfaces such as grass. However, the Sherrin size 2 balls need good care. Make sure your child does not kick it on concrete, sharp edges, or use it in very wet & abrasive conditions.
- True Learning Tool
Young players need to develop foundational skills, such as kicking technique, ball trajectory, spin control and handballing. This is where these balls come into play. A real leather size 2 ball behaves more like adult balls. This helps them adjust when they move up in size. Furthermore, the weight and flight characteristics feel more realistic compared to cheap synthetics.
Extra Info to Help You Decide
Apart from the facts discussed above, you need a bit more information before investing in this AFL training equipment.
Cost
Leather Sherrin balls are more expensive compared to synthetic or rubber-coated ones. So, if your child is into serious sports, this is the right option. Also, please note that though durable, the ball still wears out fast compared to the synthetic ones.
Break-in Period
New leather balls can be stiff or slippery under certain conditions. They can feel harder on the foot or hand until they are worn in. So, it can be a bit hard to handle them at first.
Surface Limitations
The size 2 Sherrin AFL leather ball should be used on grass. Hard surfaces, roads, concrete, or gravel scuff can damage stitches and degrade the leather, thus shortening the lifespan.
Maintenance
Since this ball is made with real leather, it needs more care. You need to clean, dry and condition it at times. If you neglect it, cracks can appear with loose grips. The seams and stitching should be kept clean, and you must not store the ball in harsh temperatures or moisture conditions.
Is the Sherrin Size 2 Worth it?
In conclusion, the Size 2 leather Sherrin is a good investment since it helps children develop skills effectively. However, you need to make sure that the ball is used on a grass surface only to achieve better durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does a Size 2 leather Sherrin compare to a synthetic ball for skill development?
Leather provides a truer flight, spin, and bounce compared to synthetic balls. This makes it better for developing kicking accuracy, handball technique, and handling skills in young players who will later transition to full-size leather footballs.
2. Do Sherrin Size 2 leather balls perform differently in wet conditions?
Yes. Leather tends to absorb moisture, making the ball heavier and sometimes slippery. Unlike synthetic balls, which repel water better, a wet leather ball requires more control. Regular conditioning and drying help maintain grip.
3. Can a Size 2 leather ball be used for indoor training on hardwood or synthetic turf?
It’s not ideal. Hard surfaces scuff the leather and flatten stitching faster. For indoor drills, synthetic or rubber balls are more durable, while leather should be reserved for grass training or match practice.
4. How long does it take to “break in” a Size 2 leather Sherrin?
Typically, after 2–3 full training sessions the leather softens, grips better, and feels less stiff. The more it’s used, the more it adapts to the player’s handling. During break-in, it may feel slippery until the surface scuffs slightly.
5. Is there a risk of injury from using leather balls at younger ages?
Leather balls are firmer than rubber or foam, so beginners might feel the impact more when kicking or catching. However, if used within the correct age group (9–11 years for Size 2), it’s considered safe and actually prepares players for stronger balls later on.
6. How does inflation level affect performance in a leather football?
Under-inflated balls feel heavy, don’t fly properly, and can stress the stitching. Over-inflated ones are harder to handle and may cause sore hands. Correct pressure (around 69 kPa or 10 psi) ensures proper bounce and flight.
7. Are leather Size 2 Sherrins suitable for structured junior matches?
Yes, many junior clubs use leather Size 2s in official under-age games. They give young players experience with the ball type used at higher levels, unlike cheaper synthetics that are mainly for casual play.
8. What’s the best way to maintain grip on a leather Sherrin over time?
Wiping the ball with a slightly damp cloth after play, avoiding mud build-up, and occasionally conditioning with leather care products helps. Some players lightly scuff the surface on grass to improve grip after cleaning.
9. Do leather balls lose shape faster than synthetics?
Not necessarily. With proper inflation and grass-only use, leather balls hold their shape for months or even years. However, misuse on asphalt or repeated soaking will deform them faster than a synthetic equivalent.
10. Is a Size 2 leather ball worth it if a child will soon move up to Size 3?
Yes, if they’re in a structured program and training regularly. The few seasons of use will sharpen skills with realistic ball behavior. If it’s only for backyard kicking and the child is growing fast, a cheaper synthetic may be more practical.
Buy AFL Equipment from the Right Place
To purchase Sherrin size 2 leather AFL training equipment, choose That Training Ball since we only sell quality products as a sporting goods store. You can buy online or call 0490 388 954 for details about our products.
