Currently, a FIFA-approved match ball should be no more than 450 grams, but no less than 410 grams. The Locust Lite weighs in 100 grams lighter at 350 grams for the size 5 ball and the size 4 weighs just 290 grams.
The company talks about the “ouch factor” being reduced by using the ball. Having used the ball during a competitive, intermediate level men’s league I would agree with that assessment. As a keeper, I can tell you that the ball does “sting” far less than a normal ball. There is very little feel at all when taking the ball off the head, actually.
To be clear, this is a ball primarily designed for youth soccer. The men I played with found that the ball was a little harder to control (bounce was higher) and that it traveled further in the air. It’s not scientific, but I found that I could kick the ball about 10-15 yards further off of goal kicks.
When I shared that observation with the manufacturers, they agreed with my findings. Again, this is a ball designed for youth players.
Does it prevent concussions? A physician I spoke to said that there was no way to know. He cautioned that it is less the weight of a ball that is problematic as it relates to head injuries, as it is the spin on the ball as it makes contact with the head. Without specific research that finds that the ball does reduce concussions, it is simply not fair for me to suggest that it does. My expertise is on the sport, not the medicine.
That said, I can back-up the claims that the “ouch factor” is reduced. I would suggest that a ball that is more comfortable to head would allow coaches to better train youth players on the proper technique for heading the ball. Simply put, the players would be more willing to put in the work needed to learn the technique because the act of training would be more comfortable. It would follow that proper technique would be a good start to reducing concussion risk.
An additional, perhaps unintended benefit, is that the ball is easier to put spin on than a heavier ball. That could allow coaches to introduce players to the proper technique for curling a shot at an earlier age.
In summery, Canadian Soccer News recommends the Locus United Lite as a great addition to any u-12 or lower coaches training or game day bag. It probably should be restricted to training once players reach their teen years, as the weight of the ball makes it more difficult to control, or keep down when shooting. However, the ball would allow training at all ages to occur more comfortably and therefore would be a good addition to training at any age.
More information can be found at info@locust.com or http://www.locust.com/united
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