Filling a soccer ball with water is the most effective way to create a heavy training ball that maintains the exact size, shape and feel of a match ball. When filled correctly it even retains its bounce — allowing you to do rep after rep off a wall, something a medicine ball simply can’t do.
This is overload training — the same principle elite specialists use to build the fast-twitch muscles required for a long throw-in. Train with resistance, switch back to a standard ball, and the difference is immediate.
The Short Answer: Yes — But Most Players Do It Wrong
Most players who try this without the right tool end up with leaky valves, a damaged ball bladder or — worst of all — an unbalanced ball where the water shifts around during training.
That unstable weight causes erratic movement and puts serious strain on your shoulder and elbow. If the ball doesn’t react like a real soccer ball, you’re not training — you’re risking injury.
The Right Way to Do It
The Long Throw Coach Tap Adapter connects directly to any standard household tap and fills your ball in under two minutes with zero damage to the valve. No DIY hacks, no leaks, no risk.
Correct Weights by Ball Size:
- Size 3 — 3kg
- Size 4 — 4kg
- Size 5 — 5kg
Why a Water-Filled Football Beats Everything Else:
- Same size and feel as a match ball — the ball reacts to your hands and the ground exactly like a standard football, so everything you build in training transfers directly into your game.
- It bounces — so you can do continuous reps — just find a solid wall and throw rep after rep. No partner needed. A medicine ball can’t do this.
- No dangerous weight shift — our specific filling method eliminates the sloshing effect found in DIY attempts, protecting your joints during explosive training.
Why It Works
Training with a heavier ball forces your muscles to work harder to produce the same movement. Switch back to a standard ball and it feels effortless — that contrast is where the extra distance comes from.
Most players see noticeable improvement within two weeks of training twice a week. A Telegraph journalist added 10 yards in a single session having never trained his throw-in before.
Get the Long Throw Coach Tap Adapter + Training Videos
The system includes the Universal Tap Adapter and full training video library — everything you need to make your heavy ball and start training correctly from day one.
- ✅ Free UK Delivery
- ✅ Ships Worldwide
- ✅ 30-Day Results Guarantee
- ✅ Introductory Pricing — £29.99
Order the Long Throw Coach Tap Adapter + Training Videos — £29.99 with free UK delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put water in any football?
Yes — any standard synthetic leather training ball works well. We do not recommend using high-end thermal-bonded match balls as the construction is different. A standard training ball is ideal and becomes your dedicated heavy ball.
Will it ruin the ball?
It doesn’t ruin it — it turns it into a dedicated training tool. Just use an old ball you don’t mind keeping as your heavy ball. The ball keeps its bounce and shape when filled correctly.
Why not just use a medicine ball?
A medicine ball is a different size, shape and doesn’t bounce. Training with an actual football means the strength you build transfers directly into your game. The bounce also lets you do continuous reps off a wall — a medicine ball can’t do that.
Does the adapter fit any tap?
Yes. It features a universal multi-fit design that works with almost all standard household garden taps and indoor mixer taps. It creates a watertight seal to ensure the ball fills correctly every time.
How quickly will I see results?
Most players notice a difference within two weeks of training twice a week. A Telegraph journalist added 10 yards in a single session having never trained his throw-in before.