[pandamonium]

Approximating the ball size assuming an 8in distance between poles and 1in pole diameter and allowing for a tolerance of 1/4 of an inch between the circular shape and the ball, optimal diameter should be approximately 9 inches. This is similar to the size of a soccer ball I made a prototype and it fits oddly well. Admittedly though I am a huge soccer fan and have been hoping for a soccer game for years.