questions Archives - Soccer Ball World

Questions about Pressure and Soccer Balls

How does the amount of air in a soccer ball affect how far it travels when struck by the same force? The amount of air or air pressure in a soccer ball effects how far the ball will travel when struck by the same force. The higher air pressure that is put into a soccer ball improves the ball’s rebound off the foot of a player. More energy is transferred to a “stiff” ball in an elastic collision. In other words, the ball deforms less during the impact, so there’s less energy lost to deformation.
Does the atmospheric air pressure effect how far a soccer ball travels when struck by the same force? The atmospheric air pressure (the air surrounding the ball) also plays a role in how far a ball travels. At lower pressure, there’s less air friction. You can compare it to kicking the ball in a tank of water to kicking the ball on the moon. Balls go farther at high altitude because of the reduced drag from the air, which is thinner as you go higher up. So there’s a case where “reduced” air pressure makes the ball go farther.

Also, the materials that the soccer ball is made out of effects how far the ball will travel…but that is another question and experiment.
How much air pressure should I put into a soccer ball? Use Proper Air PressureDo not over or under pressurize a ball. Use the manufactures recommended air pressure that is printed on most balls. Most soccer balls have a pressure rating of 6 to 8 lbs. or 0.6 or 0.8 BAR. It is recommended that you use a pressure gauge to measure the exact amount of pressure in a ball after inflating and before use. BAR or PSI or LBS?Some soccer balls have recommended pressure values indicated in BAR while others have the values indicated in PSI or LBS. To convert the pressure values, use the following formulas:To convert BAR (KGS) to PSI (Lbs.):Answer = 14.5037 X The amount of BAR(KGS)For example: A soccer ball has a recommended pressure of 0.6 BAR labeled on it. To convert BAR in Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI), multiply 0.6 times 14.5037. The answer is 8.7 PSI or Lbs.To convert PSI (Lbs.) to BAR(KGS):Answer = .068948 X The amount of PSI(Lbs.)For example: A soccer ball has a recommended pressure of 7.9 Lbs. (PSI) labeled on it. To convert Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) into BAR, multiply 7.9 times .068948. The answer is 0.545 BAR.
How Do I inflate my soccer balls? Soccer balls lose air pressure over time. Sometimes over a few days (soccer balls that use butyl bladders keep air pressure longer than balls that use latex bladders). Be sure to check the pressure frequently to make sure the ball is properly inflated. Therefore, invest in a good ball pump, have a supply of inflation needles and use a low pressure gauge to measure for proper inflation. Before you first inflate a soccer ball, place a couple drops of silicone oil or silicone lubricant spray or glycerin oil into the valve. You can purchase one of the oils or spray at your local hardware store. Using one of the lubricants will improve the life of the valve and lubricate the valve for easy insertion of the inflation needle. Always moisten the inflation needle before you insert it into the valve. Preferably, use some silicon oil, silicon spray or glycerin oil to moisten the needle. However; most people use spit…yuk, but that is not recommended. Manufacturers recommend that you reduce the air pressure in your match balls after a game to reduce the amount of stress on the ball seams or stitching. Be sure to inflate the ball back to proper pressure before the match.
Why do I always have to pump up even expensive balls? Many balls use bladders made out of latex. Natural Latex Rubber bladders offer the softest feel and response, but do not provide the best air retention. Micro pores slowly let air escape. Balls with natural rubber bladders need to be re-inflated more often than balls with butyl bladders. Even after one or two days, the latex bladder will leak enough air so that you will have to inflate the ball back to recommended pressure. Some balls use carbon-latex bladders in which the carbon powder helps to close the micro pores. Soccer balls with carbon latex bladders usually increase air retention to approximately one week. Of course, check the ball for punctures that may cause the air to leak out.Soccer Balls with Butyl bladders or PU bladders offer an excellent combination of feel and air retention and can be found in most middle to upper priced balls. Air retention is significantly increased to weeks and months instead of days compared to balls with latex bladders.
Why do some soccer balls get bigger over time? Many soccer balls do tend to get larger over time. This is due to the pressure of the air in the bladder against the linings and cover. Over time the material and stitching may stretch out causing the ball to become larger. Also, soccer ball abuse may cause the stitching to loosen and the ball to expand.

Questions about Soccer Ball Material Physics

I’m still working on this part…check back soon.

Questions about Curving a Soccer Ball

How does a ball curve when you kick it? For the answer to this question and others relating to the physics of a curving soccer ball, click here.

Soccer ball corner Frequently Asked Questions about Soccer Balls

Questions about buying Soccer Balls

The following questions are typically asked by people that want to buy soccer balls:What size soccer ball should I buy? The first step in purchasing soccer balls is determining the proper size(s) to buy. Many soccer leagues have different size requirements, so be sure to check with your coach or organization to find out which size ball to buy. Soccer balls for match use come in three different sizes which range from size 3 to size 5. For more information on soccer ball sizes

What is the difference between a high quality soccer ball and a low quality soccer ball? When purchasing soccer balls, many people buy according to the price of the ball. If a ball is expensive, that meant that it is a high quality ball and if it was a low costing ball, the ball is a low quality. That is not always true. Many players, coaches, clubs and even professionals do not know what type of ball to buy for their particular needs. Please go to the following Soccer Ball World page to start learning about the construction of the various types of soccer balls,

When I buy a soccer ball at a local store, how do I know if I am buying a good soccer ball? Ball material information on the packaging of the balls is minimal at best. Marketing hype is hard to understand. So people are very frustrated when buying soccer balls for their clubs, teams or own use. Parents of soccer players have always asked me about what type and where to buy soccer balls for their up and coming star. “Go to the local store and pick out one that is on sale” I would tell them. The only recommendation I could make was to check out soccer balls that I previously used and knew they were good quality. After researching the web, I could not readily find information on how to be an “informed buyer” of soccer balls. So SoccerBallWorld.com has been developed to help players, coaches, team mangers and soccer ball buyers learn about the soccer ball. To get started on the soccer ball buying guide at Soccer Ball World,

What are the different types of soccer balls? Should I buy an expensive one, a middle priced one or a cheap one? What kind of balls are adequate for my needs? Most soccer balls can be divided into three different categories, professional match balls, match balls, and practice balls. The type you need of course depends on how and where you want to use the soccer ball. For more information on types of soccer balls,

What about ball longevity? Will the ball last very long on a hard pitch, concrete or dirt? The material used in the soccer ball’s cover is the biggest factor in how long the ball will last on rough surfaces. A ball with a rubberized material cover will typically last longer on rough surfaces than a ball made from synthetic leather.

Many stores have a very large selection of soccer balls. How do I pick out the best ball for my money? First know what type of soccer ball is best for your needs and how much you want to spend. Also, research what materials make up the best soccer balls. Of course you can use Soccer Ball World as a buying guide. .

Where is a good place to buy soccer balls? At Soccer Ball World of course! We have taken great care in providing you with the best soccer balls and accessories for your money.

Are children used to make the soccer balls that you sell? No, the manufacturers guarantee that child labor has not been used to make their balls. They are approved by IPEC’s I.L.O (International Program for the elimination of Child Labor and Human Rights Requirements) and have passed their control visits.

General Soccer Ball Questions:

soccer ball 2 Frequently Asked Questions about Soccer Balls

Why do I always have to pump up even expensive balls? Many balls use bladders made out of latex. Natural Latex Rubber bladders offer the softest feel and response, but do not provide the best air retention. Micro pores slowly let air escape. Balls with natural rubber bladders need to be re-inflated more often than balls with butyl bladders. Even after one or two days, the latex bladder will leak enough air so that you will have to inflate the ball back to recommended pressure. Some balls use carbon-latex bladders in which the carbon powder helps to close the micro pores. Soccer balls with carbon latex bladders usually increase air retention to approximately one week. Of course, check the ball for punctures that may cause the air to leak out.Soccer Balls with Butyl bladders offer an excellent combination of feel and air retention and can be found in most middle to upper priced balls. Air retention is significantly increased to weeks and months instead of days compared to balls with latex bladders.
How does a ball curve when you kick it? For the answer to this question and others relating to the physics of a soccer ball
What are the requirements of a soccer ball used in matches? Requirement information for soccer balls are usually found with the officiating organization that the match or game is played under. Contact the organization that runs the game that the soccer ball is going to be used in. To learn more about the soccer ball laws of FIFA and NFHS
How do I take care of my soccer balls? To learn about proper ball care including treatment, cleaning and inflation.
How Do I inflate my soccer balls? Soccer balls lose air pressure over time. Sometimes over a few days (soccer balls that use butyl bladders keep air pressure longer than balls that use latex bladders). Be sure to check the pressure frequently to make sure the ball is properly inflated. Therefore, invest in a good ball pump, have a supply of inflation needles and use a low pressure gauge to measure for proper inflation. Before you first inflate a soccer ball, place a couple drops of silicone oil or silicone lubricant spray or glycerin oil into the valve. You can purchase one of the oils or spray at your local hardware store. Using one of the lubricants will improve the life of the valve and lubricate the valve for easy insertion of the inflation needle. Always moisten the inflation needle before you insert it into the valve. Preferably, use some silicon oil, silicon spray or glycerin oil to moisten the needle. However; most people use spit…yuk, but that is not recommended.
What does the FIFA APPROVED, FIFA INSPECTED, and INTERNATIONAL MATCHBALL STANDARD (IMS) logos mean on a ball? These logos mean that the ball meets all the requirements specified by FIFA. To learn more about the different FIFA football approvals
What does the NFHS logo mean on a ball? Since the 1999-2000 school year, soccer balls used in interscholastic competition in sports for which the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) writes playing rules are required to have the NFHS authenticating mark. To learn more about the NFHS authentication mark
Why do some soccer balls get bigger over time? Many soccer balls do tend to get larger over time. Especially lower quality balls! This is due to the pressure of the bladder against the linings and cover. Over time the material and stitching may stretch out causing the ball to become larger. Also, soccer ball abuse may cause the stitching to loosen and the ball to expand.

Soccer Ball World Questions

Questions about Soccer Ball Physics