The soccer ball is the only element football equipment without which you can't play. But how do you choose the right soccer ball to play with? Which ball suits your level of play? Why does one soccer ball cost three times more than another? Why does one ball fly the way you want, and the second is crooked?
We have prepared a small guide for choosing a soccer ball for the game, we hope it will be useful to you.
Types of soccer balls.
Training soccer balls, gaming, professional, beach, outdoor, indoor and others. Now we will try to tell about everyone.
Premium ball for official tournaments
Premium balls are always FIFA approved. FIFA approves only the most best balls meeting all international standards. The approved balls have passed a series of rigorous tests for shape, air retention, performance, water absorption and flight. The balls used in the World Cup, European Championship, Confederations Cup, Champions League, Europa League and all major national leagues are approved by FIFA.
game ball
Game balls are quite decent and quite suitable for the game. Most often made from the same materials as premium balls, but with a different design. V football schools and amateur championships you can find such balls.
Training ball
Practice balls are extremely durable and can be used on a variety of pitches. Training balls are versatile and suitable for both professionals and amateurs.
Artificial grass ball
Made more durable for artificial lawns and natural soil fields.
Indoor ball
Indoor balls have less bounce, for a more comfortable game when the ball can ricochet off the lawn or wall.
Futsal ball
A smaller ball, but usually the same weight as a standard five. They have much less rebound.
Beach soccer ball
Balls for beach soccer Made from softer materials for more comfort when playing with bare feet. As a rule, beach balls are waterproof.
Exercise ball
The ball is also known as medicine ball. Not used for playing football only for strength training, warm-ups and training of goalkeepers.
mini balls
Small souvenir balls size 1. Used for gift or fun.
The cost of a soccer ball.
The cost of a soccer ball can vary from 600 rubles to 5000 rubles. What is the difference?
From training balls to premium balls, the difference lies in the materials of the external, internal, general construction and the quality of production and the amount of technology applied.
Just like better ball, the more correct the trajectory of its flight: it flies where you directed it.
soccer ball design
From how the panels are connected, from which the ball is made, its game and water-absorbing properties completely depend. In total, there are three types: machine sewing, hand sewing and thermal gluing. The number of panels can vary, with 32 panels being the most popular, however there are also 18 and 26 panels. Nike, adidas, PUMA and other football brands offer a wide variety of models with a unique number of panels and their shape. Fewer panels means fewer seams, which means the shape of the ball will be more round, and it will also absorb less moisture.
The materials from which soccer balls are made.
External material
There are two main materials: PVC - polyvinyl chloride and polyurethane
PVC is more affordable and more durable than polyurethane. Damage-resistant PVC is commonly used for practice balls, indoor soccer fields and futsal. Polyurethane, usually for higher class balls. Polyurethane balls are softer and feel better on the foot. It is also worth noting that both PVC and polyurethane are of different quality.
Glossy finishes are commonly used for moisture protection.
What chamber should the soccer ball be with?
The soccer ball bladder is always made of either latex or butyl. Premium ball tubes are typically made from natural latex, which is softer and feels better. However, latex chambers retain their shape and hold air worse than butyl ones, therefore they require periodic pumping. Butyl football bladders are known for their superior air retention capacity.
What are the sizes of soccer balls?
For most football players, size 5 is the standard. In children's football schools, they sometimes play with a four, and only the smallest can use a three. One can be used as a souvenir or for leg development.
How to properly inflate a soccer ball?
The ideal air weight inside the ball is 9-10.5 grams. An inflated ball can easily be damaged and affect the dynamics of its movement.
How to take care of a soccer ball?
After the game, the ball must be dried, and dirt and sand can be easily removed with a damp cloth.
Not good good idea store the ball in the trunk of a car - overheating or frost will significantly reduce the life of the ball.
See very simple rules, the observance of which will allow you to squeeze the maximum pleasure out of your ball.
For hundreds of years, the game of football has been popular among all segments of the population. Football is played regardless of age, social status or nationality - this game unites.And if you also decide to become a football player, then, first of all, you should get your own ball for playing football. And don't think it's easy:
Soccer balls by category
Soccer balls are divided into four conditional categories, depending on the intensity of use and the level of the players.
Professional ball. This ball is good suitable for playing in all weather conditions and on any surface.
Match ball. It is the most durable of all types of balls.. It has excellent grip during the game.
Training ball . This type of ball increased durability and water-repellent coating. It is ideal for playing every day on any surface.
For futsal . The ball has a smaller radius than a regular ball. The only major difference between a futsal ball and a regular ball is the filling of the chamber. foam material. This makes it heavier and the rebound is not as fast.
Choosing a soccer ball for a child
When choosing a ball for children, be sure to consider the size of the ball. There are three main ball sizes:
№3 . This ball is designed for football players who are under eight years old. Its weight is from 311 to 340 grams and a long circumference 57-60 centimeters.
No. 4. For children from 8 to 12 years old FIFA advises to play with balls weighing from 340 to 368 grams and long circle from 62.5 to 65 centimeters.
№5. This is a standard ball suitable for all players over 12 years old. Its weight ranges from 396 to 453 grams, and the circumference from 67.5 to 70 centimeters.
Important! When choosing a ball for a child, you should definitely pay attention to these dimensions, as a large and heavy ball can lead to injuries!
The quality of the ball and what does it depend on?
When choosing a quality ball, you should pay attention to such features:
1. Material
What material the ball is made of determines the durability of the ball and how long it will serve you. Today, the vast majority of balls are made from synthetics. Manufacturers were forced to abandon the skin, because after a while it stretched out, which also affected the waterproof properties of the ball, which began to absorb a lot of moisture. Therefore, the ball became much heavier, moved much more slowly and simply lost its shape. In addition, genuine leather is much more expensive than synthetics, moreover, it loses to it not only in strength, but also in various game characteristics.
Most of the balls are made from polyvinyl chloride and polyurethane.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)- this material is actually synthetic leather, while less expensive than natural. PVC is quite strong, it feels like plastic to the touch, this is especially noticeable in the cold - because of this, the ball is difficult to control. Therefore, polyvinyl chloride is used to make cheap balls.
- Polyurethane (PU). This material is synthetic leather - durable, strong and reliable. Feels like PU genuine leather.
2. Lining layer
Of greater importance is the lining layer, which is used between the camera and the outer layer. The elasticity, weight, sphericity and other characteristics of a quality ball depend on the lining. But it is also worth considering the fact that the better the surface material, the less lining layers are needed. For top balls, the optimal number is 3. In good training balls, usually from 3 to 4. With a large number of linings, manufacturers are trying to hide the savings on quality.
3. Seam
There are two types of seams - machine and hand.. Machine sewn balls are souvenir balls . Therefore, when you buy such a ball, then be prepared for the fact that if they play football, it will soon break. Ideally, the stitching of a soccer ball should be done by hand. And the less noticeable the seams on the inflated ball, the better the stitching was.
4. Camera
Camera for most soccer balls are made from latex or butyl
. Each of these materials has its own disadvantages and advantages. Camera butyl has excellent air retention
months, but these cameras are tough. The structure of the latex is porous, because the ball with such a chamber will begin to deflate in a week. On the other side balls with latex bladders are in demand by professional football players because latex bladders give the ball softness and sensitivity, aligns the ball's flight path.
5. Chamber valve
Valves on the camera can be silicone and butyl. Both types of valve are excellent at holding air, but silicone valve is put on more expensive models ball: silicone is softer, and therefore the needle passes into the chamber more easily.
Thus, a good soccer ball is characterized by the following properties: 
- strength;
- moisture resistance (depending on the material);
- ball coverage (number of layers);
- seam quality;
- ball weight.
And one more tip: when choosing a ball, pay attention to the way it is painted and patterned. Quality projectiles are dyed before stitching, while cheap fakes are dyed immediately after gluing, causing the pattern to be applied over the panels and seams.
And in conclusion, I would like to add that when choosing a soccer ball, you should pay attention to the “quality mark”:
1. SELECT BRILLIANT SUPER FIFA 2008- a professional ball approved by FIFA. Universal for any coatings.
2.Select Premiere FIFA Approved- official amateur ball football league. FIFA approved, intended for playing on grass.
3. SELECT NUMERO 10 IMS- universal ball from the club series, complies with the IMS standard.
4. SELECT FLASH TURF 2008- ball from the club series, designed to play on artificial turf
5. Select Viking IMS 2008- ball for playing on the grass, complies with the IMS standard.
These designations indicate that the ball has been tested according to all international quality parameters. With this, every amateur will feel like a professional!
Updated: 14.02.2018 15:58:48
It is difficult to overestimate the popularity of football - according to numerous questions, this game is the most popular view sports around the world. From small indoor competitions to world and European championships, football competitions are watched by millions of people around the world. But football is not only an impeccable playing technique, it is also the right equipment. Socks, shorts, cleats and especially the ball - all affect the enjoyment of the game. Based on the results of the analysis of the reviews of experienced football players, this article was written, which will surely help you choose correct ball for playing football.
The best soccer ball manufacturers - which company to choose
There are a lot of companies involved in the production of soccer balls and related equipment at the present time. On sale are both inexpensive models of domestic production, and products from around the world. famous brands, certified by FIFA and produced for prestigious international competitions. If we talk about specific manufacturers, the following manufacturers are heard by football fans:
The above brands are manufacturers of the first category, it is their products that belong to the so-called "first echelon" and are used in competitions international level. However, in addition to expensive models, you can also find budget products on sale, which will surely be affordable for almost every football fan.
soccer ball device
The soccer ball is familiar to each of us. It is a complex structure consisting of at least three main layers:
The outer tire, made of thirty-two panels of five- and hexagonal shapes, sewn together with strong threads. These elements are made of genuine leather, which provides high performance properties, wear resistance and the ability to withstand powerful blows football players without injury;
The lining is a shock-absorbing layer that prevents damage to the camera and absorbs impacts during the game. The performance of the ball depends entirely on how correct the gasket is;
Camera - a special rubber element, inflated with air, thanks to which the ball keeps its shape and has the properties it needs;
The classic, well-known design of the soccer ball was developed by Select half a century ago, but now you can find soccer balls in absolutely any color and shade on sale.
Types of soccer balls
The highest quality, proven and, accordingly, expensive models certified by FIFA and other international associations. Generally purchased by professional gaming companies high level, as well as prestigious football championships. As a rule, even models from different manufacturers have similar characteristics, structure and even color - all this is the result of careful adherence to international standards.
Advantages
Top quality workmanship;
Availability of all necessary documents confirming the quality of products;
The same performance characteristics for all models;
Classic appearance;
Flaws
- High price;
Match
Compared to the models described above, match soccer balls differ in much more democratic characteristics and, accordingly, in price. They are designed for playing football on any type of surface, and their performance properties provide maximum durability and wear resistance, regardless of the intensity of the game.
Advantages
A huge variety of colors and shades;
Full compliance with generally accepted standards;
Flaws
-
Not quite suitable for yard games;
Training balls
As a rule, this class of balls includes inexpensive models that differ in the use of budget materials - polyvinyl chloride is used instead of leather, and instead of a strong thread that fastens the elements, heat treatment of the seams is used here. Such a design could not but affect the price: training balls are much cheaper than their counterparts:
Advantages
Versatile, suitable for playing on all types of surfaces and coatings;
Decent workmanship;
The cost is very democratic;
Flaws
Low mechanical strength;
The quality is lower than that of professional and match models;
Futsal balls and indoor models
Compact models with low spring and inertia characteristics. Such balls practically do not jump, and therefore are suitable for playing on almost any surface. They differ in manufacturing design - the outer tire in some situations may have a fleecy coating, as well as in size - these balls are much smaller than their counterparts and are suitable for playing futsal;
Advantages
High quality manufacturing;
Low spring characteristics;
Compact dimensions;
Flaws
- They are used exclusively for playing indoors and for mini-football;
Their design initially implies use on a sandy or grassy surface, and therefore very specific requirements are imposed on their design. Firstly, such a ball should be soft and allow you to play comfortably on the sand. Secondly, it should not be heavy in order to play as comfortably as possible even with bare feet. Another feature of these balls is a very democratic cost.
Advantages
High quality workmanship;Softness
Softness;
Light weight;
Democratic price;
Flaws
Low strength;
Insufficient resistance to mechanical stress;
In order to choose a really suitable soccer ball, you should pay attention to the following features:
Ball size
All soccer balls are divided into three conditional categories:
The third size is compact balls, up to 65 centimeters in circumference and up to 330-335 grams of weight;
The fourth size - weight up to 360 grams, circumference up to 70 centimeters;
The fifth size is the largest soccer balls. Reach 75 centimeters in circumference and weigh 400 grams;
Assembly method
As noted above, all soccer balls are a "constructor" assembled from many particles. The way they are connected can be one of three:
Machine stitching. Nylon threads are used, and the places where the seam will pass are pre-marked. The downside of this design is not enough high strength;
Manual stitching. The seam is made by hand with a special needle, and therefore is characterized by maximum strength and reliability. Of the minuses, a rather high cost due to the use of manual labor should be noted;
Gluing. The easiest and lowest quality way to assemble the ball. It is used, as a rule, exclusively in inexpensive ball models;
ball chamber
An interior designed to retain air and ensure proper performance of the ball. Almost always made from latex or butyl. The first option is better in terms of operation, but very often it "etches" the air and, accordingly, needs to be pumped. The second, on the contrary, perfectly holds pressure, however, it is characterized by excessive rigidity and density, which negatively affects general characteristics ball.
Outer layer material
For quite a long time, balls were made of genuine leather, but now this material has faded into the background and is the lot of exclusive, most expensive models. The lion's share of the balls on sale are made of polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride-PVC. Polyurethane is similar in its parameters to genuine leather and has characteristics similar to it, and therefore is used in the most expensive ball models. PVC is the lot of cheap models of the budget price range.
Lining
An intermediate layer that provides the necessary rigidity and elasticity during the game, as well as retaining the shape of the ball. The most popular is a special foam material that does not have memory and perfectly retains its shape even with intense play.
If you are a professional football player, use the appropriate equipment and play in specialized turf stadiums, it is best to prefer professional or match balls;
Playing on a summer day on the beach sand requires the use of compact beach models;
If the main type of game is futsal or futsal, a compact ball for indoor areas should be preferred;
Ordinary yard football or amateur matches are not so demanding on the quality of the ball. For this reason, a training ball will be the best option;
If a ball is chosen for children, it is necessary to take into account age group and correlate it with the size of the ball. For the smallest football players, whose age is 7-8 years, a ball of 3 numbers is suitable. And vice versa, it is best for 14-15 year old teenagers to buy a ball of the fifth number;
How much does a soccer ball cost?
Inexpensive soccer balls of the training class cost about 1000-1500 rubles;
Polyurethane training balls are more high price, about 2-4 thousand rubles;
High-quality match models from famous manufacturers are even more expensive. The cost of such models starts at around 4-4.5 thousand and ends at 7-8 thousand rubles;
The most expensive are professional balls. Their price can reach 15-20 thousand for a quality branded item.
Choosing a soccer ball- not an easy task, as it seems at first glance! The quality of the game depends on the right choice, as well as the ability to show all your ball possession capabilities. Any professional football player will tell you how important it is to choose a good projectile, and what role it plays in the accuracy of hitting, passing and dribbling the ball during the game!
In this article, we will try to figure out how balls are made and what you should pay attention to before buying one!
Types of balls.
Modern soccer balls are divided into four types, depending on the level of players and how they are used:
- Professional ball- prepared for games on all kinds of football grounds, and also suitable for games in all weather conditions. Such balls must have a special certificate of quality, which certifies that this projectile has all necessary qualities and designed for games professional level!
- match ball- the most durable kind of all balls. It has a very good grip during the game. Specificity: for games and football competitions!
- Training ball- the most common type of ball that has a water-repellent coating. It also has increased strength, which makes it incredibly popular among street football fans!
- Futsal ball- shows low rebound and has
smaller radius than a standard ball.
The first two types of balls were made by manufacturers exclusively for turf and only for matches and football competitions. remember, that not issued
special balls for especially hard surfaces, such as asphalt or concrete, since any, even very high-quality ball for a short time wears out quickly and loses its shape! Also, all types of balls have a temperature limit at which the ball can be used for playing. This limit is fifteen degrees below zero! So don't be surprised that the expensive ball you bought falls apart before your eyes when you play it at low temperatures and on asphalt!
Material.
It is generally accepted that a high-quality soccer ball must be made of leather! This is a false delusion, and such an assurance could probably be made in the era of the formation of football. V present time many manufacturers have already moved away from leather as the main material for making balls, since leather tends to deform and shrink when exposed to moisture. Therefore, synthetic leather substitutes began to be used to extend the life of a football projectile!
It is worth remembering that expensive and high-quality balls are made of polyurethane, with numerous layers and gaskets between the layers, and ordinary, affordable balls for the masses are sewn from polyvinyl chloride, in about four layers.
The cut of the ball.
All of you have seen that any ball consists of panels! So there are only thirty-two of these panels, which are firmly connected to each other. There are several types of panel connection:
The service life of the ball depends on the quality of the cut, as well as how much its shape will remain after a couple of dozen games!
Ball size and weight.
The choice of ball size mainly depends on the age of the player. Today, three standard sizes are used in games:
- The third size is suitable for children under the age of eight. Such a ball diagonally has a length of approximately seventy centimeters and weighs approximately three hundred and forty grams;
- The fourth size is used for futsal or for teenagers. The length of such a ball is about sixty-five centimeters, and the weight is three hundred and seventy grams;
- The fifth size is the standard ball size for games and trainings among adults. Length about seventy centimeters, with a weight of four hundred and fifty grams.
Characteristics of a quality ball.
A good soccer ball should have the following properties:
Tips for choosing a ball : pay attention to the drawing and painting of the ball! A quality projectile is dyed before the stitching process, and a cheap ball is dyed after gluing and patterned over the seams and panels! If you see the joints of the pattern on the seams - this is an indicator of cheapness and poor quality!
Now that you know how and what modern soccer balls are made of, you can right choice and enjoy the full game of football!
Football is the most popular sport in the world. The first thing that attracts people to this game is the almost complete lack of inventory. In any place where there is a small flat area, you can set up a gate, marking it with any suitable objects - and you can start the game. But, of course, in the event that there is such a necessary attribute of the game as a ball. Therefore, it is necessary to know how to choose a soccer ball that is most suitable for given specific conditions.
An indispensable attribute of the game is a soccer ball and its dimensions
What is the shell made of
Many people believe that a real ball should be leather. Of course, leather is a noble material and looks great, but it is not suitable for a soccer ball, since the ability of leather to absorb moisture negatively affects the playing qualities of this accessory: it becomes heavier when absorbing liquid.
Thus, it is useful for fans of the game to know how to choose a good soccer ball, what it should be made of, which material to prefer.
The video is about how soccer balls are made and how to choose them correctly
To answer these questions, you should have at least minimal knowledge of what exactly balls are made of for the game. Strength and cost are directly proportional to the quality of the material from which the outer layer is made - the shell. The most popular materials are:
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
- Polyurethane (PU).
PVC is a synthetic material that resembles plastic. The cost of a ball with such a coating is low, respectively, and its quality is quite low. In cold weather, it is difficult to control such a ball.
As for polyurethane, it looks like natural leather. The material is strong, and such a coating will last a long time.
Polyurethane is the most suitable material
A little about the camera and lining
When choosing, you need to Special attention camera. The shape of the ball and its handling fully depends on it. As a basis for the camera, latex or butyl is used.
Natural latex - the material is quite soft, but has a drawback: it does not hold air well and often requires pumping.
Note. However, the ball with such a camera perfectly preserves the given flight path, so professional football players prefer it.
Butyl bladders, on the other hand, have excellent air retention, but are less sensitive than latex bladders. For reliable air retention, the ball valve with a latex chamber is made of butyl.
To give the ball sphericity, elasticity and lightness, a gasket made of various materials, which is placed between the outer shell and the chamber. This lining is made from:
- foam;
- fabrics;
- nonwoven fabric.
Foam and fabric make the ball softer, but they absorb moisture and hold it for a long time. Therefore, in order to decide on the question of how to choose a good soccer ball, it should be borne in mind that most manufacturers have abandoned cheap materials in favor of non-woven designs. Cotton fibers arranged in a spiral shape are treated with polyurethane resin. A ball with such a lining becomes moisture resistant, sufficiently elastic, and reliably holds its shape.
Lightweight and durable, the bladder is one of the most important parts of the ball
Choose a soccer ball for a child
When choosing a ball for children, the main question is how to choose a soccer ball for playing on the street. It is clear that children can choose any playground for playing, while it is not always grassy. And this means that a ball designed for playing on grass and having the appropriate marking will fail very quickly if played on sandy ground or asphalt. The most suitable option for such cases is a polyurethane ball.
Note. A professional ball can be used in any weather and on any surface. However, such a purchase will not come cheap.
Soccer balls are also different in size and weight. The balls are lighter for children than for adults.. Children do better with them.
Important! For small football players under 8 years old, a ball weighing from 311 to 340 g and a circumference of 57-60 centimeters can fit. And how to choose the right soccer ball for a child of 12 years old? FIFA advises for children over 12 years of age the standard size of the ball No. 5 with a weight of 396 to 453 g with a circumference of 67.5 to 70 centimeters.
Table: The ball for children is selected depending on their age
Thus, in order to decide how to choose a football ball, you need to be guided by the following: it is better to buy this football accessory from a material such as polyurethane, hand-stitched, with a latex camera, taking into account the weight, as well as the field on which the game will run.