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You can play soccer without a shirt, you can
play soccer without soccer shorts, and you can even play without shoes.
But without the ball, there is no game. The ball is the only essential
piece of equipment in the game of soccer; it is a necessity. As a soccer
player you understand the importance of the ball, but do you know all you
need to know about selecting and purchasing the ball that is right for you
and your game. For example, why is the price of one soccer ball three
times that of other balls? Why do you have that one ball in the bag of 10
that you always use in practice? What gives that particular ball the great
touch that makes you search for it over the others? How should you take
care of a soccer ball? In general, the better the ball, the truer the
flight. This means the ball goes where you intend it to when you strike
it. Durability is also an important factor when choosing a soccer ball.
Construction:
Panels: Ultimately,
this comes down to player preference. 32-panel is the most common and is
used in the World Cup and most other major tournaments and leagues. Other
designs include 18 and 26 panel. More recently, other panel shapes and
configurations have come from manufacturers seeking better look and feel
and truer flight.
Casing/Cover: There are
three types of synthetic material used to make soccer balls: PVC (Poly
Vinyl Carbonate), PU (Polyurethane) and PVC/PU mix. PVC is cheaper than PU
and generally used in an inexpensive training ball. Those players seeking
optimal performance generally use PU balls. Outside of price, the main
difference between balls is touch. A PU ball is softer than a PVC ball and
a PU cover makes a ball much livelier than PVC. It is this combination of
soft touch and lively responsiveness that leads many players to choose a
PU coated ball. It is usually that ball that is the first one out of the
bag every time. It should also be noted that within PU and PVC families of
materials there are various quality grades. Some great balls are made out
of high-grade PVC.
Durability: Largely
determined by the casing. As noted, PVC covers will last longer and do not
scuff as easily as the softer PU, which will begin to show signs of wear
more quickly. Glossy coatings are often used to aid in reducing water
absorption and scuffing.
Bladder: The bladder is the
part of the ball that is actually filled with air. There are two primary
materials used for bladders: latex and butyl. Latex bladders are softer,
with a better feel, and are preferred at higher levels. Latex bladders do
not hold air as well as butyl and will require more frequent inflation.
Many balls use butyl valves for better air retention.
Pricing:
The higher the level of competition, the more the price
levels will increase.
Sizing:
For most players 12 years
and older, size 5 is the standard. Junior players often play with a size
four, check with officials to make sure. Only the youngest players use
size 3. Mini balls are used for skill development and for fun. A size 5 is
standard for most levels of adult play. Players under 12 years of age
usually use a smaller sized ball. It's always a good idea to ask your
coach or manager what size is appropriate for your age level.
Inflation
The ideal inflation for
your ball is 9 to 10.5 pounds of air. Any more or less could damage the
ball and affect your play.
Match or training ball?
We, here at World Soccer
Shop, carry three different types of balls: Premium Match Balls, Match
Balls, and Training Balls. Premium inspected match balls have been tested
and meet strict international match ball standards. FIFA Approved balls
have passed tests on circumference, sphericity, rebound, weight, loss of
pressure, and water absorption. To receive FIFA's highest rating -
"approved" - a ball must pass an additional shape and size retention test.
All premium match balls are size 5. Regular match balls are great for use
in a game or as high level training balls. The materials of the cover and
bladder are selected for a combination of responsive performance and
durability. Training Balls are all high quality with exceptional
durability. Built to take the hours of work that you put into your game,
training balls are designed to last on all types of fields with the best
possible air retention.
Futsal. What is it?
World Soccer Shop also
carries the lesser known Futsal ball. Futsal is the FIFA sanctioned game
played both indoors and out. Futsal is played on basketball-sized courts
with no sidewalls. Brazilian soccer greats, Pele, Zico and Socrates, grew
up playing the game and are just a few of the great soccer legends that
credit Futsal with developing their skills. Futsal develops skill by
demanding quick reflexes, fast thinking and pin-point passing. It is
played with a special low-bounce ball necessitating players to use their
skills, rather than the ball's bounce to propel it. Futsal is a great
training device for the soccer player at any skill level.
Care:
Clean and dry your soccer ball after use. Better to keep
balls (like other equipment) out of extreme conditions (hot, cold, or wet)
and out of the direct sunlight. Note: the hot sun plus a hot car can spell
the early death of your ball.
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Soccer Balls
