What are the parts of the ball? What should be a soccer ball

Football is one of the most beloved sports. The boys begin to play it, only having learned to walk. With the ball they grow up, learn, train and become Olympians. For good spectacular game, in addition to the professional qualities of the players, in football its main attribute is also important - the ball.

A bit of history

First game balls The progenitors of football were made from animal organs, more often from bladders. In addition to a not very presentable appearance, such products were of poor quality. From strong blows on them - they quickly burst and were blown away.

Everything changed in the middle of the nineteenth century, after the invention of a modified rubber - rubber. The first rubber ball was introduced football teams almost one hundred and fifty years ago in 1855. Rubber not only changed the appearance of your favorite sports equipment, but also added strength to it, increasing additional elasticity and jumping ability. A little later, a rubber ball chamber and an inflation pump were invented.

1872 can be considered the reference date for the standardization of the soccer ball. It was decided that it has a size of 68.6 to 71.7 cm, and a weight of 370-425 g. The weight was slightly increased in 1937, to the 400-450 grams used to this day. Serial production began in 1888 by the two companies Mitre and Tomplinson. The basis of the ball was an inner chamber, with an eighteen-piece natural leather tire on top. In the sixties of the last century, synthetic balls began to be made. Now they have completely replaced the skin.

The main parts of modern balls

From the old days, the composition of the sports product has changed a little. A modern ball for the game consists of three parts:

tire,

• lining.

Tire

Unlike the old version made of leather, gaining extra weight from moisture during use, new ones are made of synthetics. More often, for manufacturing, they take polyurethane or similar polyvinyl chloride. Almost all of them are sewn from thirty-two water-repellent parts:

twelve pieces of pentagonal shape,

twenty pieces of a hexagonal shape.

Options for connecting parts may vary: manual stitching, machine or gluing.

After connecting all the parts together, a spherical figure is obtained, such as a ball, but different from it, due to a large number its constituent polyhedra. Sphericity is added by pumping air inward.

However, a sphere of thirty-two parts is not the only possible configuration. In the 2000s, the largest world championships used balls of fourteen and even eight parts. The connection was also new - thermal.

Camera

The camera is inside the sphere. Synthetic butyl, polyurethane, sometimes natural-based latex is taken for manufacturing. What are their differences?

A latex chamber needs to be pumped up more often than synthetic ones, because the air in it “deflates” faster. But it has advantages that far exceed this disadvantage. Compared to butyl or polyurethane, it is softer, more elastic, and more "bouncy".

Lining

Between the chamber and the tire in modern models, as on https://www.ProBall.ru/catalog/futbolnye_myachi/, there is a gasket. And a lot depends on this new component. Jumping or rebounding, maintaining a spherical shape - all this depends on the thickness and size of the gasket. The lining is made of polyester or natural compressed cotton. In a modern ball for professionals, there are at least four layers of cushioning.

Ball size differences

The world of football uses five different sizes balls. They differ not only in size, but also in purpose.

Sphere up to 56 cm - for teaching the game to kids of four years of age, or for advertising.

Sphere up to 61 cm - for training older children of six to eight years.

Sphere within 62-64 cm. Used for mini-football matches and training for teenagers up to twelve years old. Dry weight ranges from 400-440 grams.

The main type of ball for training and matches is size five. Circumference 68-70 cm, weight no more than 450 grams.

The main colors used on modern football fields are spotted, black and white. Sometimes bright colors are used, such as orange. This is necessary for their best visibility.

The mood before training or an important match depends on the quality and appearance of the ball. Therefore, it is better to choose it according to its characteristics. This option is available on the website.

The ball was made from the bladders of animals, which quickly fell into disrepair if enough was applied to them. strong blows. Ball technology changed dramatically with the discovery of vulcanized rubber in 1838 by Charles Goodyear. In 1855, Goodyear introduced the first ball made from rubber. The use of rubber made it possible to enhance the quality of the ball rebound and its strength.

Quality and parameters

• has a spherical shape;
• made of leather or other material suitable for these purposes;
• has a circumference of not more than 70 cm (28 inches) and not less than 68 cm (27 inches). Standard ball size 5 Size 5);
• weighs no more than 450 (16 oz) and no less than 410 g (14 oz) at the start of the match. The mass is indicated for a dry ball;
• has a pressure equal to 0.6 -1.1 atmospheres (600-1100 g / sq. cm) at sea level (from 8.5 psi to 15.6 psi).

Dimensions

• Size 1

advertisements and are produced with displayed advertising logos or inscriptions. Usually they are made of synthetic materials, consist of 32 panels (12 pentagons and 20 hexagons), and their circumference does not exceed 43 cm. In their structure, balls of the first size are no different from standard balls, only inferior to them in size.

• Size 2

Balls of this size are used mainly for the purpose of advertising and for the education of children under the age of four. The ball is made of synthetic materials, plastic or material (polyvinyl chloride). The maximum circumference is 56 cm, and the mass does not exceed 283.5 g. Balls in this size the best way Suitable for training and improving ball handling skills. The ball can consist of 32 or 26 panels. Sometimes it depicts logos, signs and various inscriptions of an advertising nature.

• Size 3

Balls of this size are designed for training children under the age of 8 years. The mass of the ball does not exceed 340 g, and the circumference does not exceed 61 cm. Typically, balls of this size consist of 32 panels, either sewn or glued, made of synthetic materials or polyvinyl chloride. Sometimes balls of this size are sewn from 18 or 26 panels.

• Size 4

Balls of this size are standard for futsal, and are also intended for training children under the age of 12. In accordance with FIFA rules, a ball of this size can be made of leather or other suitable materials, the mass of the ball can vary between 369-425 g, and the circumference must be between 63.5-66 cm.

• Size 5

Balls of this size are used in all official competitions held under the auspices of FIFA around the world. This ball size is the most widely used in football. There are more size 5 soccer balls produced than all other size 1 to 4 soccer balls combined. The ball has a circumference of 68-70 cm and weighs no more than 450 g.

Replacing a damaged ball

• If the ball bursts or is damaged during the game, the game stops. It is resumed with a spare ball from the draw of a “dropped ball” in the place where it fell into disrepair.

• If the ball bursts or is damaged while it is not in play, kickoff, goal kick , corner kick , free kick , free kick , penalty kick or throw-in , play restarts as appropriate after the ball has been replaced.

The ball may only be changed during play on the instructions of the referee.

Colors

The old balls were monochrome, brown, then white. Subsequently, for the convenience of broadcasting on black and white TVs, the ball was made spotty - with black pentagons and white hexagons. This coloring has become the standard for balls and symbols in general. Other balls exist, such as Nike's "Total 90 Aerow", which has rings applied to make it easier for the goaltender to determine the ball's spin. In matches taking place on a snowy field or during a snowfall, brightly colored balls, mostly orange, are used.

By decision of FIFA official games any emblems or advertising on balls are prohibited, except for the following:

• the competition or the organizer of the competition;
• company - the manufacturer of the ball;
• ball clearance marks.

Ball quality control

In accordance with FIFA's quality control system, all balls used in matches held under the auspices of this football organization must first receive the FIFA APPROVED or FIFA INSPECTED marks. To receive the FIFA INSPECTED label, balls must pass a series of tests that include mass control, moisture absorption, rebound, roundness, circumference and pressure loss. In order to receive the FIFA APPROVED mark, the ball must pass, in addition to the above tests, additional tests to maintain size and shape. At the same time, manufacturers of soccer balls must pay a small amount to FIFA for permission to put such signs on soccer balls.

Ball production

80% of the balls are produced in Pakistan and 75% of them (60% of the total production in the world) in the city of Sialkot. Previously, child labor was often used in production, but after Euro 2004, publications appeared in the press on this subject and international organizations for the protection of children, in particular UNICEF, took over the plant. For the World Cup in Germany, the balls were made in Thailand. For the first time since 1970, Adidas has produced balls outside of the Sialkot factory. However, all 60 million balls for sale will be produced there.

see also

• soccer ball monument

Notes

Links

• Soccer ball: design, types, differences, tips for choosing (Russian)
• All about soccer balls

Soccer ball

Now Russia is hosting the 2018 FIFA World Cup and every spectator is rooting for their country. An integral attribute of the game of football is a soccer ball. Do you know what a modern soccer ball is made of, why it is black and white, where the bulk of the balls are made and what sizes of soccer balls are there? You will find answers to these questions below.

A little history of the creation of a soccer ball

In the early days of football, the ball was made from the bladders of animals, which quickly deteriorated, especially if they were hit hard enough. Ball production technology changed dramatically with the discovery of vulcanized rubber in 1838 by Charles Goodyear. In 1855, Goodyear introduced the first rubber ball. The use of rubber made it possible to enhance the quality of the ball rebound and its strength.

Old leather soccer ball

Seven years later, in 1862, another inventor, Richard Lindon, created the first inflatable rubber ball bladder. Later, he developed a pump for the camera, and at an exhibition in London, his invention won a medal. Thanks to the discovery of rubber and the invention of the inflatable bladder, the necessary technical conditions for the industrial production of soccer balls were created.

What is a soccer ball made of?

A modern soccer ball consists of three main parts:

• tire,
• lining,
• camera.

The device of modern soccer ball

Tire

Initially, the tire for the ball was made of genuine leather. Now synthetics are mainly used, because. the skin absorbs water and the ball becomes heavier. Basically, for the manufacture of tires for soccer balls, polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride is used. Most modern balls consist of 32 waterproof panels, 12 of them are pentagonal, 20 are hexagonal. The panels of a soccer ball are sewn together with threads (by hand or machine) or glued together.

The design of these 32 polygons is called a truncated icosahedron - a geometric figure quite close to a ball, a compromise between non-sphericity and the number of seams on the tire. The spherical shape is given to the ball due to the pressure of the air pumped inward. The first such ball was produced in Denmark in 1950 by Select and was widely used in Europe. It began to be used worldwide after the 1970 World Cup, on which there were such balls produced by Adidas. Before that, a ball was used, consisting of 18 oblong parts and lacing, similar in design to modern volleyballs. This design is quite common and still.

In 2004, Adidas first introduced the Roteiro, the official ball of the 2004 European Football Championship.
The 2006 FIFA World Cup final in Germany was played with a Teamgeist ball. For the first time since 1970, Adidas stepped away from the traditional 32-panel tire configuration and introduced the 14-panel ball. The panels of the ball were bonded using thermal bonding.
The official match ball for the 2010 South African World Cup was the Adidas Jabulani. The structure of the soccer ball is made up of 8 panels, also thermally bonded to each other.

Lining

The lining is the inner layer between the tire and the chamber. The quality of a soccer ball is highly dependent on the thickness of the lining. It affects the quality of the bounce of the ball and helps to maintain its shape. The material for the manufacture is polyester or pressed cotton. A modern professional soccer ball consists of four or more layers of lining.

Camera

A soccer ball bladder is made from synthetic butyl or natural latex, sometimes polyurethane. A latex bladder retains air for a shorter time than a butyl bladder, but a latex bladder has an advantage over bladders made from butyl or polyurethane in three main ways:

• softness,
• rebound,
• elasticity.

Latex ball bladder

According to the official rules of the game of football, the ball must:

• to be spherical
• have a circumference of not more than 70 cm (28 inches) and not less than 68 cm (27 inches). Standard ball size 5;
• weigh no more than 450 g (16 oz) and no less than 410 g (14 oz) at the start of the match. The mass is indicated for a dry ball;
• have a pressure equal to 0.6-1.1 atmospheres (600-1100 g / sq. cm) at sea level.

Soccer ball sizes

1. size 1. Usually they are made of synthetic materials, their circumference does not exceed 43 cm. They are used for advertising purposes.
2. size 2. The maximum circumference is 56 cm, and the mass does not exceed 283.5 g. Balls in this size are used mainly for the purpose of advertising and for teaching children under the age of four.
3. size 3. The mass of the ball does not exceed 340 g, and the circumference does not exceed 61 cm. Balls of this size are intended for training children under the age of 8 years.
4. size 4. Balls in this size are standard for futsal, and are also intended for training children under the age of 12 years. In accordance with FIFA rules (Futsal Laws of the Game EN 2012-2013 FIFA), the ball must:
   • to be spherical
   • be made of leather or other approved material,
   • have a circumference of not more than 64 cm and not less than 62 cm,
   • have a weight at the beginning of the match not more than 440 g and not less than 400 g,
   • have a pressure equal to 0.6 - 0.9 atmospheres (600 - 900 g / cm2) above sea level,
   • have a first bounce of at least 50 cm and not more than 65 cm when falling from a height of 2 m.
5. size 5. Balls of this size are used in all official competitions held under the auspices of FIFA around the world. This size ball is the most widely used in football. There are more size 5 soccer balls produced than all other size 1 to 4 soccer balls combined. The ball has a circumference of 68-70 cm and weighs no more than 450 g.

There are also lightweight soccer balls (for women and children), the circumference and weight of which may differ from those officially accepted.

What determines the color of the ball?

The first soccer balls were monochrome, brown, then white. Subsequently, for the convenience of broadcasting on black-and-white TVs, the ball was made spotted - with black pentagons and white hexagons. This coloring has become the standard for balls and symbols in general.

There are other balls, such as Nike's "Total 90 Aerow", which have rings applied to make it easier for the goaltender to determine the spin of the ball. In matches taking place on a snowy field or during snowfall, brightly colored balls, mostly orange, are used.

Orange soccer ball

By decision of FIFA, any emblems or advertising on balls are prohibited at official games, except for the following:

• the competition or the organizer of the competition;
• company - the manufacturer of the ball;
• ball clearance marks.

Where are soccer balls made?

80% of soccer balls are produced in Pakistan and 75% of them (60% of the total world production) in the city of Sialkot. Previously, child labor was often used in production, but after Euro 2004, publications appeared in the press on this subject and international organizations for the protection of children, in particular UNICEF, took over the plant.

Manual production of balls

For the World Cup in Germany, the balls were made in Thailand. For the first time since 1970, Adidas has produced balls outside of the Sialkot factory. However, all 60 million balls for sale will be produced there.

Football is a popular game that has a lot of fans and fans all over the world. To realize the desire to become a football player - amateurs and professionals, acquire a soccer ball. Many people love to play football, of any age, gender, social class or nationality. After all, this game brings together, unites and gives a huge amount of emotions.

This is an important attribute of playing football familiar from childhood. It is not to be confused with any other sport. However, even an avid football fan does not know the answer to the question about the main parameters of this sports equipment: soccer ball size - important point in his choice. For purposes, balls of a certain size are purchased. The weight of the soccer ball is also important. A soccer ball is chosen according to the type of surface on the playing field - grass, soft or hard artificial turf, gravel, asphalt, sand or floor in gym. There are other requirements for a soccer ball. The ideal ball is spherical, elastic, and of the appropriate size and weight.

Excursion into history

At the beginning of the appearance of the game for the manufacture of a soccer ball was used bladder animal. However, it could not be used for a long time, because due to the impact on it, such a first soccer ball became unusable. Ball manufacturing technology has undergone significant changes since the discovery of vulcanized rubber, which occurred in 1838. Years later, in 1855, American inventor Charles Goodyear introduced the first rubber ball. It differed from its outdated counterparts in rebound and durability.

Photo 1. A soccer ball consists of black and white pentagons and hexagons so that it can be clearly seen on the grass from the stands.

Seven years later, another inventor - Richard Lindon - created the first rubber inflatable bladder for the ball. Later he managed to develop a pump to the chamber. This invention was noted at the London exhibition with a special award. After the discovery of rubber and the invention of the rubber bladder, it became possible to create technical conditions for the mass production of soccer balls.

With the founding of the Football Association of England, which took place in 1863, a unification of the rules of the game is being created. However, at that time there was no mention of the ball in them. Official standards that specified the mass and size of a soccer ball (1872). Until that time, the weight of the soccer ball and other parameters were agreed by the parties before the start of the match.

Photo 2. Charles Goodyear invented the first rubber ball.

After the creation in 1888 Football League In England, balls began to be mass-produced as the need for them increased. At the beginning of the twentieth century. they became better - a chamber made of durable rubber coped with pressure. The soccer ball had a tire and an inner chamber. The tire material is genuine leather. The tire was a panel sewn together in the amount of 18 pieces. There was a nipple under the lacing.

In the 60s of the last century, a synthetic soccer ball was developed. Genuine leather was used in production until the end of the 1980s, after which it was replaced with synthetic materials.

As a rule, the balls were made of leather, which was taken from the rump of cow carcasses; for simpler models, leather from the shoulder blades was used, cheap and less durable. There were plenty of problems with leather balls. When playing in the rain, the ball swelled, the laces protruded, the ball lost its shape. The use of leather for the production of football equipment in mass quantities was costly.

The leader in the production of balls (80%) is Pakistan. And the manufacturers of the city of Sialkot, on the territory of this country, produce 60% of the balls from the world production. Previously, the owners of the plant used child labor in production. At the end of the 2004 European Championship, this topic was raised by journalists. After the intervention international organizations for the protection of children, the problem was solved. For the World Cup, which was held in Germany, the balls for the game were presented by manufacturers from Thailand.

Photo 3. The main country of production of soccer balls is Pakistan.

Interesting facts from the history of soccer balls:

• the matches of the 1970 World Cup, which took place in Mexico, were shown on television. For this, the Telstar soccer ball was developed. It consisted of 32 black and white pieces, as the designers, while developing the product, tried to make the ball visible on the screen;
• the product Tango Duralast, which was made for the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, consisted of 20 pieces: 12 white circles were located on a black background;
• At the 1982 World Cup in Spain, the Tango España leather soccer ball was used for the last time. Rubber was considered an innovation, which was applied to the seams in order to reduce the absorption of water;
• At the World Cup in Mexico, in 1986, they played with the Azteca ball, the material of which was polymer materials;
• The Etrusco Unico ball played in the 1990 World Cup used foam for one layer;
• Questra - the ball played by the teams at the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Five types of materials were used in its production. The product was subjected to serious testing at that time;
• The Tricolore, which was played at the 1998 World Cup in France, used synthetic foam to give the ball a soft touch and bounce;
• At the World Championship in Korea-Japan, in 2002, the Fevernova ball was used, the cut of which consisted of 32 pieces. In addition, it had 3-millimeter layers (11 pcs.), The microcells of which stored energy during the impact and contributed to a stable flight;
• The 14-piece Teamgeist ball used at the 2006 World Cup in Germany used heat-shrink seams. They provided water resistance and compensated for surface imperfections.

Photo 4. The Telstar professional ball from Adidas participated in the 1974 FIFA World Cup.

Types of soccer balls

Those who believe that a soccer ball is standard and the same for everyone are mistaken. In fact, there is a difference in how it is supposed to be used. Much depends on the place where the game will take place: on grass, lawn or even on asphalt. In accordance with this, the following types of soccer balls are distinguished:

1. Professional soccer balls - are used for games on all coverings of football grounds. In addition, they are used in any weather. When purchasing them, a quality certificate is provided that this projectile has all the qualities and is suitable for professional games.
2. Match balls. Durable among all types. They have grip during the game. Used in football competitions.
3. Balls for training. They have increased strength, water-repellent coating, due to which they are appreciated by fans of street football, they are widespread.
4. The futsal ball has low bounce and is smaller in diameter than standard balls.

Professional and match balls are made by manufacturers exclusively for playing on lawn surfaces, matches and football competitions are held there. Those who like to drive the ball on asphalt know that manufacturers do not produce special balls for hard surfaces. After all, even the best soccer balls, which are used to play on asphalt or concrete surfaces, wear out and lose their shape.

In addition, soccer balls have a temperature threshold at which they are used for the game. It is -15 degrees. Don't be surprised when a quality ball falls apart before your eyes after being used to play on pavement in the cold.

Photo 5. A futsal ball is characterized by a small bounce and light weight.

Requirements for the ball

FIFA standards table.

FIFA Approved is a mark that indicates that the ball complies with the list of FIFA requirements and confirms its functional and technological characteristics. To receive this mark, the ball meets the requirements:

• have a circumference of 68.5-69.5 cm. In this case, the diameter is 21.8-22.2 cm;
• clear roundness - when calculating the difference between a larger and smaller diameter value, its difference from medium size does not exceed 1.3%. In this case, the measurement of the diameter is performed at 16 points, after which the figure of the average value is determined;
• rebound - when dropping the ball from a 2-meter height, the rebound height is 1.2-1.65 m. An error of no more than 10 cm is allowed.
• a soccer ball weighs about 420-445g;
• wetting - a test is carried out in which the ball is placed in a tank of water and, while rotating it, is compressed about 250 times. The amount of water absorbed increases its weight by no more than 10%;
• pressure in a soccer ball. During the test, the ball is pressurized with 1 bar of air. After 3 days, the ball releases air, the volume of which does not exceed 20%;
• soccer ball shape and size. A special test is carried out in which a ball is thrown at a speed of 35 miles per hour into a steel surface. Not a single seam should be damaged during testing. At the same time, pressure loss, changes in diameter and sphericity of the ball should be insignificant. Perfect option- complete absence of such changes.

Balls bearing the "FIFA Approved" logo are played on official football matches. At all that are held under the auspices of FIFA or continental associations. FIFA Approved hallmarked balls undergo an additional test that simulates 2,000 hits of the ball during play on the pitch. A regular soccer ball will have unchanged characteristics after being hit 2000 times at a speed of 50 km/h against a steel plate.

Photo 6. Testing the ball to maintain its size and shape under impact.

soccer ball device

The scheme of a soccer ball, which is used in professional and amateur football, is simple. It consists of an outer surface, suture material, an inner lining of cotton or polyester, and a latex or butyl bladder.

The outer body of a soccer ball consists of 32 pieces of artificial material or genuine leather, of which 20 are hexagons, 12 are pentagons. This design is called a truncated icosahedron: the ball takes the shape of a ball due to air pressure inside. This design was introduced in 1950 by Select (manufacturing country - Denmark).

An innovation in the production of balls was introduced by Adidas: at the World Cup in 2006, the players played Teamgeist, which consists of pieces unusual shape resembling turbines and propellers in appearance. Two years later, at the European Championship, the same company introduced the Europass ball, similar to the Teamgeist, but with a different coating, similar to a lemon peel.

Photo 7. Description of the structure of the professional ball Adidas Tango 12

Polyester thread is used as a suture material for a soccer ball. Some balls are sewn by hand, others use a special machine. In the manufacture of low-quality balls, glue is used, which increases their rigidity and generally affects its performance. Technology such as thermal bonding is used in the production of Roteiro, Teamgeist and Europass balls.

A lot depends on the internal coating of a soccer ball. Thanks to its layers, the shape is leveled, and speed characteristics are improved. Professional balls have at least 4 layers of cotton or polyester, they are combined with each other. In some cases, special foam is added that improves control and cushioning.

The purpose of the ball chamber is to hold air. The latex chamber retains air worse than the butyl one. Futsal foam is designed to withstand the stresses of a hard surface. The valve is lubricated with a special silicon grease - this will help the easy entry of the needle and air retention.

Photo 8. ManualThe second seam on a soccer ball is made with a bent needle.

Air leakage is due to microspores, the ball needs constant pumping. Latex is pumped up once a week, and a butyl ball once a month. In addition to latex and butyl, polyurethane is used to make cameras.

Photo 9. Gala Argentina 2011 - a football shell with a synthetic surface and a butyl chamber.

Design and colors

When choosing a soccer ball, pay attention to the pattern and design features. The product consists of panels, on which its aerodynamics and player comfort depend. The number of panels depends on the intensity of use and other parameters for which the ball model was made.

Among the huge variety of soccer ball designs, the 32-panel one, which was made by SELECT back in 1962, is considered traditional and popular. Great option for playing on any surface, including stadiums and futsals.

The color of a soccer ball used to be exclusively white or brown. After the advent of televisions, they were replaced by white and black colors in the form of white hexagonal and black pentagonal pieces. This classic coloring is usually used. If for the duration of the match weather forecasters predict snowfall, then bright colors are chosen, more often orange.

Until 1954, the color of the ball remained brown, and only at the World Cup in Switzerland was a yellow ball used. This change has been well received by fans. bright color projectile helped to concentrate on the game.

The pattern applied by the manufacturers is patented. They make replica balls, which are made from inexpensive materials, but in their own way. appearance they are professional. Designed for practicing techniques by amateur football players.

According to the decision made by the FIFA Football Federation, on balls, in official matches and championships, any advertising and logos are prohibited, except for the emblems of the organizers of the competition or competition, the company producing the projectile and signs indicating the conformity of the soccer ball to the standards.

Photo 10. 8-panel (top) and 12-panel (bottom) football shells, which were used for games at the beginning of the last century. (In the photo at the top right - a football player of the 30s of the XX century)

Features of soccer balls depending on their size

The size of soccer balls largely determines the goals and conditions for which they are purchased. Size #1 balls are more commonly used for promotional purposes and come with logos, emblems, or promotional slogans. As a rule, the material of their manufacture is synthetics. They have 32 panels, of which 20 are hexagons and 12 are pentagons. The length of their circumferences is not more than 43 cm. In terms of structure, such balls do not differ from other types, if their size is not taken into account.

Balls of the second size are produced for advertising purposes. This option is for a child up to 4 years old. For the manufacture of synthetics, plastic or polyvinyl chloride. The circumference in length does not exceed 56 cm, and the mass of a soccer ball of this size is not more than 283.5 g. According to their criteria, these balls are suitable for improving the level of football players, which consists in enhanced training and improving the technique of handling the projectile. The tire of this type of soccer ball consists of 26 or 32 panels. Logos, trademarks or advertising inscriptions are placed on it.

The third size is a children's soccer ball, which is produced for training kids, whose age is 8-9 years. Its weight is no more than 340 g, and its circumference is up to 61 cm. In most cases, size 3 balls consist of 32 panels glued or sewn together. The material of their manufacture is synthetic or polyvinyl chloride. In rare cases, 18- or 26-panel products are made.

Size #4 balls are intended for playing futsal or for training sessions children under 12 years old. FIFA rules state that:

• this ball has the shape of a sphere;
• production material - leather or other material;
• circumference is 62-64 cm;
• weighs 400-440g;
• pressure corresponds to 0.6-0.9 atm.;
• the rebound height from a 2-meter height is in the range of 50-65 cm.

Photo 11. Children's soccer balls attract with their brightness and causeThe child hasdesire to play.

Size 5 balls are used in the official football tournaments organized by FIFA around the world. They are popular and widespread. The number of balls of this size is more than the production of other types from the 1st to the 4th sizes. The circumference of this projectile is 68-71 cm, weight - up to 450 g. In addition, there are types of balls that are intended for children's and women's football. They differ in size and weight from the well-known parameters of soccer balls.

Photo 12. Balls for women's football, as a rule, are smaller in weight.

Manufacturing materials

A leather and rag soccer ball is not used for the game. The variety of synthetic types of leather, for such purposes, surpasses natural material in many qualities. By their structure, they are multilayer hybrids, a special role is played by the top layer, which is based on polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride or materials in which they are contained.

Polyurethane has advantages related to strength characteristics. The mass of microbubbles that it consists of has a number of valuable physical properties that determine technical specification: shape constancy (the ability to restore the original appearance after the impact), balance (preservation of the trajectory and angle of movement that the player sets during the impact), speed of flight and rebound. The cost of polyurethane balls is more expensive than those made of PVC.

Comparison table of materials for the chamber of a soccer ball.

Less practical, but cheaper is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This type of synthetic leather is strong. When feeling, PVC is similar to plastic in cold weather. Soccer balls made from this material present some difficulty in handling. PVC is often used to make tires for inexpensive balls.

When comparing balls made of polyurethane and PVC, the former are softer and the surface is more natural. Most game lovers choose polyurethane products. Under the top layer of polyurethane, some contain a layer of special foam, which ensures contact with the player's foot and excellent cushioning. The thicker this layer, the better the contact will be and the ball will last longer.

Photo 13. Polyurethane material used to make soccer balls.

An important detail of a soccer ball is the "heart", the chamber. In its manufacture, as a rule, natural latex or synthetic butyl or polyurethane are used. The main disadvantage of the latex chamber is the gradual release of air. However, in terms of quality, latex products are superior to synthetic ones in elasticity (the chamber is stretched to large sizes), rebound and memory - indicators that are important during the game.

How to choose a soccer ball for a child?

Knowing the main parameters of the purchase, the search area for the ball is narrowed to a minimum. Indeed, when planning to acquire the main attribute for a popular game, many are determined by its weight and size. The ideal option is to purchase a light ball for your child. For those who find it difficult to determine an acceptable size and weight, FIFA offers clear and simple recommendations:

• if the child's age does not exceed 8 years, buy for him a soccer ball weighing 312-340 g, the circumference of which is 57-60 cm;
• for the age category of 8-12 years, balls with a weight of 340-369 g are suitable. Since they belong to size No. 4, their circumference is 62-65 cm;
• adolescent children, starting from 12 years old, are recommended "adult" balls, weighing 397-454 g, the circumference of which is 67.5-70 cm. The parameters correspond to a standard ball of size No. 5.

When choosing a soccer ball for their children, some parents worry that the heavy projectile will hurt the child. But if you can protect yourself from a heavy ball with good football equipment, then a light soccer ball is uncontrollable. The weight must be proportionate to the player.

Photo 14. A separate category of balls is lightweight models for children's play, which require less effort when kicking.

How to take care of the ball?

In order for the ball to serve as long as possible, it is important to know the basic rules for caring for it. This also applies to the soccer ball. If you take care of it, having studied the recommendations of experts, then you extend its service life. In no case should you sit on your soccer ball and stand on it. You can not hit the ball hard on the wall, because because of this it is deformed, and as a result it will swing to the sides when flying.

When choosing a ball, the game conditions where it will be used are taken into account. In this case, the main criterion is the weather and the playing surface. If training or games are planned on rocky and rough surfaces, such as asphalt, concrete or gravel, then such loads will be fatal for a regular ball. Friction during impacts and jumps on hard and uneven surfaces lead to rapid wear, to cuts in its outer coating. At sub-zero temperatures, you cannot play with a wet ball, since the transformation of water into ice will damage the outer surface and form microcracks.

When cleaning the ball, remove dirt at the end of the game with a damp cloth. When dirty, use a mild soap or a detergent that is used for synthetic leather. Do not use harsh cleaning agents. Their concentrated solutions damage the seams on the ball and its outer coating. Washing the ball can not be carried out under a jet of water with pressure, as moisture seeps into the inner layer. A wet or dirty ball is rinsed with clean water, wiped with a soft brush, wiped with a dry cloth and left in a dry place where it will dry completely naturally at room temperature. Keep the ball away from factors such as cold, heat, high humidity, direct sunlight.

Photo 15. Even the most wear-resistant ball material should be protected from harmful effects, prolonged moisture and low temperatures.

It is important to monitor the correct pressure in the soccer ball. Playing with an inflated as well as an underinflated ball is the cause of accelerated surface wear. When inflating, adhere to the pressure recommended by the manufacturers - this is indicated on the surface of the ball. Basically, this value corresponds to 0.8-1.0 bar.

To extend the "life" of a soccer ball, silicone oil is used. Before inflating, a few drops of it are dripped, which will reduce the wear of the ball by 40-50%. After that, the nipple will become elastic, and this is so important in order to prevent damage to the valve and loss of pressure in the ball. Since the nipple is less elastic than latex or butyl tubes, it is more easily affected by external factors. These include humidity, uneven surfaces, low or high temperatures. Under the negative influence of these factors, the ball fails.

Over time, any soccer ball loses pressure. For some of them, a few days is enough. In a product with butyl chambers, air pressure is stored longer than with latex ones. To know that the pressure is normal, check it more often. They buy a high-quality pump, spare needles and a special device for measuring pressure. Many manufacturers advise on days when the ball is not used either for practice or for play, to reduce air pressure in it. This will help reduce stress at the seams. Thus, the life of the ball is increased.

Today, high quality balls belonging to the middle and high class are produced in two countries: India and Pakistan. There are also low-quality fakes that are made by the artisanal method: by gluing pieces or by hand stitching. Such fakes are easy to distinguish from a professional ball. High-quality balls are made by craftsmen in factories. Makes 1-2 products in one working day. These criteria are important, and it is important to pay attention to them. Special attention in order not to get into a mess, but to buy a soccer ball of excellent quality.

Video: What the balls of different championships looked like since 1930

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