Football is a sport preferred by people of all ages, from amateurs to professionals. This activity is the most popular in the world and millions of people prefer to do this sport. One of the most important elements of football is the ball, because it is impossible to play without it. With the right equipment, you can get hitting accuracy, because it depends not only on the athlete. The article describes the basic parameters of how to choose a soccer ball, considers possible types of equipment, materials and device.
Content
Features of the soccer ball
A soccer ball is made using a special technology, since it must fully meet international standards and rules. Often there are 3 main components in its design: tires, tube and lining. Modern ball types are characterized by cameras that are made of synthetics, not leather, as was the case before. The outer part is tires, made in the form of cells, of which there should be 32 units over the entire area. Of these, 20 panels are in the shape of a hexagon, the rest are in a pentagonal shape. The connection of such elements is carried out using glue or sewing with threads, on which the properties of the ball directly depend.
Select back in the 50s proposed a ball design that is still used today. At that time, the classic combination of black and white began to be applied, the colors became mandatory for the soccer ball. Modern manufacturers can offer a large selection of equipment, which differs in the number of tires, the method of their connection, as well as materials. It is worth noting that the fewer panels on the surface, the more round the ball will be, and additional protection from moisture appears. To find a good soccer ball, you need to understand its main types, and then study the important parameters that you need to pay attention to before buying.
Types of soccer balls
At the moment, manufacturers offer a large number of varieties of football balls, each type is characterized by individual characteristics, has pluses and minuses, so before buying, you need to familiarize yourself with the possible options.
Training
The cost of such equipment is optimal for many people. Often, training types are made using cheap materials that are not of high quality, so their durability is low. It is customary for manufacturers to use polyvinyl chloride. The panels are fixed to each other using heat treatment.
The main feature of such models is the ability to withstand many blows. People who don't know how to choose a soccer ball for the street should pay attention to this particular type, because it is ideal for the most difficult surfaces, for example, asphalt.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing policy, which is in the range of 800-1500 rubles for the simplest models and 2-4 thousand rubles. for equipment made of polyurethane.
- Suitable for use on any surface.
- An excellent choice for amateurs with any background, regardless of age.
The main drawback is in the materials used on cheap models, which reduces the service life.
For closed areas
Such options differ from the classic models with a low rebound from the surface. The tires on this ball can be lightly fluffed, similar to tennis balls. Often the sizes are in the range of 3.6-4, so the product can be safely used for mini-football.
Pros:
- Low cost, which is in the range of 800-2000 rubles.
- Excellent quality of all materials.
- Good strength, long service life when properly used.
The disadvantages include the narrow focus of the equipment, because it is permissible to use the ball only in a closed area.
For beach soccer
Beach soccer balls are designed to be played on the sand and without shoes. Much softer materials are used during production, which allows for increased comfort during body contact with equipment. Often, models do not allow moisture to pass at all or its penetration is minimal.
Pros:
- Cost up to 1.5 thousand rubles.
- Made of tough and soft polyurethane.
- Convenient for playing without shoes.
The main disadvantage is the use only on the beach.
Professional
Such models are used for team play with extensive experience among athletes. The design features of the balls are meticulously developed, and some manufacturers use professional players to create them. This is necessary so that the final version can fully reveal the athlete's capabilities.
This type of product is the most expensive because the best quality materials are used for its production. The average price is in the range of 5-10 thousand rubles, but it can be higher. Only professional players need to buy this type, and there is no point in overpaying for amateurs. During manufacturing, a thorough control of each stage, design is carried out, and after production, the product is tested in many parameters so that everything meets the requirements.
Pros:
- Meticulous production.
- Using the best materials.
- Exclusive view.
- An excellent balance of the main parameters.
Minuses:
- Very high price.
- Can only be used for professional football.
Match
Models of this kind are used for matches on any grass field. The cost will be slightly less than for professional options, but more than training ones. The balls are made completely in accordance with all football standards, so their size, shape and weight meet the requirements.
Pros:
- Made from quality materials.
- Fully meet FIFA requirements.
- Can be applied to any type of grass (real and artificial).
- Suitable regardless of the age of the players.
Minuses:
- High cost, which is in the range of 4-7 thousand rubles.
- Not recommended for amateurs.
Top soccer ball manufacturers
At the moment, the market is full of various manufacturers of soccer balls. There are many domestic and foreign companies among them. Products from well-known brands can be considered the best, they inspire confidence among customers. Often it is the leading companies that offer their products to professionals and for matches. The products are certified, during production they go through many stages of inspection and testing, and also meet football requirements. They are overpriced, but the quality is worth it.
For people who do not want to delve into the details of the choice of material and other parameters, you just need to know the best brands of balls, they can safely be given preference:
- Select;
- Adidas;
- Puma;
- Nike;
The described companies offer any types of balls, the assortment is rich, differs in design, materials and is suitable for any category, so everyone can choose a product. For a person who is looking for a specific option, you should carefully familiarize yourself with the features.
Football selection options
There are several basic factors in determining how to choose the right soccer ball.They should be guided by them before buying.
Tire material
Several years ago, it was believed that the best material for a tire is leather, modern models are made of polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride. Genuine leather quickly absorbs moisture, so playing in rainy weather leads to an increase in weight, which means that the rebound of the product worsens, it becomes difficult for players to perform punches and other elements.
The polyurethane coating is considered the best at the moment - a subtype of synthetic leather. The material is strong and elastic, and the larger the layer, the stronger the rebound and better handling, and the service life increases. The surface can be glossy and matte, like leather. The first option helps to better repel water, and also increases aerodynamic qualities.
Polyvinyl chloride is often used for practice balls and those suitable for indoor areas. The material itself is solid, of low elasticity. It is not recommended to use it in winter, as it hardens from frost.
When choosing a soccer ball, it is also recommended to consider the number of tires (panels). At the moment, manufacturers offer from 6 to 32 pieces. They are sewn or glued. The first type of fastening will be more reliable and preference should be given to manual work, not machine. Such products can last for years if the surface of 32 panels is hand-processed using polyester thread.
Lining material
The lining is located between the tire and the tube, its main task is to set the correct shape, provide the necessary elasticity, as well as the mass of the goods. Very often, firms use nonwovens, foam or fabrics as raw materials. The last two options quickly absorb water in rainy weather or in dew, so the weight of the product will increase, and the main characteristics deteriorate.
Nonwovens are impregnated with polyurethane resins; companies use spiral-shaped cotton fibers in the base. This allows you to easily repel moisture and increase elasticity. After a bounce or impact, the shape quickly returns to its original state, but the cost of the lining is more expensive.
The size
There are several basic sizes that are commonly used in football. They depend on the age category:
- Products for children under 8 years old must be in size 3. The optimal ball mass is in the range of 310-340 grams, and the circumference will be 57-60 cm.
- For players aged 8-12, size 4 is preferable. In this case, the weight of the equipment is 340-368 grams, the circumference of the product is 62-65 cm.
- The largest are balls for adults and people over 12 years old - size 5. The circumference of the product is 67-70 cm, and the weight is about 396-453 grams.
Camera
The camera is needed for the soccer ball to maintain the right air pressure inside. It is often made with latex or butyl. The first type of material gives a more accurate flight along a given trajectory, but the camera needs to be pumped up more often. The second type will be tougher, it is more difficult for the player to accurately determine the trajectory, but butyl holds the skin better. Modern manufacturers have been able to come up with an alternative type of chamber made on the basis of latex with the addition of a butyl valve.
Stitching method
To form the ball, 3 types of panel stitching are used:
- Machine room - is characterized by average quality, since during operation free loops can form, which means there is a violation of the fit of the camera. This affects the elasticity of the product. For this type of processing, nylon threads are used, the seams themselves are always visible to a person. The period of using the ball is short, because the stitching is often damaged and begins to diverge to the sides.
- Manual - the processing method is the best, it is characterized by high strength, but the best qualities are reflected in the cost. The service life of the product is long, since there are additional fasteners at all corners. Even in the event of a rupture, the seams remain intact as they are covered with additional knots. The main thing when choosing such a processing method is to take into account the pumping force.Hand-stitched balls do not tolerate pumping.
There are also gluing options on sale, but it is not in demand and is offered by a small number of manufacturers. The balls are often the cheapest.
How to choose a soccer ball
When deciding on the game equipment, you need to take into account all the described characteristics, as well as the site where the game will be held:
- To conduct the process on the grass, you can use match and professional models, and if the process is carried out on closed areas with hard flooring, then it is better to choose narrowly focused views, a similar rule applies to the beach.
- To buy a soccer ball for a child under 8 years old with only 3 sizes, older players need to choose larger models. For example, under 12 years old - 4 size, for adults - 5.
- Hand-stitched options are durable, but machine-stitched options are cheaper.
- Experts advise taking a mixed type camera, which is made of latex with a butyl valve.
- Choose polyurethane as the basis for the tire, and for the lining, a non-woven fabric impregnated with polyurethane resins will be the best. Such a product will serve for many years without significant wear and tear, while maintaining its original appearance. All of this will affect the shots and the overall results of the game.
The materials of the article should help you make the right choice, buy the ball that is suitable for playing in different conditions.
