Soccer Balls

"Talk About Change!"

Soccer balls as we used to know them have changed. Depending on how far back we look, the changes can be quite dramatic. How would you like to be kicking around an inflated pig's bladder? It wasn't round and the bounces were laughingly unpredictable.

Deep in history you will find that is what they had to play with. Until the early 1800's when Charles Goodyear and vulcanized rubber came along. He created the first rubber ball.

Brine Balls

More Change!

In the late 1800's the first ball with an inflatable bladder was created. But the ball was still oval in shape and more like a rugby ball. Unpredictable. Until the English football Association decided that the best ones should be round to allow better (more predictable) bounces.

The rules also stated that the ball must be round with an outer casing of leather or other approved materials. It shall be no more than 28 inches, and no less than 27 inches in diameter.

Weight was also an issue as we are still a long way from waterproofing. At the beginning of the game the ball must be more than 14 ounces, but less than 16 ounces.

As of 2001 "The Laws of the Game" state exactly that. The major change has been in the materials used, and the shape of the panels.

Adidas Balls

Don't Blow Your Inner Tube!

As the 1900's rolled around inner tubes occupied the middle of the ball. This inner tube was then covered with heavy brown leather. This resulted in a ball that bounced even better than previous versions and could stand up to the kicking that it received.

Sure it was better for kicking, but what about heading? The leather soaked up a lot of water. This increased the weight of the ball. The result: many head injuries.

As with any product's refinement, this ball went through many changes. Changing the leather used, and adding another inside layer helped decrease the water absorbed and helped it to maintain its shape.

Can you imagine watching a game with a brown ball on green grass? Then came the early 1950's. A white soccer ball was introduced so fans could follow the game better. Whitewash is good for more than just your fence.

Puma Balls

Fake Leather!

By the 1960's a totally synthetic leather ball was created. Though not immediately approved by all in soccer because it was believed that real leather still had the better bounce and flight.

The 1980's brought the replacement of leather balls with synthetic leather balls. These balls did what real leather could with much less water absorption. But they act just like leather.

Continued Change!

Soccer ball design has not slowed down. High tech materials and new designs continue to come from many companies.

The object is:

Water proof.

Accurate in flight.

Soft feel.

Flies easily through the air.

Transfers the force of your kick.

Safe to head.

Nike Balls

Adidas soccer ball development leads the world, especially with the World Cup Soccer Ball, but Nike, and Puma balls, are excellent choices as well.

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