- How does the amount of air in a soccer
ball affect how far it travels when struck by the same force? The
amount of air or air pressure in a soccer ball effects how far
the ball will travel when struck by the same force. The
higher air pressure that is put into a soccer ball improves the ball's
rebound off the foot of a player. More energy is transferred to
a "stiff" ball in an elastic collision. In other words, the ball deforms
less during the impact, so there's less energy lost to deformation.
- Does the atmospheric air pressure effect
how far a soccer ball travels when struck by the same force?
The atmospheric air pressure (the air surrounding the ball) also plays a role in how far a ball travels.
At lower pressure, there's less air friction. You can compare
it to kicking the ball in a tank of water to kicking the ball
on the moon. Balls go farther at high altitude because of the reduced drag from the air, which is thinner
as you go higher up. So there's a case where "reduced" air pressure makes
the ball go farther.
Also, the materials that the soccer ball is made out of effects how far the ball will
travel...but that is another question and experiment.
- How much air pressure should I put into a
Use Proper Air Pressure
Do not over or under pressurize a ball. Use
the manufactures recommended air pressure that is printed on
most balls. Most soccer balls have a pressure rating of 6 to 8
lbs. or 0.6 or 0.8 BAR. It is recommended that you use a
pressure gauge to measure the exact amount of pressure in a
ball after inflating and before use.
BAR or PSI or LBS?
Some soccer balls have recommended pressure
values indicated in BAR while others have the values indicated
in PSI or LBS. To convert the pressure values, use the
To convert BAR (KGS) to PSI (Lbs.):
Answer = 14.5037 X The amount of BAR(KGS)
For example: A soccer ball has a recommended
pressure of 0.6 BAR labeled on it. To convert BAR in
Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI), multiply 0.6 times 14.5037. The
answer is 8.7 PSI or Lbs.
To convert PSI (Lbs.) to BAR(KGS):
Answer = .068948 X The amount of PSI(Lbs.)
For example: A soccer ball has a recommended
pressure of 7.9 Lbs. (PSI) labeled on it. To convert
Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) into BAR, multiply 7.9 times
.068948. The answer is 0.545 BAR.
How Do I inflate my soccer balls? Soccer balls lose air pressure over time.
Sometimes over a few days (soccer balls that use butyl bladders keep
air pressure longer than balls that use latex bladders). Be sure to
check the pressure frequently to make sure the ball is properly
inflated. Therefore, invest in a good ball pump, have a supply
of inflation needles and use a low pressure gauge to measure for
Before you first inflate a soccer ball, place a couple drops of silicone
silicone lubricant spray or glycerin oil into the valve. You can purchase
the oils or spray at
your local hardware store. Using one of the lubricants will improve the
life of the valve and lubricate the valve for easy insertion of the
Always moisten the inflation
needle before you insert it into the valve. Preferably, use some
silicon oil, silicon spray or glycerin oil to moisten the needle. However; most people use
spit...yuk, but that is not recommended.
Manufacturers recommend that you reduce the
air pressure in your match balls after a game to reduce
the amount of stress on the ball seams or stitching. Be
sure to inflate the ball back to proper pressure before the
Why do I always have to pump up even
expensive balls? Many balls use bladders made out of latex.
Natural Latex Rubber
bladders offer the softest feel and response, but do not provide the best air
retention. Micro pores slowly let air escape. Balls with natural rubber bladders need to be re-inflated
more often than balls with butyl bladders. Even after one or two
days, the latex bladder will leak enough air so that you will have
to inflate the ball back to recommended pressure. Some balls use carbon-latex
bladders in which the carbon powder helps to close the micro pores.
Soccer balls with carbon latex bladders usually increase air
retention to approximately one week. Of course, check the ball
for punctures that may cause the air to leak out.
Soccer Balls with Butyl bladders or PU
bladders offer an excellent
combination of feel and air retention and can be found in most
middle to upper priced balls. Air retention is significantly
increased to weeks and months instead of days compared to balls
with latex bladders.
Why do some soccer balls get bigger over
time? Many soccer balls do
tend to get larger over time. This
is due to the pressure of the air in the bladder against the linings and
cover. Over time the material and stitching may stretch out
causing the ball to become larger. Also, soccer ball abuse may
cause the stitching to loosen and the ball to expand.
I'm still working on this part...check back soon.