It is important for a soccer ball to be inflated properly when you are playing. If it doesn’t have enough air pressure inside, the ball won’t go straight, and it will not travel as far as you want it to. If you overinflate the soccer ball, it will not be as easy to kick, and it could pop if it’s hit the wrong way. In addition, your soccer ball will last longer if it is properly inflated. Continue reading to learn how to tell if a soccer ball is properly inflated.
Check the Manufacturer’s Manual for the Recommended Pressure of Your Ball
Manufacturers will always give you the recommended pressure for the soccer balls that they produce. This is the ideal amount of air pressure inside the soccer ball, and it will be expressed in psi, pounds, or bar. Normally, you will want between six and eight pounds of pressure. You will need to have an air pump and a ball pump needle, and many pumps come with a pressure gauge. If yours does not, you need to get a low pressure gauge as well.
If your gauge reads different units than the manufacturer uses, you need to make the conversion. For instance, if you need to convert bar to psi, you will multiply by 14.5037. To convert from bar to pounds, multiply by 10. Once you know the recommended pressure, you can inflate your soccer ball.
Feel the Soccer Ball
If you have experience with soccer balls, you can feel the soccer ball to know whether it is properly inflated. The soccer ball should be firm without being super tight. It should have some give, but you should not be able to indent it when you press on it with your hands. Pick the soccer ball up in both hands, and spread your fingers out. Try to squeeze to see if the ball has the right give to it. If you are unsure, you can always grab your air pump and your gauge to make sure it is within the right range.
When you pump the soccer ball, you should begin by attaching the ball pump needle to the ball. It will fit in the opening of the valve. Then, slowly start to inflate the soccer ball with the pump. Check the gauge, and once it reaches the correct pressure, you can stop. If you are using a separate pressure gauge, you will need to remove the needle and check the pressure separately. You will develop a feel for when your soccer ball needs air so that it is properly inflated. The more experience you have, the easier it will become.
Regularly Deflate Your Soccer Ball After a Game
It is a good idea to deflate your soccer ball a little bit after each game. This reduces any stress on it, and it will last longer. In addition, it is easier to make sure your soccer ball is properly inflated if you have to inflate it before you use it. When you deflate the ball, simply let some of the air out. Then, store it in a safe spot until the next game.
When you take the soccer ball out again, you know you need to inflate it. You can use the pump and the gauge to make sure that it is at the ideal pressure. Most manufacturers give you a range for your pressure, and you need to decide what is best for your style of play. If you go closer to the maximum, the ball will be harder to kick, but it will travel further. If you keep it lower, you have more control over play.
It is important to make sure that your soccer ball is inflated properly so that you enjoy playing and you preserve your ball. Follow the steps above, and you won’t have any trouble making sure that your ball is ready to go.