Soccer Ball

Soccer Ball

It is widely considered the most popular game on earth. Played by millions of people from nearly every walk of life, and in nearly every nation, soccer - football or futbol as it is commonly known beyond the borders of the United States - is a sport that can be played by nearly anyone. Aside from the skills needed to maneuver the ball using your body, but not your hands - except for the goal keeper - soccer owes much of its international appeal to the fact that all you need to play is an open space and a single ball.

The mountains of equipment needed to play other sports - like tennis, golf, baseball, American football, and so many others - are an anathema to the soccer player. It is the ball, and only the ball, that one needs to play the game. But the soccer ball is not a generic item; there are many kinds of soccer balls on the market, and each has its own characteristics that differentiate it from the other balls.

At first glance it is hard to tell one soccer ball from another. Usually constructed in the same distinctive style, the trademark pentagonal and hexagonal panels make a soccer ball instantly recognizable. However, when you are trying to tell the difference between one ball and another, the first place to start is the cover.

In the past, full grain leather was used to make a top quality soccer ball, but real leather tends to absorb water easily, and a wet ball is a heavy ball that plays much differently than it was intended to play. Today, the first quality soccer balls are constructed from synthetic leather. Although there are many variations of synthetic leather, they are generally all a derivative of polyurethane or poly vinyl chloride. The best balls - those used in competition and by professionals - are almost always made of the polyurethane construction, while inexpensive practice balls are more likely to be poly vinyl chloride.

The way the panels of the soccer ball are stitched together is another indication of the quality of the ball. A high quality ball is going to be hand stitched with polyester cord or Kevlar reinforced polyester. Hand stitching allows the panels to be sewn tighter, which makes for a stronger and longer lasting soccer ball. Second-tier soccer balls are usually stitched as well, but the stitching is done by machine so it lacks the uncompromising quality that a hand stitched ball will possess. Inexpensive balls are usually not stitched at all, and instead are held together by gluing the panels onto the lining of the ball.

Soccer balls come in different sizes as well: Size 3, Size 4, and Size 5. Size 3 balls are the smallest balls and are typically used by players under the age of eight. Size 4 balls are the next size up, and players between the ages of eight and twelve use this size of ball. Size 5 balls are the standard size for adult play and are the standard size balls for all international play.

When shopping for a soccer ball it is important to have an eye for its size and construction. If you are unsure that the ball you are considering is of good quality, look to see if the ball is approved by either FIFA or NFHS. FIFA, Fédération Internationale de Football Association, and NFHS, the National Federation of State High School Association, both approve balls that meet the strict specifications that are outlined by each organization. If you purchase a ball that is approved by either governing body then you are almost assured of a ball that is of high quality in both construction and performance.

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Soccer Ball (In The Face) - Parry Gripp

Jack in the Box 2006 FIFA Soccer Antenna Ball Topper
Jack in the Box 2006 FIFA Soccer Antenna Ball Topper
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 STERLING Silver 925 CHARM SOCCER BALL FUTBOL NECKLACE
STERLING Silver 925 CHARM SOCCER BALL FUTBOL NECKLACE
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SIZE 5 BARCELONA FC SOCCER BALL #05
SIZE 5 BARCELONA FC SOCCER BALL #05
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Snickers Small Soccer Ball!
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Brine Phantom Soccer Ball Size 5  White   BC145N
Brine Phantom Soccer Ball Size 5 White BC145N
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Vintage SOCCER PLAYER AND SOCCER BALL  enamel pin
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New 1970's Very Rare Dr. Pepper Leather Soccer Ball
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sterling silver WORLD CUP 3D SOCCER BALL charm 360
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1 Piece Soccer balls pillow set. ball sport sports
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Paint By Number Set - Puppies with Soccer Ball
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beautiful Soccer Ball Keychain Clock Watch C-19
beautiful Soccer Ball Keychain Clock Watch C-19
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100 AVANTI SIZE 4 SOCCER BALLS (2 BULK CASES OF 50)
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" SOCCER " Picture Frame ( NEW ) Soccer Ball Shape
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New SESAME Street Place Stuffed Soccer kids play ball
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Vintage Taxco 925 Sterling Silver Soccer Ball Charm
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LOT OF 3 BRAND NEW SOCCER BALL DESIGN NAVAL BELLY RINGS
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Girl Power Soccer Ball 9mm Modular Italian Charm
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SIGNED BOBBY MOORE SOCCER BALL
SIGNED BOBBY MOORE SOCCER BALL
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beautiful Soccer Ball Keychain Clock Watch C-19
beautiful Soccer Ball Keychain Clock Watch C-19
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Build A Bear Dog w Soccer Outfit Ball Skechers
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BADASH OPTICAL CRYSTAL SOCCER BALL PAPERWEIGHT TROPHY
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JACK DANIELS SOCCER BALL
JACK DANIELS SOCCER BALL
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ENGLAND national team Soccer BALL  NEW size 5 UK
ENGLAND national team Soccer BALL NEW size 5 UK
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adidas Capitano FINALE 2009 CHAMPIONS SOCCER BALL Sz 5
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Paul Smith wallet - Genuine NIB - Soccer balls
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3.8
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Olive Kids Game On Cotton Standard Sham Olive Kids Game On Cotton Standard Sham
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Olive Kids Game On Standard Sham - This classic sports bedding ensemble is made of 100% cotton with outlining quilted balls, helmets, sneakers and more. Sheets sets are 200 thread count cotton and red ribbon...

Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Soccer Ball Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Soccer Ball
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"GOOOAAL!! Perfect for all dogs from the purebred retriever to the backyard sports enthusiast. Made of Planet Dog's award-winning Orbee-Tuff compound, this mini soccer ball will keep your 4-legged Pele happy for hours - indoors or out...

adidas Tournament Ball Bag (Black/White , 29'' x 25'' x 15'') adidas Tournament Ball Bag (Black/White , 29'' x 25'' x 15'')
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Large drawstring opening. Handles convert to shoulder straps. 12-15 ball capacity with wet/dry pocket to hold pump and valuables.

Baby Pro: Let's Play Ball: Baseball- Basketball- Soccer Sports Baby Pro: Let's Play Ball: Baseball- Basketball- Soccer Sports
Sale Price: $13.49
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BabyPro Let's Play Ball DVD For your aspiring lil slugger, the BabyPro Let's Play Ball DVD is a vibrant, stimulating instruction to baseball, basketball, and soccer. Most sports imagery is quick-paced and features many players, a format which is difficult for babies to follow...

Video Coach Soccer: Ball Control Video Coach Soccer: Ball Control
Sale Price: $31.49

The TMW Videocoach Vogelsinger's Soccer Ball Control Training DVD offers expert instruction that explains different techniques available to deal with the ball efficiently and with poise. You'll learn decision-making techniques as to which part of the body to use and absorb the pace of the ball and a full set of exercises to grasp and effectively learn sensitive details of ball control.

Videocoach Vogelsinger's Ball Control (Soccer Series) [VHS] Videocoach Vogelsinger's Ball Control (Soccer Series) [VHS]
Sale Price: $14.44
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Racor PXR-R Gravity Freestanding X-Rack Sports Storage Rack Racor PXR-R Gravity Freestanding X-Rack Sports Storage Rack
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If you have kids, the sight of basketballs, soccer balls, and baseball bats strewn about the yard or house is probably familiar to you. Use Racor Pro's X-Rack to reclaim a sense of order and tranquility in your home...

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