A properly inflated soccer ball makes a big difference during a match. If the pressure is too low, it does not "fly" as far as it should or does not follow a straight path; on the other hand, if it has too high a pressure, it does not allow the player to have good control and could even burst. If you want the ball to last a long time, inflate it to the correct level and take care of it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparation
Step 1. Get a pump and needle adapter
They are readily available and you can buy them at sporting goods stores. Choose a good quality pump, pressure gauge, and keep a supply of needle adapters on hand. Some pumps already have a built-in pressure gauge; in case you need to buy it separately, choose a low pressure one.
You also need a silicone or glycerin oil as a lubricant
Step 2. Determine the ideal pressure for the balloon
Check the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended value; generally, it is a quantity expressed in bars, atmospheres or pascals and its value is between 0, 6 and 1, 1 bar.
If the recommended pressure for the balloon is expressed in a different unit of measurement than that of the pressure gauge, you must perform the appropriate conversions. To switch between psi and bars, divide the value by 14, 5037 or multiply by the reverse process. To convert bars to pascals, multiply this by 100,000 or divide by the same coefficient for the inverse conversion
Step 3. Lubricate the needle and valve
You can use a silicone or glycerin based product; just a few drops on the balloon valve are enough to keep it in perfect condition and facilitate the insertion of the adapter. Smear the same lubricant on the needle as well.
Part 2 of 3: Inflate the balloon
Step 1. Connect the needle adapter to the pump
You should be able to slide it directly into the end of the tool and then lock it using the mechanism provided. Insert the tip of the needle into the ball valve opening.
Step 2. Take the pump knob and start blowing the air
The ball should begin to swell; go slowly to avoid overdoing it and putting too much pressure on the seams.
Step 3. Stop inflating once the pressure gauge indicates the correct pressure
If the pump has a built-in pressure gauge, stop as soon as it shows the desired pressure reading; otherwise, when the balloon starts to be hard, you need to take out the needle from time to time and insert the pressure gauge.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of the Ball
Step 1. Don't "treat him badly"
Avoid kicking it hard against walls, don't sit on it and don't put too much pressure on the seams, otherwise it can deform and eventually burst.
Step 2. Check your blood pressure often
Ideally, you should monitor it every two days using the pressure gauge; the more you use the ball, the higher the frequency of this measurement. Models with a butyl rubber bladder retain air better than those with a latex core.
Step 3. Deflate it slightly after the game
While not strictly necessary, some manufacturers recommend letting some air out to reduce stress on the material when not in use; do not forget to restore the correct pressure before using it again.
Step 4. Play on smooth or soft surfaces
Although they are quite durable, footballs are quite vulnerable when exposed to abrasive or sharp materials. Play only on grass, earth or wooden floors; gravel and asphalt can ruin the ball.
Advice
- Be careful when removing the needle.
- Check that the needle is screwed on tightly.
