Football is a ball that is used to play in the sport football. Another name is a soccer ball, depending on whether the term use is football or soccer. It is spherical in shape, and most of its material composition follows the Laws of the Game.
Origin of the Ball
During the early days of playing sports football, the ball that was used to play the game were made of animal bladders or stomach. It was in the 19th century when improvements of the ball were introduced. Charles Goodyear patented the use of vulcanized rubber with the exact size and shape as that of the animal’s bladder. It was in 1855 when the first rubber football was used. In 1862, inflatable rubber was introduced.It was in the early 1900s when football was improved. The materials were made of leather. Although the ball can bounce and perfect for kicking, when it hits the player’s head, it can be painful. The reason is due to the water absorption of the leather, causing it to increase in weight. It has led to many head or neck injury.
It was in 1931 when the ball was then developed, but this time without the leather lace. This ball was adopted by the Argentine Football Association and had been using it during their competitions.
Modern Ball
Today, modern balls adhere to the laws mandated by IFAB through the Laws of the Game. It is much more complex than traditional football. The outside of the football is made of leather or polyurethane, while the inside is made of latex. The football is often coated to prevent water absorption.Types of Ball
Depending on the match and turf, there are various types of football balls. These are professional/premium match soccer balls, matchday soccer balls, recreational or training soccer balls, turf balls, promotional balls, indoor soccer balls, and futsal soccer balls. The specifications of each ball vary according to its type. Each type is designed to suit its purpose.To know if the ball is as per the specification of FIFA, it should follow the guidelines mandated by Law 2 of the Laws of the Game.