All you need to play football is a ball. It is quite possible to do without special gates and, moreover, markings. Learning to choose a quality ball is easy enough.
Tire outer layer
It is generally believed that genuine leather is best suited for a soccer ball. However, it is not. A leather ball will not last as long because of the ability of leather to stretch over time. As a result, moisture and dust gets inside, which makes the game much heavier. The ball takes on a somewhat oval shape.
The best coating is considered to be polyurethane, a synthetic leather substitute. It is a strong and durable material that does not have the disadvantages of natural leather. The quality of the polyurethane has a greater impact on the cost of the ball. Soccer balls for the world championships are made from the highest quality polyurethane.
Polyvinyl chloride - a lower quality coating. It is used in the manufacture of balls of medium and low quality. It can serve for quite a long time, but it has one drawback. When wet, PVC becomes very slippery. It is inconvenient to play with such a ball in the rain.
Lining
Typically, foam and fabric are used to make the layered lining of a soccer ball. Thanks to them, the ball becomes soft and elastic, it is much easier for it to control and give passes. Over time, however, this lining will absorb moisture, making the ball heavy and significantly impairing its aerodynamics. Modern top manufacturers are abandoning layered lining in favor of cotton fibers treated with polyurethane resin. This material repels water and keeps the ball soft.
Camera
Football chambers are made from latex and butyl. Professional players prefer latex cameras, they are very lightweight and provide a correct flight path. A medium-cost ball chamber is made of butyl. It holds air well, but is much heavier than latex in weight. In professional play, being overweight on the ball can cause you to miss. Valves for all chambers are made from butyl.
Decor
The design of a soccer ball plays a decisive role in its aerodynamic properties. It is designed using special five- and hexagonal panels (a professional ball has 32 panels). Depending on their number, the aerodynamic characteristics of the ball change. A different number of panels are used for different needs.
On some models of balls, you can see the IMS icon. This means that they have been tested by the International Football Association and are recommended for professional play.
