Why Do Soccer Balls Lose Air?

As active football players and fans, we often get so immersed within the game that we tend to forget to look after about some of the vital components that make the beautiful sport what it is.

Today’s article shall pay particular focus to the soccer balls that get kicked and rolled on the pitch, with special emphasis on why their condition slowly deteriorates.

Let’s start with a short answer summary on why these objects lose air pressure over time.

Soccer balls lose pressure over time because they are not air tight. The inner bladder and valve components of a ball leak air gradually over its lifespan and, improper aftercare such as playing on unsuitable surfaces; inflating the ball to the incorrect pressure and failing to deflate when storing also contribute to gradual air loss.


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Why should you store a soccer ball between uses? Select the most likely reason.
When inflating a soccer ball, what lubricant can you use to ease the entry of the pump needle in the valve?
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Which of the following soccer ball specifications is of the highest quality? Tick one box.
What is the most important part of soccer ball storage?
Which soccer ball bladder type offers the best touch and bounce response?
Which of the following locations is most suitable as a storage area for a soccer ball?
What function does the bladder contained within a soccer ball perform?
Which of the following materials is used to produce the the highest quality of outer covering for a soccer ball?
What is the best way to know if a soccer ball is properly inflated?
What soccer ball bladder type offers the best air retention?
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Let’s now look at these things in more detail.

 

Ball material is not air-tight

Footballs have an internal component called a bladder which is used to hold the air together inside it.

Butyl and latex type bladders are both unable to keep all the air trapped inside for the entire lifespan of the ball.

why soccer balls lose air - ball material not air tight

Although it must be said that the former material is more adept at air retention than the latter.

So, as a result of there being greater air pressure inside the ball than outside of it – due to inflation – there is a battle for equilibrium which plays out.

As the ball is not air tight, stabilization and balance are ultimately achieved by the ball passing out that inflated air over time.

 

Valve leakage

Additionally, footballs are known to have a valve opening which is used as a pumping mechanism.

I’m sure you’ve heard of a famous movie quote that goes something like…

“What goes in must come out”.

Well, this is actually true when it comes to soccer balls losing air.

why soccer balls lose air - valve leakage

The valve which allows for air to make its way into the football is the same valve that gradually lets air exit from it too.

 

Keeping your ball in good condition

Now I’m sure you’re probably wondering…

How do I stop a ball from deflating?

So, I’ve outlined a couple of extra tips in this article that – if followed correctly – should prolong the lifespan of any football you buy.

Let’s get down to it!

 

1. Deflate the ball when storing

Whenever you don’t intend to use the football for a couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to leave it in a deflated state as this relieves the pressure and keeps it strong for the times when it’s actually needed.

By using a pump, you simply place the accompanying needle into the valve and let the ball pressure leak out.

 

2. Use the ball on suitable surfaces

Don’t be one of those people that plays with a soccer ball on concrete, gravel or asphalt!

It certainly won’t do your ball any good.

why soccer balls lose air - unsuitable playing surfaces

Stick to surfaces like grass and artificial turf, as these are the kinds of terrain that your soccer ball was designed for.

 

3. Inflate to the correct pressure

A lot of manufacturers use fine print to indicate how much air needs to be inserted for optimal ball performance.

So, have a keener eye and take a look at the stated pressure level on your soccer ball.

why soccer balls lose air - insufficient inflation

FIFA’s own regulations specify that a size 5 ball should not exceed 15.6 pounds per square inch (PSI).

But I’ll also drop a brief video where you can see things in action for yourself:

 

4. Try some soccer ball sealant

In a case where your ball has a tiny puncture and you’ve identified the opening by submerging it in liquid in, you can use a ball repair sealant to fix the air leakage.

Spray the sealant into the ball through the valve and allow for an even distribution of the liquid throughout the bladder by bouncing the ball a couple of times.

 

5. Ensure proper valve care

The needle that is usually inserted into the valve is slightly sharp and if the opening is not smooth enough to penetrate through, the outer material of the needle can puncture the inner lining of the valve.

Therefore, you’ll want to make sure that the valve opening is well lubricated with silicone or glycerine oil whenever you’re attempting to inflate it.

 

Conclusion

Soccer balls lose air pressure over time firstly because the outer material construction is not air-tight, meaning that over a certain duration of time the air will gradually seep out. More so, air leakage occurs due to the presence and nature of the valve opening, which is used to inflate the ball in the first place.

Before you go, you should check out our eBook on Soccer Ball Care.

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This eBook covers a plethora of different topics, such as:

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In just a couple of hours, you’ll have more knowledge on what is good and bad for your soccer ball than you could ever fathom!

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Samuel Waihenya
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