The Spalding name is a well known brand in all types of sporting balls. When you hear big names like Adidas & Nike you can be share Spalding is among a honorable mention in the sports arena. The company founded near Chicago in 1876 by Albert Spalding (now in Springfield, Massachusetts) has always specialized in the production of high-end balls for every sport. Perhaps best known for their basketballs, Spalding has been the official ball of the National Basketball Association since the early 80’s. Today, Spalding also makes some of the most technologically advanced soccer balls on the market.

As an example of Spalding’s forward-moving technology, the company recently developed a line of patented Never Flat soccer balls, guaranteed to stay inflated 10 times longer than traditional soccer balls. The Never Flat balls use a proprietary new bladder material with smaller “pores” in the material. They also feature a redesigned air valve and as a finishing touch, the Never Flat soccer balls are all filled to playing pressure with nitrogen gas before they leave the factory.

Most soccer balls are filled with compressed air, which when dry consists of about 78 percent nitrogen, 22 percent oxygen. Water vapor (humidity) can make up as much as 5 percent of the volume of air. Filling soccer balls with nitrogen eliminates the moisture, and replaces the skinny oxygen molecules with fat nitrogen molecules, reducing the rate the gas leaks through the soccer ball. The nitrogen combined with a less-porous bladder material result in a nearly maintenance-free soccer ball that delivers very consistent long-term performance. Spalding claims the air retention of the Never Flat soccer balls is ten times longer than that of comparable balls made of traditional materials and construction.

Spalding’s NF-5000 is at the top of the Never Flat line of soccer balls. The ball utilizes a premium Underglass Textured Polyurethane cover material for high level competitive play, has a dual density foam lining, is machine stitched, incorporates a butyl bladder and has nylon windings. This means the Never Flat soccer ball is ready to play at all times, even if it has been sitting dormant for months.

Spalding also makes more traditional FIFA Approved Match soccer balls like the TF-5000. The TF-5000 meets all FIFA & NFHS specifications and features a hand-stitched polyurethane cover with a latex bladder. This ball is available in size 5 only and designed for top-level competitive play.

There is a bit of confusion in the United States when people begin a search for Select (brand) soccer balls. The clerk at the sporting goods store and even the Internet search browsers will all likely confuse “Select soccer balls” with an activity one performs, like “choose” soccer balls. The word Select is actually the brand name of an established line of high caliber soccer balls. In Europe, there is little confusion about the brand though, as the Select name has a long history there.

An enterprising young Dane named Eigil Neilsen handcrafted the first Select brand soccer ball right after WWII in 1946. Eigil was very talented, he designed the first soccer ball without laces in 1950 and by 1952 Select brand soccer balls were the official ball for Olympic soccer that year and later in 1956 too. Select also claims to have developed the first waterproof balls, how’s that for high tech soccer ball, the first 32-panels balls and the first synthetic leather soccer balls as well. To this day, the company still considers Eigils’ innovative spirit combined with their current manufacturing craftsmanship as Select’s greatest assets.

The Select Brilliant Super soccer ball is a great example of the Danish corporation’s manufacturing skills. The Brilliant Super was designed for the Danish national team and features a micro-fiber wrapping that is 600 times thinner than traditional polyurethane fibers used in soccer ball construction. The super-thin fibers result is a ball casing that is 30% more water resistant. The Brilliant Super also incorporates Select’s proprietary Zero Wing air bladder along with a hand-stitched soft polyurethane covering. According to Select, the result is a perfectly round, perfectly balanced soccer ball that delivers exceptional play characteristics.

Select Brilliant Super Soccer Ball
Size 5
Retail Price $120.00

After you’ve purchased a shiny new soccer ball and you’ve picked the right soccer ball size, you might want to look into some of the accessories available to help you maintain it. Other than a good supply of cotton rags to wipe your ball down and keep it clean after each use, there are a few other items that can help make life with soccer balls a bit easier.

Often the first things ball owner’s find they need are a decent low-pressure air gauge and a few air needles in order to keep the ball inflated to manufacturer or league specifications. Soccer ball dedicated air gauges usually feature a dial-type face with pressure readings from 0 to 20 lbs. Regular automotive tire pressure gauges are not accurate enough nor calibrated low enough to work at the pressures soccer balls utilize, however there are pen-style air gauges available for balls. Soccer ball air gauges are designed to be used in conjunction with air needles, and you will need air needles to inflate your ball as well as check the pressure. A pack of three or four air needles will cost only about $3-$5. Soccer ball air gauges can cost anywhere from $5 for an inexpensive pen-style unit up to $30 for a liquid-filled dial gauge.

If your new ball starts to deflate and sag you’ll need a soccer ball pump or compressor to keep it filled. Many sports equipment manufacturers offer compact ball pumps that work great and cost under $15. Lightweight battery-powered compressors can do the job with less effort though. These compressors need an automobile battery or auto cigarette lighter power receptacle to operate. The battery-powered compressors vary widely in price depending on the features included, but most are in the $25 to $75 price range. At the top end of the compressor scale are the A/C-powered, heavy-duty compressors. The big compressors require wall plug-in power and are not meant for portable use. The larger compressors can weigh over 10 pounds and cost over $300, making them best suited for shop, or clubhouse uses.

Another type of soccer ball accessory that you might have overlooked when you purchased your new ball are ball packs or bags. One individual soccer ball is pretty easy to keep track of and carry round. Soccer ball bags and packs are meant to make it easier to haul around multiple balls at one time, and are very useful for those team practice sessions. Ball carrying bags may be as simple as a large mesh net that expands to hold up to 8 balls, or more elaborate nylon vented style bags with additional accessory pouches. The simple nets bags often cost as little as $10, with most of the fancier bags selling from $25 to $50. Soccer ball backpacks are also available for hands-free ball transportation. The backpack style carriers carry from two to six balls and can range from $35 to $$60.

A few well-chosen accessories can help you maintain your soccer balls and make toting them around a lot easier too. You can start shopping for soccer ball accessories by brand or manufacturer, or by the type of accessory you are seeking (pumps, gauges, etc.). It should only take a few minutes to help you find the accessories that are just right for your soccer ball needs.

Now that you have a handy ball to kick around you might want to check out our other soccer articles that outlines all those confusing Soccer Terms so that you’ll be ready for a real game.

The Diadora brand of soccer balls and equipment was born right after World War II in northern Italy when the company first began manufacturing mountain-climbing gear. By 1971 the company had started producing soccer balls and by 1986 Diadora had moved its headquarters to the United States in Kent, Washington. Diadora markets its soccer balls through soccer specialty stores in the United States and through their own retail stores in Europe, South America and Asia.

Although Diadora does not have the manufacturing and marketing muscle of rival giants Nike or Adidas, the brand has always been considered one of the top choices of both professional match soccer balls and high-quality training soccer balls. Today the brand has spread out to include shoes and accessories as well as soccer balls. Diadora match soccer balls present excellent values and are often priced less than competing brands.

Diadora Serie A Match Soccer Ball

The Serie A Match Soccer ball from Diadora features a lightweight, textured K-330 polyurethane outer cover with gloss polyurethane coating. Inside is a six-wing latex bladder with butyl valve for maximum air retention.

FIFA Approved for match play
NFHS Approved for match play

Retail Price – $59

There are a lot of different soccer balls out there, in an array of sizes, colors and materials – from the cheaper rubber and PVC soccer balls, right up to the most expensive synthetic match soccer balls.

Match soccer balls are probably the best quality soccer balls that you can buy and the prices range from $25 and up to over $125. Match soccer balls are usually reserved for professional soccer players, but now just about anyone can buy a professional ball or a replica of the same ball that they can see out on the World Cup playing field.

When searching for a match soccer ball, you must make sure that it is clearly marked on the ball “FIFA Approved” so that you know it is the authentic article. All World Cup tournament soccer balls are FIFA Approved. A ball marked “FIFA Inspected” is still a great ball but of less quality than the match soccer balls.

Match soccer balls offer the player exceptional feel and longevity, and some of the brands that you can expect to find on the shelves that make the best match soccer balls are:

• Select
• Spalding
• Diadora
• Brine
• Adidas
• Baden
• Voit
• Nike
• Puma

Since 1970, Adidas have provided the official match balls for World Cup tournament games, and today they are usually thermally bonded, machine pressed balls.These days, the FIFA alternates between Nike and Adidas for their match soccer balls. So if you want a soccer ball that you can be proud of, and perhaps show off to your friends, then a match soccer ball is for you. Remember though, match soccer balls only come in size 5, and are meant to be used for professional games, so it is best to stick to smaller and cheaper balls for those under 13 years old. A match soccer ball could be too heavy for kids to play well with as well.

The reasons why match soccer balls are more expensive and sought after are:

• They are approved for quality and performance
• They are used in professional matches
• The highest technology goes into the ball production
• They are used in league and international competitions

When it comes to match soccer balls, quality materials and quality construction are the keys and you pay for the best.

It takes a lot of energy to kick soccer balls around for two 45-minute play periods. So much energy in fact, that competitive soccer players are thought to burn more calories per hour than any other sport. Running, jumping and kicking soccer balls for eight miles a game can cost a 175-pound player about 1000 calories per hour. The high end of some soccer ball estimates is 1200 calories per hour. In comparison, (American) football and baseball players consume only about 700 calories per hour even though that average is for heavier, 200-pound players.

Without enough stored energy in the form of carbohydrates, soccer ball players can’t stay competitive throughout a match. The glycogen produced from eating carbohydrates (apples, bananas, bread, etc.) is the main source of stored energy for your muscles. Eating at least 700 calories of complex carbohydrates prior to each soccer ball match is a good place to start, although daily carbohydrate intake should be much higher overall at around 2800 calories per day. Soccer ball players still need protein everyday too, but protein doesn’t provide the same energy as the carbohydrates do for kicking soccer balls around.

Fluid loss and resulting dehydration are also big factors affecting every soccer ball player’s energy and performance on the field. Plain water is probably the best liquid you can drink to maintain hydration while kicking soccer balls around for 90 minutes non-stop. Some sports drinks may be good too, but most contain too much sugar or even caffeine, neither ingredient being good for endurance on the soccer ball field, especially in hot weather. When you are out on the field of play kicking soccer balls around and you start to feel thirsty, chances are, you are already dehydrated. It is important to remember to drink before you get thirsty and maintain your hydration before, during and after play. You will boost every performance with soccer balls if you keep your body fueled with energy from carbohydrates and the water needed to stay hydrated at all times.

When purchasing a new soccer ball, there are many factors to consider including size, materials, construction and how much you are willing to pay for a new ball. There are so many different types and brands to choose from, that it can be difficult to know the best new soccer ball for your needs. The general rule is; if you are buying a new soccer ball for recreational purposes, then the cheaper soccer ball the better, but if you are buying a ball for play on an official team, a more expensive professional ball might be right for you.
Here are a few tips to follow on buying a new soccer ball:

1. Make sure that you pick the right size. There are three sizes to choose from and they are, size 3, size 4 and size 5. Under 8 year olds use a size 3, 8-12 year olds use a size 4 and 13 years and up use a size 5 which is the official international size soccer ball.
2. Choose a soft ball for a junior player to practise basics such as heading. Polyvinylchloride (PVC) soccer balls are good for the younger players and come in all sizes.
3. Pick a harder ball for advanced players to practice things such as long passes and kicks on goal.
4. Check for softness, and that it is not over inflated by pressing it with your thumb. If the soccer ball is overinflated it will be too hard and bouncy, and the outer covering material might crack.
5. When purchasing higher end soccer balls, check for the words ‘FIFA Approved’ (best) or ‘FIFA Inspected’ (good) to determine authenticity.
6. Opt for the cheaper soccer ball if you are a first time buyer or casual player. A $15 stitched ball is less of a loss if damaged or misplaced, than a more expensive high end soccer ball.

Don’t forget to ensure that all your soccer balls remain in good condition. You should take care of each soccer ball and clean them after every session. Wipe your soccer balls down with a damp cloth and leave to air dry to avoid cracking the outer covering.

Take good care of your new soccer ball, and it won’t let you down!

Adidas Fevernova
The Adidas Teamgeist soccer ball is probably the most technologically advanced soccer ball ever produced. Adidas claims the Teamgeist is the roundest, more waterproof and most consistent playing soccer ball ever used in World Cup play. The development of the Teamgeist ball didn’t happen overnight though. Many of the high-tech features found on the current Teamgeist ball owe their existence to the Adidas Fevernova of 2002, and other earlier breakthrough match soccer balls developed over the years by Adidas.

Adidas has had a long and successful history of soccer ball technological innovation in World Cup soccer. The company first began supplying official game soccer balls in 1970 for the World Cup in Mexico with its groundbreaking (at the time) black pentagon and white hexagon-patterned, Telstar soccer ball. That early Telstar design lived on to become the basis for most standard recreational soccer balls in the decades that followed. Following the Telstar, Adidas introduced the Azteca, the first truly waterproof synthetic-leather World Cup ball at the Mexican games in 1986. More Adidas innovation appeared in 1994 with the Questra soccer ball, the first Adidas ball to feature an inner layer of polyurethane foam under the outer covering.

By 1998, Adidas had begun development of new technologies that would eventually culminate in the current state of the art soccer balls used in World Cup play today. Adidas introduced its Tricolore soccer ball at the Cup matches in France that year. The Tricolore was the first multi-colored soccer ball used in World Finals, but more importantly it was the first ball constructed using a layer of gas-filled synthetic foam under the covering. The thin layer of nitrogen-filled foam helped spread impact energies more evenly over the surface of the ball and deliver more kick responsiveness and stability in flight.

The gas-filled, foam liner technology of the Tricolore was next employed on the Adidas Fevernova, the official World Cup match soccer ball of the 2002 Korean/Japanese Finals. The Fevernova was the first Adidias Cup match ball to abandon the previous “Tango” design utilized since 1978, featuring a 20-panel outer construction with the visual appearance of a soccer ball with 12 distinct circle patterns on it. The Fevernova was designed with a colorful and distinctive new look based on Asian influences to reflect the contributions of South Korea and Japan in the Finals that year. Like the high-tech Teamgeist ball that followed in 2006, the Fevernova was the Adidas Company’s premier soccer ball up until 2006 and was widely touted as “the most accurate soccer ball ever manufactured.”

The Fevernova represented a combination of new materials and designs adopted to create a soccer ball that exhibited totally neutral playing characteristics until a player actively put spin on the ball. In theory it sounded perfect, but the introduction of the Fevernova was not without some measure of controversy. Some players complained tadidas fevernova soccer ballhat the Fevernova was much lighter and traveled much farther than “normal” soccer balls. Others said the Fevernova bounced around too much. Adidas-sponsored soccer star David Beckham had no problems with the Fevernova and commented on the accuracy of the ball as “exceptional.” Like most new products in established genres, the Fevernova took a while to gain widespread acceptance, in time becoming the standard by which all other World Cup match balls were compared to. Up until the Adidas Teamgeist appeared in late 2006, the Fevernova was considered the best soccer ball in the world by most professional players. Soccer fans liked the Fevernova too, as faster and more accurate shots made international matches more fun to watch.

Here are a few tips to follow on buying a new soccer ball:

In the game of soccer, ball control is everything. If you can control the soccer ball you will control the game – and win. Good ball control does not come naturally and must be developed and constantly practiced. Before a player starts practicing accurate kicking and shots on goal they have to master receiving and trapping the ball first. Receiving involves keeping the ball moving on your intended path and directing it to a spot ready for shooting or passing. Trapping is the act of stopping the soccer ball with your feet. Both are essential skills for all forms of soccer competition.
Receiving

Receiving the soccer ball allows moving the ball forward under your control. Ideally, receiving allows a player to redirect the ball into open space, ready for a shot or a pass to a teammate. The soccer ball is normally controlled with the inside of the foot in order to keep your body between the ball and a defender. With practice, the soccer ball can be controlled along the intended path and is ready for the next move. Good receiving skills allow a player to anticipate action on the field and take control of the game as well as the soccer ball.

Trapping

Trapping is used to stop the soccer ball completely while still retaining control. This is a critical skill in competition. If the soccer ball is traveling in the wrong direction or traveling too fast for control, trapping it allows the player to buy a split-second to redirect it as desired for another pass or kick. Trapping is accomplished by putting your foot in the path of the ball and cushioning the blow by pulling back your foot ever so slightly just before contact. This stops the ball and allows the player to redirect the action with his next move.

Practice

You can practice your soccer ball receiving and trapping skills with or without a partner. Both players can kick the ball back and forth to each other, using receiving skills to make the pass and trapping skills to stop or “catch” the ball. The solitary method involves the same drill practiced against a wall. Be sure to use alternating feet as you practice. Depending on the distance between players or the wall, this exercise will improve kicking skills as well as basic soccer ball control.

Another soccer ball control exercise you can practice against a wall is target practice. Mark imaginary goals of various sizes on the wall with chalk and practice kicking to those spots. This shooting exercise will improve both kicking and passing techniques. Be sure to vary the distance to the target as you practice this drill.

A form of soccer ball slalom is another very good ball control exercise. Set up a line of evenly spaced cones or other objects and weave through them as you dribble the ball. Use both feet and increase your speed as you practice. This is immensely useful on the field of course; every aspiring soccer star must know how to dribble the soccer ball while retaining control.

Practicing balancing a soccer ball can be difficult at first but will get easier over time. You can practice balancing with both feet and your head. The object is to keep the ball in the air as long as possible. Use a stopwatch, keep striving for longer periods of balance control and don’t get too happy with a 30-second performance. You’ll have to practice for a very long time to compete with the real ball control experts who can keep a soccer ball aloft for hours at a time!

The Nike brand of soccer balls has earned top marks in the sport for its durable, high-quality soccer balls.
Nike soccer balls have a reputation for being as good or better than any brand of competitive balls on the market today. Nike’s best FIFA-approved, match soccer balls are noted for their durability, controllable feel and touch as well as their accurate and predictable flight characteristics. Many European League and World Cup matches have been played using Nike soccer balls.

The Total 90 series of Nike match soccer balls is considered by many players to be the best offering in the Nike soccer ball line-up. The various model of Nike’s Total 90 series of soccer balls are all constructed using the best components like synthetic-leather (polyurethane) outer coverings and carbon latex air bladders. All Total 90 series soccer balls feature a Nike-proprietary Geo-Balanced bladder with six-panel inner construction as well as micro-grooves on the outer polyurethane surface to stabilize the ball in flight.

Two Nike balls that represent the best of the bunch in the Total 90 lineup are the Aerow and the Omni match soccer balls. Both are premium soccer balls made with the best quality materials for the highest levels of international match competition. Nike Total 90 soccer balls have 26 hand-stitched outer panels over layers of compressed foam for consistent, accurate and aggressive professional play.