History and Design
History and Design of Soccer Balls
Brief History
A traditional spherical soccer ball was made of 32 leather
panels stitched together in 1970s. By 2006, the ball had
become a 14 synthetic curved panels thermally bonded ball
without any stitches. For the 2010 FIFA World Cup,
manufacturers came out with only 8 panel soccer ball.
Illustrative image of early soccer ball
from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_(association_football)#/media/File:Fussball_1936.jpg
#/media/File:Fussball_1936.jpg){kind=link}
Measurements
Size 5 ball is the official size for professional football
games. It is roughly 22cm (8.66 inches) in diameter. By
rules the average circumference of size 5 ball has to be 68
- 70cm (27-28in).
The weight is between 410-450 g (14-16oz). Average pressure
inside the ball varies between 0.6 - 1.1 bars at sea level.
Illustrative image of ball measurements from
https://www.dimensions.com/element/soccer-ball-football-size-5
Design
The ball's outside is made of leather, synthetic leather,
polyurethane or PVC panels. Surface can be textured, weaved
or embossed for greater control and touch. To prevent water
absorption balls may be coated or stitches glued.
Illustrative image of ball
design from
https://www.soccer-for-kids.com/what-is-a-soccer-ball-made-of.html