Soccer A.K.A. football is the most popular sport in the world with by far the most fans and spectators. Due to increasing technological advancement and higher demand for performance soccer has improved the quality and technologies used too. On this website you will find out more about the technology of the soccer balls.
As the game has become faster and more intense over time, the ball has to keep up. Hence the manufacturers have been constantly developing new, better balls for players to play with and for fans to enjoy.
Aerodynamics of the ball is the most important factor that the manufacturers can play around with. Over the years they have tried different amount of panels on the balls and different materials to make the ball more aerodynamic, but still great to play with and have some grip on it.
Aerodynamic forces are especially important for the ball during flight, when the ball is kicked in the air. It is not preferred that the ball starts to curve in the air without the player wanting it to happen. Although the manufacturers have tried to make balls that curve more in the air to make it more fun for the spectators to watch, it has not really succeeded in the wider market.