History Of Soccer Balls
History Of Soccer Balls – The Evolution
In 1508 it was thought that the excess of pigs bladders from the killing of livestock before winter, was the reason for the development of a game similar in style to soccer. This is the earliest record of the history of soccer balls and a soccer ball as we know it. South American Indians played with a lighter ball after this, but it took almost four centuries before Europeans were able to manufacture stable rubber products that allowed a round ball to be kicked and bounced successfully by players.
Charles Goodyear patented rubber in 1836 and experimented with balls of all sorts of particular round and oval shapes. Prior to this, balls were never made to a standard shape or size and really depended on the size and shape of the pig’s bladder. The players of a ball game just played with what ball they were provided with. In 1851 a boot maker called William Gilbert, from Rugby showcased two exhibits i.e. a round leather covered ball suitable for dribbling and kicking; and an oval ball for a game of carrying and handling. The round ball was preferred for soccer because it was easier to kick.
Changing – Inside And Out
By the nineteenth century strong rubber bladders which could withstand intense heavy pressure were made available. The balls were made with these new bladders, held together with inner tubes and covered with heavy brown leather. The leather outer was made by stitching 18 sections of tanned leather arranged in six panels of three strips each. The sections were stitched together by hand. The ball was ideal for kicking in a ball game but proved painful when using the head due to the heavy stitching. When a new type of inflatable valve was invented this improved the ball surface and balls were made lace free for game play.
In 1951 the white ball was permitted for the first time with the idea it would help spectators follow the ball more easily on the soccer field. Ball developments have continued with the most obvious relating to the panels. The ball surface is smoother now. In the earlier days of international soccer, different countries favored different types of balls but the introduction of FIFA standardized all aspects of the game including the size, weight and type of ball permitted.
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