Monday, February 8, 2010
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
How to Play Indoor Soccer
By Pauline Go
Indoor Soccer is quite interesting. Though rules of play differ from one administrating sport body to another, there are certain common arenas which apply everywhere and which determine how the game is to be played.
In indoor soccer, the field is a 200-foot by 85-foot sized one, covered by artificial turf that is rectangular in shape, surrounded by six feet high walls. Minimum team size must be six players. The general game duration is a period of one hour, spread over four quarter of fifteen minutes each. After the first and third quarter, there is usually a three-minute break.
Contact rules as seen in outdoor soccer are applicable here in the same way. The are three lines used in the indoor soccer arena, which consists of a line in the centre and then one line in each half part of the court. While playing, players are not allowed to pass the ball directly over all three line of the court at the same time it has to touch either a player or the floor. The reason why this rule is implemented is to curb the use of long balls and to encourage more the use of short passes.
In Indoor Soccer, since the turf is artificial, players have to be prepared to deal with a ball that's bouncier and tougher to deal with. There is no offside rule applicable here. This form of soccer enables players to be substituted as many time as possible, but on the condition that the substitute leaves when a new player steps into the field.
About Author:
Pauline Go is an online leading expert in sports. She also offers top quality articles like :
Boxing Day Origin,
Martial Art Violence
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go
Indoor Soccer is quite interesting. Though rules of play differ from one administrating sport body to another, there are certain common arenas which apply everywhere and which determine how the game is to be played.
In indoor soccer, the field is a 200-foot by 85-foot sized one, covered by artificial turf that is rectangular in shape, surrounded by six feet high walls. Minimum team size must be six players. The general game duration is a period of one hour, spread over four quarter of fifteen minutes each. After the first and third quarter, there is usually a three-minute break.
Contact rules as seen in outdoor soccer are applicable here in the same way. The are three lines used in the indoor soccer arena, which consists of a line in the centre and then one line in each half part of the court. While playing, players are not allowed to pass the ball directly over all three line of the court at the same time it has to touch either a player or the floor. The reason why this rule is implemented is to curb the use of long balls and to encourage more the use of short passes.
In Indoor Soccer, since the turf is artificial, players have to be prepared to deal with a ball that's bouncier and tougher to deal with. There is no offside rule applicable here. This form of soccer enables players to be substituted as many time as possible, but on the condition that the substitute leaves when a new player steps into the field.
About Author:
Pauline Go is an online leading expert in sports. She also offers top quality articles like :
Boxing Day Origin,
Martial Art Violence
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go
Soccer at the Beach?
By Brenda Simard
"Is it different to enjoy a game of soccer on a field than to play it on the beach?" That is a good question. "You bet it's different," he answered.
Beach soccer, as the name implies, is a game played on the beach, usually in the spring or summer. Although soccer on the beach has been played in an unorganized fashion for years, it was given its official name and rules only recently, specifically in 1992. Since that time beach soccer has managed to become a rather popular game and I believe that if you definitely want to educate yourself about soccer you should begin to play soccer on the beach in the sand.
Playing soccer in the sand is thought by many to be the best place for a newbie. Learning on a soft sandy beach can correct some usual errors for a beginner, because the soccer ball often doesn't roll well on the sand. Actually, the element of sand doesn't only facilitate the efforts of new players, but it can actually be thought of as a large barrier even for the long time players that want to demonstrate their proficiencies. In addition, the smaller field - measuring 28 x 37 meters if you can find an official beach soccer complex- is by far smaller than a normal grass pitch and therefore scoring is easier, even for athletes who want to give it a go for the first time.
A great advantage of beach soccer is the fact that the athlete doesn't have to have any unique equipment to join in. An adequate size soccer ball and the sand of the beach are just what you need to start learning the nature of this unique game's play. Even when no organized facility on the beach exists, those interested in enjoying a game of beach soccer need only two canes to symbolize the area of a goalpost. Sticks or maybe a pile of clothes are preferable in comparison to especially huge blocks of rocks, which are a hazard for stubbed toes, because footwear is not permitted in this game.
My son's soccer coach has his team out in the sand during the summer off-season building up their leg muscles and their basic skills on the sand. They start out running on the soft sand, head to the harder sand near the ocean's edge and then back to the soft areas. The fact that they are not wearing shoes acts as an incentive to learn to kick the ball using the insides of their feet, not their toes. The team does some skill drills and then they enjoy a short game of five-on-five to get them motivated and happy to be at practice. By the time the fall playing season rolls around they will all be in the best shape of their lives.
When practice is over the boys head, on the run, for the ocean to cool off and play in the waves. They go to practice in their swimsuits so there is no delay getting into the cold water. Soccer at the beach is a great way for kids and adults to play and build up their stamina, strength and endurance. It is after all, much easier to play on a grass field right?
Go Red Bulls!
The author has a young son playing on a traveling soccer team. She attends all the practices and games and has watched as the coaches put these kids through a grueling workout before they even get to their basic skills training. Her son has picked up some new moves just by watching soccer videos.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brenda_Simard
"Is it different to enjoy a game of soccer on a field than to play it on the beach?" That is a good question. "You bet it's different," he answered.
Beach soccer, as the name implies, is a game played on the beach, usually in the spring or summer. Although soccer on the beach has been played in an unorganized fashion for years, it was given its official name and rules only recently, specifically in 1992. Since that time beach soccer has managed to become a rather popular game and I believe that if you definitely want to educate yourself about soccer you should begin to play soccer on the beach in the sand.
Playing soccer in the sand is thought by many to be the best place for a newbie. Learning on a soft sandy beach can correct some usual errors for a beginner, because the soccer ball often doesn't roll well on the sand. Actually, the element of sand doesn't only facilitate the efforts of new players, but it can actually be thought of as a large barrier even for the long time players that want to demonstrate their proficiencies. In addition, the smaller field - measuring 28 x 37 meters if you can find an official beach soccer complex- is by far smaller than a normal grass pitch and therefore scoring is easier, even for athletes who want to give it a go for the first time.
A great advantage of beach soccer is the fact that the athlete doesn't have to have any unique equipment to join in. An adequate size soccer ball and the sand of the beach are just what you need to start learning the nature of this unique game's play. Even when no organized facility on the beach exists, those interested in enjoying a game of beach soccer need only two canes to symbolize the area of a goalpost. Sticks or maybe a pile of clothes are preferable in comparison to especially huge blocks of rocks, which are a hazard for stubbed toes, because footwear is not permitted in this game.
My son's soccer coach has his team out in the sand during the summer off-season building up their leg muscles and their basic skills on the sand. They start out running on the soft sand, head to the harder sand near the ocean's edge and then back to the soft areas. The fact that they are not wearing shoes acts as an incentive to learn to kick the ball using the insides of their feet, not their toes. The team does some skill drills and then they enjoy a short game of five-on-five to get them motivated and happy to be at practice. By the time the fall playing season rolls around they will all be in the best shape of their lives.
When practice is over the boys head, on the run, for the ocean to cool off and play in the waves. They go to practice in their swimsuits so there is no delay getting into the cold water. Soccer at the beach is a great way for kids and adults to play and build up their stamina, strength and endurance. It is after all, much easier to play on a grass field right?
Go Red Bulls!
The author has a young son playing on a traveling soccer team. She attends all the practices and games and has watched as the coaches put these kids through a grueling workout before they even get to their basic skills training. Her son has picked up some new moves just by watching soccer videos.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brenda_Simard
Scoring Soccer Goals
By Joshua Baker
In countries other than the United States, soccer is called football, and it is played with a soccer ball in a field. In this game, two different teams are in place on a field, and metal frames with woven soccer nets, or soccer goals, are behind each team's members. The object of the game is to kick the ball into the other team's goal, and the team with the most soccer goals, or points, is the winner.
Players cannot use their hands, so what seems easy is in fact quite challenging, with only the use of their head, bodies, and feet to get the ball into the other team's goal. However, each team has a goalkeeper who is allowed to use any part of his body, including his hands, to keep the ball out of the soccer net.
The referee will issue you a severe penalty if the ball is touched with your hands while playing. Even if a soccer ball that is airborne collides with another player's hand, it is known as a hand ball, and the opposing team is given a penalty kick for punishment. Elbowing, holding, or tripping other players, as well as kicking, can also result in penalties while playing the game of soccer.
Soccer has 11 players of each team, although in youth soccer games, they can have as few as 6 players on either side. Soccer players have uniforms that match the other players on their team, and include: jerseys, socks, shorts, cleats or soccer shoes, and shin guards. Oftentimes, a goal keeper will be dressed unlike the other team members, so that he is easily distinguishable, and he may also wear gloves that allow him to grab the ball easier. There are two linesmen that stay on the sidelines, to ascertain who is responsible for balls that are kicked over the line, and a referee presides over the game as well.
When the game starts, the teams get on either side of the field, with one team making a kickoff from the spot in the center that has been designated for this purpose. After that, the soccer ball is always in play, that is until a penalty whistle goes off by a referee. The advancement of the ball down the field in an attempt to make a soccer goal, is known as dribbling and passing. However, it is hard to keep possession of the ball while getting it down the field, so often times, possession changes are occurring.
Unless there is a tie, the team that is able to score the most soccer goals by the end of the game is the winner. Depending on the format of the competition, if a tie happens, then they either have a penalty shootout, or the game goes into overtime. Soccer is now one of the world's premier sports, perhaps because it takes a lot of skill and determination to play the game.
Joshua is a sports enthusiast who enjoys writing about the various types of soccer practice equipment, including soccer goals as well as soccer nets.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joshua_Baker
In countries other than the United States, soccer is called football, and it is played with a soccer ball in a field. In this game, two different teams are in place on a field, and metal frames with woven soccer nets, or soccer goals, are behind each team's members. The object of the game is to kick the ball into the other team's goal, and the team with the most soccer goals, or points, is the winner.
Players cannot use their hands, so what seems easy is in fact quite challenging, with only the use of their head, bodies, and feet to get the ball into the other team's goal. However, each team has a goalkeeper who is allowed to use any part of his body, including his hands, to keep the ball out of the soccer net.
The referee will issue you a severe penalty if the ball is touched with your hands while playing. Even if a soccer ball that is airborne collides with another player's hand, it is known as a hand ball, and the opposing team is given a penalty kick for punishment. Elbowing, holding, or tripping other players, as well as kicking, can also result in penalties while playing the game of soccer.
Soccer has 11 players of each team, although in youth soccer games, they can have as few as 6 players on either side. Soccer players have uniforms that match the other players on their team, and include: jerseys, socks, shorts, cleats or soccer shoes, and shin guards. Oftentimes, a goal keeper will be dressed unlike the other team members, so that he is easily distinguishable, and he may also wear gloves that allow him to grab the ball easier. There are two linesmen that stay on the sidelines, to ascertain who is responsible for balls that are kicked over the line, and a referee presides over the game as well.
When the game starts, the teams get on either side of the field, with one team making a kickoff from the spot in the center that has been designated for this purpose. After that, the soccer ball is always in play, that is until a penalty whistle goes off by a referee. The advancement of the ball down the field in an attempt to make a soccer goal, is known as dribbling and passing. However, it is hard to keep possession of the ball while getting it down the field, so often times, possession changes are occurring.
Unless there is a tie, the team that is able to score the most soccer goals by the end of the game is the winner. Depending on the format of the competition, if a tie happens, then they either have a penalty shootout, or the game goes into overtime. Soccer is now one of the world's premier sports, perhaps because it takes a lot of skill and determination to play the game.
Joshua is a sports enthusiast who enjoys writing about the various types of soccer practice equipment, including soccer goals as well as soccer nets.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joshua_Baker
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
A Couple European Football - Want Ideas About Strategies And Positions?
By: RalphMcarther
Improving Accuracy in Soccer
If you want to become a great soccer player, it is crucial to be (and stay) in control of the soccer ball. This can be tough, especially when facing slippery fields and skilled opponents. There are many exercises you can do to help you improve accuracy with the ball. Try dribbling around several kinds of objects, such as cones, arches, or other players. As you improve, tighten the space you use around each of these objects, and try to improve your reaction time. Accuracy is obviously also important with goal shooting. One way to improve your accuracy is to use a kickspeed target. This helps you aim for a specific target and measures the speed of your kicks. You also want to be accurate in capturing the soccer ball. Kicking nets can help you develop this skill. Since few other soccer players bother to practice this skill, you will have an advantage over others on the field.
Why Anyone Benefits from Soccer Practice
Even if you are just starting out in soccer, you have probably experienced how thrilling the game can be. You have probably also realized how beneficial this active game is for you physically. In addition to these benefits, soccer is a great training ground for general life skills, like teamwork. Even if you do not want to play soccer at a competitive level, developing your game is beneficial to you. For those who plan to pursue a scholarship or a career in soccer, consistent practice and skill development is of the upmost importance. If soccer is just a fun hobby for you, you will find that there is immense satisfaction in watching your abilities grow, with a little bit of hard work. Understanding the fundamentals of the sport and using the right equipment are important, regardless of why you are playing. The Internet is a great place to look for both equipment and information.
Great Equipment for Goalies
One of the most crucial pieces of equipment for a goalie is his or her goal. Start out with a small goal and develop your ability to defend that goal against any kind of shot that comes your way. Then, you can move on to defending a larger goal space. Though the size of the goals will be different, the agility and techniques you developed previously will greatly enhance your ability to guard this larger area. Agility and reaction time are crucial skills for any soccer goalieIf you buy a rebounding net, you can work on both shooting and goalkeeping at the same time. You can practice shooting at a specific area, and as the ball rebounds you can improve your ability to capture it. Some goalies choose to have a goalie net face the rebounding net for improved practice. A good pair of gloves is a final, fundamental piece of equipment for soccer goalies. Look for a flexible material with a good grip.
Flexibility
If soccer players are not flexible, they can cause damage to themselves by overextending their muscles. It is all too easy for soccer players to overextend themselves and cause muscle or ligament damage. To prevent this, players must learn correct stretching techniques and apply those techniques on a daily basis. Coaches need to educate themselves in proper stretching techniques and then pass that information on to their players. A player need not stretch for hours and hours, but a good stretching session of 15 to 30 minutes at the beginning and sometimes at the end of practice can increase mobility and flexibility. Some stretches soccer players need are pretty simple; others are quite complex. When trying a new stretch, players should always know what muscle groups they are supposed to be focusing on. Remember to stretch well and stretch often to ensure
Improving Accuracy in Soccer
If you want to become a great soccer player, it is crucial to be (and stay) in control of the soccer ball. This can be tough, especially when facing slippery fields and skilled opponents. There are many exercises you can do to help you improve accuracy with the ball. Try dribbling around several kinds of objects, such as cones, arches, or other players. As you improve, tighten the space you use around each of these objects, and try to improve your reaction time. Accuracy is obviously also important with goal shooting. One way to improve your accuracy is to use a kickspeed target. This helps you aim for a specific target and measures the speed of your kicks. You also want to be accurate in capturing the soccer ball. Kicking nets can help you develop this skill. Since few other soccer players bother to practice this skill, you will have an advantage over others on the field.
Why Anyone Benefits from Soccer Practice
Even if you are just starting out in soccer, you have probably experienced how thrilling the game can be. You have probably also realized how beneficial this active game is for you physically. In addition to these benefits, soccer is a great training ground for general life skills, like teamwork. Even if you do not want to play soccer at a competitive level, developing your game is beneficial to you. For those who plan to pursue a scholarship or a career in soccer, consistent practice and skill development is of the upmost importance. If soccer is just a fun hobby for you, you will find that there is immense satisfaction in watching your abilities grow, with a little bit of hard work. Understanding the fundamentals of the sport and using the right equipment are important, regardless of why you are playing. The Internet is a great place to look for both equipment and information.
Great Equipment for Goalies
One of the most crucial pieces of equipment for a goalie is his or her goal. Start out with a small goal and develop your ability to defend that goal against any kind of shot that comes your way. Then, you can move on to defending a larger goal space. Though the size of the goals will be different, the agility and techniques you developed previously will greatly enhance your ability to guard this larger area. Agility and reaction time are crucial skills for any soccer goalieIf you buy a rebounding net, you can work on both shooting and goalkeeping at the same time. You can practice shooting at a specific area, and as the ball rebounds you can improve your ability to capture it. Some goalies choose to have a goalie net face the rebounding net for improved practice. A good pair of gloves is a final, fundamental piece of equipment for soccer goalies. Look for a flexible material with a good grip.
Flexibility
If soccer players are not flexible, they can cause damage to themselves by overextending their muscles. It is all too easy for soccer players to overextend themselves and cause muscle or ligament damage. To prevent this, players must learn correct stretching techniques and apply those techniques on a daily basis. Coaches need to educate themselves in proper stretching techniques and then pass that information on to their players. A player need not stretch for hours and hours, but a good stretching session of 15 to 30 minutes at the beginning and sometimes at the end of practice can increase mobility and flexibility. Some stretches soccer players need are pretty simple; others are quite complex. When trying a new stretch, players should always know what muscle groups they are supposed to be focusing on. Remember to stretch well and stretch often to ensure
Soccer Fitness
There are different definitions of fitness actually means, but one common way it is described is as the 5 S's:
* speed
* strength
* stamina
* suppleness
* skill
Two other S's sometimes associated with describing fitness are:
* specificity (what do you need to fit for)
* spirit (psychological aspect)
One key element is specificity, in that what you want to be fit for, determines which of these S's has the most weight or importance. For example, a golfer would not need much speed but would need a lot of skill.
Soccer Fitness Training Tip #1
Proper warm up:
Too many coaches train their players to do static stretching while they are cold. This is one of the most dangerous holdovers from the past that is out there. You need to do light calisthenics to warm the muscles up before you stretch them and when you stretch them you should be doing dynamic stretching.
Soccer Fitness Training Tip #2
Sprint Training
Too many coaches have their players jog for miles at 50% intensity. That's just stupid. Do you want your athletes chasing the ball at 50% of what they are capable during a game? Then why would you have them train for a subpar performance. Never sprint until you are properly warmed up. Do not do sprinting the day before a game. Always allow 48 hours of recovery before a game.
Soccer Fitness Training Tip #3
Plyometrics
Too often coaches hear a bout plyometrics and through their players into the exercises without a proper understanding of how they need to do the exercises properly. Plyometrics are powerful and dangerous. It's important that you follow good form.
I'll explain examples in another article.
Soccer Fitness Training Tip #4
Recovery
I cannot stress enough the importance of recovery. Too often I see coaches destroy players with their "No pain no gain mentality." When you push your players 100% you need to give them a day off or at least do an active recovery day.
Soccer players need a combination of aerobic and anaerobic fitness due to the nature of the game and the fact that there is continuous movement with lots of short bursts of more intense activity. Some positions require higher levels of anaerobic fitness than others, some require more aerobic fitness. A midfield player is required to cover a lot of ground during a game and needs a good aerobic engine. A striker on the other hand requires short bursts of repeated activity and requires more speed and anaerobic fitness.
One key aspect of fitness that soccerfitness.net recognizes is that each player is different and has different training requirements dependant upon their inherent physical abilities, their desire to train, age and position played. Soccer is a team sport and as such, players train together as a team. This is important for many reasons, but it also means that not all conditioning type sessions or activities have equal benefits across all players.
Where time is available to test and analyze results, it is much better if programs can be tailored for each player or group of players with the same requirements. I feel this is important from around the age of 13 and up, when the effects of training have much more of an impact. Conditioning and speed training at 10-13 years has less impact. A recent FA coaching report, suggested that players 10-12 benefit from training in that it prepares them physically and mentally for training when they are older. Their motor skills develop and they learn skills like how to run fast, as well as obvious ball skills when carrying out normal soccer skills training.
Once past puberty, speed endurance and strength, speed sessions will have more impact. Before that stage, sessions should not be too intense, involving shorter sessions with little emphasis on stamina. Plyometrics and strength building activities should be carried it with great care pre-puberty.
* speed
* strength
* stamina
* suppleness
* skill
Two other S's sometimes associated with describing fitness are:
* specificity (what do you need to fit for)
* spirit (psychological aspect)
One key element is specificity, in that what you want to be fit for, determines which of these S's has the most weight or importance. For example, a golfer would not need much speed but would need a lot of skill.
Soccer Fitness Training Tip #1
Proper warm up:
Too many coaches train their players to do static stretching while they are cold. This is one of the most dangerous holdovers from the past that is out there. You need to do light calisthenics to warm the muscles up before you stretch them and when you stretch them you should be doing dynamic stretching.
Soccer Fitness Training Tip #2
Sprint Training
Too many coaches have their players jog for miles at 50% intensity. That's just stupid. Do you want your athletes chasing the ball at 50% of what they are capable during a game? Then why would you have them train for a subpar performance. Never sprint until you are properly warmed up. Do not do sprinting the day before a game. Always allow 48 hours of recovery before a game.
Soccer Fitness Training Tip #3
Plyometrics
Too often coaches hear a bout plyometrics and through their players into the exercises without a proper understanding of how they need to do the exercises properly. Plyometrics are powerful and dangerous. It's important that you follow good form.
I'll explain examples in another article.
Soccer Fitness Training Tip #4
Recovery
I cannot stress enough the importance of recovery. Too often I see coaches destroy players with their "No pain no gain mentality." When you push your players 100% you need to give them a day off or at least do an active recovery day.
Soccer players need a combination of aerobic and anaerobic fitness due to the nature of the game and the fact that there is continuous movement with lots of short bursts of more intense activity. Some positions require higher levels of anaerobic fitness than others, some require more aerobic fitness. A midfield player is required to cover a lot of ground during a game and needs a good aerobic engine. A striker on the other hand requires short bursts of repeated activity and requires more speed and anaerobic fitness.
One key aspect of fitness that soccerfitness.net recognizes is that each player is different and has different training requirements dependant upon their inherent physical abilities, their desire to train, age and position played. Soccer is a team sport and as such, players train together as a team. This is important for many reasons, but it also means that not all conditioning type sessions or activities have equal benefits across all players.
Where time is available to test and analyze results, it is much better if programs can be tailored for each player or group of players with the same requirements. I feel this is important from around the age of 13 and up, when the effects of training have much more of an impact. Conditioning and speed training at 10-13 years has less impact. A recent FA coaching report, suggested that players 10-12 benefit from training in that it prepares them physically and mentally for training when they are older. Their motor skills develop and they learn skills like how to run fast, as well as obvious ball skills when carrying out normal soccer skills training.
Once past puberty, speed endurance and strength, speed sessions will have more impact. Before that stage, sessions should not be too intense, involving shorter sessions with little emphasis on stamina. Plyometrics and strength building activities should be carried it with great care pre-puberty.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Soccer Balls
Submitted by Mike-Jones
Selecting the right soccer ball boils down to choosing the size and construction of the ball based on the player’s age and league requirements. The younger the player, the smaller the ball in most cases. Cost is also a big factor in selecting the correct soccer ball. Synthetic-leather balls are the most expensive and basic rubber-type soccer balls cost the least. Leather is no longer the favorite choice of soccer ball coverings because leather absorbs more moisture than synthetic soccer balls. A wet leather ball gets heavier over time and becomes much slower in play.
There are three basic categories of soccer balls. Match soccer balls used in professional international matches meet all Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) requirements and are imprinted with the organization’s logo on the ball. They are also the most expensive type of soccer ball. In the middle range are the competition balls used in college and high school competition. Recreational and training balls fill are the least expensive.
Most soccer balls are made of blends of polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and common rubber or nylon. The best and most expensive PU balls feel like leather and are very firm, durable and water-resistant. The PVC balls are also very durable but are not as soft and responsive as the PU-blend balls. Common rubber and nylon balls can present a real value because they cost the least and last the longest. Although the rubber and nylon soccer balls lack the feel of match balls, they are fine for practice and training.
Soccer balls are all clearly marked in one of three sizes with the smaller the size number, the smaller the ball. Most all soccer balls come marked in sizes 3, 4 or 5. Size 3 soccer balls are used for beginners under 8 years old are 23-inches in circumference and weigh 12-ounces. Size 4 balls are designed for players between the ages of 8 and 12 and weigh about the same as the smaller balls at 12-ounces but are larger in circumference at just over 25-inches. Size 5 soccer balls are designed for use by all players 13 and older and are built to the international standard size for all sanctioned competition. The size 5 balls weigh about 15-ounces and have a circumference of 28-inches.
Additional factors to consider in soccer ball construction are the lining and inner bladder. The lining underneath the outer covering controls the shape and feel of the ball. The bladder contains the air inside the ball and also contributes to shape and responsiveness in play. Match soccer balls usually have four layers of a combined cotton/polyester-blend lining. Mid-range balls have two layers of cotton and two layers of polyester lining, and the least expensive balls have only two layers of polyester lining.
Soccer ball bladders come in both latex and butyl. The latex bladders are considered the best type of ball construction, but they don’t hold air as long as butyl bladders and need attention to proper inflation. Butyl or butyl-blend bladders hold their air better but are harder less responsive in play. The most common bladder found in mid-priced balls will usually be a blend of 80% butyl with 20% rubber.
The number of panels on a soccer ball can influence flight characteristics and how much control the player will have in play. A 32-panel ball is the type used in international soccer competition. Major League Soccer in the United States uses an 18-panel ball, and most indoor soccer leagues use 6-panel balls. The panels on high-end soccer balls are hand-stitched with synthetic thread. Mid-priced soccer balls have the same high-quality thread but are machine stitched to reduce cost. Low-cost practice and training balls will usually have panels that are glued together.
Adidas, Nike, Voit, Puma, Brine and Diadora all make good all-around quality balls that are relatively affordable, ranging from $20 to $80. Good practice balls can be purchased for as little as $15. For most young players today, an inexpensive training ball is usually all they will need to get into soccer and start having fun.
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About The Author:
Mike Jones is an experienced blog master and published author. He lives in Los Angeles California. For more info please visit www.soccerballs.com
Selecting the right soccer ball boils down to choosing the size and construction of the ball based on the player’s age and league requirements. The younger the player, the smaller the ball in most cases. Cost is also a big factor in selecting the correct soccer ball. Synthetic-leather balls are the most expensive and basic rubber-type soccer balls cost the least. Leather is no longer the favorite choice of soccer ball coverings because leather absorbs more moisture than synthetic soccer balls. A wet leather ball gets heavier over time and becomes much slower in play.
There are three basic categories of soccer balls. Match soccer balls used in professional international matches meet all Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) requirements and are imprinted with the organization’s logo on the ball. They are also the most expensive type of soccer ball. In the middle range are the competition balls used in college and high school competition. Recreational and training balls fill are the least expensive.
Most soccer balls are made of blends of polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and common rubber or nylon. The best and most expensive PU balls feel like leather and are very firm, durable and water-resistant. The PVC balls are also very durable but are not as soft and responsive as the PU-blend balls. Common rubber and nylon balls can present a real value because they cost the least and last the longest. Although the rubber and nylon soccer balls lack the feel of match balls, they are fine for practice and training.
Soccer balls are all clearly marked in one of three sizes with the smaller the size number, the smaller the ball. Most all soccer balls come marked in sizes 3, 4 or 5. Size 3 soccer balls are used for beginners under 8 years old are 23-inches in circumference and weigh 12-ounces. Size 4 balls are designed for players between the ages of 8 and 12 and weigh about the same as the smaller balls at 12-ounces but are larger in circumference at just over 25-inches. Size 5 soccer balls are designed for use by all players 13 and older and are built to the international standard size for all sanctioned competition. The size 5 balls weigh about 15-ounces and have a circumference of 28-inches.
Additional factors to consider in soccer ball construction are the lining and inner bladder. The lining underneath the outer covering controls the shape and feel of the ball. The bladder contains the air inside the ball and also contributes to shape and responsiveness in play. Match soccer balls usually have four layers of a combined cotton/polyester-blend lining. Mid-range balls have two layers of cotton and two layers of polyester lining, and the least expensive balls have only two layers of polyester lining.
Soccer ball bladders come in both latex and butyl. The latex bladders are considered the best type of ball construction, but they don’t hold air as long as butyl bladders and need attention to proper inflation. Butyl or butyl-blend bladders hold their air better but are harder less responsive in play. The most common bladder found in mid-priced balls will usually be a blend of 80% butyl with 20% rubber.
The number of panels on a soccer ball can influence flight characteristics and how much control the player will have in play. A 32-panel ball is the type used in international soccer competition. Major League Soccer in the United States uses an 18-panel ball, and most indoor soccer leagues use 6-panel balls. The panels on high-end soccer balls are hand-stitched with synthetic thread. Mid-priced soccer balls have the same high-quality thread but are machine stitched to reduce cost. Low-cost practice and training balls will usually have panels that are glued together.
Adidas, Nike, Voit, Puma, Brine and Diadora all make good all-around quality balls that are relatively affordable, ranging from $20 to $80. Good practice balls can be purchased for as little as $15. For most young players today, an inexpensive training ball is usually all they will need to get into soccer and start having fun.
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About The Author:
Mike Jones is an experienced blog master and published author. He lives in Los Angeles California. For more info please visit www.soccerballs.com
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