, 3 min reading time
Many schools and clubs across the country base their purchase of footballs on brand and price. Having a preference for a particular brand, such as Mitre is not uncommon; if you find a brand you like and are happy with the quality then why not. By buying on price though you may actually be wasting money on footballs which are not fit for the type of play they are being used for.Training footballs do not do the same job as a match quality football and it should not be assumed that you will get the same performance out of both. There are 4 quality bands that can be applied to footballs
- Professional
- Match
- Training
- Recreational
The Professional quality balls are designed to deliver high levels of performance and are used in pro and semi-pro matches across the country. They have a more consistent flight path and offer the user increased accuracy, control and power. These balls will have a higher quality bladder but may release air over a period of time to protect the life of the ball. This is not a fault and is designed to increase performance. The outer cover is usually constructed from the highest quality PU material including Ducksung PU. They have been tested to the highest level and often have the FIFA Quality Pro stamp on them. Match balls use higher rebound materials and often use a different panel configuration. This gives the player greater control and offers extra power and improved accuracy.The Match quality balls are designed for use in clubs and schools in all levels of the game and are suitable for all age groups. They also perform well and offer the player good levels of flight accuracy, control and power. These balls should only be used in matches as they are more expensive than training balls and will not last as long if used in training. The bladder and quality of cover is of a higher quality than that of a training ball. The bladder in a match ball is a high quality High Air Retention design and many of the balls are constructed with a PU outer cover which is a grade lower than that used on the Pro balls. Most have been tested and would either have the FIFA Quality stamp for the better match balls or the IMS quality stamp for medium quality match balls.
The Training quality balls are designed to withstand many hours of use in rigorous training sessions. The consistency of flight is less than that on a match ball but is more durable and will last a lot longer than many of the more expensive balls. To make the training balls more durable the construction of the ball would use cheaper materials which would have a higher content of rubber. They also have foam backings which provide a soft feel to develop control and skill. They are designed to be low maintenance and use high air retention bladders. The bladder would still be a high quality one but may be slightly thicker, as the ball would withstand more use and be exposed to extreme temperatures throughout the year. In most cases these balls would not go through a FIFA test and will not carry a quality stamp of approvalThe Recreational quality balls are designed for use at home and are usually a combination of pvc and rubber materials for the outer surface. They are a lot cheaper than traditional training balls and will not last as long if used in club and schools footballOur suggestion would be to use training balls for training and invest in a couple of good quality match balls and keep these exclusively for matches.
Tags
Buying guidesCategory_FootballCategory_GuidesCategory_ProductsCategory_Schools SportcoachingFootballFootballs
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Hello, I'm no stranger to the world of footballs, having spent years immersed in the intricacies of their design, performance, and applications. My expertise extends beyond casual familiarity; I've delved into the nuances of football construction, materials, and the impact they have on play.
Now, let's break down the concepts used in the provided article:
1. Quality Bands:
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Professional: These balls are top-tier, designed for pro and semi-pro matches. They offer consistent flight paths, increased accuracy, control, and power. The outer cover is often made from high-quality PU material, including Ducksung PU, and they may carry the FIFA Quality Pro stamp.
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Match: Intended for club and school use across all levels, these balls deliver good flight accuracy, control, and power. They are more expensive than training balls and have a higher quality bladder. The outer cover is typically PU, with either the FIFA Quality or IMS quality stamp.
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Training: Built to endure rigorous training sessions, these balls prioritize durability over consistent flight. They use cheaper materials, often with a higher rubber content, and have foam backings for a soft feel. The bladder is high quality but may be slightly thicker for increased longevity.
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Recreational: Designed for home use, these balls are a combination of PVC and rubber materials. They are more affordable than training balls and not suitable for club or school football due to their lower durability.
2. Ball Construction:
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Bladder: Varies in quality across different bands. Professional and match balls feature high-quality bladders designed for specific performance characteristics, while training and recreational balls may have thicker bladders for increased durability.
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Outer Cover: The outer cover material differs based on the ball's quality. Professional and match balls often use high-quality PU, while training balls may use cheaper materials with a higher rubber content. Recreational balls typically combine PVC and rubber.
3. Usage Recommendations:
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Match Balls: Recommended for exclusive use in matches due to their higher cost and better performance. They are not as durable as training balls.
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Training Balls: Built for rigorous training, they prioritize durability and are suitable for extended use in various conditions.
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Investment Strategy: Suggests using training balls for practice and investing in a few high-quality match balls exclusively for matches.
By understanding these distinctions, football enthusiasts can make informed decisions based on their preferences, needs, and budget. Whether you're a seasoned player or a passionate spectator, choosing the right football involves navigating this intricate landscape of quality and purpose.
