We turn on the television to watch our favorite team play, watch the opposing team score a goal and end up losing 1-3. We can also play football in casinos with add card free spins. In all this, the main attribute is football. Yes, it is the attribute of the game, not the players themselves and their professionalism. After all, if a proportionately flat ball with a set of technical characteristics had not been invented – football simply would not have existed.
No one knows exactly how many centuries ago a prototype of the modern ball was first invented, and why it was done. But you can certainly name the chronology from antiquity to the present day. Let’s move into the distant past, where the laws of “football” existed.
How the ball appeared and why ancient balls were not allowed to be given to children
- The first mention of a ball that was associated with the game dates back to the 2nd century BC. Back then, natural materials were used to make the ball, namely animal skin, down and wool for filling. In its essence, this version resembles modern models.
- In Ancient Rome and Greece, virtually identical manufacturing techniques were used, but the filler was sand. Such cores were notable for their heavy weight, so dozens of forces were required.
- The Aztecs confined themselves to round-shaped stones covered in rubbery material made from the sap of rubber. Such games were considered rituals as a tribute to nature and could only be played by men.
- Modern football arose in mid-19th century Britain. It was then that rubber began to be used in manufacture, which allowed the product to be bouncy, more resilient and lighter. The Football Association introduced common standards, which began to produce the ball spherical shape, a certain circle, and diameter.
History of the ball in modern times
With the development of sports, the popularity of football grew at a tremendous rate. Manufacturers began to pay attention to the requirements of athletes and what results a game with a particular kind of ball brings. Initially, natural leather was used for tailoring. Cheaper models were made from a soft material that quickly fell into disrepair. Premium models could afford the nobility, professional players, but these products are much better to bear the load.
In 1900 there was a breakthrough in the football industry. Balls started to be fitted with rubber chambers, but the cover was still made of leather. The first versions of modern footballs had a number of drawbacks:
- Their coarse leather cover absorbed moisture fairly quickly, making the ball heavier and more uncomfortable to play. This could lead to injuries, prevent players from concentrating on technique and lead to slower handling and passing.
- Insufficiently flat lacing, causing the form to be slightly warped. The first versions were not sewn together as they are now, but tightened with thin laces and tied in a strong knot.
- The air gradually escaped from the chamber. It was necessary to periodically inflate the product to make it playable.
40-50 years later, synthetic materials – polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride – began to be used instead of the natural material. Now the ball could be considered suitable for play – it practically did not absorb moisture, it became lighter and more elastic. As the inner chamber was filled with polyurethane foam. The ball acquired speed, balance in movement, cushioning.
Evolution of footballs by the example of iconic models
Advances in technology, brutal quality standards, constantly shifting trends and active demand – all contribute to the evolution of the ball even in our time. Each brand offers its own brand design, its own logo, and strives to become a leader in its field. If the ball was at the World Cup or any other major event on a global scale, it automatically becomes iconic. Let’s take a look at the major ‘players’ in the football arena during the championships:
- Adidas TELSTAR. The 1970 model that competed in the World Cup. It was this ball that became the basis for all future ones. The classic black and white design with a simple logo gained enormous fame. In translation the name sounds like ‘TV star’, which is not surprising – more than 40 million fans watched the winning goals live.
- Adidas DURLAST. After four years, the German brand is releasing a model with a black logo. The previous version, on the other hand, had gold lettering.
- TANGO RIVERPLATE is the ball from Adidas in 1978. The model uses 32 panels for tailoring. The idea was the basis for the future FIFA 5 championships. The product stood out for its resistance to moisture, stress and impact.
- TANGO ESPANA is truly Spanish in character. Water resistant seams, lighter weight and significantly improved the quality of play. The football player could feel confident while passing, running the ball on the wet field.
- The Adidas AZTECA – FIFA 1986, which took place in Mexico, is fully synthetic. A design featuring Aztec ornaments gives the ball a special status and flavor. The model was designed specifically for playing on a hard, wet surface in high altitude weather conditions.
- ETRVSCO – Adidas launched the ball in 1990 specifically for the Italian market. The lion pattern looks fantastic, evoking the history of ancient Rome. Players have described this version as a “quick, comfortable, mobile ball”.
- QUESTRA is the American version, launched in 1994. The energy-return layer inside the ball is made of polyurethane. The product is lighter, more responsive and faster. New standards and developments in technology have finally laid the foundations of modern football.
- FEVERNOVA – the early 2000s and Adadas launches an explosive model for the Japanese and South Korean markets. The fiery gold sign on a white background signifies oriental culture and its sacred colors.
