See the evolution of the materials used in soccer balls. Understand how technology directly impacts sport.
Technology has brought significant impacts to all areas of our lives. The sport is no different, the uniform, the training method and the ball have changed over the years.
Today, athletes have materials that directly contribute to their performance. This happens not just in football, but in all sports that exist. In this way, the potential of each athlete is made the most of.
Find out a little more about how technology has directly impacted soccer. See how the ball has transformed as technology has advanced.
Those who are grateful for this evolution are the attackers, who score more goals. Find out more now.
Soccer ball in 1894
In 1894, the soccer ball didn’t even remotely resemble the ball we have today. It was made using tanned leather, using a very thick stitching right in the center.
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It was common for some players to hurt their heads when heading. When it rained and the ball got wet, it was almost impossible to play the sport.
The ball was very heavy, greatly affecting sports practice. However, the love of sport was what made athletes play football every day. However, evolution has arrived, bringing changes in the material used.
World Cup in 1958
Firstly, we can say that the World Cup is the biggest event there is. Bringing together fans from all nations, in 1958 the evolution in the material was already noticed.
After all, in this cup the strings sewn to the center no longer existed. However, the weight of the ball was still heavy, and on rainy days, the same problem occurred.
With the ball much heavier, football was greatly hampered, the ball would still go through many changes.
The evolution of footballs in the 60s and 70s
Although leather continued to be used in balls, in the 60s and 70s there was an evolution. We can say that this evolution brought a significant change, after all, the balls were waterproof.
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This way, the sport would continue with the same quality, even on rainy days. This way, athletes were able to maintain good performance on the field.
However, the weight of the ball was still a factor to be improved, as they were quite heavy.
The soccer ball in the 80s and 90s
Here we arrive at a very special moment in sport. Synthetic began to be used, improving the visual appearance of the balls.
Furthermore, the balls started to last much longer. Becoming lighter, the polyurethane and latex chambers brought more lightness.
Thus, football became faster, greatly improving the athletes’ performance.
The ball in the 21st century
Finally, we can say that the 21st century football is much lighter and better. With sections joined by thermal bonding and the use of increasingly strong polyurethane, evolution has arrived.
What does this represent for players? Practicing the sport has become much simpler and easier, without the weight of the ball.
Furthermore, putting an effect on the shot has become much easier, the balls curve like never before. Goalkeepers suffer much more today than in past decades, however, the fans are grateful.
