How To Bend it like Beckham ?

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Bending it like Beckham

10 Million Footballs in Circulation Across the World

Mathematicians versed in geometry refer to them as truncated icosahedrons
There are an estimated 10 million in circulation around the world.
Eight out of ten are made in Pakistan.
And tyre manufacturer Charles Goodyear made one of the first vulcanised rubber examples, which is still in existence after more than 150 years.


The highest-quality footballs today are all stitched by hand, with the industry standard consisting of 32 panels. Altogether, 642 stitches hold together 20 hexagonal panels and 12 pentagonal ones, all coming together to form part of a tough outer casing containing an internal lining and rubber bladder.


Balls with fewer panels – think the 2010 world cup’s controversial Jabulani - can be curved more easily when kicked; for the technically-minded, it’s all down to decreased aerodynamic stability.
Perhaps that’s one of the secrets of bending it like Beckham…




Inflated Pigs’ Bladders
The first footballs were made of inflated pigs’ bladders – a far cry from the sophisticated products in use today with their exacting specifications and state-of-the-art engineering.


Modern footballs used in the professional game must meet certain ‘laws’ to be acceptable – the circumference must be 68 – 70 cms, with a dry weight of 410 – 450 grams, and inflated to a pressure of 0.6 to 1.1 atmospheres (8.6 – 15.7 psi.) They must be covered in leather or ‘other suitable material' to be acceptable.


This standard size 5 ball is used in official FIFA-governed championships throughout the world.


Until the 1950s, due to the leather used in manufacturing, all official footballs were made in dark colour The first white ball only apoeared in 1951, designed to be seen more easily under floodlights.


A Sporting History


The oldest manufacturers of footballs in the world are Mitre.


Today, this former one-man business from Huddersfield has become renowned for producing not only footballs, but cricket balls, rugby balls and sports clothing favoured by clubs and individuals everywhere.


From early beginnings as leather tanners 200 years ago, Mitre’s list of ‘firsts’ reads like a sporting history book: first choice of the English F.A. for over 40 years, official provider to the inaugural Rugby World Cup, suppliers to the newly-formed Premier League, manufacturer of the first synthetic English league football, and responsible for the first – and only – time one company has supplied a ball to the Football League, Football Association, Scottish F.A. and every home UK cup, league and international fixture.


Nicki Williams is a huge David Beckham fan who writes for http://www.gear-zone.co.uk, specialists in football, rugby, tennis, cricket and athletics sportwear and equipment
Picture source: Compfight

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