Footballs

Footballs is a term used to describe the balls used in several codes of football. The shape, size, and construction vary by code and regulation. In association football (soccer), the ball is spherical and designed for rolling across grass or turf. In American football, Canadian football, rugby football, and Australian rules football, the ball is a prolate spheroid and is designed for kicking, throwing, and carrying. The choice of ball depends on the rules of the competition, the playing surface, and the level of play.

Association football balls are typically spherical and manufactured from synthetic leather or polyurethane panels. Modern balls often use a 32-panel design, though variations exist. They aim for consistency in weight, circumference, and water resistance. Standard size for adult play is size 5, with smaller sizes used for youth. Official competitions require balls to meet governing bodies’ specifications, such as inflation pressure and roundness, and many balls bear FIFA quality marks.

American footballs are prolate spheroids, usually made of leather or composite materials with prominent laces for grip. An official adult ball is around 11 inches long with a circumference near 28 inches at the widest point, and a weight of roughly 14 to 15 ounces. Inflation is regulated, typically in the 12.5 to 13.5 psi range. The ball’s design suits passing, gripping, and kicking in gridiron play.

Rugby football and Australian rules football use similar prolate spheroid balls, but with distinct sizes, weights, and proportions appropriate to their codes. Construction and regulation vary by competition, but all are designed to be gripped, kicked, and carried under match conditions.