Balls: What are they and what sport are they used in?

Ah, balls…those great round objects to play with. BUT do you also know how they got like this?

Balls are hollow round objects used in various sports. In movement sports, they are often small balls, in ball sports usually hand-sized or larger. Some sports deviate slightly from the spherical shape. Examples are the balls in rugby or American Football. These have more of an egg shape.

In this guide you can read all about balls and their function in different sports.

The Ball: A Spherical Object With Many Uses

It is a fact that a ball is a spherical object. But what you may not know is that there are many different types of balls used in sports and games.

The Spherical Ball

Most balls used in sports and games are as round as possible. Depending on the production process, materials, conditions and surface finish, the ball shape may differ from the spherical shape. For example in rugby or American football, where the balls have more of an egg shape.

Holiness

There are also balls that are solid, made of one material. Consider, for example, those used in billiards. But most balls are hollow and inflated with air. The more the ball is inflated, the harder it feels and the more it bounces.

Materials

Many different materials can be used to make balls. Think of leather, plastic, wood, metal and even rope. Sometimes a combination of different materials is used to obtain the desired properties.

Sports and Games with Balls

There are many different sports and games that use balls. Below is a list with a few examples:

• Braces
• Bowling
• Croquet
• goalball
• Hack sack
• Baseball
• horseball
• boules
• juggling
• bounce
• ball shooting
• Korfball
• power ball
• Lacrosse
• Mesoamerican ball game
• Mini football
• Ball
• Snooker
• Squash
• Football
• Indoor football (futsal)
• Sitting volleyball

As you can see, there are many different ways you can use a ball. Whether you're a fan of sports or games, there's always a ball that's right for you!

The many different ball sports

It is a fact that there are many different sports that use balls. Whether you're a fan of classic bowling, competitive soccer or the more relaxed hacky sack, there's something for everyone. Below is a list of commonly used ball sports:

Classic sports

• Braces
• Bowling
• Croquet
• goalball
• Baseball
• horseball
• boules
• bounce
• ball shooting
• Korfball
• power ball
• Lacrosse
• Mesoamerican ball game
• Ball
• Snooker
• Squash
• Football
• Indoor football (futsal)
• Sitting volleyball

More relaxed ball sports

• juggling
• Mini football
• Hack sack

Pro tips for every sport

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So there is something for everyone when it comes to ball sports. Whether you're a fan of competitive play or you prefer a more relaxed approach, there's something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Put on your sneakers and get started!

How the ancient Greeks kept their bodies strong

The importance of balls

In ancient Greece, the use of balls was an important part of everyday life. The Greeks used the balls to keep their bodies strong and healthy. Children played with the balls to improve their coordination and make their movements elegant.

How the Greeks Played

It is not known what kind of games the Greeks played with the balls. But it is clear that they had a lot of fun with the balls. They used the balls to run, jump, throw and catch. They used the balls to improve their coordination and to make their movements elegant.

How to keep your body strong

If you want to keep your body strong and healthy, it is important to move a lot. The ancient Greeks used balls to keep their bodies strong. You can also use balls to keep your body strong. Try different games with the ball, such as running, jumping, throwing and catching. This will improve your coordination and make your movements elegant.

The Balls of Ancient Rome

The Bathhouses

It's a bit odd, but if you're looking for balls in ancient Rome, the best place to look is the bathhouses. There, on a small field just outside the baths, games were played.

The Balls

The Romans had a number of different types of balls. There was a small ball called 'pila' which was used for games of catch. In addition, there was the 'paganica', a ball filled with feathers. And finally there was the 'follis', a large leather ball used for a game of passing the ball to each other. The players had a leather protection band on their forearms and used it to pass the ball to each other.

The game

The game played with the follis was a kind of catch. The players would throw the ball to each other and try to catch the ball with their guard band. It was a popular way to pass the time in ancient Rome.

The different types of balls in modern ball sports

From tiny balls to somewhat larger balls

Of i nu een ping-pongpro or a basketball king, modern ball sports all have their own kind of ball. From tiny balls such as ping pong balls or golf balls to larger ones such as basketballs or footballs.

The perfect ball for every ball sport

Finding the perfect ball for your favorite ball sport is a must. Whether you are looking for a ball that can hit you far or one that you can bounce easily, there is always a ball that suits you.

Choose your ball carefully

When buying a ball, it is important to choose the right one. Look at the size, weight, bounce, and materials the ball is made from. If you choose the right ball, you will enjoy your ball sport much more.

Footballs: the perfect ball for a perfect match

If you are looking for the perfect ball to play your match with, then you have come to the right place at JAKO. We have both training balls and match balls, so you are always ready for the next game.

Training balls

Our training balls are perfect for pre-match training. They are made of soft foam and microfiber, so you can place the ball exactly where you want it.

Match balls

Our match balls are FIFA-PRO certified, which means that they can be used during official matches. The outer layer is made of structured PU, which gives you extra grip. The bladder is made of latex, which gives the ball a stable flight pattern.

The perfect ball for a perfect match

With our JAKO balls you can be sure that you are ready for the next match. Whether you need a training ball or a match ball, with our balls you can count on the perfect ball for a perfect match.

Futsal: The smaller, heavier football variant

Futsal is an indoor football variant that enthuses many technical players. Why? Because the ball is smaller and heavier than a standard football. This gives you more control over the ball.

The characteristics of a Futsal ball

A Futsal ball has a number of features that distinguish it from a standard football:

• It is smaller and heavier than a standard football
• It offers more control over the ball
• It is ideal for technical players

Futsal for kids

While Futsal balls are ideal for technical players, they are often too heavy for children. That is why we have developed a special, light variant for the youth. This way, children can also enjoy Futsal to the fullest.

The perfect ball: Accessories for sports balls

The right pump

A ball that is not hard enough? No problem! We have different ball pumps and valve needles, suitable for footballs, basketballs and handballs. Pump your ball back to life and you're good to go.

Storage

Now that your ball is hard enough again, it's time to put it away. Choose a handy ball bag or ball net if you want to prepare several balls for training. Or opt for a ball net for one ball if you want to take the ball with you from home. Easily hang the ball on your bag or your bike and you're ready to go.

How to keep your ball in top condition

Why is sports ball maintenance important?

If you use a ball, it is important to take good care of it. This way you can make optimal and long-term use of your football, handball or any sports ball. But why is the maintenance of sports balls so important? Most people who buy a ball just put it in the shed or garden. But if you do this, you will soon notice that the ball becomes a bit softer and that the leather can quickly tear. At gyms, sports institutions and sports clubs, the condition of the ball deteriorates after intensive use. Logical, because balls must be able to withstand hard impacts from feet and/or hands, they bounce over the field, the sidewalk or against sheds. And in winter, summer, during rain showers and hail, the balls must also be able to roll properly.

The first step: store your ball dry

If you want to take good care of a ball, the first step is to store it dry. So don't leave the ball outside, but store it in a dry room.

The second step: use the right resources

There are various means with which you can take good care of your ball. Consider, for example, a ball pump, a pressure gauge, a flatproof, a glycerine or a valve set. All of these resources can help you keep your ball in top condition.

The third step: know when you need a new ball

Sometimes it is unfortunately the case that your ball is completely broken or has a leak. Then it's time for a new ball. But how do you know when the ball is really beyond saving? Don't worry, because at Jenisport we know what to do. We give you the easiest tips for maintaining balls, so that you can make optimal and long-lasting use of your sports ball.

How do you know when your ball needs to be replaced?

Did pasting or repairing not help at all? Then it's time to replace your ball. But where do you find a good ball? Fortunately, Jenisport has an extensive range of sports balls for all kinds of sports. From gym to football, from handball to volleyball, from korfball to basketballs and fitness balls.

With all these balls you are assured of good quality and affordable price. So what are you waiting for? Take a quick look in our webshop and you will be kicking or hitting with a new ball in no time!

Different types of balls

There are different types of sports balls that you can buy. Below is a short list of the most popular balls:

• Gym balls: Ideal for exercises and physiotherapy.
• Soccer: Perfect for a game of soccer with friends.
• Handballs: Perfect for a game of handball with your team.
• Volleyballs: Ideal for a game of beach volleyball.
• Korfballen: Perfect for a game of korfball with your team.
• Basketballs: Ideal for a game of basketball with your team.
• Fitness Balls: Perfect for exercise and physiotherapy.

Why choose Jenisport?

Jenisport offers an extensive range of sports balls from good brands. You are assured of good quality and affordable price. So why wait any longer? Take a quick look in our webshop and you will be kicking or hitting with a new ball in no time!

Differences

Ball Vs Shuttle

Badminton is a sport that you play with a racket and a shuttlecock. But what is the difference between a ball and a shuttlecock? A ball is usually made of rubber or plastic, while a shuttlecock can be made of nylon or feathers. A shuttlecock is also much smaller than a ball. In badminton it is important that the shuttle is hit back and forth over the net, so that there is no hindrance from wind and other weather conditions. A ball, on the other hand, is usually hit with more power, allowing it to go further. In badminton it is also important that the shuttle does not hit the net, while in other ball sports this is the intention. Basically, there are distinct differences between a ball and a shuttlecock.

Ball Vs Puck

Ice hockey is a sport played on ice, but unlike other ball sports, no round ball is used, but a flat disc of rubber. This puck has a diameter of 7,62 cm and a thickness of 2,54 cm. In addition, players use a stick with a fairly large flat surface and a curved blade. This sheet is to the left for right-handed players and to the right for left-handed players.

In contrast to other ball sports, in ice hockey you do not have a ball, but a puck. The stick that is used also has a different shape than in other sports. The blade is curved so that you can shoot more accurately and harder. This stick can also be held on the right or left side of the body, depending on the player's preference.

Conclusion

Balls are always fun and now you also know that they have been used for centuries for sports and games. From soccer to croquet, from baseball to sitting volleyball, there's a ball for every sport.

So choose a format and a game variant and start playing!

Joost Nusselder, the founder of referees.eu is a content marketer, father and loves to write about all kinds of sports, and has also played a lot of sports himself for most of his life. Now since 2016, he and his team have been creating helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with their sports activities.