If you over-or-under inflate your ball, you will find yourself running into problems. While you can simply pump it up if it is softer than you intended, you will find it a lot harder to deal with a soccer ball that is too firm.
You may also run into issues when having soccer balls that are pumped up, especially if you have a few of them. This can often lead to storage or safety issues if enough are stored in the same place.
There are many different methods you can use to deflate a soccer ball, with some being much easier than others – but all have their own merits.
Why Deflate A Soccer Ball?
Before getting into how to deflate a soccer ball, it is important to understand why you need to do it.
There are many reasons why you might need to deflate a soccer ball. The most common of these is if you have overinflated the ball.
A firm ball is good, but if it’s too hard it becomes dangerous. By releasing some of the air from your soccer ball, you will be able to use it in the intended way.
Storage also becomes easier if you deflate your soccer ball. A flat ball is much easier to put away inside a cabinet, and it won’t roll around, so you don’t need to worry about tripping over it or losing it.
Things To Watch Out For
When deflating a soccer ball, you need to make sure to be careful. Most soccer balls have an internal ‘bladder’ that contains the air. This lining is quite delicate, so care must be taken when inflating or deflating your soccer ball.
This is especially important when using a paperclip or inflation needle to deflate your soccer ball, as these things have the greatest chance of causing damage to the bladder.
Make sure to be gentle, so you don’t damage your soccer ball in the process.
Different Ways To Deflate A Soccer Ball
As mentioned before, there are many different ways to deflate a soccer ball. Some of these are far stranger than others, but they work just as well – especially when you’re in a pinch.
With A Pump
The most common way to inflate or deflate a soccer ball (see also: How To Pass A Ball In Soccer)is using a pump. This can be done using a simple process.
Most pumps require a needle, which they should come with. If you are missing the needle, you won’t be able to use this method.
If the pump you’re using has a setting that allows you to remove air from the ball, attach the needle to it. Otherwise, using just the needle will suffice.
Moisten the needle with water or saliva, then locate the valve on the soccer ball. Insert the needle into the valve, taking care when doing so, as otherwise you might damage the lining.
The air should now be escaping from the ball. Make sure to take the needle out once the desired amount of air has been released.
With An Inflation Needle
Another great piece of equipment to use when deflating your soccer ball is an inflation needle. These will often come with a pump, but you can also buy them separately.
Much the same as using an inflation needle from a pump, this must first be moistened. Then, insert it into the valve on your ball to begin releasing the air.
You can also apply some pressure to the ball when using this method to help speed up the process. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the ball, as this can lead to damage.
After you have finished, remove the inflation needle from the soccer ball and store it somewhere safe. Make sure not to lose it!
Using A Paperclip
When all else fails, you can actually even use a paperclip to deflate your soccer ball. It may seem strange at first, but here’s how it works.
It is actually very similar to using a needle. Moisten the paperclip with water, saliva, or any other fluid, and insert it gently into the valve.
Taking care not to damage the lining, spread the valve until air begins to come out. Do this until the soccer ball (see also: How To Kick A Soccer Ball Far)has been deflated as much as you need it to be.
Using this method can be more dangerous than the others, but it works great in a pinch when nothing else is available.
Using A Refrigerator
If you don’t fancy the idea of damaging the lining of your soccer ball with a paperclip or needle, and a pump isn’t available, there is one final method you can use to deflate your soccer ball.
By putting your soccer ball in the fridge, it will slowly deflate. Make sure it is clean from mud and dirt before doing so, as it can really leave a mark otherwise.
The cold air of the fridge helps to lower the temperature of the ball, decreasing the amount of space the air inside it takes up. This is because things that are cold contract, making them smaller.
Depending on the amount you wish to deflate your ball, you should remove it from the refrigerator at different times. If you only want to deflate it a little, leaving it in the refrigerator for just a few hours should suffice.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while there are many different viable options when it comes to deflating your soccer ball, it is best to pick the one that works for you and your needs.
Using a pump is recommended, but the other options also work and can even be better at times.
Some of the methods may seem strange, but they all work. It is good to know about all of them, and the care you should take when using them, just in case you’re ever in a situation where that is the only option.
Soccer is the most popular sport played and watched in the world, yet it is one rarely talked about in the United States. Why is this?
Hi, my name is Adrian Turner and I am a self-proclaimed soccer head.
Since I was young, I have always been fascinated by soccer, and any of the games I could find on the TV channels. There weren’t many games broadcast, so thankfully I could find more on the internet as I grew up.
I turned all of my friends onto soccer and we’d play into the evenings after school.
