Sports Balls

Sports Balls

Description
Description

Sports balls are spherical objects designed for use in various sports and recreational activities. They come in diverse types and styles, each tailored to the demands of a specific sport. Examples include soccer balls for soccer, basketballs for basketball, and tennis balls for tennis. These balls are made from materials like leather, rubber, or synthetic compounds to optimize performance. Their sizes, weights, and textures vary to suit the unique requirements of different sports, facilitating accurate passing, dribbling, and striking. Sports balls are used in a wide range of settings, from professional stadiums to local parks, forming the core equipment of countless sports and games.

History
History

Sports balls have a rich and ancient past, evolving alongside the development of sports themselves. Initially, balls were crafted from materials like animal bladders, leather, and even human heads in some cultures. Over time, innovations in manufacturing led to more standardized designs. The 19th century saw the emergence of specific ball designs for various sports, such as the soccer ball's iconic spherical shape.

Advancements in materials, like rubber and synthetic compounds, improved durability and performance. Today, sports balls are finely engineered, with each type tailored to the unique demands of its respective sport, reflecting centuries of design evolution.

Future
Future

The future of sports balls will likely see continued innovation in materials and design. Advances in aerodynamics may lead to soccer balls with enhanced flight stability or golf balls with superior distance and accuracy. Smart technology integration, like sensors in basketballs for tracking performance metrics, could become commonplace. Eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes will align with sustainability trends.

Adaptations for accessibility may include balls with tactile features for visually impaired athletes. Overall, sports balls will remain integral to sports and recreation, evolving to optimize performance, durability, and inclusivity while embracing technology and sustainable practices.

Common Questions
Common Questions
How have advancements in technology impacted the design of sports balls?

Advancements in technology have revolutionized sports ball design. Materials like synthetic compounds and advanced polymers offer improved durability and performance. Aerodynamic simulations help optimize shapes for better flight stability. Smart technology integration allows for tracking performance data in real-time. These innovations have led to more efficient and responsive sports balls, enhancing gameplay across a range of sports, from soccer to golf and beyond.

How are sports balls tested and approved for official use in competitions?

Sports balls undergo rigorous testing and approval processes to meet official standards. Testing involves evaluating factors like size, weight, circumference, and rebound characteristics. They are subjected to impact, durability, and performance assessments. Governing bodies, such as FIFA for soccer or the NBA for basketball, set specific criteria. If a ball passes these tests, it receives official certification and approval for use in competitive events, ensuring fairness and consistency in play.

How do air pressure and inflation affect the bounce and play of various sports balls?

Air pressure and inflation significantly impact the performance of sports balls. Inflating a ball to the correct pressure ensures it bounces predictably and consistently. Overinflation can make a ball harder and less responsive, while underinflation reduces its bounce and makes it feel sluggish. Proper inflation is crucial for maintaining the balance between playability and safety in various sports, from soccer to basketball and tennis.

Sports

* Under Development *

6.68”-6.76” | 16.9-17.2 cm (Short)
11”-11.25” | 28-29 cm
14-15 oz | 400-425 g
American Football
17.200
29.000
0.425
5600
https://p3d.in/e/RDbUd
GUIDE
3D
American FootballView of a American Football in 3D available for downloadView of a American Football in 3D available for download
2.86”-2.94” | 7.3-7.5 cm (Diameter)
5-5.25 oz | 142-149 g
Baseball
7.500
0.149
3600
https://p3d.in/e/YLyi6
GUIDE
3D
BaseballPerspective view of a 3D model of a BaseballPerspective view of a 3D model of a Baseball
9.43”-9.51” | 24-24.2 cm
Basketball
24.200
https://p3d.in/e/cHJyj
GUIDE
3D
BasketballPerspective view of a 3D model of the BasketballPerspective view of a 3D model of the Basketball
2.06"-2.69" | 52.5-68 mm (Diameter)
Billiard Balls
2.690
800
GUIDE
3D
Billiard Balls
4.5” | 11 cm (Diameter)
2.2-2.42 lb | 1-1.1 kg
Bowling Ball - Candlepin
11.000
1.100
70
https://p3d.in/e/OYuLR
GUIDE
3D
Bowling Ball - CandlepinView of a Candlepin Bowling Ball in 3D available for downloadView of a Candlepin Bowling Ball in 3D available for download
4.75”-5” | 12.1-12.7 cm (Diameter)
3.3-3.75 lb | 1.5-1.7 kg
Bowling Ball - Five-Pin & Duckpin
12.700
1.700
75
https://p3d.in/e/Kthod
GUIDE
3D
Bowling Ball - Five-Pin & DuckpinPerspective view of a 3D model of a Bowling Ball (Five-Pin & Duckpin)Perspective view of a 3D model of a Bowling Ball (Five-Pin & Duckpin)
8.595” | 21.83 cm (Diameter)
10-16 lb | 4.54-7.26 kg (Max)
Bowling Ball - Ten-Pin
21.830
7.260
40
https://p3d.in/e/iHChp
GUIDE
3D
Bowling Ball - Ten-Pin3D model of a Ten-Pin Bowling Ball viewed in perspective3D model of a Ten-Pin Bowling Ball viewed in perspective
2.8”-2.86” | 7.1-7.26 cm (Diameter)
5.5-5.75 oz | 156-163 g
Cricket Ball
7.260
0.164
3600
https://p3d.in/e/4RLvN
GUIDE
3D
Cricket BallView of a Cricket Ball in 3D available for downloadView of a Cricket Ball in 3D available for download
8.5” | 21.59 cm (Diameter)
14 oz | 410 g
Dodgeball
21.590
0.410
350
https://p3d.in/e/No1M6
GUIDE
3D
DodgeballPerspective view of a 3D model of a DodgeballPerspective view of a 3D model of a Dodgeball
2.81”-2.94” | 71.3-74.8 mm (Diameter)
5.5-5.7 oz | 156-163 g
Field Hockey Ball
7.480
0.163
500
https://p3d.in/e/0zZ7O
GUIDE
3D
Field Hockey BallView of a Field Hockey Ball in 3D available for downloadView of a Field Hockey Ball in 3D available for download
1.68” | 42.67 mm (Diameter)
1.62 oz | 45.93 g
Golf Ball
4.267
0.046
19000
https://p3d.in/e/23U9i
GUIDE
3D
Golf BallPerspective view of a 3D model of a Golf BallPerspective view of a 3D model of a Golf Ball
7.3”-7.5” | 185-191 mm (Diameter)
15-17 oz | 425-475 g
Handball - Size 3
19.100
0.475
1000
https://p3d.in/e/qrgdp
GUIDE
3D
Handball - Size 33D model of a Handball - Size III viewed in perspective3D model of a Handball - Size III viewed in perspective
2.47”-2.55” | 62.7-64.7 mm (Diameter)
5-5.2 oz | 140-147 g
Lacrosse Ball
6.470
0.147
8600
https://p3d.in/e/R39nn
GUIDE
3D
Lacrosse BallPerspective view of a 3D model of a Lacrosse BallPerspective view of a 3D model of a Lacrosse Ball
2.874”-2.972” | 73-75.5 mm (Diameter)
.78-.935 oz | 22-26.5 g
Pickleball
7.550
0.027
900
https://p3d.in/e/J6b8i
GUIDE
3D
Pickleball3D model of a Pickleball viewed in perspective3D model of a Pickleball viewed in perspective
1.57” | 40 mm (Diameter)
.095 oz | 2.7 g
Ping-Pong Ball
4.000
0.003
3320
https://p3d.in/e/LJdco
GUIDE
3D
Ping-Pong Ball3D model of a Ping-Pong Ball (Table Tennis Ball) viewed in perspective3D model of a Ping-Pong Ball (Table Tennis Ball) viewed in perspective
3”-3.5” | 7.6-8.9 cm (Diameter)
3.5-4.5 oz | 99-130 g
Polo Ball
8.900
0.130
250
https://p3d.in/e/P1Sou
GUIDE
3D
Polo BallView of a Polo Ball in 3D available for downloadView of a Polo Ball in 3D available for download
2.25” | 57 mm (Diameter)
1.4 oz | 40 g
Racquetball
5.700
0.040
50
https://p3d.in/e/61ASv
GUIDE
3D
RacquetballPerspective view of a 3D model of a RacquetballPerspective view of a 3D model of a Racquetball
7.27”-7.77” | 18.46-19.74 cm (Short)
11”-12” | 28-30 cm
14-16 oz | 400-450 g
Rugby Ball
19.740
30.000
0.450
1700
https://p3d.in/e/5v5sY
GUIDE
3D
Rugby BallPerspective view of a 3D model of a Rugby BallPerspective view of a 3D model of a Rugby Ball
8.6”-9” | 22-23 cm (Diameter)
14-16 oz | 400-450 g
Soccer Ball | Football - Size 5
23.000
0.450
126000
https://p3d.in/e/bV91S
GUIDE
3D
Soccer Ball | Football - Size 5View of a Size 5 Soccer Ball (Football) in 3D available for downloadView of a Size 5 Soccer Ball (Football) in 3D available for download
3.82” | 9.7 cm (Diameter)
6.25-7 oz | 177-198 g
Softball
9.700
0.198
500
https://p3d.in/e/rT6i7
GUIDE
3D
Softball3D model of a Softball viewed in perspective3D model of a Softball viewed in perspective
1.56”-1.59” | 39.5-40.5 mm (Diameter)
.8-.9 oz | 23-25 g
Squash Ball
4.050
0.025
2500
https://p3d.in/e/p2cbE
GUIDE
3D
Squash Ball3D model of a Squash Ball viewed in perspective3D model of a Squash Ball viewed in perspective
2.575”-2.7” | 6.54-6.86 cm (Diameter)
1.975-2.095 oz | 56-59.4 g
Tennis Ball
6.860
59.400
72000
https://p3d.in/e/nVkNk
GUIDE
3D
Tennis BallView of a Tennis Ball in 3D available for downloadView of a Tennis Ball in 3D available for download
8.15”-8.39” | 20.7-21.3 cm (Diameter)
9-10 oz | 260-280 g
Volleyball
21.300
0.280
5800
https://p3d.in/e/rUtQT
GUIDE
3D
VolleyballPerspective view of a 3D model of a VolleyballPerspective view of a 3D model of a Volleyball
8.5”-8.9” | 21.65-22.6 cm (Diameter)
14-16 oz | 400-450 g
Water Polo Ball - Size 5
22.600
0.450
2100
https://p3d.in/e/GxkJn
GUIDE
3D
Water Polo Ball - Size 53D model of a Size 5 Water Polo Ball viewed in perspective3D model of a Size 5 Water Polo Ball viewed in perspective
Pickleball
Group of scaled illustrations of various sporting balls compared to the Pickleball

A Pickleball is a hollow ball with holes made from plastic used to play the sport Pickleball. A Pickleball is categorized by being either for indoor or outdoor use. Indoor Pickleballs have larger holes since wind is not a factor inside. Outdoor Pickleballs are constructed from a harder plastic and have smaller holes.

The most common color for an outdoor Pickleball is yellow. Indoor Pickleballs are typically green. The color of a Pickleball should be chosen in accordance to what color will stand out in a court. Other Pickleball colors include pink, midnight blue, black, or even two-tone Pickleballs.

Pickleballs have a diameter of 2.874”-2.972” (73-75.5 mm) and circumference of 9.03”-9.34” (22.93-23.72 cm). The mass of a Pickleball is between .78-.935 oz (22-26.5 g).

Dimensioned elevation drawing of a Pickleball measured with diameter and circumference
A Pickleball is a hollow ball with holes made from plastic used to play the sport Pickleball. A Pickleball is categorized by being either for indoor or outdoor use. Indoor Pickleballs have larger holes since wind is not a factor inside. Outdoor Pickleballs are constructed from a harder plastic.

Pickleballs have a diameter of 2.874”-2.972” (73-75.5 mm) and circumference of 9.03”-9.34” (22.93-23.72 cm). The mass of a Pickleball is between .78-.935 oz (22-26.5 g).

Dimensioned elevation drawing of a Pickleball measured with diameter and circumference
Pickleball
Height:
2.874”-2.972” | 73-75.5 mm (Diameter)
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
.78-.935 oz | 22-26.5 g
Area:

Circumference: 9.03”-9.34” | 22.93-23.72 cm

Materials: Seamless molded plastic
Surface: 26-40 circular holes

Drawings include:
Pickleball Elevations (various)

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Basketball
Dimensioned drawing showing the circumference and diameter of a professional Basketball

Basketball sizes come in variations for different ages, genders, and level of play. The official NBA and competitive professional basketball is 29.5” | 74.9 cm in circumference with a diameter between 9.43”-9.51” | 24-24.2 cm. Professional basketballs must be inflated to a pressure between 7.5-8.5 PSI and cannot exceed the maximum weight of 22 ounces. When choosing a basketball, consider whether the play environment will be primarily outdoor or indoor because indoor basketballs perform best as full-grain leather constructions and outdoor basketballs are better as rubber.

Basketball sizes come in variations for different ages, genders, and levels of play. The professional NBA basketball is 29.5” | 74.9 cm in circumference with a diameter between 9.43”-9.51” | 24-24.2 cm. Basketballs have a pressure between 7.5-8.5 PSI and cannot exceed a weight of 22 ounces.

Basketball
Height:
9.43”-9.51” | 24-24.2 cm
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Circumference: 29.5” | 74.9 cm
Diameter: 9.43”-9.51” | 24-24.2 cm
Pressure: 7.5-8.5 PSI
Weight: 22 ounces (maximum)
Material (Indoor): Full-grain leather
Material (Outdoor): Rubber

Birthday

Drawings include:
Basketball elevation

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Billiard Balls
Diagram comparing the relative sizes of billiard balls used for various cue sports

Billiard balls come in different sizes and designs that vary by game type. Traditionally, billiard balls were made from elephant ivory, but are commonly made from phenolic resin today.

Billiard balls range in diameter from the largest in Russian pyramid and kaisa at 2 11/16” (68 mm) to the smallest in British-style at 2” (51 mm). Other variations of billiard ball sizes are Carom at 2 7/16” (61.5 mm), American-style at 2 1/4” (57.15 mm), and Snooker 2 1/16” (52.5 mm).

Drawing comparing billiard ball dimensions from Russian Kaisa, Carom, American, English, Snooker
Billiard balls come in different sizes and designs that vary by game type. Traditionally, billiard balls were made from elephant ivory, but are commonly made from phenolic resin today. Billiard balls range in diameter from Russian pyramid down to Carom, American-style, British-style, and Snooker.

Billiard balls range in diameter from the largest in Russian pyramid and kaisa at 2 11/16” (68 mm) to the smallest in British-style at 2” (51 mm). Other variations of billiard ball sizes are Carom at 2 7/16” (61.5 mm), American-style at 2 1/4” (57.15 mm), and Snooker 2 1/16” (52.5 mm).

Drawing comparing billiard ball dimensions from Russian Kaisa, Carom, American, English, Snooker
Billiard Balls
Height:
2.06"-2.69" | 52.5-68 mm (Diameter)
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Diameter (Russian kaisa): 2 11/16” | 68 mm
Diameter (Carom): 2 7/16” | 61.5 mm
Diameter (American): 2 1/4” | 57.15 mm
Diameter (Snooker): 2 1/16” | 52.5 mm
Diameter (British): 2” | 51 mm
Material: Phenolic resin

Drawings include:
Billiard Ball sizes: Russian Kaisa, Carom, American, English, Snooker

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Soccer Ball | Football - Size 5
Scaled comparison drawings of the Soccer Ball (Football) Size 5 and other sports balls

Footballs (Soccer balls) are the primary piece of equipment for the game of football (soccer). come in a series of successive sizes. The underlying reason for the variety of different soccer ball sizes is for the smooth and safe development of young players as they grow in skill and age. Set by the football federations around the world, using smaller ball sizes for younger players reduces the risk that the ball would hurt them during play.

Matching the appropriate ball size to the age of the player is safer on a players body as they may injure their ligaments and tendons by kicking a larger ball before their body has matured. Compare the various sizes here to help determine which official football (soccer ball) size is right for you.

Size 5 Soccer Balls (Footballs) have a diameter of 8.6”-9” (22-23 cm) and circumference of 27”-28” (68-70 cm). The mass of a Size 5 Soccer Ball is between 14-16 oz (400-450 g) with a pressure between 8.5-15.6 psi (58.6-107.6 kPa).

Drawing of a Size 5 Soccer Ball (Football) showing dimensioned analysis of the diameter and circumference
Footballs (soccer balls) come in a series of successive sizes. The underlying reason for the variety of different soccer ball sizes is for the smooth and safe development of young players as they grow in skill and age.

Size 5 Soccer Balls (Footballs) have a diameter of 8.6”-9” (22-23 cm) and circumference of 27”-28” (68-70 cm). The mass of a Size 5 Soccer Ball is between 14-16 oz (400-450 g) with a pressure between 8.5-15.6 psi (58.6-107.6 kPa).

Drawing of a Size 5 Soccer Ball (Football) showing dimensioned analysis of the diameter and circumference
Soccer Ball | Football - Size 5
Height:
8.6”-9” | 22-23 cm (Diameter)
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
14-16 oz | 400-450 g
Area:

Circumference: 27”-28” | 68-70 cm
Pressure: 8.5-15.6 psi | 58.6-107.6 kPa

Size 5 (Adult):
 Ages 13+
Size 4 (Youth):
 Ages 8-12
Size 3 (Junior):
 8 and under
Size 2 (Mini-Ball/Skills Ball):
 4 and under
Size 1 (Mini-Ball/Skills Ball):
 All ages

Materials: Synthetic leather; rubber bladder

Materials
Birthday

Drawings include:
Football | Soccer Ball Size 5 elevations (various)

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Golf Ball
Scaled comparison drawings of the Golf Ball and other sports balls

The Golf Ball is the type of ball that is used to play golf. The golf ball should be able to perform within specific velocity, distance, and symmetry limits. The specifications of the golf ball are controlled by The Royal & Ancient Gulf Club of St. Andrews and the United States Golf Association.

A golf ball should be spherically with about 300 to 500 dimples that help increase their velocity while in play. Golf balls are traditionally white, while some have become available in other colors.

Golf Balls have a diameter of 1.68” (42.67 mm) and circumference of 5.28” (134.05 mm). The mass of a Golf Ball is 1.62 oz (45.93 g).

Measured illustration of a Golf Ball dimensioned with overall diameter and circumference
The Golf Ball is the type of ball that is used to play golf. The golf ball should be able to perform within specific velocity, distance, and symmetry limits. The specifications of the golf ball are controlled by The Royal & Ancient Gulf Club of St. Andrews and the United States Golf Association.

Golf Balls have a diameter of 1.68” (42.67 mm) and circumference of 5.28” (134.05 mm). The mass of a Golf Ball is 1.62 oz (45.93 g).

Measured illustration of a Golf Ball dimensioned with overall diameter and circumference
Golf Ball
Height:
1.68” | 42.67 mm (Diameter)
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
1.62 oz | 45.93 g
Area:

Circumference: 5.28” | 134.05 mm

Materials: Rubber core; surlyn cover
Surface: 300-500 dimples

Birthday

Drawings include:
Golf Ball Elevations (various)

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads