Soccer is an exciting sport to watch and play, it is one of the best ways to exercise the body and get your system working as it should. But would soccer be exciting or even exist without soccer balls? Guess you already know the answer.
Taking adequate care of soccer balls should be a priority for every soccer fan out there who wants to preserve the existence of the sport. Properly inflating soccer balls is one of the little but important ways of sustaining this course.
A properly inflated soccer ball can determine the outcome of a match. Excess air pressure can cause a soccer ball to burst easily and inadequate pressure can hinder the ball from traveling as it should so a ball must be pumped to the right pressure for optimal performance.
Knowing how to properly use an air pump is also something everybody who enjoys playing soccer should learn, knowing that a deflated soccer ball is useless until it is adequately pumped.
Manual air pumps and ball pump needles are not hard to find at commercial sports stores around you. Buying a good quality air pump will do you a lot of good and don’t forget to also buy a good quantity of pump needles with a good air gauge.
Pump needles often get stuck on the tiny openings of soccer ball valves especially when they are not properly lubricated before insertion. This can also happen when they are roughly handled while pumping the soccer ball.
We know an incident like this can be devastating when it happens in a situation where there is no alternative soccer ball to be used. This article is accurately tailored to help you navigate when you find yourself in such a dire situation.
Contents
How to remove a needle from a soccer ball?
Vise-grip Locking Plier Method
Paper Clip Method
Conclusion
How to remove a needle from a soccer ball?
For those who might not know what a soccer ball’s valve is, it is that tiny dark circle on the top of soccer balls that controls airflow by opening and closing when needed. Soccer ball valves extend into the bladder of soccer balls to enable proper regulation of air pressure.
Sports balls may look different in size, texture, and shape but they often require frequent pumping using a specialized needle before they can function properly.
When purchasing pump needles, factors like metal type, cost, and size must be of priority to you. The inflation needle size must correspond to that of your soccer ball’s valve to avoid unexpected circumstances.
Standard needles are usually 5/16 of an inch (0.79 cm) in diameter and 1¼ inches (3.2 cm) in length. Based on your type of soccer ball, you can select from two common sizes of needles which are 7mm and 5mm. The two are highly recommended for soccer balls.
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Needles are manufactured with different metals which can directly affect their durability and strength. The most common types are the stainless-steel type and aluminum needles which are more durable than other types.
Some modern pump pins are designed to be slightly flexible to reduce breakage that often occurs while pumping soccer balls. They are suitable options for people fond of constantly breaking needles on soccer ball valves.
Sometimes, people find it hard to insert or remove needles from soccer balls when the needles are not properly lubricated before use. Lubricants like glycerin, hair oil, and olive oil should be applied to needles before inserting them into the valve.
Lubrication helps the needle to slide in effortlessly without much difficulty and also pull out after inflation without struggle. Moistening the needle is a step you mustn’t overlook while trying to pump a soccer ball like some people often do.
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High-grade pump needles are designed to suit many types of pumps such as hand pumps, foot pumps, and ball pumps. Once high-grade pump needles are correctly screwed onto the pump, they work effortlessly without fear of breakage, or else you are determined to damage them.
Pump needles are essential for pumping all balls with a valve e.g., basketballs, footballs, volleyballs, handballs, netballs, water polo balls, etc. You don’t always have to buy different needles for different sports balls because a single needle can function across all varieties of balls.
One good thing about pump needles is that they are lightweight and crafted to perfection and can easily be carried around without causing discomfort. Pump needles are rust, chemical, and heat resistant which makes them enduring and durable.
When inflating a soccer ball, it is common to add pressure on the needle to avoid air from escaping into the environment. That action is capable of breaking the thin needle on the valve.
Completely deflating such a ball and pushing the broken needle from the inside out through the valve is one of the biggest mistakes you can make because the needle can damage the ball’s bladder.
Another crazy decision some people often make is that they push the broken needle into the bladder of the ball using a different needle. Actions like that can render a ball useless in no time.
To avoid making risky mistakes like these that can cost you your soccer ball, we have compiled a few step-by-step solutions that can save you time, money and the life of your soccer ball.
Vise-grip Locking Plier Method
This method is cheap and easy to replicate as long as you carefully follow instructions.
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Needed items for this method
Cotton balls
Vise-grip locking plier
Pump
Alcohol
Steps
Disconnect the pump nozzle from the needle adapter. Pick a cotton ball and dip it in alcohol, make sure the cotton ball is not dampened.
Take the cotton ball and try pulling the lodged needle on the valve, as you pull, make sure you are cleaning the needle as it emerges. Keep pulling until you can no longer pull with your hands.
Take your vise-grip locking plier and firmly grab the needle as you place the ball between your legs for an added grip as you pull. Keep pulling until the needle is out.
Clean the valve with the cotton ball and add a drop of alcohol to the valve itself.
You can now re-inflate the soccer ball to its recommended PSI. Carefully retract the needle after pumping.
Pros of the Vise-grip locking plier method
It is time-efficient
Very effective
Cons of the Vise-grip locking plier method
Drains a lot of energy
Pulling the needle too hard can damage the valve
Best Locking Pliers (VISE GRIPS)? Irwin vs Knipex, Milwaukee, Craftsman, Stanley, Malco, Pittsburgh.
Watch this video on YouTube
Paper Clip Method
The paper clip method is one of the widely used methods because of its ease and proven effectiveness.
Needed items for this method
Paper clip
Super glue gel
Steps
Get a paper clip, the type used to hold documents together, and slightly unfold it from its original shape to a pointy shape like a needle. Allow the remaining folded portion of the paper clip to remain.
Get a super glue gel and pour a little of its content on a container, and carefully coat the pointy part of the paper clip with the super glue gel before it gets dry.
When the paper clip has been coated with superglue, carefully insert it into the broken needle on the valve of the soccer ball until it reaches a reasonable level.
Allow the super glue on the paper clip to dry inside the needle before trying to pull the broken needle out of the valve by grabbing firmly to the folded portion of the paper clip.
Firmly hold the soccer ball with your knees as you wiggle out the broken needle from the valve.
After the needle has been successfully pulled out, properly inflate the ball and play. Please don’t use a plier to pull the needle when applying this method.
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Pros of paper clip method
Paper clips are readily available
Very easy to follow
Cons of paper clip method
A paper clip can mistakenly puncture the soccer ball
Super glue can cause more damage when applied in excess
Time-consuming
Conclusion
A broken and stuck pump needle can be a nightmarish experience if you care about playing an important tournament and you lack the available tools and needed skills to take them out.
Most soccer enthusiasts wouldn’t ever want to experience such a daunting situation knowing that soccer is a game designed to spread joy and happiness, not frustration.
Properly arming yourself with the needed skills used in handling this scenario is your key to a delightful soccer experience.
How to Pump a Basketball Without a Needle (3 Methods)
When shooting hoops by yourself or playing basketball with your friends, there are few things worse than your ball going flat. While it would be great if everyone had a needle and basketball pump at all times, that isn’t always the case.
I can think of several times where my friends and I had to cut a game short due to no one having a needle to inflate the ball. It’s annoying and also incredibly frustrating. Thankfully, there are a number of different ways you can pump up a basketball (whether indoor or outdoor) without needing to have a needle at all. This guide is going to look at a few of them.
Quick Navigation
Method 1: Use a Can of Compressed Air
Best to use for: If you are without a needle and pump, a can of compressed air is probably the quickest and easiest way to fill up your ball. It offers you something very similar to the needle, so getting the air in the ball will be simple. Of course, you likely need to be at home for this to work as very few people take compressed air out with them. Even then, however, it is easy enough to go to a store near where you are and get a can of compressed air for a very affordable price.
Things to prepare:
The ball
Can of compressed air (make sure it isn’t empty)
Potentially a second can if your ball is incredibly flat
How to do:
Put the end of the straw of the can into the basketball. It should fit quite easily.
Slowly start to press the trigger to allow the air to go inside the ball. Do it slowly and carefully for the best results. Once the ball is inflated to the desired amount, take out the straw and hit the courts!
Method 2: Utilize a Balloon
Best to use for: This is great for people who are at home, as most of us have some balloons lying around. It is quite easy and quick but does require the use of a few other items like a thin straw, and a paper clip or clamp. It’s not great for those who are out at a public court, as you likely don’t have balloons with you.
Things to prepare:
The ball itself
The balloon (likely more than one to be safe)
A paper clip or clamp
A thin straw or a coffee stirrer
How to do:
The first thing to do is to blow up the balloon with an ample amount of air.
Once the balloon is blown up, don’t tie it like you normally would, but use the clamp or paper clip to close it up temporarily.
Next, you need to connect the thin straw or stirrer to the balloon, and put the other into or at the air hole of the ball.
Once the clip is taken off, the air should begin to flow through the straw into the opening of the ball, inflating it.
Do this as many times as it takes to get your ball to an air level that you are comfortable with. It might take a couple of balloons.
Method 3: Go to a Bike Shop or Gas Station
Best to use for: This is a great option for you if you are out and about, and don’t have a pump, needle or anything like that at home. If you don’t have the materials for the other two methods, this could work. Going to a bike shop or gas station is a good idea as they have air pumps and might even have the attachment you need. This method is very easy and simple but could take a while to find a gas station or bike shop nearby. Also, they might not have the needle attachment so it couldn’t hurt to call ahead.
Things to prepare:
The ball
Find a safe way to get to the shop or station
Potentially pick up a basketball needle if they don’t have them
How to do:
Get to the bike shop or gas station, after calling ahead to ensure they can help you.
Use the correct attachment to inflate the ball to your liking.
Be sure to thank them if they don’t charge you. Also, consider buying something small for their kindness.
Final Words
We hope that this guide has been able to help you learn how to pump up a basketball without a needle. When trying any of the aforementioned, be sure to do it safely to protect yourself and your basketball.
Have a method that wasn’t mentioned here? If so, let us know in the comments below.
How to lower the ball so as not to spoil it?
0 27
Azteca balls 12/27/2019
Proper care of sports balls will ensure long and trouble-free use without additional expenses. Manufacturers of sports equipment recommend using exclusively specialized equipment, but in some cases a soccer ball can be lowered with the help of improvised means. After the game, be sure to deflate the ball a little, because excessive pressure can damage it.
The most common consequences are deformation and weakening of the joints, stretching of the panels. This leads to a deterioration in the game characteristics of the projectile, the loss of the correct shape and a decrease in elasticity. In addition, a ball that is too inflated absorbs moisture faster, which can lead to deterioration.
Proven ways to deflate the ball with improvised means
Usually, a special needle is used for this purpose, which is sold with the pump, and also purchased separately. Its cost is low, so such a purchase will be fully justified. If it was not at hand, other improvised devices will help to replace the needle for the ball.
How to deflate a soccer ball:
With an empty refill from a ballpoint pen. It should be without a metal tip and ink inside. The process will take almost the same time as using a needle.
Narrow end of empty syringe. A little inconvenient, but completely justified way. At the same time, it is highly not recommended to use the needle itself, as it can pierce the camera.
Spoke from an old umbrella. The design of the spokes implies a groove in the middle through which air will pass.
Q-tip hollow tube. Use the same way as before.
Oiler, dispenser or pipette tip. With the help of these devices, you can carry out the outflow of air.
Laminated or glued products do not have a nipple in their construction, therefore they are transported and sold inflated. Such balls do not deflate, and in case of accidental damage they practically cannot be restored.
Precautions
The nipple acts as a non-return valve, retaining the pumped air inside. If necessary, the pressure can be relieved by slightly pressing on its central part, which will lead to the opening of the hole. At the same time, the nipple is the most vulnerable part of the ball, so extreme care should be taken when using foreign objects when deflated.
Precautions:
Often players use a toothpick, match, knitting needle, or any other thin object. In this case, an impromptu needle must be slightly deflected to the side for an unhindered exit of air. When doing this, extreme care must be taken not to damage the nipple inside the ball.
Handy inventory should be slightly lubricated with oil, glycerin, or at least saliva. This is to prevent excessive tool pressure and damage to the nipple (check valve).
Hold the fixture strictly perpendicular to the surface of the ball to prevent accidental damage to the nipple. When using fixtures without a cavity inside, the deviation to the side should be minimal. The deflation time will be somewhat longer, but the risk of accidental damage will be reduced.
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If there is no special needle, it is not recommended to use sharp objects, apply excessive force, loosen the nipple from side to side. This can lead to damage to it, after which you will need to buy a new ball. In a similar way, you can bleed air from a football, volleyball or basketball. For fitness balls, this method is also applicable, but it will take a disproportionately longer time. If necessary, these methods can relieve air pressure, deflate the ball completely before transportation, but it is still recommended to have specialized ball needles in stock for these purposes.
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Rules of the game of basketball - Sportmaster Media Internet portal
This is a material about the basic rules of the game of basketball. We also have a text about the risks of injury in sports.
Basketball is a team game with a ball. The goal of each team is to attack the opponent's ring and score the most points during the match. We tell you how not to break the rules in a tough fight for the ball and become a winner.
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Each basketball team consists of 12 players who substitute for each other during the match. At the same time, five people from each team are on the site.
According to the rules of basketball, the entire team must have the same uniform and even socks of the same color. Jerseys of team members must be numbered.
For safety, remove jewelry and any accessories that could injure other players.
The game consists of four periods of 10 minutes. Breaks between the first and second quarters, as well as between the third and fourth, are 2 minutes. The longest break is 15 minutes, it is taken in the middle of the game, after the second quarter. At this moment, the teams change rings.
If the score is tied by the end of the match, the referee adds 5 minutes of overtime. Overtime is appointed as many times as necessary until the winner is revealed.
During the game, the coach of the team may take a time-out. This break lasts for a minute. Most often, a time-out is taken to adjust tactics.
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Basketball court measures 28 meters long and 15 meters wide. Each site should have markings. It is applied around the perimeter and zones are designated:
center circle
free throw line
three-point hitting area
face-off lines
restricted area
semicircle without fouls and collisions
basketball court element It is suspended at a height of 3.05 m.
In basketball, the ball is played only with the hands, it can be dribbled, passed, thrown and hit. You can’t run without a lead or kick the ball with him.
With the ball in hand, you can take two steps, but only to stop, pass or shoot into the ring.
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1 point - counts behind the penalty throw
2 points - for a ball abandoned from the zone of double -handed hits
3 points - for a ball abandoned from the three -point hits
Violations in basketball, let's take it away. basic.
A run is the movement of a player with the ball in his hands without dribbling. For this, the referee appoints a throw-in by the opposing team.
Three Second Rule - A player of the attacking team cannot stay in the allocated area under the hoop for more than three seconds. For such a violation, the ball is transferred to the opponent.
Foul is a touch on the opponent that limits his freedom of movement. In some cases, a free throw is awarded for a foul - this is decided by the referee. A throw from the penalty line is performed by a member of the opposing team, for a professional this is an almost guaranteed hit.
You can also get a foul without contact - technical. It is given for unsportsmanlike behavior, disrespect for the referee or other participants in the game.
Soccer ball valves extend into the bladder of soccer balls to enable proper regulation of air pressure.
1-1/2” (4 cm) and 1.5” long
You don’t always have to buy different needles for different sports balls because a single needle can function across all varieties of balls.
It should fit quite easily.
This leads to a deterioration in the game characteristics of the projectile, the loss of the correct shape and a decrease in elasticity. In addition, a ball that is too inflated absorbs moisture faster, which can lead to deterioration. 
The design of the spokes implies a groove in the middle through which air will pass. 
When doing this, extreme care must be taken not to damage the nipple inside the ball. 
For fitness balls, this method is also applicable, but it will take a disproportionately longer time. If necessary, these methods can relieve air pressure, deflate the ball completely before transportation, but it is still recommended to have specialized ball needles in stock for these purposes. 
We also have a text about the risks of injury in sports. 
At the same time, five people from each team are on the site. 
Most often, a time-out is taken to adjust tactics. 
Each site should have markings. It is applied around the perimeter and zones are designated: 
basic. 
