How to Inflate a Soccer Ball

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Updated: March 29, 2019

Explore this Article Preparing to Inflate a Soccer Ball Inflating a Soccer Ball Maintaining a Soccer Ball Questions & Answers Related Articles

A properly-inflated soccer ball can make a world of a difference in a match. Too little air pressure and the ball won't fly as far or as straight. Too much air pressure and the ball might burst, and definitely won't feel as good to kick. If you want your soccer ball to have a long and healthy life, keep it well-inflated and well-maintained.

Part 1
Preparing to Inflate a Soccer Ball

  1. 1
    Get a air pump and a ball pump needle. They are easy to find and you can buy one at any sporting goods store. Invest in a good quality pump, air gauge, and keep a supply of pump needles on hand. Some pumps have an air gauge built in. If yours doesn't, make sure you get a low pressure gauge.[1]
    • You'll also need some silicone or glycerin oil for lubrication.
  2. 2
    Determine the ideal air pressure for your soccer ball. Check the manufacturer's manual to find the recommended air pressure level for your soccer ball. The recommended air pressure will be expressed either in lbs, psi, or bar, and typically will be between 6 lbs and 8 lbs.[2]
    • If the recommended pressure of your soccer ball is expressed in a different unit than what your air gauge reads, you'll need to convert. To convert bar to psi, multiple by 14.5037, or divide by the same amount to convert the other way. To convert bar to lbs, multiply by 10, or divide by the same amount to convert the other way.
  3. 3
    Lubricate the needle and valve. Use either silicone or glycerin oil, and place a few drops in and around the valve in the soccer ball. This helps maintain the valve, and helps with the needle insertion. Lubricate the needle with the same oil. [3]

Part 2
Inflating a Soccer Ball

  1. 1
    Attach the ball pump needle into the air pump. It should slide right into the end of the air pump. Lock the needle in with the locking mechanism of the pump. Put the needle tip into the opening of the soccer ball valve.[4]
  2. 2
    Take the handle on the pump and start pumping. The ball will start to inflate. Go slowly so you don't over-inflate the ball and put unnecessary pressure on the seams. [5]
  3. 3
    Stop pumping once the gauge reaches the proper air pressure level. If your air pump has a built in gauge, just stop once the level on the gauge reaches the recommended air pressure. If your pump doesn't have a gauge, you'll have to pull out the needle and check the pressure with the gauge regularly once it starts to feel firm.[6]

Part 3
Maintaining a Soccer Ball

  1. 1
    Don't abuse your soccer ball. Avoid kicking it hard against walls. Never sit or stand on your soccer ball. This puts too much pressure on the stitching of the ball and can cause it to become warped or eventually burst.[7]
  2. 2
    Check the pressure often. Ideally, you'll want to check the air pressure of your soccer ball with a gauge every couple of days. The more often it's used, the more often the pressure should be checked. Balls with butyl bladders will retain air much longer than balls with latex bladders.[8]
  3. 3
    Deflate your ball slightly after a game. Although not necessary, manufacturers recommend that after a match, you should let a little air out of the your soccer ball. This reduces the stress on the ball when it's not in use. Just don't forget to re-inflate it before using it again.[9]
  4. 4
    Play on smooth or soft surfaces. Although quite sturdy, soccer balls are vulnerable to exposure to sharp and abrasive surfaces. Stick to playing either on smooth wooden floors, grass, or turf. Surfaces like gravel and asphalt can damage the ball.[10]

Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I use normal needles?
    Phoenix Beta
    Community Answer
    Yes. They will inflate it, but make sure they are not too thick.
  • Question
    Why shouldn't I sit on a soccer ball?
    Community Answer
    It can make some of the air deflate, resulting in the pressure becoming uneven and the ball being lopsided.
  • Question
    Can I deflate the ball to put it in my luggage and then inflate it again?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Just gently deflate the ball before packing and make sure not to accidentally put any holes in it.
  • Question
    How do I deflate my ball?
    Community Answer
  • Question
    Will my performance on the soccer field change because of the way the ball is inflated?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it can. If the ball is deflated, it can be harder to kick and pass the ball correctly and accurately. However, if your ball is pumped up sufficiently, you will have more accuracy and power.
  • Question
    How hard should the ball be?
    Community Answer
    It kind of depends on where you'll be playing. If you live in a hilly area or play on concrete, you don't want the ball to be too hard. However, if you play on sand or a grass field, you'll want the ball to be almost completely full.
  • Question
    I have a hard soccer ball and I need to make it soft, how do I do this?
    Community Answer
    Heat it. The best way is to boil water and dunk your ball in for a few minutes. After that, squeeze your ball a few times and maybe play with it a bit.
  • Question
    How can I inflate my ball if the valve has moved away from the inflation hole?
    Community Answer
    Try to level them both by moving the valve around. You can also poke the needle of the pump into it and adjust it that way.
  • Question
    What are the precautions to be taken when removing the needle?
    Community Answer
    Make sure that you pull it out straight and not crooked. That way you do not break the needle.
  • Question
    What is the hole on the ball called, the ball hole?
    Community Answer
    'Valve hole', 'ball hole','air hole', and sometimes just ' the hole.'
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    • Be careful when removing the needle.
    • Make sure the needle is screwed on tightly.


    • If the ball is pumped too much it can hurt to kick or head, and the extra pressure will put stress on the ball's stitching and bladder.

    Article Info


    Categories: Soccer Accessories and Equipment

    In other languages:

    Español: inflar una pelota de fútbol, Italiano: Gonfiare un Pallone da Calcio, Русский: накачать футбольный мяч, Português: Encher uma Bola de Futebol

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