Sports balls are more than just equipment – they’re a symbol of the passion and dedication that athletes bring to their sport. Each ball has a unique history and legacy, from the iconic basketball used in the NBA to the humble soccer ball that’s kicked around in backyards and parks around the world. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular sports balls used in games and competitions around the world.
List of Sports Ball
This list is an excellent starting point for building up your vocabulary about sports topics. Let’s get started:
- American Football
- Basketball
- Tennis Ball
- Baseball
- Soccer Ball
- Volleyball
- Bowling Ball
- Golf Ball
- Beach Ball
- Pool Ball
- Hockey Puck
- Playground Ball
- Badminton
- Bossaball
- Water Polo
- Lawn Bowls
- Squash
- Paddle Ball
- Wiffleball
- Cricket
- Hurling
- Rugby
- Handball
- Sepak Takraw
- Table Tennis Ball
- Racket Ball
- Softball
- Dodgeball
- Bocce
- Lacrosse
- Futsal ball
- Pétanque ball
- Netball
- Floorball
- Pickle Ball
Sports Balls with Interesting Facts and Examples
American Football
Football, also known as soccer, is one of the most popular sports worldwide. The ball used in football is round and made of leather or synthetic materials. It’s typically black and white and has 32 panels on its surface. The standard size of a football is 5, and it should weigh between 14-16 ounces.
- I enjoy watching American Football games on Sunday afternoons.
Basketball
Basketball is a fast-paced game that requires a ball that can bounce well. The basketball is round and made of leather or synthetic materials. It’s typically orange and has a circumference of 29.5 inches. The standard size of a basketball is 7, and it should weigh between 20-22 ounces.
- My favorite sport to play with friends is basketball.
Tennis Ball
Tennis is a popular sport that requires a small, lightweight ball that can bounce well. The tennis ball is round and made of rubber covered in felt. It’s typically yellow and has a diameter of 2.7 inches. The standard size of a tennis ball is between 2.5-2.63 inches.
- The tennis player hit the ball with great force, causing the fuzzy yellow tennis ball to fly over the net.
Baseball
Baseball is a popular sport in the United States, and the ball used in baseball is unique. The baseball is round and made of cork covered in leather. It’s typically white and has a circumference of 9 inches. The standard size of a baseball is 5, and it should weigh between 5-5.25 ounces.
- Every spring, I look forward to going to the baseball stadium to watch my favorite team play.
Soccer Ball
- The kids kicked the soccer ball back and forth, giggling and shouting with joy as they played together in the park.
Volleyball
Volleyball is a popular sport that requires a ball that can be easily passed and hit. The volleyball is round and made of synthetic materials. It’s typically white and has a circumference of 26 inches. The standard size of a volleyball is between 65-67 cm, and it should weigh between 260-280 grams.
- Tim plays for the national volleyball team.
Bowling Ball
A bowling ball is a heavy ball used in the sport of bowling. It is typically made of a dense material such as rubber, plastic, or urethane, and has three finger holes drilled into it to allow the bowler to grip the ball. The standard weight of a bowling ball is between 14-16 pounds, although there are lighter and heavier options available
- This bowling ball is too heavy for me.
Golf Ball
Golf is a popular sport that requires a small, lightweight ball that can fly well. The golf ball is round and made of rubber covered in dimples. It’s typically white and has a diameter of 1.68 inches. The standard size of a golf ball is between 1.68-1.7 inches, and it should weigh between 1.62-1.62 ounces.
- With a swift swing of his club, the golfer sent the small white golf ball soaring through the air and onto the green.
Beach Ball
A beach ball is a lightweight, inflatable ball that is often used for recreational purposes on the beach or in the pool. It is typically round and features brightly colored panels or stripes. The size of a beach ball can vary, ranging from small enough to fit in the palm of your hand to large enough to require multiple people to hold it up.
- The beach ball bounced up and hit him in the face.
Pool Ball
A pool ball is a small, hard ball used in the game of billiards. It is typically made of a high-quality phenolic resin or other durable material, and has a diameter of 2.25 inches. The ball is usually solid in color, with each ball in a standard set having a different color and number. The surface of a pool ball is smooth and polished, allowing it to roll smoothly across the felt-covered table.
- In the original version of the photoelectric effect, one photon kicks out one electron, like one pool ball smacking into another.
Hockey Puck
A hockey puck is a small, hard disk used in the sport of ice hockey. It is typically made of vulcanized rubber and is black in color. The puck has a diameter of 3 inches and a thickness of 1 inch. The edges of the puck are beveled to prevent it from bouncing and to help it slide smoothly across the ice. Hockey pucks are used to score goals by shooting them into the opposing team’s net.
- It looks like a giant hockey puck and hums like a hot rod.
Badminton
Badminton is a racquet sport played by two or four players. It is played with a shuttlecock, which is a feathered projectile with a cork base. The objective of the game is to hit the shuttlecock over a high net and land it within the boundaries of the opponent’s court. The game can be played as singles or doubles, and requires a combination of speed, agility, and precision. Badminton is a popular recreational and competitive sport played around the world.
- Badminton can be played by two or four people.
Water Polo
Water Polo Water polo is a team sport played in a swimming pool that requires a combination of swimming and ball-handling skills. The objective of the game is to score goals by throwing a ball into the opponent’s goal. The game is known for its physicality and requires a high level of fitness and endurance.
- I am not familiar with water polo.
Squash
Squash is a racquet sport played by two or four players in a four-walled court with a small, hollow rubber ball. The objective of the game is to hit the ball against the front wall in such a way that the opponent is unable to return the ball before it bounces twice. The game requires a combination of speed, agility, and strategy, and can be played as singles or doubles. Squash is a popular recreational and competitive sport played around the world.
- I enjoy playing tennis and squash.
Wiffleball
Wiffleball is a variation of baseball played with a lightweight, perforated plastic ball and a plastic bat. The ball has holes on one side, which causes it to move unpredictably in the air when thrown. The game can be played with any number of players, and can be adapted to different playing surfaces and rules. Wiffleball is a popular backyard and recreational sport played mostly in the United States.
- Wiffle ball is a variation of the sport of baseball designed for indoor or outdoor play in confined areas.
Cricket
Cricket is a popular sport in many countries, and the ball used in cricket is unique. The cricket ball is made of cork covered in leather and has a circumference of 9 inches. It’s typically red or white and weighs between 5.5-5.75 ounces.
- Football and cricket are outdoor games.
Hurling
Hurling is a team sport played with a small ball and a wooden stick called a hurley. It is played on a large field with two teams of 15 players each. The objective of the game is to score points by hitting the ball over the opponent’s crossbar or to score goals by hitting the ball into the opponent’s net. Hurling is a fast-paced, physically demanding sport that requires a combination of skill, speed, and endurance. It is a traditional sport in Ireland and is played at both recreational and competitive levels.
- Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic and Irish origin.
Rugby
Rugby is a popular sport that requires a ball that can be easily passed and kicked. The rugby ball is oval-shaped and made of leather or synthetic materials. It’s typically brown and has a circumference of 30 inches. The standard size of a rugby ball is 5, and it should weigh between 14-16 ounces.
- Kids from six years old play mini rugby at the club.
Handball
Handball is a team sport played by two teams of seven players each. The objective of the game is to score goals by throwing a ball into the opponent’s goal using only the hands. Players can pass, dribble, and shoot the ball, and the game is known for its fast pace and physicality. Handball is played on a court with a goal at each end, and is a popular sport played around the world at both recreational and competitive levels.
- The replay shows that it was a handball.
Sepak Takraw
Sepak Takraw is a sport played in Southeast Asia and other parts of the world that combines elements of soccer and volleyball. It is played with a rattan ball, and the objective of the game is to hit the ball over a high net and land it within the opponent’s court. Players use their feet, knees, chest, and head to hit the ball, but cannot use their hands. The game can be played as singles or doubles, and requires a combination of skill, speed, and agility.
- Sepak takraw or kick volleyball is a sport native to Southeast Asia.
Table Tennis Ball
A table tennis ball is a small, lightweight ball used in the sport of table tennis, also known as ping pong. The ball is typically made of celluloid or plastic, and has a diameter of 40mm. The ball is hollow and has a seam running around its circumference. The ball is hit back and forth across a table by players using small, lightweight paddles.
- The one in blue vest who smashed table tennis ball is me.
Softball
Softball is a team sport in which two teams compete to score runs by hitting a ball with a bat and running around a series of bases. It is similar to baseball, but the ball used in softball is larger and the field is smaller. Softball is typically played on a smaller field and has a faster pace than baseball. It is a popular recreational and competitive sport, particularly among women and girls.
- I enjoy playing softball with my friends on the weekends.
Dodgeball
Dodgeball is a popular team sport in which players on two teams try to eliminate members of the opposing team by throwing balls and hitting them with a ball below the shoulders. The game is typically played in a gymnasium or on a playground, and the main objective is to eliminate all the players on the opposing team. If a player is hit by a ball and it is caught by a member of the opposing team, the player is out. The game continues until all players on one team are eliminated, and that team is declared the winner.
- We had a blast playing dodgeball at the company picnic.
Bocce
Bocce, also known as bocce ball, is a popular Italian lawn game that involves throwing larger balls as close as possible to a smaller target ball, called the pallino. The game can be played on a variety of surfaces, including grass, sand, or synthetic courts. Players take turns throwing their balls, aiming to get them closest to the pallino. The team or player with the closest ball to the pallino scores points.
- My family loves playing bocce in the backyard during summer barbecues.
Lacrosse
Lacrosse is a team sport that originated with indigenous peoples of North America and is now popular in the United States and Canada. It involves players using a small rubber ball and a long-handled stick called a crosse or lacrosse stick to pass, catch, and carry the ball into the opposing team’s goal to score points.
- She has been playing lacrosse since she was a kid and is now on the school’s varsity team.
Futsal ball
Futsal is a variant of soccer that is played on a smaller, hard court, usually indoors. The game is played between two teams of five players each, including a goalkeeper. Futsal emphasizes skill, quick thinking, and close ball control, as the smaller playing area and limited space require players to make fast decisions and precise passes.
- We need to buy a futsal ball for our indoor soccer league.
Pétanque ball
Pétanque is a popular French game that involves throwing hollow metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a cochonnet. The balls used in pétanque, also known as boules, are typically made of steel and have a diameter of around 7-8 centimeters. They are designed to be heavy and durable, with a smooth surface for easy rolling.
- The retirement community hosts a weekly pétanque tournament.
Netball
Netball is a popular team sport, particularly in Commonwealth countries, that is played by two teams of seven players each. The game is similar to basketball but has some distinct differences, such as no dribbling, no running with the ball, and specific player positions. The objective of netball is to score goals by shooting the ball through a raised hoop at the end of the court.
- I used to play netball in high school and loved the fast-paced nature of the game.
Floorball
Floorball is a fast-paced indoor team sport that is similar to ice hockey or field hockey. It is played with lightweight sticks and a plastic ball on a rectangular floorball court. The objective of the game is to score goals by hitting the ball into the opposing team’s net.
- The community center offers floorball leagues for all ages.
Pickleball
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a court with a net, and the game can be played as singles or doubles. The equipment used in pickleball includes a perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball, and solid paddles made of wood or composite materials. The objective of the game is to score points by hitting the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court, with the aim of making it difficult for the opponent to return the ball.
- I recently took up pickleball and have been having a great time learning the game.
Lawn Bowls
Lawn bowls, also known as bowls, is a sport in which players roll biased balls, called bowls, to get them as close as possible to a smaller white ball, known as the jack. The game is typically played on a carefully maintained grass or artificial turf surface called a bowling green.
- My grandparents enjoy playing lawn bowls at the local club every Sunday.
Paddle Ball
Paddleball is a game that is played with solid paddles and a small rubber ball on a court. The objective of the game is to hit the ball back and forth, similar to racquetball, but without the use of a stringed racquet. Paddleball can be played both indoors and outdoors, and it can be played as singles or doubles.
- We had a fun time playing paddle ball at the beach during our vacation.
Sizes of Sports Balls
In this section, we’ll take a look at the different sizes of sports balls that are used in various sports around the world. The size of a ball can greatly affect the way the game is played, so it’s important to understand the differences.
The smallest sports ball is the squash ball, which is just a little smaller than a golf ball. On the other end of the scale, the largest sports ball is the basketball. In between these two extremes, there are many other sports balls of varying sizes.
Here is a table of some of the most common sports balls and their official sizes:
Sport | Ball Size |
---|---|
Squash | 1.56” (39.5mm) |
Table Tennis | 1.6” (40mm) |
Tennis | 2.7” (68.6mm) |
Baseball | 2.9” (73.7mm) |
Softball | 3.8” (97mm) |
Volleyball | 8.2” (21cm) |
Soccer | 8.6” (22cm) |
Basketball | 9.4” (24cm) |
It’s important to note that some sports balls have a range of sizes, so the above table only lists the most commonly used size.
Weight of Sports Balls
Sports balls come in a variety of sizes and weights, depending on the sport. Knowing the weight of a ball is essential for players to perform at their best and achieve the desired outcome. In this section, we will discuss the weight of different sports balls.
The heaviest sports ball is the Shot Put ball, which weighs 16 lb (7.26 kg) for men’s and 8.8 lb (4 kg) for women’s. The Bowling Ball – Ten-Pin also weighs the same as the Shot Put ball. In contrast, the lightest sports ball is the Table Tennis ball, which weighs only 0.09 oz (2.7 g).
Here are the weights of some popular sports balls:
- Soccer Ball: 14-16 oz (400-450 g)
- Basketball: 22 oz (624 g)
- Volleyball: 9.2-9.9 oz (260-280 g)
- Tennis Ball: 2 oz (57 g)
- Baseball: 5 oz (142 g)
- Golf Ball: 1.62 oz (45.9 g)
Choosing the Right Sports Ball
When it comes to sports, choosing the right ball can make all the difference. Whether it’s for comfort, hand-eye coordination, size and shape, color and design, air pressure, or inflation, there are many factors to consider when selecting a sports ball.
Comfort and Hand-Eye Coordination
Comfort and hand-eye coordination are two essential factors to consider when selecting a sports ball. A ball that is too heavy or too light can affect hand-eye coordination, making it difficult to hit or catch. A ball that is too hard can be uncomfortable to hold or catch, while a ball that is too soft may not provide enough bounce.
Size and Shape
Size and shape are also important factors to consider when selecting a sports ball. A ball that is too big or too small can affect the game’s outcome, making it difficult to control or hit. The shape of the ball can also affect how it bounces or rolls, making it important to choose a ball that is the right shape for the game.
Color and Design
Color and design can also play a role in selecting a sports ball. While color may not affect gameplay, it can affect visibility and make it easier to see the ball in different lighting conditions. Design can also affect how the ball moves through the air, making it important to choose a ball with a design that complements the game.
Air Pressure and Inflation
Air pressure and inflation are critical factors to consider when selecting a sports ball. A ball that is overinflated can be difficult to control, while a ball that is underinflated can be difficult to catch or hit. It’s important to choose a ball with the right air pressure and to have an air pump on hand to ensure the ball is properly inflated.
Frequently Asked Questions on Sports Balls
Sports balls are an essential part of many ball games, and they come in different sizes, shapes, and materials. Here are some frequently asked questions about sports balls:
What are sport balls?
Sport balls are balls used in various sports for playing and practicing. They come in different sizes, shapes, and materials depending on the sport. Some examples of sport balls include soccer balls, basketballs, footballs, volleyballs, tennis balls, and baseballs. Each sport has its own specifications for the ball used, such as weight, circumference, and bounce. Sport balls are essential equipment for playing sports and are used worldwide in different levels of competition, from amateur to professional.
What are 5 sports that use a ball?
- Soccer: Soccer is a popular sport played worldwide that involves two teams of eleven players trying to score goals by kicking a ball into the opposing team’s net.
- Basketball: Basketball is a sport that involves two teams of five players each trying to score points by shooting a ball through the opposing team’s hoop.
- Football: Football, also known as American football, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players trying to score points by carrying or throwing a ball across the opposing team’s end zone.
- Volleyball: Volleyball is a sport that involves two teams of six players each trying to score points by hitting a ball over a net and into the opposing team’s court.
- Tennis: Tennis is a sport played between two individuals or two teams of two players each trying to hit a ball over a net and into the opposing team’s court, with the goal of making the ball bounce twice in the opponent’s side.
What are the different types of sports balls?
There are many different types of sports balls used in various ball games, including:
- Footballs
- Basketballs
- Volleyballs
- Tennis balls
- Baseballs
- Softballs
- Golf balls
- Rugby balls
- Cricket balls
- Hockey balls
Each of these balls has a unique design, size, and weight, depending on the game’s rules and requirements.
What materials are used to make sports balls?
Sports balls are made from different materials, depending on the game’s requirements. Some of the common materials used to make sports balls include:
- Leather
- Rubber
- Synthetic leather
- Polyurethane
- PVC
- Nylon
The choice of the material depends on the ball’s durability, grip, bounce, and other characteristics required by the game.
How do you choose the right sports ball?
Choosing the right sports ball depends on several factors, including:
- The game you want to play
- The age and skill level of the players
- The playing surface
- The weather conditions
It’s essential to choose a ball that meets the game’s requirements and the players’ needs to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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Pamela Limiri
Friday 26th of May 2023
Please if possible provide a chart capturing number of players and time for all ball games .
Johnscott
Monday 6th of February 2023
Wow 😮 very nice 👍
He he
Monday 21st of November 2022
Nice
Tristan
Friday 4th of March 2022
you should add captain ball
Chloe Obinne
Tuesday 22nd of February 2022
Thanks for the list of types of balls! I'm writing a shape poem on balls so... This came out handy.