World Cup Soccer: Interesting Equipment
With the World Cup just around the corner, people are beginning to talk more about what will be going on and the new updates to the game.
One aspect that is getting a lot of attention is the new ball that will be used. Called the ‘Jabulani’, which means “to celebrate” in Bantu, it’s made by Adidas. The ball is made like no other ball currently available. Unlike previous balls, it’s made of synthetic materials and not leather. It’s made up of 8 panels instead of the normal 14 and is held together by thermally bonding the panels instead of using stitching. This construction process creates the roundest and truest ball that’s ever been used in the World Cup games. The fewer amount of seams also make for a larger striking surface, allowing shooters to hit the ball harder and more accurately. The bonding process also reduces drag and improves the ball’s flight path.
These features make the ball faster than ever, something which should excite the fans, as it promises to make for higher scoring games. However, goalies aren’t as happy. One United States goalie says that the ball’s construction makes it very unpredictable in flight, almost like a baseball pitcher’s knuckleball, and thinks that the teams should decide which ball should be used, not the commission that makes these decisions.
Adidas is also outfitting a few teams with some seriously innovative uniforms that promise to improve the player’s agility. The jersey’s are called TECHFIT, and utilize specially-placed bands that are meant to improve speed, jumping ability, and reduce fatigue. Apparently the bands minimize muscle vibrations, making these impressive pronouncements possible. I suppose we’ll see how well they work when the teams step onto the field.
The World Cup begins June 11.
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