How To Inflate A Football or Soccer Ball

How often do you have problems inflating your football or soccer ball. This video shows the simple steps you should take prior to inflating and the best method to ensure you are inflating to the correct PSI.
How to pump a football with a bike pump and how to lubricate the needle so you do not damage the bladder and valve opening. How to use glycerine and a ball pressure gauge too.
As part of my SportsBallStu Investigates series, I take a look at the inside of all sports balls and find out what's inside.
Here is a link to the Mitre Impel Football we used in this video, although the model has now been upgraded and has new graphics and materials
bit.ly/2jmVnir
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[@leewilliams316]

I have ordered my pressure gauge and glycerine from you. No more mis-inflated balls for me. Cheap as chips too!

[@SportsBallStu]

Hi Lee Williams, Great stuff, many thanks 😀👍

[@Cloppa2000]

Just bought a pack of 12 balls.. and they came flat packed!!! Didn't know I'd ever need to watch a video on this but glad I have now watched it! Never knew about the glycerine and always used spit.. and my balls would always go flat soon after!!! Now I have glycerine for lubing my treadmill, and a car tyre inflater with pressure gauge, so should get this done properly in no time! Just need to check the pressure for these new balls, or to what feels right. 👍

[@SportsBallStu]

Thanks @cloppa2000 I'm glad the video was helpful. The psi should be printed on the ball although you will need a pressure gauge to get the reading. Thanks for commenting

[@thevidkoproductions]

HOW TO TEST IF IT'S HARD ENOUGH: if u drop a football from shoulder/chest height, it should bounce up to your belly button or just above waist. That's the ideal pressure.

[@SportsBallStu]

Interesting idea, I might try it to see if it works👍😀

[@thevidkoproductions]

@@SportsBallStu try it on a hard surface because the grass absorbs the bounce, but if u ideally inflate the ball, measure the pressure with the gauge, then drop it and it should bounce above waist, thus proving what i said earlier😂

[@hectordbsarkar2097]

Nicely explained. thanks

[@ashmitbachhao6301]

Thanks for helping us I will also try it

[@lukeoldham6960]

Wow never new it was that complicated to pump up a football ffs 😂

[@SportsBallStu]

Hi Luke Oldham, Thanks for wathcing and taking the time to comment. Who knew, indeed

[@yasinazizabir7140]

nice video there.

[@barna1299]

Hello again from the USA, I want to update about the needle/valve lubricant about which I had commented and asked a few months ago. As I had explained then I had found a glycerin in the pharmacy section of the local super store and found it was helpful to lubricate the needle and valve and so was inflating a handful of my soccer and aussie footballs with this. Initially everything seemed fine. But a few weeks ago when reinflating a couple of bladders I had removed from two aussie footballs (I was repairing surface hole leaks in the bladders), suddenly they started to leak air from the valves. I had been wiping clean the needles after using them, but then didn't one time, and so I discovered the glycerin was becoming less efficient in fully lubricating the valves and actually felt sticky residue on the inflating needle. The air continued to leak from these two bladder valves after reinflating them again, even after I thoroughly cleaned the two needles I was using. So I thought, ok I've ruined these two and made a headache and more work for myself to figure out how to fix the now leaky valves. Well long story short, I searched again on KZbin and came across another vlogger who had a video about inflating sport balls and the lubricant to use. So when i asked what i could use that was similar to the sports ball valve oil he used (I couldn't find this available anywhere), he suggested sewing machine oil. In a subsequent reply he further explained that it was important to use thin oil, which the sewing machine oil is, and in fact is much thinner than the glycerin I had been using. It is clear like the glycerin. So I found this at the super store and I am happy to share that not only has it been a very good lubricant for the needle inflating/deflating the footballs, but to my complete surprise it actually stopped the air leaking from the two removed aussie football bladders!! As well as another smaller mini football which already had a leaky valve, which I reinflated and it now didn't leak air from the valve anymore! So I have been totally impressed with the sewing machine oil and couldn't be more pleased with its effectiveness, and especially with stopping the air leaking from the valves. So I hope this info helps others who cannot find the (Select/Molten etc) sports ball valve oil, or are asking what else they can use. Sewing machine oil definitely works great! It's important to remember to adequately lubricate the needle but it is said not overdo it, I simply dip the needle into the sewing machine oil at least two times then lubricate the inside of the valve. Gently rotating the needle slightly is helpful, but careful not to use much force inserting the needle all the way through the valve. So so far it has worked great and the leaky valves do not leak air anymore!

[@SportsBallStu]

Hi Bar Na Great to hear from you again and really pleased you resolved your issue, with the leaking valves. Very helpful information too regards the sewing machine oil. I normally say if you cannot find glycerin then use a small amount of olive oil but will, from now on suggest sewing machine oil as the alternative. Really appreciate you taking the time to let me know too. Many thanks👍😃

[@samjohnmaisonperumal4044]

thanks 'SPORTSBALLSHOP'

[@leewilliams316]

Ooh! Pressure gauge with air release. I want one. 😊

[@SportsBallStu]

Hi Lee Williams many thanks for your comment 😀

[@Fezzer5050]

Hi. Is there a specific glycerin to use? When I google it, it tends to return results on lubricants...erm....for the bedroom. The same stuff?? Thanks

[@SportsBallStu]

Sorry for the delay. Errr no not as far as i am aware. The Glycerine we used was a Mitre one which also includes the needles to inflate the ball

[@josemenendez]

Uefa champions League balls are inflated to 1 bar which equals about 14.93 psi. I'm more amazed now at what the pros can do.

[@SportsBallStu]

Hi Josemenendez many thanks for your comment. It is true match balls are inflated to a higher Psi/Bar than training balls. The Mitre training balls are all suggested to be inflated at 7 to 10 Psi (0.49 to 0.7 Bar). The Mitre Pro football used in the English Football League is to be inflated at 10 to 12 Psi which is 0.7 - 0.84 Bar

[@jyotsnapathania9590]

Oh thnx

[@Additctedtojazz]

The needle won't fully go on to my ball. Any suggestions? Don't want to press too hard to break it.

[@SportsBallStu]

The valve might not be lining up centrally so carefully wiggle the needle around the valve to see if it pushes through slightly off centre.

[@User91429]

Thx so much I was only wondering because I'm pumping up my football later

[@nature3381]

Thank you sir!

[@SportsBallStu]

You are very welcome

[@carlosg7373]

What is the appropriate type of glycerin to use? Google results show vegetable glycerin, USP Glycerin ? Thank you for this great video.

[@SportsBallStu]

Hi veg glycerine is perfectly fine to use or sewing oil

[@carlosg7373]

Thank you for your help and thank you for this great video .

[@SportsBallStu]

@@carlosg7373 Thanks for your kind comments

[@Ani-zo8il]

I do not have a pressure gauge so how do I check the psi required

[@skillzhub_7527]

Tbh it's useless

[@ianrjm969]

Hi, I play in the expat league in Taiwan and they are obsessed with pumping the balls up so they are like rocks to play with. You can't physically push the ball in, no give. Is this OK? I think balls that hard are hell to play with. Is there a way to do a general test without a pressure gauge?

[@SportsBallStu]

The best way is to use a pressure gauge as over inflating a ball is likely to cause damage to the bladder. Variations in temperature of 3 degrees can change the pressure inside the ball too so best to check with a pressure gauge.

[@bryansanchez8448]

Thank you

[@SportsBallStu]

You're welcome

[@1dreamerr]

Stew what is the name of the peace on the inside of the electric pump that holds the needle in place.

[@SportsBallStu]

Hi Desmond I'm not sure if it has an official name but the needle seat socket might fit the bill

[@jonny1251]

at 8psi is the ball pretty much as hard as it could be to the touch?

[@SportsBallStu]

No the balls should have some give when pressing down with your hands. Inflating the ball until it's hard is a sign it is over inflated. Best to check with a ball pressure gauge though to make sure.

[@barna1299]

Hi, can you please tell me where, what kinds of stores, I can buy glycerin oil in small container bottles like you show. Is this found in supermarkets, in the food section or in the pharmacy section..? Can I find glycerin oil at hardware home improvement stores...? Thanks.

[@SportsBallStu]

Hi @Bar Na Glycerine can be found on our website if in the UK. A version of Glycerine can be found in the baking section of a supermarket but i'm not entirely sure if this is the same product as may also contain sugar. Another option would be to use a drop of olive oil as an alternative

[@barna1299]

@@SportsBallStu Thanks for your reply. I actually found a day ago at a local supermarket superstore a small bottle of glycerin, in the pharmacy section. I was surprised to find it so easily. It is described as follows: Glycerin USP (main name) Pure Vegetable Based 99.5% anhydrous An Emollient & Demulcent It is clear and appears to have the consistency like olive oil, so I'm hoping that this is suitable for using to moisten the pump needle and ball valve.

[@SportsBallStu]

@@barna1299 Great stuff, glad you found it easily. I was going to look in my local store this weekend. Thanks for the info too.👍

[@barna1299]

@@SportsBallStu I used this glycerin with a new soccer ball that has a leaky valve, it moistened perfectly for the needle. I was also hoping that the glycerin would help soften the valve and reduce or stop the leak, but it didn't, instead I used the rubber band fix suggested in another KZbin video, and for now at least the valve doesn't leak air. It's only a ball I have for display so I don't know how it would hold if kicking around with it. But the glycerin worked, so I guess I can use it on my other good soccer/football balls. I just hope there are no negative affects inside the valve by using this glycerin...? The valve can't be damaged in any way, or cause it to leak air, by using this glycerin, can it...?

[@SportsBallStu]

@@barna1299 Glycerine is recommended to use to lubricate the valve so no damage to the ball is expected. Shame it didn't help with your issue though

[@smartchip]

Where can you purchase the lubricant,

[@SportsBallStu]

Hi Smartchip - They Glycerin is available from Sportsballshop bit.ly/2TTnz3p

[@wijsnsn616_]

I got a football/soccer ball recently and it has no place to pump

[@SportsBallStu]

Are you sure there might be a bit of cloth covering the valve

[@wijsnsn616_]

@@SportsBallStu just checked there's no valve

[@SportsBallStu]

@@wijsnsn616_ If you send a video to me of the ball, I can take a look and advise My email address is [e-mail] and make it for my attention

[@brozen6097]

My ball is not inflating.......first it inflates and whem the pump is removed then again it looses all its air....what should i do.....its a nike pl football.....

[@SportsBallStu]

There be an obstruction in the valve or the bladder may have torn when inserting the needle. Use glycerine or olive oil on the needle to make sure the valve is free from dirt. If this doesn't work the ball may be unusable

[@brozen6097]

thanks for your suggestion....but i have already returned the ball by thinking that it was damaged(i ordered it from amazon)....i have asked for a replacement , it is coming tuesday ....... CAN YOU PLEASE SUGGEST ME NOW HOW TO INFLATE THE BALL WHICH IS COMING , STEP WISE WITH PERFECTION..... because i dont want to damage it once more......

[@fraserbrown4895]

Can you use vasaline??

[@SportsBallStu]

Hi Fraser Brown....NO, NO, NO. Don't ever use vaseline to lubricate the valve on a football as it can clog the valve up and allow air to escape. It dries out over time and really shouldn't be used as an alternative.

[@abbasjasim9065]

Is it 100% safe to use olive oil is it better to use vegetable oil?

[@SportsBallStu]

Veg oil is thinner so might be better. The best option is glycerin though, or sewing machine oil.

[@awesomegamer1600]

Is that glicerene necessary in pumping a soccer ball

[@SportsBallStu]

Hi Awesome Gamer, Yes but if you don''t have glycerine then use olive oil or sewing maching oil. If you don't lubricate the valve then the needle could rip the valve and the ball will be unuseable.

[@awesomegamer1600]

@@SportsBallStu thanks man for helping

[@tenenieldjoandthenightsist5109]

How far do you stick in the needle to inflate the ball?

[@SportsBallStu]

The needle has a thin part which meets the larger end. This screws into the pump. The thin length is approximately 30 to 35mm long, depending on model purchased. In all cases insert needle until the larger end sits in the mouth of the valve. I hope this helps

[@gerwsgse]

I’ve burst my last 3 balls. But this issue never used to happen when I was a kid?

[@SportsBallStu]

Maybe footballs are more sensitive to being inflated to the correct pressure now as the bladders and outer surface are softer than balls from 10+ years ago. Modern technology and the drive for cheaper balls isn't always a positive for quality

[@gerwsgse]

@@SportsBallStu I thought it was because I was inserting the needle all the way in but then I used to do as a kid with no problem. Could be a lube maybe. Like you said modern tech. I’ve not pumped a ball in around 10-15 years at least lol.

[@gerwsgse]

@@SportsBallStu Actually let’s say more 20/15 years ago

[@SportsBallStu]

@@gerwsgse Modern balls especially need the needle to be lubricated with Glycerin. Also the psi on a modern ball is a lot less than older balls. It amazed me how many people say that have been inflating balls for a number of years but have been over-inflating them as they never checked with a pressure gauge. Even ball reps have been known to arrive with new models that have been over-inflated.

[@hakon8850]

Why does the air in my ball just go right back out its a new ball

[@SportsBallStu]

Hi koleka Problem, maybe there is something in the valve. Use glycerin to clear the valve and try again. good luck.

[@Vimoplayz]

Bro me and my teammatea train at 10.5 psi or 10 psi

[@SportsBallStu]

The footballs must be very hard and difficult to control. Obviously not recommended as they won't last as long

[@Vimoplayz]

@@SportsBallStu FIFA said official match ball of professional footballers are between 8.5 and 15.6. Footballs that is below 8.5 psi is considered too flat so the balls that they're using on match is either 12 or 12.5 psi

[@SportsBallStu]

In Professional matches, the balls are inflated and checked prior to every game as the balls lose pressure over a few days. This is unlike standard match or training balls as most people object to inflating their footballs as regular as that.

[@fionachestnutt3568]

My needle won't go in. What should I do?

[@SportsBallStu]

Hi Fiona dip the needle in glycerine or olive oil and then carefully insert into the valve. Check the ball allows the whole length of the needle to be inserted. Also ensure the ball is at room temperature otherwise damage you may damage the bladder. Hope this helps, Stuart

[@adityapoddar8695]

Sportsballshop can I use water

[@stuartcardy2081]

If you use a drop of olive oil in the valve, if no Glycerine is available this should help

[@TommyT_]

can I use vaseline

[@SportsBallStu]

Definitely not, it clogs the valve up and you won’t get a true seal. If you don’t have glycerin use sewing machine oil or a small drop of olive oil

[@TommyT_]

@@SportsBallStu I've ordered some, only olive oil I've got has chilli flakes in haha

[@abbasjasim9065]

@@SportsBallStu is olive oil 100% safe to use?

[@SportsBallStu]

@@abbasjasim9065 It is but is slightly thicker so use less of it

[@p_dzib3944]

Is it just me who breaks the damn needle every time i fck pump it

[@SportsBallStu]

P_ Dzib If you use the glycerin then the needle shouldn't get too hot, which is the likely cause of the needle breaking.

[@arielguzman9336]

Will mineral oil work?

[@SportsBallStu]

Hi Ariel, I'm not sure what mineral oil is but Olive Oil will do the same job but, use less of it as it is thicker