Soccer is a widely played game. The performance of the game depends largely on the condition of the soccer ball.
Inflating a football correctly is necessary to keep the game moving smoothly while deflating it is essential for making adjustments to the pressure, meeting pressure requirements, or putting it into storage.
Whether you are a soccer player or any part of the soccer team, knowing how to deflate a soccer ball is crucial.
You won’t always have access to the necessary equipment. So, we are going to give you an overview of how to deflate a soccer ball in different ways.
Read on to learn more about deflating a soccer ball.
How to Deflate a Soccer Ball With a Pump?
The best way to deflate a soccer ball is to use a pump. Whether or not the needle is connected to a pump makes little difference, as most pumps enable air to escape without having any air pushed in. All you need is some tools, and you can:
- Locate the valve opening.
- Grease the needle with a light oil, such as coconut oil, and slip it carefully into the valve. Due to the tight fit of the valve hole, using a dry needle might cause harm. This is why it is necessary to moisten the needle.
- Gently compress the ball as you insert the tip of the needle through the valve.
- Maintain stability with the ball and needle. Otherwise, there’s a chance you’ll break the needle.
- Let the air come out gradually.
After deflating, gently remove the needle and keep your soccer ball in a safe place.
How to Deflate a Soccer Ball Without a Pump?
There may be instances when you need to deflate a soccer ball but do not have a pump available. What a bummer, right?
The good news is that you will still be able to deflate the ball without using a pump. You need to:
- You can use a ball needle to deflate the ball without the need for the pump.
- Grease the valve and the object you are using to deflate the ball.
- Insert the object carefully into the air valve.
- Gently squeeze the ball to let the air out. As the air leaves, you will hear a hissing sound.
- Keep pushing the ball until it reaches the deflation point you need, or until no more air escapes when deflating it entirely.
Pro Tip: Squeeze your ball slowly. You don’t want to desperately squeeze the balls as it could cause damage! Instead, gently grip the ball’s sides to ensure consistent deflation.
How to Deflate a Soccer Ball Without a Needle?
Sometimes, you are left without a needle or pump. In this case, how would one deflate a football? Is it possible?
It is absolutely possible to deflate your soccer ball without a needle. All you need is a pointy object like a paperclip, a bobby pin, or a ballpoint pen. Let’s take a look at how these everyday objects can be used to deflate your soccer ball.
Deflate a Soccer Ball With a Paperclip
The most common way of deflating a soccer ball without a needle is by using a paperclip. For this method, you should
- Find a clean paperclip.
- Create a long, flat side for the paperclip by straightening it out.
- Lubricate the paperclip with water, saliva, or any kind of oil, like coconut or silicone oil.
- Insert the paperclip directly inside the valve.
- Squeeze the ball slowly so that the air pushes out of the ball.
- When the ball has deflated, carefully and gently remove the clip from the valve.
Deflate a Soccer Ball with a Bobby Pin
Another way is to use a bobby pin to deflate a soccer ball. To proceed, you should
- Locate the air inflation hole.
- Insert the bobby pin inside the hole.
- Firmly press that bobby pin to overcome the valve resistance and push it inside the hole further.
- Hold the pin in the exact same spot until your ball has deflated
- Remove the bobby pin carefully.
Deflate a Soccer Ball with a Ballpoint Pen
If you have nothing but your schoolbag around and need to deflate your soccer ball, do not worry. A ballpoint pen will save the day!
- Take the pen’s ink chamber, which also houses the ballpoint tip, out by unscrewing it.
- Locate the inflation valve on your soccer ball. Press the tip of the pen into the inflation valve.
- Increase the pressure until you hear air emerge.
- Continue doing this until the appropriate degree of deflation is reached for your ball.
Deflate a Soccer Ball with a Refrigerator
This method right here is quite tricky! You will see opinions from both sides. Some believe it is a quick technique to deflate your soccer ball, while others think there is no science behind it.
The football seems to be losing air because it’s causing the particles of air within to travel more slowly. It will really be solid again after you take it out of the freezer and it reaches room temperature.
However, if you have no other way of deflating your soccer ball, then you can use this technique. The ball just has to have the exterior cleaned and the surface free of any apparent dirt or debris.
- Make space on the top shelf of the refrigerator for the soccer ball by moving items around.
- Place it on a cloth or dishtowel inside the refrigerator, on the far back of the top shelf.
- Check after a while to see if the ball has deflated.
Is it OK to Deflate a Soccer Ball?
Yes. It is fine to deflate a soccer ball if you follow the correct procedure. In fact, deflating a ball is important to ensure the ball has the right air pressure and is in good shape. But first, you need to know why and when you should deflate a soccer ball.
One can deflate a football for a variety of reasons. It is okay to deflate a soccer ball for
Maintaining Air Pressure
Keeping the air sac in good condition is a major factor. Keeping a football inflated for long periods of time puts additional wear and pressure on the ball’s internal air bladder.
Keeping a Ball in Good Condition
The air bladder of a football might last longer if it is deflated before being stored. Soccer balls can be compacted by deflating them. Team balls are another item that can’t take up too much space in the team’s equipment room or shed.
Making Storage Space
Balls take up a lot of storage space. If you do not have enough storage in your home, then deflating your soccer balls is the best option.
Deflating soccer balls and keeping them in a sealed storage container can protect them from rats, mice, squirrels, or other animals that love to chew.
Increasing Portability
You should also deflate your football if you plan to transport it. Taking an inflated ball everywhere is a major hassle. It will be a lot easier to pack if you deflate it first.
Dealing With Overinflation
This is a situation that many beginners find themselves in. Many people have the tendency to overinflate a football while they are trying to get it ready to play.
You cannot play well with a ball that has too much air in it. If you accidentally overinflate your ball, you must learn how to deflate it quickly.
Precautions While Deflating a Soccer Ball
While it is perfectly safe to deflate a soccer ball, little mistakes can potentially harm you or the ball. It is always a good idea to be cautious and maintain some ground rules, such as:
- Use a special air needle or valve removal tool made for taking the air out of football balls.
- Let the air out of the ball slowly so it doesn’t deflate too quickly. If the air releases quickly, it can hurt the ball or the valve.
- Watch the air gauge to make sure you don’t deflate the ball too much, which can affect how it plays.
- Check the ball for any obvious damage or holes that might need fixing before or after it is deflated.
- Be careful not to use anything sharp or pointy that could damage the ball.
- Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes while deflating the ball.
If the manufacturer’s instructions are provided, follow them to make sure you deflate the ball correctly. After deflating the football, put it in a cool, dry place, and your soccer ball will be good to go for a long time.
Does Sitting on a Ball Deflate It?
It is quite common for football players to get fatigued during a game and take a break by sitting on a ball! A fully inflated soccer ball may work as a sitting cushion, but it is harmful to the ball.
When you sit on the ball, the air inside gets squished. It lets some air out through the opening. This slow loss of air pressure might not be noticed right away. Over time, it can make the ball less bouncy and harder to control.
Sitting on a football is not recommended if you want to keep it in its original shape and condition.
Conclusion
Deflating a soccer ball is not a difficult job. With proper tools and techniques, you can easily let the air out.
Knowing how to deflate a soccer ball can help you safely deflate it any time you want to. Just remember to steadily let the air out till it’s deflated, whether you’re using a needle, paperclip, or other tool. That way, your soccer ball will have proper air pressure and last for many soccer games.
