Brent Coralli, CEO of Sting Soccer, posted his most recent blog today. ‘Brent Coralli is on the Ball About the World Cup’ talks about how, coinciding with the staging of the Word Cup, every four years the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) introduces modifications to the soccer ball. For youth soccer teams across the country, this event is always interesting because this official ball is eventually used by all soccer levels.

In the blog, Coralli talks about the spirited discussions about the changes in the design, weight and composition of the ball – how strikers always want a ball that travels fast, with lots of movement, while goalies want a slower ball with less movement.

The latest World Cup ball, made by Adidas, reflects some changes from the ball introduced in 2010 and it will likely receive some conflicting analysis during the World Cup games. The new ball, called “Brazuca,” has some major changes:

• The classic 32-panel, hexagon-pentagon design has given way to propeller-shaped panels.
• In order to stabilize the aerodynamics of this year’s model, Adidas added about half an ounce to the weight of the ball.
• They gave it a pebble-like surface (similar to a basketball) and deepened the seams in an effort to make the ball sail more steadily through the air.

Coralli asked his director of Technology, Stuart Hilton several questions including:

• Is it necessary to change the composition of the soccer ball every four years, or is this just another excuse to sell more balls?
• The engineers for Adidas, maker of the balls, say this new design will improve the feeling of the ball, making it soft to the touch when it’s passed or shot. Is this soft touch important to younger players such as those who play on the Sting teams?
• For this year’s model Adidas has said this will help the ball sail more steadily through the air. Will this new ball change the way Sting coaches call plays or change other game strategies (for example, maybe speed up or slow down play?) How about training? Will the new ball change the training drills you use?
• Do you have any thoughts on other soccer equipment which could be improved?

To see the answers to these questions, read ‘Brent Coralli is on the Ball About the World Cup’.