Friday, April 27, 2012

MATCH BALL VS. PRACTICE BALL: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? post by Mike Barlow

Now most of you reading this blog won’t know the first thing about rugby, but I’m sure a lot of you at least know it is played with a ball. Rugby balls are similar in shape to footballs, except they are larger, more rounded on the ends, and more lightweight. They have a 4 panel rubber exterior with a latex air reservoir to inflate the ball. Over my years as a player, I have bought balls to practice with and have always found two main price breaks: practice balls (approx. $30) and match balls (approx. $150 and up). They are both the same dimensions and look very similar. I had always been curious as to what caused the major price difference.

After some research, I found a few key differences between the two that account for the major difference in cost. One of these differences is the balance of natural rubber to synthetic rubber. Match balls are made with a higher percentage of natural rubber since it has excellent gripping properties and allows much better power transfer through the ball. This guarantees during a match that players will have an easier time catching and kickers will have incredibly consistent strikes of the ball. While natural rubber is a much better playing material, it is less durable then synthetic rubber. Practice balls consist of a higher percentage of synthetic rubber, making them ideal for frequent, longer term use. Another primary difference in the types of balls is the grip patterns. Most training balls have grip patterns with a pimple pattern that will have greater durability over a season. Match balls on the other hand have highly researched grip patterns that allow for the greatest grip and pass control. However, these balls usually have much smaller pimples on the surface that wear down after repeated use.
While match balls sound like the greatest option to play a game with, both ball types serve their distinct purpose. Practice balls are optimal for recreation and training scenarios since it causes players to hone their ball handling skills. When it comes to game time though, most squads will use a match ball to have the greatest possible tool to perform at their best.
Information found here: http://www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/ball.htm
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2 comments:

  1. Derek JonesApril 30, 2012 at 10:04 PM

    Thats interesting. I've often wondered the same thing about soccer balls. I'm sure it's very similar. Where a practice ball is around $30 where as match balls are around $100.

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  2. E SweeneyMay 1, 2012 at 11:07 AM

    I think it is good that they have different types of balls for sports because of the cost factor! I think training balls should be cheap and harder to use and match balls should be more expensive and able to show off an athletes true talent. Practicing wtih balls that are not as well designed is always better so the player is more experienced in game situtation. This is interesting that you researched the actual reason why they are different. I feel like football and basketball would have the biggest difference between practice and actual game ball.

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