How to Inflate a Football

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Last Updated: October 19, 2024

Footballs will inevitably get flat over time, and keeping a football at the recommended pressure is essential for it to work properly. Once you notice your football is flat, it is time to inflate it using a pump with a low-pressure gauge and a long needle that is designed for use with the pump. It is not recommended that you use a standard bike pump to inflate a football.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Inflating the Football

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1
Find the BAR or P.S.I. A football will tell you how much pressure to use when inflating it in one of two units of measurement: BAR or P.S.I. This number is often printed around the valve or will be included in the football’s instruction manual. If your football is worn and the number is not visible, you can use the size of the football to estimate the BAR or P.S.I.:^{[1]
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- Size 5: 0.8 - 1.0 BAR (11.6 - 14.5 P.S.I.)
- Size 4: 0.7 - 0.8 BAR (10.1 - 11.6 P.S.I.)
- Size 3: 0.5 - 0.7 BAR (7.2 - 10.1 P.S.I.)
- 1 BAR = 14.5 P.S.I.
This is necessary to do if the ball is completely flat or very deflated. Roll the ball around with your hands so it is less wrinkled and less folded.

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The bladder is an inner tube that you do not want to puncture when inserting the long needle into the valve (the black circle with a hole in the center). If you hold the football up, shake it around, and tap it, you will be able to move the bladder away from the valve.^{[2]
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By doing so, the bladder will hang directly underneath the valve, reducing the risk of damage.
Place 1-2 drops of lubricant directly on the needle, and spread it with your finger so the entire needle is lubricated. You can use specially designed valve products, normally either silicone or glycerin sprays. If you do not have valve lubricant, dip the needle in water.^{[3]
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There will be an attachment on your air pump’s hose where the needle attaches. Insert the needle into this area of the pump. Where the needle attaches may vary according to the make and model of your pump.^{[4]
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It should slide in with little resistance, but you may have to exert some force to get it in. Once the needle is entirely in the valve, you can turn the air pump on to begin inflating the football.
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Inflate the ball to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Use the air pump until the gauge on the pump shows the necessary BAR or P.S.I. For example, if your football should be at 0.5 - 0.7 BAR (7.2 - 10.1 P.S.I.), keep the pump on until the gauge is between those numbers.^{[5]
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- The gauge will have a needle that shows what BAR or P.S.I. it is currently at.
- Do not over-inflate the ball by going over the recommended BAR or P.S.I.
Once the desired pressure has been reached, you can turn off the air pump and remove the needle. Pulling the needle out quickly will prevent any air from escaping.

Part 2

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Keeping Your Football in Good Condition

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Each time you use your football, check the BAR or P.S.I. Keeping the football at its optimal pressure is essential to keep your football in peak condition.
Throwing the football at a wall or asphalt will damage it, and a broken football is difficult to restore. Kick, throw, and catch the football, but never throw it at hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt.^{[6]
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Use a wet cloth or towel to remove mud or dirt from the football. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, as this can damage the stitching and outer layer of the ball.^{[7]
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Moisture on the football and excessive exposure to heat will lead to cracking and shrinkage on the surface of the ball. Between uses, store the football somewhere cool and dry.^{[8]
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What should I do when the valve doesn't line up with the hole in the pigskin?

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I'm afraid it's time to buy a new football.

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How do I moisten the pin?

Donagan

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Just stick the tip into your mouth.

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Do I have to remove whole valve?

Donagan

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Do not remove the valve. You will ruin the ball.

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Warnings

Do not inflate your football too much, as this can stretch the ball and possibly cause the seams to burst.

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Tips

An inflated football is easier to use than a football that is not fully inflated. Depending on how often you use your football, you may need to inflate it more often.

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