My OperaEvolution of the basketball ball
Wednesday, May 29, 2013 10:15:54 PM
One of the popular modern games that really evolved rapidly since its invention is basketball. Yet, who would have ever thought that the first ever basketball game was played using a soccer ball. Yes, that is definitely true, James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, improvised a ball for the first ever basketball game in 1891, and that happened to be a soccer ball. Years later, after that first basketball game, it has gradually become more sophisticated. Likewise, it became purpose-built for the game. The early version of was a far cry from what we have now; the early basketball balls were awkwardly made from leather which were meticulously stitched together and stuffed inside with rubber bladder.
It was only in 1942, when a new design for it was introduced. It was a molded version which made it easy to dribble it. During the American Basketball Association games from 1967 to 1976, a customized white, blue, and red basketball ball had been used. Yet, as the game evolved further, the leather basketball likewise evolved with it. Leather had always been the favorite material for the ball covering. However, a new dimension had been added to the manufacturing process of it. Composite materials which were more durable and superior in quality became more fashionable to use in the manufacture of the basketball in the late 1990’s.
As that the game of basketball has become a world-wide sport, the growing demands for precise specifications in the manufacture of it have become imperative. Nowadays, the weight, the inflation pressure, circumference, material used, color, and even the bounce of the ball have been meticulously measured to standardize the basketball ball. However, these specifications still depend on what league it will be used.
The International Basketball Federation or FIBA, for example, has different specifications for the manufacture of the ball as compared to those of the NCAA and NBA. The requirement of FIBA is quite carefully specified. A ball— before it is given a go signal for use in FIBA games—should pass a series of rigorous tests. These tests include the measurement of the precise bounce of it if dropped from a certain height; a valve test wherein it will be pricked with hundred needles to test if it will not readily leak; the test to see how much friction will be created if it hits the hard court surface, and many more. This is a sure way to find the best outdoor basketball.
The NCAA has less stringent requirements, while NBA uses only one brand —that of Spalding. Spalding was the first manufacturer of basketball; James Naismith had asked A.G Spalding to patent it for his newly invented game at the close of the 19th Century.
In 2006, an innovation was made of the basketball ball which was introduced by Spalding. This innovation involved a new one which was made from microfiber composite and designed to regulate moisture for better grip. NBA players—who were accustomed to the old leather ball—filed a complaint to David Stern, the NBA Commissioner, to revert back to the use of the old leather ball. Their reasons were—it was so slippery and created more friction which often caused cuts on the hands of the players. David Stern then heard these grievances and ordered a switch to the use of the old leather one in 2007.
The game of basketball may continue to evolve as time goes by, and together with the gradual evolution of the game goes the gradual evolution of it. New technological advances in the making of it may cause some radical shift in the manufacture of it. Yet, one thing stays the same—that the basketball ball will always be the focal point of the game.
It was only in 1942, when a new design for it was introduced. It was a molded version which made it easy to dribble it. During the American Basketball Association games from 1967 to 1976, a customized white, blue, and red basketball ball had been used. Yet, as the game evolved further, the leather basketball likewise evolved with it. Leather had always been the favorite material for the ball covering. However, a new dimension had been added to the manufacturing process of it. Composite materials which were more durable and superior in quality became more fashionable to use in the manufacture of the basketball in the late 1990’s.
As that the game of basketball has become a world-wide sport, the growing demands for precise specifications in the manufacture of it have become imperative. Nowadays, the weight, the inflation pressure, circumference, material used, color, and even the bounce of the ball have been meticulously measured to standardize the basketball ball. However, these specifications still depend on what league it will be used.
The International Basketball Federation or FIBA, for example, has different specifications for the manufacture of the ball as compared to those of the NCAA and NBA. The requirement of FIBA is quite carefully specified. A ball— before it is given a go signal for use in FIBA games—should pass a series of rigorous tests. These tests include the measurement of the precise bounce of it if dropped from a certain height; a valve test wherein it will be pricked with hundred needles to test if it will not readily leak; the test to see how much friction will be created if it hits the hard court surface, and many more. This is a sure way to find the best outdoor basketball.
The NCAA has less stringent requirements, while NBA uses only one brand —that of Spalding. Spalding was the first manufacturer of basketball; James Naismith had asked A.G Spalding to patent it for his newly invented game at the close of the 19th Century.
In 2006, an innovation was made of the basketball ball which was introduced by Spalding. This innovation involved a new one which was made from microfiber composite and designed to regulate moisture for better grip. NBA players—who were accustomed to the old leather ball—filed a complaint to David Stern, the NBA Commissioner, to revert back to the use of the old leather ball. Their reasons were—it was so slippery and created more friction which often caused cuts on the hands of the players. David Stern then heard these grievances and ordered a switch to the use of the old leather one in 2007.
The game of basketball may continue to evolve as time goes by, and together with the gradual evolution of the game goes the gradual evolution of it. New technological advances in the making of it may cause some radical shift in the manufacture of it. Yet, one thing stays the same—that the basketball ball will always be the focal point of the game.
