The ability to kick a soccer ball a precise distance is an important strength in a game. At times, you need to kick the ball a short distance to pass it up the field. Other times, you need to kick the ball half the length of the field. Air temperature affects your soccer ball's temperature, and in turn, its response to a kick. Knowing how temperature affects ball play helps you adjust the strength of your kick for accurate ball placement.
Construction
A soccer ball is made of an inner, rubber bladder that holds the air and an outer, leather or synthetic material that keeps the shape and protects the bladder. You fill the inner bladder with enough air so that your soccer ball is firm. The air inside the bladder changes when the outside air temperature changes.
Heat
When the air temperature is hot, the air inside your soccer ball expands, overinflating it slightly. An overinflated ball is more elastic and will cover greater distance when you kick it. When you play soccer on a warm day, expect to kick with less strength than usual to send the ball a long distance.
Cold
When the air temperature outside is cold, the air inside your soccer ball cools and your soccer ball contracts into a somewhat underinflated state. The combination of underinflation and reduced elasticity, since the outer materials constrict, results in you not being able to easily kick your ball a long distance. Expect to use a stronger kick to send the ball a long distance.
Considerations
Air temperature can be a factor in whether your kick scores the winning goal. Practice kicking your soccer ball under different weather conditions so you will be prepared for weather variations during the soccer game. To simulate weather changes, place your ball in the freezer for an hour and then practice kicking.
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