35 Water polo balls he South African water polo estab- and women’s balls, and for spectators and lishment is a small, intimate, brand A cut-out-and-keep feature pro- players to see the rotation of the ball. It conscious community that does not viding step-by-step information also teaches proper rotation on the ball. suffer mediocrity gladly, rarely ex- periments with inferior products on features of water polo balls. Bladder and are prepared to invest to se- Words: FANIE HEYNS. Compiled with infor- • The inner construction of the ball is equal- Tcure quality products, say local distributors. mation supplied by Nick Wiltshire, general ly important as this ultimately defines the Water polo is becoming increasingly popular manager of Pat Wiltshire Sports, local dis- ball’s pressure and shape retention prop- at school level, especially amongst girls. tributor of Mikasa balls; Nigel Prout of Opal erties. A good bladder is essential, as it Selling water polo balls to this growing, dis- Sports, local distributor of Epsan and Conti prevents the ball from becoming deflated. cerning market therefore requires a solid un- balls, Joe Schoeman of Swimming Interna- • High quality floating bladders used in derstanding of the features of the ball and the tional, distributor of Finis balls. match quality balls are made of butyl, an customer’s needs. airtight synthetic rubber, which retain their shape and correct match pressure far longer Size than latex rubber bladders. As in many other sporting codes, it is vital that • Latex (natural rubber) bladders provide water polo players use the correct size game better surface tension and flexibility that balls for their respective age groups and gen- improves bounce — which is not a benefit der. FINA (the international governing body of in water polo — but the micro pores slowly aquatics and water polo) stipulate the follow- let air escape and they therefore lose shape ing sizes: faster. • The weight must be between 400-450gm. • The higher the butyl rubber component, • Men’s water polo balls (size 5) should be 68- the better the air-retention ability of the 71cm in circumference and the pressure ball. The Taiwan Butyl Co classify their 100% should be 90-97kPa (kilo Pascal's, 13-14lb per butyl bladders as OB, BB = 80% butyl and 20% square inch atmospheric). rubber, BR = 50% butyl and 50% rubber, B30 = • The standard size for women's water polo or buffed rubber cover with a ribbed texture, 30% butyl and 70% rubber. They recommend balls is 4. It should be 65-67cm in circum- which improves grip on the ball when it is wet. OB and BB bladders for balls that are put on ference and its pressure shall be 83-90kPa • If a ball has little grip and is of inferior quality, display on store shelves because of the very (kilo Pascal's or 12-13lb per square inch at- SA water polo players won’t use it, as they high air retention capability, which means mospheric). won’t support inferior products. They are that balls will maintain their shape for a long • The size of the smaller balls used by juniors prepared to invest money to secure the use time. Read more at www.taiwanbutyl.com/ is not stipulated by FINA. These balls are of- of a product that would guarantee player eng/products_2.htm. ten green and their circumference 58-60cm satisfaction. • Most balls use butyl valves for air-reten- with a weight of 300-320 grams. • A precision nylon-wound carcass fur- tion, with higher end balls using a silicone- • Training water polo balls are often much ther improves performance and grip. treated valve that enables smooth insertion heavier than match balls as the extra weight Cosmetics of the inflating needle and offers added in the balls strengthens your arms. protection from air loss. A tip is to advise • The appearance of the 18-panel yel- customers to put a few drops of silicon oil in Outer low water polo ball remained consistent for the valve, which will improve air retention. • The outer rubber cover of the water many years but since 2005, FINA allowed a polo ball is by far the most important factor coloured middle stripe (blue, green, red, Official product when it comes to performance and control. black, or yellow) with the normal yellow • Mikasa is the official Fina game ball A sponge rubber cushioned fabric makes the stripes flanking the coloured stripe. for use in all Fina sanctioned events. ball easier to grip so that it could be held • MIKASA Japan, in association with FINA, • The MIKASA W6000W and W6009W are with one hand despite its large size. launched a new multi-coloured official the only official Olympic game balls, as well • The game is based on hand control W6000W and W6009W game ball in 2009. as the official game ball for the Ligue Eu- and passing skills and this is greatly improved The new design has caught on very quickly. ropéenne de Natation (LEN) for use in all by game balls that have superior grip, which • This was in line with FINA's vision for improved LEN sanctioned events in Europe. is essential in a ball that would otherwise be- visibility of the ball — not only in the pool • Mikasa is used in South African inter- come slippery when wet. but for spectators at pool side and watch- provincial water polo tournaments. • Deep channelled seams make it easier ing on TV. The benefits of these multi- • Epsan balls are used at the King to grip and pass the wet ball. coloured balls are that the colours make Edward tournament, the premier school • Some of the high quality balls have a treated it easier to differentiate between men’s boy tournament in SA. 2010 August/September :: Sports Trader.