How to Deflate a Soccer Ball (Explained!)

Table of Contents

Maybe you’re trying to save space when packing up your belongings, or you’re just curious about how to deflate a soccer ball; this article explains how you can do just that.

Thankfully, the steps to deflating your soccer ball are simple and quick, meaning anybody can do it with the right equipment.

*Our published content contains affiliate links that may lead to a small commission. Full disclosure here

How to deflate a soccer ball: Step by Step

The best way to deflate a soccer ball is with an inflation needle. Rather than pumping air into the ball, placing the needle directly into the valve of the ball and extracting the air will successfully decrease the ball’s volume by removing the air from it.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to easily deflating your soccer ball:

  1. Firstly, remove the inflation needle from the end of the inflation pump. There is no need for the pump itself during the deflation process, so put this to one side.
  2. Next, you need to find the ball’s valve. This is often a small, black circle that can be discreet. The area surrounding the valve is sometimes harder than the rest of the ball, which might make it easier for you to find it. The valve hole on your ball might not be black, so look closely if you think the color might be more subtle.
  3. Then place the tip of the inflation needle (the thinner end) into the valve hole and press it down until the fatter end of the inflation needle is touching the ball’s surface. This opens up the valve to allow air to flow outwards from the ball.
  4. Once the inflation needle is in, gently squeeze the ball to remove excess air at a faster rate. You should be able to hear the air gushing out.
  5. Now that you have deflated the ball sufficiently, simply pull the inflation needle out from the ball by gripping the larger, circular end of the needle. As the needle is removed, the valve will close instantly, meaning no further air will be released from the ball.

It’s as simple as that. Make sure to store your inflation needle and pump together so you don’t lose the equipment and you can easily inflate the ball again should you wish to.

What do you need to deflate a soccer ball?

All you really need to deflate your soccer ball is the ball, an inflation needle – that’s it!

You might struggle to purchase the inflation needle without a pump, but it’s never a bad idea to have a pump as well in case you ever want to inflate a soccer ball. 

The good news is that most balls from many sports have the same valve, allowing a standardized pump to work on all of them.

Below are a couple of options for you to consider:

HDNNC Pro Sports Ball Tool

For a standard pump that comes in two different colors at a good price, the HDNNC Pro Sports Ball Tool is a great option. It comes with four inflation needles and a rubber hose, should you need them.

BOMPOW Electric Ball Pump

However, if you’re looking for a specific PSI and a more advanced interface, the BOMPOW electric ball pump could be the choice for you. It costs more than the basic ranges, of course, and requires charging, but offers more reliability and accuracy.

Can you deflate a soccer ball without an inflation needle?

It might be possible to deflate a soccer ball with certain household items. Some people decide to use a paperclip or a hairpin to do this, but it’s not strictly recommended.

This could be done if you’re short on time or can’t find anywhere to purchase an inflation pump in your region.

The inflation needles are shaped perfectly for the valve on a ball so to avoid risking the condition of your soccer ball, it’s recommended to use the correct equipment.

How to inflate a soccer ball?

Essentially, inflating a soccer ball is the complete reverse process of deflating a soccer ball. 

To inflate a ball, you will need the pump as well as the inflation needle. Let’s take a look at how this is done.

  1. If the pack you have bought doesn’t have the pump and inflation needle already connected, you will need to screw the inflation needle onto the pump. You will notice the grooves for where the needle is supposed to go. Place the thicker end into the top of the pump and screw it in. 
  2. Locate the valve on your ball.
  3. Next, push the needle, with the attached pump, tip-first into the ball until the thicker end of the inflation needle is touching the ball’s surface. You might find it beneficial to place the ball between your knees when pumping so you can use both hands to pump and keep the ball in position with your legs keeping the ball in place.
  4. Using the handle at the other end of the pump, firmly push and pull the handle repeatedly. You will notice the ball becoming larger as the air enters the ball.
  5. Once inflated to the amount you require, stop pumping and firmly remove the pump and inflation needle from the ball. The valve will automatically close so that the ball doesn’t lose any air.

Recap: How to deflate a soccer ball

Deflating a soccer ball is a straightforward process once you’ve got the correct equipment. 

Doing this is a great space-saver, allowing you to pack things away much more compactly.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *