Ball Inflation and Maintenance Guide
Getting the most out of your sports balls isn't just about buying quality equipment. It's also about looking after it properly. Correct inflation and simple ongoing care will keep your balls performing well and lasting much longer. Here's our guide to doing it right.
Quick-Reference Checklist
- Check for storage issues — loosen or manipulate the ball before inflating.
- Check the required pressure (PSI/BAR/hPa), printed near the valve.
- Attach the needle adaptor to your ball pump.
- Lubricate the needle — never with water or saliva.
- Inflate gradually to the required pressure.
- Confirm with a pressure gauge, releasing air if you've overdone it.
How to Inflate Your Ball
1. Loosen the ball first
Gently manipulate and shake the ball before you begin. This matters most with new balls fresh from packaging, or any ball that's been stored for a while, as the bladder can stick to the inner lining.
2. Check the required pressure
Look near the valve for the manufacturer's recommended pressure — usually printed as something like "INFLATE TO 8–10 PSI". This varies by sport, and even by size within the same sport, so always check the specific ball rather than assuming. Governing bodies typically set minimum and maximum limits, and these are what you'll see printed on the ball.
3. Lubricate the valve
Add a couple of drops of valve oil (or glycerine) into the valve hole. This keeps the valve supple and helps it seal properly once the needle is removed.
Avoid water or saliva. Rubber doesn't absorb water, so wetting the needle won't actually lubricate it — and you risk damaging the bladder or valve in the process.
No valve oil to hand? A small amount of cooking oil, washing-up liquid, or Vaseline will do the job just as well.
4. Position the valve upwards
Hold the ball with the valve hole facing up before inserting the needle.
5. Insert the needle and inflate gradually
Push the pump needle fully into the valve before you start pumping. Use a needle long enough to reach past the valve properly — a needle that's too short can pull the bladder away from the valve as you inflate. Inflate steadily rather than all at once, and avoid over-inflating: too much pressure can strain the stitching or, in extreme cases, burst the bladder.
6. Check the pressure with a gauge
A ball pressure gauge is the most reliable way to hit the right figure. If you've gone slightly over, most gauges include a release valve so you can bleed off air until the pressure is correct.
A note on new balls: the first time you inflate a ball, pump it slightly above the recommended pressure (around 0.2 bar over) and leave it for roughly 24 hours before use. This helps the ball settle into its proper shape and improves flexibility from the outset.
Looking After Your Ball
- Clean the surface with mild soap and warm water when needed.
- Store balls in a well-ventilated space, ideally between 15–25°C.
- Always add a drop or two of valve oil before each inflation, not just the first time.
Troubleshooting an Uneven Ball
If a ball feels unbalanced — flying oddly through the air or bouncing unpredictably — the surface itself is rarely the culprit. More often than not, the internal bladder has stuck to the lining of the ball.
To fix it:
- Deflate the ball fully so the bladder can come loose from the lining.
- Give the ball a gentle shake and listen — you should be able to hear the bladder moving freely inside.
- Once it's moving freely, re-inflate as normal.
Got questions about caring for your netballs, footballs, or training equipment? Get in touch with the team at Martin Berrill Sports — we're always happy to help.