Since Euro 2012 begins in June, I thought it fitting to discuss the official match ball that will be used for the tournament. On the day of the Euro 2012 finals draw, Adidas the official supplier for the tournament, unveiled the TANGO 12 ball, which was created based on the classic Tango balls used in the FIFA World Cup and Euro tournaments of the 1980s but also incorporates a more modern design from the Jabulani ball used in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The outside of the TANGO 12 ball is constructed of 32 triangular panels that are thermally bonded together (for those familiar with soccer balls, the panels can be bonded or stitched together) and a protruding micro surface texture was applied. The result is a ball that provides a true, stable flight path and better ball control. The inside of the ball contains a woven carcass and a new bladder that holds air longer and reduces water absorption so playing in the rain won’t affect it much.1,2
The outside of the TANGO 12 ball is constructed of 32 triangular panels that are thermally bonded together (for those familiar with soccer balls, the panels can be bonded or stitched together) and a protruding micro surface texture was applied. The result is a ball that provides a true, stable flight path and better ball control. The inside of the ball contains a woven carcass and a new bladder that holds air longer and reduces water absorption so playing in the rain won’t affect it much.1,2
After the ball was designed, it went through rigorous quantitative and qualitative testing to meet Adidas’ standards of approval (which exceed FIFA approved standards). According to the Adidas group blog article about the TANGO 12 ball, it is tested for all kinds of aspects including the roundness of the ball, its weight, and even accuracy. The way they test accuracy is actually quite cool.
At Adidas’ test centre in Herzogenaurach, they have a robotic leg with a high-speed camera attached that kicks the ball repeatedly at a goal from 22 meters away. The robotic leg ensures that the ball is kicked the same way every time and is an accurate way to analyze the ball’s performance, accuracy and flight characteristics from a variety of different shots. Based on these specific tests, the TANGO 12 always hit its intended target with a maximal deviation of 20cm. This means the ball is very accurate and players should hit their target, assuming they are striking the ball correctly. These types of tests make up the quantitative testing. The qualitative testing consists of letting players, both professional and amateur, use the ball and getting feedback about their impressions and how comfortable they are with it. Initial feedback has been positive.3
Adidas said the same thing about the Jabulani ball which got lots of complaints from players in the 2010 World Cup, so I will take this initial feedback (which usually comes from players that endorse their apparel and equipment) with a grain of salt until its gets widespread use from the general public.
At Adidas’ test centre in Herzogenaurach, they have a robotic leg with a high-speed camera attached that kicks the ball repeatedly at a goal from 22 meters away. The robotic leg ensures that the ball is kicked the same way every time and is an accurate way to analyze the ball’s performance, accuracy and flight characteristics from a variety of different shots. Based on these specific tests, the TANGO 12 always hit its intended target with a maximal deviation of 20cm. This means the ball is very accurate and players should hit their target, assuming they are striking the ball correctly. These types of tests make up the quantitative testing. The qualitative testing consists of letting players, both professional and amateur, use the ball and getting feedback about their impressions and how comfortable they are with it. Initial feedback has been positive.3
Adidas said the same thing about the Jabulani ball which got lots of complaints from players in the 2010 World Cup, so I will take this initial feedback (which usually comes from players that endorse their apparel and equipment) with a grain of salt until its gets widespread use from the general public.
Checkout the video below which provides more details about the ball’s design:
If anyone has gotten a chance to use the new TANGO 12, leave a comment and let me know what you think of the ball.
References
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