Kristian Ferrell
Neverflat basketballs are designed to stay inflated for a year without needing to be pumped up. However, if your ball arrives flat or you've had it for over a year, you may need to inflate it. To do this, you'll need to find the plug, which is usually covered by a cap, and carefully remove it with a pair of pliers. Then, insert the needle into the hole and screw it in tightly. Pump the ball two or three times, and then remove the needle. If your pump has a gauge, inflate the ball to 8 psi. If not, you can test the pressure by gently pressing the ball to see how much it sinks. Once you're happy with the pressure, put the plug back in.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Inflation pressure | 8 psi (some sources recommend 9 psi) |
| Inflation procedure | Remove the plug with pliers, inflate to desired pressure, then replace the plug |
| Inflation frequency | Manufacturer guarantees one year without inflation; some users report needing to inflate more frequently |
| Inflation location | Plug or valve located in a hole or gap in the ball |
| Inflation tools | Pump with a needle, bicycle pump |
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What You'll Learn
Remove the plug from the inflation valve
To inflate a NeverFlat basketball, you must first remove the plug from the inflation valve. This will expose the valve, allowing you to insert the inflation needle. The plug is usually located in the hole where you would stick the pump needle to inflate the ball. It may be covered by a cap, which you will need to remove first.
You can use a pair of pliers to carefully pull out the plug. Be gentle, as you don't want to damage the plug or the surrounding area. If you are using a bicycle pump, you will also need to locate the plastic tab at the end of the tube and pinch it closed. This will prevent air from escaping when you insert the needle.
Once the plug is removed, you can move on to the next step of inflating your NeverFlat basketball. It is important to note that you should not over-inflate the ball, as this could affect its performance and durability. The suggested pressure for a NeverFlat basketball is around 8 to 9 PSI.
If you are unsure about the pressure, you can test the buoyancy of the ball by gently pressing on it. The ball should compress about 1/5 of an inch (5.5 mm). You can also try the bounce test: drop the ball above your head and it should bounce back to your hip or elbow. Adjust the pressure by pumping more or releasing air until the ball responds correctly to these tests.
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Insert the needle into the hole
To inflate a never-flat basketball, you will need to insert the needle into the hole. This process requires careful attention to avoid accidentally puncturing the ball. Begin by locating the inflation valve, which is usually covered by a cap or plug. Remove this cap or plug carefully, using a pair of pliers if necessary, to expose the underlying hole.
Now, take the needle and carefully insert it into the exposed hole. Ensure that you push the needle straight and gently into the hole, being cautious not to use excessive force. It is important to screw the needle in firmly until it is securely attached to the basketball. If you encounter resistance or difficulty during this process, a small amount of saliva or glycerin can be applied to the needle end to facilitate insertion.
If you are using a bicycle pump, locate the plastic tab at the end of the tube and ensure that you pinch it closed before proceeding. Once the needle is securely attached, you can begin the inflation process. However, it is crucial to remember that removing the needle promptly after two to three pumps is essential to prevent air from escaping. Do not skip this step, as continuing without removing the needle can be dangerous, potentially causing the needle to fly out and pose a risk of injury.
For bicycle pumps, remember to pull the plastic tab to reinflate the pump before removing the needle. After inflating the ball, you can release the needle by simply withdrawing it. Always be cautious and vigilant during this process, especially if children are assisting, to prevent any injuries from the needle or the sudden release of compressed air from the ball. By carefully following these steps, you can successfully insert the needle and inflate your never-flat basketball.
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Pump the ball two or three times
To inflate a never-flat basketball, you'll need to insert the pump needle into the hole and screw it in until it's firmly attached. Be careful not to use too much force, as you may accidentally puncture the basketball. Once the needle is securely in place, you can start pumping.
At this initial stage, it's important not to overinflate the ball. It's better to pump it too little than too much. After pumping two or three times, quickly remove the needle from the ball. Never continue without first removing the needle, as the next step can send it flying out, which could be dangerous. If you're using a bicycle pump, remember to pull the plastic tab to reinflate it before removing the needle.
Once you've removed the needle, you can check the pressure gauge to see if the ball has been inflated to your desired level. If you're happy with the pressure, you can stop pumping. However, if you're not sure about the ideal pressure, there are a few tests you can perform to check if your never-flat basketball is ready to use.
First, gently press the ball to get a sense of its buoyancy. If it feels about right, try pressing it harder and observe how much it sinks. Ideally, the ball should compress about 1/5 of an inch (5.5 mm). If it compresses only 1/16 of an inch (1.5 mm) or less, the ball is too hard and could explode when thrown, so you'll need to release some air.
Another test you can perform is the bounce test. Stand on the court and hold the basketball above your head. Drop the ball and observe its bounce. It should bounce back to your hip or elbow (with your arm lowered). A bounce that's too high or too low indicates that the ball needs to be adjusted.
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Test buoyancy by pressing the ball gently
To test the buoyancy of a basketball, you can perform a simple experiment using a pump, the basketball, and a tub of water.
First, ensure that the pressure inside the ball is the same as the outside (atmospheric) pressure. This will ensure that the buoyancy is not affected by any pressure differences. Then, gently press the ball to test its buoyancy. If the pressure inside and outside the ball is equal, the ball can be either fully inflated to a sphere or only partially inflated. The buoyancy of the ball will depend on the amount of air inside it. If the ball is fully inflated, a higher fraction of its volume will float above the water, making it more buoyant. Conversely, if too much air is released from the ball, it may sink, depending on the density of the materials it is made of, such as rubber or leather.
To understand the buoyancy of a basketball better, you can measure the volume of air it contains. Ordinary air at ordinary pressure weighs slightly more than one gram per liter. By pushing the ball under water and observing how much water it displaces, you can estimate the volume of air inside. For example, if a basketball displaces around 10 liters of water, it contains about 10 grams of air. If you increase the pressure inside the ball, the buoyancy will decrease slightly. This is because the volume of the ball below the water line increases, causing it to sink just enough to make up for the additional pressure.
Additionally, you can try using a scale to measure the upward force when the ball is fully submerged. If the ball is less inflated, the upward force should be about ten grams' worth of force greater than that of a more inflated ball, assuming your scale is accurate. However, it may be challenging to observe the effect of pressure on buoyancy by simply increasing the pressure inside the ball. This is because the change in volume is minimal, and the ball may also expand slightly due to the increased pressure. For a more noticeable effect, you would need to use a very rigid tank and pressurize it to multiple times atmospheric pressure.
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Adjust pressure by pumping or releasing air
To adjust the pressure of your Neverflat basketball, you can either pump it or release air from it.
Firstly, locate the plug and carefully remove it with a pair of pliers. You should then inflate the ball to your desired pressure. It is recommended to not inflate the ball over 9 PSI. Try out different pressures, such as 7.5, 8, and 8.5, while bouncing the ball to see which pressure suits your playing style the best.
If you are using a pump with a gauge, inflate the ball until it reaches around 8 PSI. If you do not have a gauge, you can test the buoyancy of the ball by gently pressing on it. If it feels about right, press harder and observe how much the ball sinks. Ideally, the ball should compress about 5.5 mm or 1/5 of an inch. If the ball only compresses 1.5 mm or less, it may explode when thrown, so be sure to let out some air.
Another test you can perform is to stand on the court and hold the basketball above your head. Drop the ball, and it should bounce back to your hip or elbow (with your arm lowered). If the ball bounces too high or too low, adjust the pressure by pumping more air into the ball or releasing some air.
To release air from the ball, bend the valve to let out some air. Once you have achieved the desired pressure, withdraw the needle.
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Frequently asked questions
First, find the plug covering the inflation valve and remove it carefully with a pair of pliers. Insert the needle into the hole and screw it in until it is firmly attached. If you are using a bicycle pump, find the plastic tab at the end of the tube and pinch it closed. Pump the ball two or three times, then quickly remove the needle. The manufacturer of Neverflat balls guarantees one year without going flat, so if your ball has gone flat within the first year, you may be eligible for a free replacement.
Neverflat basketballs should be inflated to about 8 psi. If your pump has a gauge, keep pumping until it reaches this level.
You can test the buoyancy of the ball by pressing it gently. If it feels about right, press as hard as you can and see how much it sinks. Ideally, the ball should compress about 5.5 mm (1/5 of an inch). Another test is to stand on the court and hold the basketball above your head, then drop it. It should bounce back to your hip or elbow (once your arm is lowered).
Too much air is just as bad as too little. If the ball is too hard, bend the valve to let out some air.
While some never-flat basketballs maintain pressure, others may leak air. If your ball goes flat within the first year, you may be eligible for a free replacement. Otherwise, you can pump it up like a regular basketball.
