Heading to a size 5 ball the head acceleration reaches concussion level. 15% below that number heading to Sensational1
The number of girls suffering concussions in soccer accounts for the second largest amount of all concussions reported by young athletes.
Explanation from scientist Thomas Bull: Head accelerations with different balls Concussions occur when the head acceleration exceeds a certain level. In soccer, these concussions are believed to occur as a consequence of the head being impacted by the ball. It is obvious, that a decrease in the mass of the ball will decrease the head acceleration, at a given ball speed.
However, if a ball with lower mass is used, then the ball speed after a kick will increase. The present paper will show that the head acceleration will be significantly lower even if we consider the increased ball speed when using a ball with lower mass.
Consider two different balls; one standard ball (size 5) with a mass of 0.45 kg and one ball developed for female soccer (Sensational 1) with a mass of 0.36 kg.
Using the calculated ball speeds, the head acceleration is then 28.5 g (Sensational 1) and 33.5 g (Size 5). This corresponds to a 15 % decrease in head acceleration. Head accelerations as those calculated for size 5 are considered to be at levels that causes concussions. Accordingly a 15 % decrease will decrease the number of concussions.
“When using Sensational you can pass it further and more precise – both in the air and on the ground. The dribbling is faster and safer, especially when changing direction!” – Tina Theune, Former national team coach for Germany, 6 times european EUFA champion and 1 time FIFA worldcup.
