utility ball
{{Short description|Inflated ball used in several playground games and sports}}
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File:Various game and sports balls, top-down.jpg
The utility ball (also known as a playground ball or named after the games in which it is used, such as dodgeball and kickball) is a spherical, inflated ball used in several kinds of playground games and sports. Utility balls were introduced in the mid-20th century and have continued to be used in various games.
History
The first dedicated utility balls were introduced by American manufacturer Voit shortly after World War II and became popular within a few years, being adapted to several games such as dodgeball and kickball that had previously been played with harder objects, like basketballs. The softer ball was safer and easier to adapt to other games, such as four square.
Specifications
File:Close-up of an orange playground ball.jpg
Utility balls are typically made of polyvinyl chloride or rubber and have a diameter of {{convert|8.5|in}} and weigh between {{convert|11.6 to 13.3|oz}}. The balls are often made with ribbing for grip and are inflated to {{convert|2|psi}}.
See also
- Funnel ball, a piece of playground equipment sometimes played with utility balls
Sources
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External links
{{sisterlinks |b=no |v=no |voy=no |m=no |mw=no |s=no |species=no |q=no |c=Category:Utility balls |d=Q117286674 |n=no}}
- [https://voit.com/pages/story History of Voit]
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