USFL Ball hard to kick

[Tank55]

I like the accurate measurements -- I think it's less of adding a thrill and more of eliminating a source of frustration -- but definitely not worth the price of a ball that's hard to throw.

[johnnyangryfuzzball]

I like the accurate measurements -- I think it's less of adding a thrill and more of eliminating a source of frustration -- but definitely not worth the price of a ball that's hard to throw.

In theory, yes. But you're still at the whim of the official to begin with regarding where the ball is spotted. That chip can't tell when a knee hits the ground.

[johnnyangryfuzzball]

On a related topic: AAF used a chip ball, too, but they didn't have these issues. XFL2, we all know, tested out their balls extensively before Game 1. How did Fox let this slip through so badly, especially after Butterfinger Balls the XFL1 used?

[herns]

Seriously, not trotting out the chains for a measurement means they are missing out on a point of drama. Seeing a digital graphic of the ball placement with a measurement of inches to go is not even close to being a thrill.

I liked the graphic/knowing how many inches away the ball is but it isn’t close to worth sacrificing play quality for

[Gopher123]

On a related topic: AAF used a chip ball, too, but they didn't have these issues. XFL2, we all know, tested out their balls extensively before Game 1. How did Fox let this slip through so badly, especially after Butterfinger Balls the XFL1 used?

Some things were bound to fall through the cracks with their shorter runway. Perhaps not thoroughly testing the game balls was one of those things. I would have thought this would have shown up in the 2-3 week practice leading up to the season. Maybe it did but it was too late or didn’t want to make a change, idk. I agree, changing balls for the kickers would be an easy fix but I’m more concerned with if it’s really effecting the throw and catch. If so, this could turn ugly quick, if play and game quality suffer because of it.

[4th&long]

On a related topic: AAF used a chip ball, too, but they didn't have these issues. XFL2, we all know, tested out their balls extensively before Game 1. How did Fox let this slip through so badly, especially after Butterfinger Balls the XFL1 used?

Some things were bound to fall through the cracks with their shorter runway. Perhaps not thoroughly testing the game balls was one of those things. I would have thought this would have shown up in the 2-3 week practice leading up to the season. Maybe it did but it was too late or didn’t want to make a change, idk. I agree, changing balls for the kickers would be an easy fix but I’m more concerned with if it’s really effecting the throw and catch. If so, this could turn ugly quick, if play and game quality suffer because of it.

So far so good! We'll see if it does or doesn't - no sweat!

[Firecop]

I can't understand how they would ever allow an "unbalanced" ball to be used in any circumstance? Even with the chip in one end they still could have balanced the ball, assuming they couldn't put it in the center. If it's not working for the QBs, get rid of it and try something else...like chains!

[Tank55]

I would have thought this would have shown up in the 2-3 week practice leading up to the season.

That's why I asked if they've been practicing with chipped balls this whole time. Sounds like everyone was caught off guard, so I'm thinking they were new for game day.

I can't understand how they would ever allow an "unbalanced" ball to be used in any circumstance? Even with the chip in one end they still could have balanced the ball, assuming they couldn't put it in the center. If it's not working for the QBs, get rid of it and try something else...like chains!

The chip has to be in both ends -- otherwise, it's not like the runners know which end to stick forward to get a first down. So I'm imagining the weight within the chip isn't evenly distributed, which is throwing everything off.

[Gopher123]

I would have thought this would have shown up in the 2-3 week practice leading up to the season.

That's why I asked if they've been practicing with chipped balls this whole time. Sounds like everyone was caught off guard, so I'm thinking they were new for game day.

I can't understand how they would ever allow an "unbalanced" ball to be used in any circumstance? Even with the chip in one end they still could have balanced the ball, assuming they couldn't put it in the center. If it's not working for the QBs, get rid of it and try something else...like chains!

The chip has to be in both ends -- otherwise, it's not like the runners know which end to stick forward to get a first down. So I'm imagining the weight within the chip isn't evenly distributed, which is throwing everything off.

Tank, I saw you ask that question earlier in the thread but never saw an answer. Introducing it on game day would certainly explain the surprise. Definitely agree Firecop, how do you introduce an unbalanced ball on game day?!!

[super390]

Ya I saw reports the ball is lopsided and 5 oz heavier which qbs were saying makes it near impossible to throw correctly

The issue with QBs is that its used by refs for ball placement. Kicking not an issue

Ya but the chains are still on the sideline, it’d be a really easy fix imo

I recall Pat Summerall was promoting some company that used laser rangefinders.

https://www.vice.com/en/article/7885v4/ ... wn-markers