(Day 151) - Dribbling & Pebbling

For today's photo, decided on a simple macro of a basketball. During editing, though, the bumps caught my attention and I wondered why a basketball wasn't smooth.

After a little research, the bumps (actually called pebbles) create friction. Before basketballs, teams were using soccer balls. The slick surface made those balls very difficult to handle. Players became less focused on making baskets and more concerned about just trying to hold on to the ball.

Then the pebbled ball was invented. It was innovative for gripping, passing quickly, and dribbling without worrying that the ball will slip away randomly, bopping someone on the head. (Couldn't find much information on the origin of the black lines but most seem to agree that they also aid in gripping the ball.)

I still can't dribble well to save my life, haha, but always interesting when simple shots take me on a history tour. 😆🏀

[Mallory]

Love this shot!

[Mags]

Marvelous! I never knew this about basketballs before now.

[katy]

fantastic detail and symmetry to the shot and fascinating information Thanks Chris!

[Ann H. LeFevre]

Well another shot that proves you can learn a lot of interesting things on 365!! Cool shot!

[Esther Rosenberg]

So much fun to get behind the story. Great close up.

[Kathy A]

Great shot. I had always assumed they were for better grip, smooth balls are so hard to hold on to

[Shutterbug]

Thanks for the lesson and I like the symmetry in the shot.

[aikiuser (jenn)]

Well I learn something new every day. Thanks for sharing!

[Monica]

Great shot, and interesting info!

[Jacqueline]

Lol, I learned something new today

[Merrelyn]

Great detail and interesting info.

[borof]

Interesting shot and brainstorming about the ball

[haskar]

Great close up. You have provided very interesting information.

[Granagringa]

Wilson??? Castaway? Best friend???

[Jennie B.]

Good to know this sort of trivia, lol.

[Chris Johnson]

@granagringa - Hahaha gave me such a smile. Funny thing this basketball is made by Wilson and has the word "Wilson" plastered on the other side! I think a basketball would make another great best friend.

[Chris Johnson]

@sunnygirl @marlboromaam @grammyn @olivetreeann @dutchothotmailcom @kjarn @shutterbug49 @aikiuser @monicac @jacqbb @merrelyn @borof @haskar @jb030958

Thanks so much for the kind feedback everyone. I was hoping the information would be a "slam dunk" with you all! Glad you enjoyed it and the photo. :)