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There are a lot of variables during March Madness that teams have to adjust to in terms of travel, unfamiliar venues, teams, officiating, and games in quick succession. But one thing I noticed (or thought I noticed) possibly in conjunction with some inconsistent play was the unpredictable ball handling during some games.
I'd be interested to know if the teams and their conferences are allotted a certain amount of "game" balls at the beginning of the year and are then able to familiarize themselves with those "lots" at practice and during the season. During the tournament I assume a totally separate manufacturing "run" is produced for these games. There would have to be some variability in the new lots even though they must have pretty strict tolerance testing. Slight variances in composition of materials might change the feel or the bounce just as variations in air pressure. It would obviously be one small element of things to adjust to but I was wondering if anyone is familiar with the process involved. It would be the same for running shoes, tires, paint, golf balls etc. as much as these manufacturers strive for consistency.
I'd be interested to know if the teams and their conferences are allotted a certain amount of "game" balls at the beginning of the year and are then able to familiarize themselves with those "lots" at practice and during the season. During the tournament I assume a totally separate manufacturing "run" is produced for these games. There would have to be some variability in the new lots even though they must have pretty strict tolerance testing. Slight variances in composition of materials might change the feel or the bounce just as variations in air pressure. It would obviously be one small element of things to adjust to but I was wondering if anyone is familiar with the process involved. It would be the same for running shoes, tires, paint, golf balls etc. as much as these manufacturers strive for consistency.
