WET WEATHER SKILLS. A ball which has absorbed too much water feels totally different from a dry ball. It travels sluggishly; it won't lift, or spin and takes the skill and pleasure out of the game for both players and spectators alike. And pity the poor goalkeeper who not only has to be agile on a muddy pitch but to save balls which are heavy and slippery with mud and water.   WATER ABSORPTION. This test turns and squeezes the football in a tank of water 250 times. FIFA Inspected balls must not absorb more water that adds 15% to the initial weight of the ball, FIFA Approved 10%.         THE LONG PASS. A perfectly-flighted pass from one side of the field to the other requires considerable skill from the player, who must judge the weight of his kick to perfection. This type of pass is often made to winger in space, who makes another accurate cross for the striker to go for goal.   LOSS OF PRESSURE. A ball which loses pressure during a game is difficult to predict and performs erratically. For this test, the ball is inflated to a pressure of 1.0 bar and in 72 hours must lose no more than 25% of air for FIFA Inspected, 20% for FIFA Approved.         SHOOTING WITH POWER. A goalkeeper has more time to save a weak shot so strikers like to shoot with speed and power and the crowd loves it too. Tall, agile goalkeepers often make spectacular saves. To do this, they must also have the experience to judge the flight pattern of a fast-moving ball and, to be fair to all players; this must remain consistent throughout the match.   SHAPE & SIZE RETENTION. In this test the ball is fired 2,000 times against a steel plate at 35 miles an hour. The seams and air valves must be undamaged, and the loss of pressure, or deviation in the ball's circumference and roundness, must be minimal.       *These Tests are conducted at room temperature (approx. 20 C) and 65% humidity. Exception. Rebound measured at 20 C and 5 C