How to check ball pressure:

1. Find the ideal pressure for the ball, which is often printed on the ball itself or can be looked up online. The ideal pressure can vary depending on the sport. For example, the official pressure for an NFL football is 13 psi, while many soccer balls are recommended to be inflated to 6-8 psi

2. Moisten the needle of a hand pump or use an air compressor pressure gauge. This helps the needle insert into the ball's valve smoothly

3. Insert the needle straight into the ball's valve, being careful not to insert it at an angle which could damage the ball

4. Read the pressure level on the gauge of the hand pump or air compressor. Make sure the gauge is sensitive enough to measure the pressure range required for your specific ball

5. Compare the measured pressure to the ideal pressure recommended for that type of ball, and adjust the inflation accordingly

The key steps are finding the ideal pressure, using the right equipment, and inserting the needle properly to get an accurate reading. Measuring the pressure this way allows you to ensure the ball is inflated to the optimal level for performance and safety