How to Grip a Football

Holding the football incorrectly is one of the most common mistakes made by young players. Check out these quick tips that will have you throwing a better ball on a more consistent basis.

Holding the football may seem intuitive if you've been playing for a few years, but for many beginners it is not. The football is an odd shape, and learning to grip it correctly will dramatically improve your throws.

Some people are told to put your fingertip on the point of the football. Others learn to palm the nose of the football where the ball is at a narrow point. Both of those are myths! To help throw the football a longer distance, place your ring finger on the second lace of the football (starting from the back of the laces) at your second knuckle. Take your index finger and place it just over the stitch line. The pinky should be underneath the lace.

Then, place your thumb directly under your index finger. When throwing the football, get the tip of it angled slightly up and let the ball roll off your finger tips.

For more information, check out our brief video on how to grip a football for a better throw.