A good grip is the first step to a good spiral. Here is how to hold the ball, what mistakes to avoid and when grip spray can help.
The basic football grip
- Place your fingers across the laces.
- Rest your pinky near the back seam.
- Keep your palm off the ball with a small gap between your palm and the leather.
- Hold the ball firmly, but not tight.
Common football grip mistakes
- Gripping too tightly, which makes the throw stiff.
- Holding the ball in the palm instead of with the fingers.
- Placing fingers off the laces.
When does football grip spray help?
Grip spray adds tackiness, which can help in cold, damp or dusty conditions. Check your league's rules first, because some leagues do not allow it.
Match the ball to the player
Grip starts with the right ball size. If the ball is too big, a young player cannot wrap their fingers around the laces. Peewee, junior, youth and official size footballs fit different ages.
FAQ
How should you hold a football to throw a spiral? Put your fingers across the laces, keep a small gap between your palm and the ball, and hold it firmly without squeezing.
Is grip spray allowed in games? Rules vary by league, so check with your league director before using it.
Why does my football wobble? A wobbly throw is often caused by gripping too tightly or holding the ball in the palm.
