How would you like to make sure your football pass or kick is perfectly on target every single time? Players and coaches alike often wish they could find a way to guarantee that their grip on the football was consistent. Unfortunately, slippery conditions can cause inaccurate throws and incomplete passes if not addressed.
In this blog post on how to make a football not slippery, we’ll provide some interesting and helpful tips for helping you keep your football firmly in hand during playtime so that you can capitalize on those crucial plays!
Necessary Materials
Given below are some of the materials that might come in handy when you’re looking to make a football not slippery:
- A Piece of Cloth or Towel
- An Aerosol Spray (Like Hairspray)
- Talcum Powder
- Sandpaper and a File
11 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Make a Football Not Slippery
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Before you can apply any of the materials mentioned above, it is important to make sure that the surface of your football is clean and free from dirt, dust, and other debris. You can do this by wiping it down with a piece of cloth or towel. Always ensure that any cloth you use is clean and dry.
Step 2: Applying Aerosol Spray
Once the surface is prepared, you can use an aerosol spray (like hairspray) to help add grip to the football. Make sure you keep the spray at least 6 inches away from the football to avoid any potential damage. Otherwise, spray lightly and evenly over the football’s surface. It should feel tacky when it’s done.
Step 3: Applying Talcum Powder
Talcum powder is a great way to prevent your hands from slipping off of the football while playing because it makes them dryer and more friction-able. You can apply talcum powder directly onto the surface of the football or rub some into your hands before gripping it. However, make sure to not use too much of it as it can cause a mess.
Step 4: Sanding and Filing
For a more permanent solution, you can use appropriate sandpaper and a file to create grooves on the surface of your football. This will help provide extra grip that will last through multiple plays. Just make sure to take care not to apply too much pressure when filing or sanding as this could damage the football.
Step 5: Avoid Moisture
It is important to remember that moisture can make a football slippery so try to avoid exposing it to water or other liquids during playtime. If you do get caught in the rain, dry off your football as soon as you can with a towel and store it somewhere away from direct sunlight until it is completely dry.
Step 6: Applying Wax
Another great option for making a football not slippery is to apply a thin layer of wax on the surface of the ball. This will help provide extra grip and also make it easier to clean in between games. Make sure you use only water-based wax as oil-based formulas can damage your football.
Step 7: Applying Liquid Grip
A liquid grip is a great option for those who want an extra layer of protection when it comes to making sure their football doesn’t slip out of their hands. Simply spray the liquid onto the surface of your ball and let it dry before playing. You can find liquid grip products at most sporting goods stores.
Step 8: Cleaning After Each Game
It is important to make sure that you clean your football after each game in order to help prevent the build-up of dirt and sweat. This will also help keep it from becoming too slippery during playtime. You can use mild soap and warm water to do this or even just a damp cloth. It is also a good idea to use a cleaning agent specifically designed for leather footballs.
Step 9: Storing the Football
When you’re not playing, make sure to store your football in a cool and dry place. This will help ensure that it doesn’t become too hot or damp which can cause it to become slippery during playtime. You should also make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight as this can damage the surface of the ball over time.
Step 10: Applying Shoe Grip Spray
Shoe grip spray is another great option for making sure your football doesn’t slip out of your hands during playtime. You can apply this directly to the surface of the ball and it should help provide extra grip when needed. Just make sure to use only water-based spas as oil-based formulas can damage the football.
Step 11: Using Football Gloves
Finally, you can also use football gloves to help make sure that your hands don’t slip off of the ball during playtime. These are especially helpful in wet weather conditions as they provide an extra layer of grip and protection. Just make sure to choose gloves that fit snugly and provide you with the right level of grip when playing.
With these 11 tips on how to make a football not slippery, you can now finally say goodbye to slipping hands! Implementing these strategies will help ensure that your grip stays firm during those crucial plays and ultimately boost your team’s performance. So why wait? Start taking advantage of these tips now and start crushing it on the field! Good luck!
Additional Precautions to Take with a Football
In addition to making sure your football isn’t slippery, there are some other precautions you should take when handling it. Since footballs are generally made from leather or rubber, they can become warped and damaged if stored in too hot or humid of an environment.
Therefore, it is important to store your football in a cool, dry place when not in use. Additionally, you should avoid extreme temperatures (like leaving your football in the car during summer) as this could degrade its quality over time. Furthermore, make sure you regularly check the air pressure of your football and keep it inflated to the recommended levels for optimal performance.
Finally, make sure you take proper care of your football by cleaning and maintaining it regularly in order to extend its life.
How Much Will It Cost?
Making a football not slippery doesn’t have to be an expensive process. Most of the items needed (like cloth, talcum powder, sandpaper and files) can be found around the house or purchased for relatively cheap.
If you decide to purchase any additional items like aerosol spray, liquid grip or shoe grip spray, expect to pay between $5-$10 for each item depending on the brand and quality. If you need to purchase a football, prices can range from around $15-$50 depending on the size and material of the ball. All in all, making sure that your football isn’t slippery doesn’t have to break the bank!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Applying Talcum Powder Damage the Football?
A: No, applying talcum powder does not damage the football as long as it is applied carefully and in moderation. Just make sure to rub it into carefully as too much powder can cause buildup and affect the ball’s performance.
Q: How Often Should I Clean My Football?
A: You should aim to clean your football after each game or practice session in order to prevent dirt and sweat from building up on its surface. This will help keep it in good condition longer and make sure it maintains its grip during playtime.
Q: How Do I Store My Football?
A: Make sure to store your football in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. This will help ensure that it remains in good condition for longer. If you plan on not using it for an extended period of time, you can even opt to store it in an airtight plastic bag. This will help keep out moisture and other elements that could damage the ball over time.
Q: How Do I Check If My Football Is Inflated Properly?
A: Checking if your football is properly inflated is relatively easy! All you need to do is press lightly on the surface of your football. If it feels too soft or spongy, it may be under-inflated and will need to be re-inflated as soon as possible in order to maintain optimal performance levels during playtime.
On the other hand, if it feels hard and rigid when you press it, then it is likely over-inflated and it should be deflated slightly in order to ensure it doesn’t become too slippery during playtime.
Conclusion
Footballs can be made slippery due to wet weather or perspiration, but with the right tricks, a football can remain gripe. This is essential for optimal ball control and accuracy. Cleaning the ball with a damp cloth helps to remove any water and dirt buildup which also makes the ball slippery when used in wet conditions.
Adding beeswax or leather lube also help protect the outside of your ball and make it easier to grip, as well as decrease spin when thrown (which can lead to inaccurate throws).
Finally on how to make a football not slippery, store your football in a dry location with no direct sunlight if you don’t plan on using it often in order to keep it in its best condition. There are so many ways that one can take advantage of all of these techniques to create an optimally grip-able football that will improve performance on the field!
With practice and patience, anyone can quickly master how to keep their football from slipping out of their hands no matter what conditions they may be confronted with!
