Practicing your football tucking technique will ensure that you never fumble the ball again during a carry. Fumbling is one of the most embarrassing but preventable turnovers in football. By improving the strength of your arms and upper body and learning to tuck the football properly, you will stand a better chance of keeping a starting position on your team.
In the Open Field or Sweep Plays
Step 1
Hold the ball in the arm that is farthest away from chasing defenders. In most cases, you will hold the football in the arm closest to the nearest sideline. For example, if your play involves you running down the right sideline, hold the ball in the right arm. Keeping the football away from your defenders will prevent fumbling. Further, if you do fumble, the football might end up out of bounds.
Step 2
Hold the nose of the football between your index and middle finger. Placing your fingers around the nose of the football will create a seal that will make the football difficult to strip. In addition, never place a finger directly on the nose of the football or you may injure it if it comes in contact with a defender's helmet or shoulder pads.
Step 3
Squeeze the football tight against your chest. There should never be any space between your chest and the football. If the football is away from your chest, a chasing defender might be able to put his hand between your chest wall and the football to cause a fumble. Continue to hold the ball tight until you score, or until the referee whistles the play dead.
Dive Plays and Goal-Line Carries
Step 1
Listen closely to the quarterback when he calls the play in the huddle. The direction of the play will determine how you will hold your arms for a dive or goal-line play.
Step 2
Hold your right arm up in front of you and your left arm below it to create a pocket for the quarterback to place the football on a left-sided dive play. Specifically, hold your right arm up so that your elbow is even with your shoulder and the palm of your hand is facing down with your thumb close to your chest. Hold your left elbow downward and tight against your left lower abdomen area. Your left hand should be palm up and touching your right lower abdomen, with your thumb side away from your body. Switch for a right side play.
Step 3
Place your right forearm on the top of the football and your left forearm on the bottom of the football. Put both hands around the ends of the football and squeeze tight to prevent a fumble.
Tips and Warnings
- Quickly switch hands if you notice more defenders are on the side you are holding the football. Never switch hands while defenders are too close.
- Always keep your head up before before making physical contact with a defender to prevent a neck injury.
Things You'll Need
- Football
