American Football Balls: American Football
The US Football Balls page brings together American footballs from Wilson, Nike, and Baden: official size, junior, and mini balls, NFL licensed balls, and game balls delivered deflated.
The oval ball with laces, for throwing spirals.
The NFL Ball
Wilson has been making the official NFL ball since 1941. This ball, nicknamed “The Duke,” is made of leather, with laces for the quarterback to grip and impart a spiral rotation, which is the most accurate and longest pass. Licensed balls, like the Wilson NFL in the colours of the Washington Commanders, feature the teams' colours and logos.
US Sports on the Website
US sports also include:
- US Football Accessories, tees and gloves.
- US Football Apparel.
- Baseball.
All US sports can be found on the US sports page.
Size and Material
The official ball is suitable for adults and teenagers; the smaller junior balls are designed for children's hands, and mini-balls are used for play and decoration. Leather provides the best grip but requires breaking in and is sensitive to rain; composite materials, which are more durable and easy to maintain, are good for training and playing in the garden. Examples include the Nike Vapor or Playground balls and the Wilson Metallic Premiere.
How to Use Your Ball Properly
Some balls, like the Nike Playground, come deflated: you inflate them using a pump and a moistened needle, to the pressure indicated on the ball. To throw a spiral, place your fingers on the laces, thumb underneath, and roll the ball off your index finger. Flag football, which has no tackles, is a great way to play with friends without protective gear.
Good Deals
Good deals can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24 hours are packed and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday in late autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ball does the NFL use?
The NFL plays with a Wilson ball, its official supplier since 1941, made of leather and laced, called The Duke. Licensed balls follow this format and the colours of the franchises, such as the Washington Commanders.
What size American football is suitable for a child?
The official ball is aimed at adults and larger teenagers; junior balls, which are smaller and lighter, are suitable for children, and the mini ball for younger kids. A child's hand should be able to grip the laces to throw.
Leather or composite: which material should you choose?
Leather offers the best grip and wears nicely over time, but it requires care and is sensitive to rain. Composite or rubber, which are more durable, are better for play in the garden and training in all weather conditions.
How do you throw a spiral pass?
Place your ring finger and pinky on the laces, thumb underneath, and release the ball with your index finger while bringing your arm above your shoulder. A wrist snap downwards imparts the spin that stabilises the trajectory.
Do you need to inflate a deflated ball?
Yes, game balls come deflated and need to be inflated with a pump fitted with a moistened needle, to the pressure indicated near the valve. If too inflated, the ball becomes hard to catch; if too soft, it loses its trajectory.
