The Five Panel Football
Over the last few years I have ventured on a quest to find the perfect football for our Power T run attack. We put a premium on running the ball and deception in our offense and we have searched for a ball that has some very specific characteristics. We want a small football that is dark so that it can be hidden. We also want a football with the most tact and grip.
We have used the services of Big Game USA and have gotten some great products. We started with the 1906 football that has a grip unlike anything I have ever felt. It is like sandpaper and stays dry. These characteristics enhance the passing game as Big Game advertises, thus the 1906 name. We viewed it as a way to keep our QB's and RB's hands on the football. The football would also stay secure to our jerseys when carrying it in the layered hand off position.
We have used the 1906 ball for a number of years and have been very happy with it. Big Game USA no longer makes this football.
In a search to get even better, I found a football that was sold early in the 2000's. The Rawlings VR5 is a 5-panel football that has many advantages for the run game, the passing game, as well as the kicking game. Its popularity was limited and ultimately Rawlings ended production.
I have been working with Big Game USA to produce a 5-panel football and market it toward high school football programs that primarily run the football. The features of this football are unique and not found on any other football on the market.
5-panel football advantage:
Rushing attack:
Snapping from a dead snap:
Throwing/passing:
Kicking:
We have used the services of Big Game USA and have gotten some great products. We started with the 1906 football that has a grip unlike anything I have ever felt. It is like sandpaper and stays dry. These characteristics enhance the passing game as Big Game advertises, thus the 1906 name. We viewed it as a way to keep our QB's and RB's hands on the football. The football would also stay secure to our jerseys when carrying it in the layered hand off position.
We have used the 1906 ball for a number of years and have been very happy with it. Big Game USA no longer makes this football.
In a search to get even better, I found a football that was sold early in the 2000's. The Rawlings VR5 is a 5-panel football that has many advantages for the run game, the passing game, as well as the kicking game. Its popularity was limited and ultimately Rawlings ended production.
I have been working with Big Game USA to produce a 5-panel football and market it toward high school football programs that primarily run the football. The features of this football are unique and not found on any other football on the market.
5-panel football advantage:
Rushing attack:
- Round nose, better for holding onto the ball, more surface area to hang onto. A round nose fits into the palm of the hand. We use two hands to carry the football, one on each point of the ball in the layered position.
- More seams on the football gives the ball more structure and "feel". We hand off with two hands like an option team. We want more seams to grip the football in our Qb's hands.
- Less white stripe on the football. The stripe is on two fifths of the ball not half like it is now. This is better for hiding the ball. We want the darkest ball so it will blend into our arm sleeves and jerseys. This helps in deception.
Snapping from a dead snap:
- The center can position his fingers on seams which will provide a secure grip and a more reliable snap from under center or shotgun.
- More seams provide control and assistance with guide hand. Thumb is on the 5th seam.
Throwing/passing:
- The QB's thumb is on the 5th seam when passing the football this will provide a better grip for accuracy.
- Better grip for the option pitch or tossing the ball.
Kicking:
- With laces out, ball is kicked/punted in the middle of a panel, the sweet spot, not on a seam.
- The football has less of a "square" shape and more of a round shape, especially at the nose of the ball. This provides a better (faster) roll for punts, squib and onside kicks.