Okay, so today I wanted to mess around with something a little different – an Ohio State football. I’m a huge Buckeyes fan, and I figured, why not try to get a good, solid feel for the actual ball they use?
Getting the Ball
First things first, I needed to, you know, actually get a football. I didn’t want some cheap knock-off; I wanted the real deal. So, I did a little digging to make sure i can find a proper one.
Feeling It Out
Once the ball arrived, the first thing I did was just hold it. Seriously, I just spent a good few minutes getting a feel for the leather, the weight, and the overall grip. It’s surprisingly different from the cheaper footballs I’ve used in the past. The leather felt tougher, and the grip was way more pronounced.
Throwing Some Passes
Next up, I took it outside. I wasn’t trying to be the next C.J. Stroud or anything, but I wanted to see how it felt to throw. The grip really made a difference. Even my wobbly spirals felt a little bit tighter. I could definitely see how the pros can launch those things so far downfield.
- Grip Test: I even tried holding it with just my fingertips, like you see quarterbacks do sometimes. The textured surface definitely helped!
- Spiral Practice: I spent a good chunk of time just practicing throwing spirals, focusing on my release and follow-through.
Just Kicking Around (Literally)
I’m no kicker, but I figured I’d give it a few punts, just for fun. I definitely shanked a few, but when I connected, the ball really boomed off my foot. It felt solid, not like those cheap ones that feel like you’re kicking a balloon.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it was a cool experience. I am super excited to see the ball and how it felt. I’m not saying I’m ready for the NFL or anything, but it definitely gave me a new appreciation for the equipment these guys use. If you’re a big football fan, I’d recommend giving it a try sometime – just holding the official ball gives you a tiny bit of connection to the game.
