Best American football “pigskin” ball | Go for quality [top 5 rated]

Much of the excitement of American Football is due to the ball itself, which is why even an amateur player should have a quality ball.

I've rounded up some of the best footballs you can buy online, including a true "pigskin" ball and options for juniors and training balls.

Actually I can't wait to give you a little sneak peek too giving my favorite football: the classic Wilson “The Duke” Official NFL Football† This is the official NFL game ball, which is reflected in the price tag. The ball features the NFL Commissioner's signature and is made from genuine Horween leather. The ball has a fantastic grip and is very durable.

Is this ball just a bit too expensive for you? That is understandable. If you are curious about the other options, read on!

There are several balls on the market that vary in quality and price. Some are quite affordable, while the replicas used in the NFL are (of course) much more expensive. 

I will discuss all these balls one by one later in the article. I will also explain where exactly the name “pigskin” comes from!

Dear American footballs and my favorites	Image
Best American football “pigskin” ball: Wilson “The Duke” Official NFL Football	(view more images)
Best American football for training: Wilson NFL MVP Football	(view more images)
The Best American Football for indoors: Zoombie Foam Football	(view more images)
Best budget American Football: Wilson NFL Super Grip Football	(view more images)
Dear junior American Football: Franklin Sports Junior Size Footballl	(view more images)

What should you look for when choosing an American football?

American football is a revolutionary sport that has attracted a lot of attention and made headlines over the past century – including in Europe.

The sport has spawned legends and it's a great way to entertain fans.

Many football fanatics are glued to their television sets for hours on end, and the sport generates huge revenues for some TV channels.

However, the game isn't complete without a great ball, and players like Tom Brady would never have become legends if it weren't for this ball.

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Getting used to training and playing the right ball from the start is a great way to learn and understand the game better.

Read here all about the right way to throw an American Football.

Before I discuss the 5 best American Football balls, let me mention some important things to consider when choosing the perfect football.

The price

Why are some American football balls so expensive? If you've done a little research yourself, you've probably noticed that there are huge price differences between the cheapest and the most expensive options. 

Some footballs cost a lot because they are mementos and are not meant to be used.

They usually feature a team's name, such as the winner of the Super Bowl.

Obviously, if you're looking for something to throw in the park, it's best to avoid these types of balls.

The other kind of expensive footballs are the official balls, including “The Duke”.

These are the balls the pros use, and as a result they have a deeper surface pattern for more grip, stitched laces, and are made from top quality leather.

This is sometimes called "pigskin", which does not mean that they are made of pigskin.

Why is an American football called a "pigskin"?

It may be confusing, but "pigskin" refers not to the material from which American football is made, but to the history of the game.

In the past, football was played with a filled pig's bladder. Today they are made from cowhide.

Compared to real leather, the cheaper balls don't feel nearly as pleasant.

They can also break quite easily (especially at the seams), and are made of somewhat less durable composite materials.

However, they are still fine for the occasional game in the park.

The brand

If you are looking for a ball of the best quality, you cannot miss the Wilson brand.

Wilson makes all of her balls—which are used in the NFL—in an American factory in Ohio. Even their cheaper options are fantastically well made.

Each of their footballs comes with a 1 year limited warranty – most other manufacturers do not offer such a warranty.

If you like a ball from another brand, take a good look at the reviews before purchasing the ball.

Be careful buying smaller brands. Their balls are often produced in China and can break quite easily.

The material

When choosing the right material, you have to take into account your budget and what exactly you want to use the ball for.

Leather footballs are the real deal. These "pigskins" are made of genuine cowhide leather and have a great feel (both when throwing and kicking).

However, they are generally slightly more expensive and can wear out if they hit concrete/asphalt repeatedly. Go for leather if you're looking for a top quality match ball.

Composite balls, on the other hand, are made of synthetic materials and are a slightly cheaper option. They are slightly sturdier, but not nearly as pleasant to the touch as leather balls.

Some composite balls feel a bit “light” meaning they will fly about 6 meters further than the average ball when you kick it.

Composite balls both provide optimal grip but cannot be used for real competitions.

If you take football seriously and dream of playing pro, authentic leather footballs are a better choice.

Grip technology

Every brand has a different design, and different technologies are used to ensure that a football offers optimal grip.

The better the grip, the better it will be to use in all weather conditions. A ball must be firm and not slippery in the hand, even if you're wearing gloves.

The hard nature of the game leaves no room for a slippery ball, so you need to get a ball that offers optimal grip.

It can sometimes be difficult to find a football that will keep you playing well in the rain and mud without it slipping out of your hands.

A ball with a deeper surface pattern is recommended for beginners and training.

Size

Some manufacturers (including Wilson) make special “junior” balls, especially designed for children. There are actually three different kids sizes and an adult size:

• Pee-wee footballs, for ages 6-9.
• Junior footballs for children aged 9-12.
• Youth footballs for children aged 12-14.
• Adult / adult footballs for children and adults from 14 years.

Children's balls are smaller than those for adults, making them easier for children's hands to grip.

The other difference between children's and adult footballs is that children's balls are normally composite balls. You're unlikely to find a true leather 'pee-wee' option.

Depending on your age and playing level, you should choose a ball of the correct size. Choosing the right size has a major impact on your gaming performance.

A small ball will be awkward for someone with large hands, and a large ball will be challenging to handle if you have small hands.

Also, if the ball is too small, you will get the wrong idea of ​​your skills, as catching a bigger ball is a bit trickier in real game situations.

My top 5 best American footballs

Footballs are available from different brands and there are different models. But how do you know which "pigskin" suits you best?

Let's find out together!

In this section you will learn all the pros and cons of each product. This will make it much easier for you to make an informed decision.

Best American Football “Pigskin” Ball: Wilson “The Duke” Official NFL Football

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• Official NFL Match Ball
• With NFL logo and signature of the NFL Commissioner
• Genuine Horween leather
• Fantastic grip
• Three-layer VPU (polyurethane) interior
• Strong double lace
• Sustainability
• Available in original color, gold or silver

As an American football fan you probably know “The Duke” because it is the official game ball of the NFL.

It is also the ball used on the combines for the NFL draft† So it will come as no surprise that it is at the top of my list.

“The Duke” is popular to this day. Since 1941, this Wilson football has been the only football used in the NFL.

Each one of these leather balls is handcrafted in Ada, Ohio by a team of skilled artisans. 

Named after the legend Wellington Mara, “The Duke” is designed to improve grip thanks to its deep texture that should significantly increase the friction between your hands and the ball.

Ideal for both throwing and catching the ball.

The ball is made from genuine Horween leather, in the exclusive leather factory that supplies the leather used for NFL footballs.

The NFL logo is stamped on it, along with the NFL Commissioner's signature and the words "The Duke."

In addition, “The Duke” is made with a three-layer VPU interior and a strong double lace. If you take good care of the ball, it will last a long time.

The ball is designed with the best materials available and is available in the original red-brown color, in gold or silver.

“The Duke” is universally approved by all football associations. This ball is durable and will hold its shape for several seasons.

It can be used for training and college competitions. 

Playing in the NFL is certainly something many young college football players aspire to, and if they use the official football used in the NFL, they will get a taste of what it feels like to play football at the highest level.

So if you take your game seriously, this is the ball to have. It is also a great gift for any football fan.

The only downside is that the ball can be a bit on the expensive side for many people.

Check prices and availability here

Best American Football for Training: Wilson NFL MVP Football

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• Official size
• With NFL logo
• Suitable for all weather conditions
• Composite
• Sustainability
• Good grip due to sticky material
• Optionally available with pump and holder
• For players 14+ (adult size)
• Relatively cheap

If you are looking for a ball that is relatively inexpensive, the official size and suitable for all weather conditions, the Wilson NFL MVP Football is the right choice.

The ball is made of durable materials and looks impressive with the NFL logo.

The composite outer layer is designed to ensure durability. Also, the ball should maintain its shape even when thrown against harder objects, such as a wall.

In addition, it will not wear out quickly. Thanks to the 3-layer bladder, air is well retained inside the ball.

The ball is also covered with a sticky material (PVC) which will ensure that it sticks to your hand, even in the rain.

This is one of the reasons why it is a great option to work out with.

It's the perfect ball for beginners as it keeps it from slipping out of your hands unannounced and builds confidence in the players.

Whether you're a beginner new to American football or a more experienced player looking for a good, yet inexpensive ball, the Wilson NFL MVP Football offers a great option to train with, whatever your level. level. 

This Wilson ball is very affordable for something close to the real NFL ball.

Even though the ball can't be used during matches, it's great for training and also for novice wide receivers.

However, the ball is not intended for indoor play. For that, you'd better take the Zoombie foam football, which I'll discuss next. 

Check the latest prices here

Best Indoor American Football: Zoombie Foam Football

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• Made of foam
• Good grip
• Light weight

This may not be a "serious" NFL ball, but if you plan on playing football indoors, you probably don't want to throw around an official leather "pigskin".

The Zoombie balls are made entirely of foam, so they should be safe to throw indoors.

The balls come in a pack of 6, making them a great option for parties or just to have to play with at home.

In terms of design, the ball has grooves to increase grip and to be able to throw the ball accurately, despite its light weight.

The Zoombie Foam Football is a fun and recreational accessory suitable for use indoors, outdoors and even in swimming pools.

Of course, the Zoombie Foam footballs cannot be compared with the Wilson NFL MVP football or the Wilson “The Duke”.

But sometimes kids (and adults too!) like to throw a ball indoors, especially when the weather is bad outside.

In such cases, a Zoombie Foam football is simply very handy to have at home!

Check the latest prices here

Also cool to play with on the water: a standup paddle board (find the best in review here)

Best Budget American Football: Wilson NFL Super Grip Football

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• Made from durable composite leather
• With NFL logo
• More layers for shape retention and durability
• Perfect grip, very sticky
• Great for use in the rain
• Junior size for players 9+

If you're just looking for a classic, reliable and affordable football, this option from Wilson is perfect.

The exterior of the Wilson NFL Super Grip football is grained composite leather which makes it easier to grip, while the stitching/laces help the player maintain a firm grip when throwing.

The ball also bears the NFL logo.

This ball has a junior size and is recommended for players from 9 years old.

The ball features a multi-layer liner for consistent shape and durability no matter how often it is used. 

The ball is fantastic to train with, especially in the rain. What makes this ball really special compared to some other balls is the stickiness that guarantees a perfect grip.

Although this ball is not the official NFL size, it has an authentic sizing that helps you learn the game quickly and the ball feels much better.

Wilson is the official manufacturer and supplier of soccer balls for the NFL, and they also offer some of the best training soccer balls for beginners and professionals.

Like the Wilson NFL MVP football, this ball is also perfect for training, but cannot be used during official games.

It is nice and cheap and actually a must-have for the true football athlete.

Check prices and availability here

Best Junior American Football: Franklin Sports Junior Size Football

(view more images)

• Junior size
• Made of synthetic leather
• Lies easily in the hand
• Sustainability
• Good grip
• Nice colours
• Affordable

If you're looking for a junior (9-12 years old) ball for your son or daughter, this one from Franklin is a great affordable option (which is important, since kids won't be using it forever).

The durable synthetic leather is designed to fit comfortably in your hand, and the black and green colorway makes it extra eye-catching so it won't be confused with someone else's!

These junior balls are resistant to wear and tear.

The deep surface pattern and hand sewn laces provide extra grip making the balls easier to throw and catch.

The ball is suitable for all weather conditions. You don't have to worry about damaging the ball when you play with it in the rain.

Built to last season after season, this ball is easy and comfortable to use for young players, making it the ideal practice ball for any child.

The ball is available in the colors black/yellow, black/gold, blue, blue/white and original brown/red color. 

Check the latest prices here

Several football accreditations

If you've been looking around online, you may have noticed that certain balls are "approved by" a certain body – usually abbreviated and starting with the letter N.

Here's what the abbreviations mean:

NFL (National Football League)

NFL balls are approved by the National Football League for use in their league.

There are actually no strict specifications for the size and weight of the balls that can be used in the NFL – the balls just need to be about 11″ from tip to tip and about 22″ around the 'belly' (the thickest part).

The NFL recognition basically means that the ball is made of good quality leather and is great to play with.

NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)

NCAA approval means the ball has been inspected by the National Collegiate Athletic Association and is fit for college football games.

This organization has quite high standards – if they have approved a ball, you can be sure that it is a good ball.

College footballs are generally slightly smaller than the NFL's—about 10,5″ long with 21″ circumference around the thickest part.

NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations)

NFHS accreditation means the ball has been certified by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Since this organization sets the rules for almost all high school football leagues, their accreditation basically means that the ball is suitable for 12-18 year olds.

The ball will be the same size/weight as a college ball, or sometimes slightly smaller or weigh less. 

When buying a ball for professional use (playing or training purposes), make sure it has been approved by the appropriate association.

As a serious or pro football player you should always go for the best and most authentic products.

So your football, the most important part of the sport, must also be authentic and approved by the relevant association.

Read all about it here the rules and penalties during an American football game

Where does the shape of the football come from?

What sets American football apart most from other sports is the ball itself.

Unlike almost all other sports, football does not use a round ball, but an elongated, oval ball. 

The reason for its unique shape is that the ball was originally made from a pig's bladder - which is why they call it "pigskin".

Today the ball is made of rubber, cowhide or synthetic leather. But the ball has kept its unique, elongated shape. 

Most footballs have a 'pebble' surface pattern and are fitted with 'laces' that make the ball easier to grip and throw.

American Football FAQ

With so many different American footballs on the market, you may still have some unanswered questions.

Do not worry! Below I will clarify some of the most common questions.

What should I pay attention to in an American football?

This depends on what you plan to do with the football. 

If you are a serious player, you will initially look for a ball with good grip, because you will undoubtedly catch and throw a lot with it.

You also want a ball that is light so you can throw it long distances, but also has good shape and is heavy enough to ensure it flies well on your throw and is not affected by the wind.

If you are looking for a ball that falls within the rules of your league, you will probably choose a leather ball.

How much should I spend on a football?

This also depends on what you are going to use it for and how often you are going to use it.

A leather ball can come at a high price, but is very durable and grippy, which is why they are used in the official game.

As you have read, you can also get composite balls, which are usually a little cheaper, but are not normally used in a real match and are therefore only suitable for training.

Ultimately, it also depends on your budget how much you want to spend.

There are a number of budget options that are perfect for training and playing, such as the Wilson NFL Super Grip football or the Wilson NFL MVP football.

How do you maintain an American Football?

Footballs are designed to withstand a lot in general, but they also need to be cared for and maintained.

Because they are often made of leather, it is important to clean them regularly with water and a brush.

Don't worry if some of the red-brown dye comes off, though, as this is normal.

It is also important that you store your ball in a dry place with adequate ventilation and away from direct heat as this can cause the outer shell to crack, especially when wet.

Is a ball normally delivered inflated?

Most footballs come empty, so you'll have to inflate them yourself.

This is also ideal, because you can then ensure perfect pressure and be sure that the valve works perfectly before you start playing with the ball.

However, if you're having trouble inflating it, you'll need to return the ball.

However, there are also balls, especially those made with foam, that come pre-inflated.

In this case, that is useful, because you can then test the grip and feel how firmly the ball is in your hands.

You can also inflate the ball a little extra if you find it necessary. 

I want to improve my throw, what should I pay attention to?

Are you a (serious) quarterback or do you just want to learn how to throw well, then you definitely want to look for a football with enough grip.

This means something with a deep surface pattern that feels slightly tacky. Also don't forget to take the size into account.

You also want a ball with a pleasant weight. If your practice ball is too light, you may find yourself overestimating your receiver in the game.

But if the ball is too heavy, your passes won't hit the target.

That's why it's worth investing in one or two game balls to use at home, especially as a quarterback. 

I want to practice my kick, what should I pay attention to?

About the same applies to kickers. You want a ball that has the perfect weight.

The shape is also something to consider.

Thicker balls will often hit them a bit if you hit them a bit wrong, while narrower balls are more of a challenge, especially when kicking field goals.

Because the feel of the kick is so important, it is crucial to practice with a leather ball as a punter/field goal kicker. 

How do I pump up a football?

Inflating your football is easy and can be done at home if you have the right tools.

All you need is a pump, manual or electric, and the correct attachment that fits into the valve of the ball.

Avoid using the wrong attachment; it would only waste your time and may even damage the valve of the ball.

While inflating the ball you can do the best a ball pump with pressure gauge to make sure the pressure is right.

This is especially important if the football will be used for competitions; of course you want to prevent the game from being interrupted unnecessarily because the pressure is not good enough.

For more tips on how to inflate an American football, watch this video:

Some balls come with a pump – handy if you don't already have one! 

Remember to keep the ball between 12.5 and 13.5 PSI ('pounds per square inch') for the right pressure in case you are going to play a serious game.

What is composite/composite leather?

Composite leather is not considered genuine leather, and it is especially ideal for players and those looking for an affordable football.

The composite leather footballs are a bit stickier and will therefore offer extra grip; something some official balls may not offer.

Who invented the first football?

Walter Camp is considered the father of American Football.

The first official intercollegiate football game was held on November 6, 1869, and since then football has become a widely accepted sport around the world.

Which brand is best?

Wilson is the very best brand on the market today. They have a huge reputation for creating great footballs.

Wilson is also the designer of the NFL balls, and they supply training footballs and footballs that are approved by the NCAA.

How can the weather affect your football?

Genuine leather footballs tend to absorb a little water when it's wet outside, making them temporarily heavier.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing - it just adds an extra challenge to both defense and offense.

This is another reason why you want to practice with a quality ball, if possible.

The weather can also wear down your football – so it's definitely worth keeping your footballs indoors rather than in the yard.

Humidity/frost can be a problem for both composite and leather balls.

It can cause the surface of the ball to crack and lose its grip, or the ball may feel too hard.

Conclusion

In this article you have been introduced to some fantastic footballs.

From the original "The Duke" and handy training balls, to balls for indoor fun.

I hope you learned more about footballs with this article and that you now know exactly which ball suits your needs!

Also not to be underestimated: the importance of a good American football girdle (review here)

Joost Nusselder, the founder of referees.eu is a content marketer, father and loves to write about all kinds of sports, and has also played a lot of sports himself for most of his life. Now since 2016, he and his team have been creating helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with their sports activities.