Why Do Football Quarterbacks Lick Their Fingers?

Frank Jones

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Football quarterbacks sometimes lick their fingers after making a touchdown or interception in order to get the ball clean. This is an old tradition that started when quarterbacks had to use their fingers to hold the ball while they were running.

Why Do Football Quarterbacks Lick Their Fingers

Source: nfl

Why Do Football Quarterbacks Lick Their Fingers

Football quarterbacks often lick their fingers in order to prevent getting a substitution and to keep their hands dry. This is done in order to improve their throwing mechanics.

To Prevent Getting A Substitution

Some football quarterbacks like to lick their fingers to keep them clean and dry before they throw the ball. This is also an old tradition that helps prevent getting a substitution.

To Prevent a Substitution

Some football quarterbacks will lick their fingers to stop the opposition from substituting players. This is done to keep the defense guessing and prevent them from knowing what play the quarterback is going to run next. This tactic can also help to protect the quarterback from getting sacked or hit in the head.

To Keep Their Hands Dry

Many football quarterbacks lick their fingers to keep their hands dry. When they throw the ball, water can get on their hand and it can cause the ball to slip. Licking your fingers helps remove any moisture and keeps your hand from getting muddy.

To Prevent Injury

Football quarterbacks often lick their fingers to keep them dry and prevent injury in the event of a pass or run. Licking your fingers can help you maintain control over the ball and avoid slipping.

To Keep their Hands Warm

When you lick your fingers, it helps warm your hands up quickly. This is especially important for quarterbacks, who must keep their hands warm on cold calls or during long drives.

To Prevent Pinching

Licking your fingers can also help prevent pinching of the skin between your thumb and index finger while gripping the football. This can lead to cuts and blisters.

To Avoid Chapping

Chapped skin is not only uncomfortable, but it can also lead to infection if left untreated. By licking your fingers, you will reduce the chances of getting chapped and causing an infection in your hand.

To Keep Your Mouth Clean

Finally, by keeping your mouth clean, you’re less likely to spread germs that could cause illness

To Improve Their Throwing Mechanics

Some football quarterbacks like to lick their fingers before they throw the ball. This is done to improve their throwing mechanics. By licking your fingers, you are able to keep a steady grip on the ball and make it easier to control.

Why Do Football Quarterbacks Lick Their Fingers

Source: cbssports

Throwing Mechanics

To improve their throwing mechanics, football quarterbacks may lick their fingers to remove dirt and other debris from the ball. This process helps to ensure that the ball spins uniformly when it is released and results in a more accurate throw.

Temperature Regulation

During play, the temperature of the football can fluctuate significantly. Licking your fingers helps to keep the ball at a consistent temperature so that it will be in the best condition for delivery.

Grip Maintenance

By regularly cleaning and lubricating his grip with saliva, a quarterback can help to reduce wear and tear on his throwing hand. This will ultimately result in better accuracy and faster throws

The Obsession With Throwing The Football

Throwing the football is an obsession for many football quarterbacks, and it’s easy to see why. The feeling of being in control while throwing a ball is addicting, and some quarterbacks go to great lengths to achieve that feeling.

Some quarterbacks lick their fingers before they throw so they have a better grip on the ball. Others use gloves or balls made with special materials to improve their accuracy. Regardless of the method used, most quarterbacks believe that throwing the football is one of the most exhilarating moments of their career.

If you’re interested in learning how to throw the football like a pro, be sure to check out our guide on How To Throw A Football Like A Pro!. And if you’re looking for some inspiration when it comes to decorating your home for the season, be sure to take a look at our NFL Home Decor Ideas page!

Positioning In The Pocket

When a quarterback is in the pocket, he needs to be aware of the defense around him. This means that he needs to know where the linebackers are, and where the safeties are positioned. He also needs to be aware of how much space there is between himself and the defenders.

This positioning dictates how the quarterback will throw the ball. If he’s too close to the defender, he’ll have to put more power into his throws. If he’s too far away, he won’t have enough power or accuracy.

  • Quarterbacks are usually the most mobile players on the field and they use their mobility to move around in the pocket and make plays.
  • When a quarterback is in the pocket, his fingers are normally positioned below the level of his shoulders so that he can control the ball with his hands.
  • Most quarterbacks lick their fingers before they take a snap because it helps them keep their grip on the ball. This practice is also used to help prevent the ball from getting wet or covered in dirt.
  • Licking your fingers can protect you from getting hit by defenders as well as keeping your hand clean and dry. It can also help you throw a tighter spiral, since you won’t have any mud or dirt on your fingertip to cause interference.
  • Some quarterbacks also lick their fingers to get rid of saliva after they’ve swallowed during a game. Saliva is known to be an enemy of rubber gloves and can cause them to tear more easily during gameplay

Handling The Ball

Football quarterbacks often lick their fingers to get a better grip on the ball. This is especially important when they are throwing the ball quickly. Licking your fingers helps you keep a good grip on the ball, and prevents it from hitting the ground.

  • Football quarterbacks often lick their fingers in order to keep their hands clean and free from grease. This practice is used to help them better handle the ball, as they need to be able to grip it tightly in order to throw it accurately.
  • Licking your fingers can also help you stay cool while playing football. By licking your fingers, you are cooling down the tips of your fingers which will then make it easier for you to hold onto the ball for an extended period of time.
  • You may also see quarterbacks licking their fingers before they make a toss or kick because it helps them get a better grip on the ball. When they licked their fingers, they were able to spread some saliva on the surface of the ball so that he would have a better grip when he put his hand on top of it.
  • Some people believe that licking your finger gives you more control over the trajectory of the ball when you are throwing it, as saliva is known for its aerodynamic properties.
  • Licking your fingers can also help prevent injuries if you accidentally drop the ball while playing football. If there is any residue left on your finger from handling the ball, this residue can cause slipping and sliding during gameplay which could lead to an injury

Reading Defenses

One of the most important skills a quarterback needs to have is reading defenses. This involves understanding what the defense is doing and anticipating their next move. Sometimes, quarterbacks will lick their fingers to help them pay attention to what’s going on in the backfield.

  • Football quarterbacks use their fingers to read the defense and make sure they have the right play ready to go. When a quarterback knows the defense is in man or zone coverage, he will lick his fingers in an attempt to get a feel for what type of coverage is being played.
  • Licking your fingers can be a sign of confidence or intimidation depending on the situation. It can also help you stay calm under pressure and make sure all of your receivers are covered.
  • By licking his fingers, a quarterback can signal to his receivers that he has them covered and ready to take the ball downfield.
  • Football quarterbacks often use their fingers as decoys when they are trying to confuse the opposing team about which receiver will be receiving the ball next.
  • Sometimes, quarterbacks will lick their fingers when they want to change the play without calling a time out or sending any signals to their team mates.

To Recap

Football quarterbacks often lick their fingers to clean them after they have thrown the ball. This is a common practice in football and it helps prevent the spread of germs. Rugby quarterbacks also do this.

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