How to Draw a Football: Easy 10-Step Guide for Kids

Ready to hit the field? This tutorial is perfect for young sports fans ages 5 and up. All you need is a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to bring this classic pigskin to life. Follow along to master the iconic shape and stitching details of a professional football.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A finished, colored illustration of a classic American football.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Top Curve

A single curved line representing the top edge of a football.

Start by drawing a long, gentle arc at the top of your page. Teacher’s Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light so you can easily adjust the shape if it looks a bit lopsided.

Step 2: Closing the Oval

The completed outline of a football shape.

Draw a matching curved line underneath to close the shape, forming a pointed oval. Tip: Aim for symmetry by checking that both ends come to a nice, sharp point.

Step 3: Adding the First Stripe

Two parallel curved lines drawn near the left side of the football.

Near one end, draw two parallel curved lines. Tip: Make sure these lines follow the curve of the ball's end to give it a 3D look.

Step 4: Adding the Second Stripe

Two parallel curved lines drawn near the right side of the football.

Repeat the process on the opposite end of the football. Tip: Try to keep the distance between the stripes and the tips of the ball consistent on both sides.

Step 5: Sketching the Stitching Base

A small elongated oval shape in the center of the football.

Draw two horizontal curved lines in the center of the ball and connect them at the ends. Tip: This creates a small 'pill' shape where your laces will go.

Step 6: Adding the Laces

Detailed laces added to the center oval of the football.

Draw a line down the center of your stitching area and add small, short lines crossing it. Tip: Keep these stitches evenly spaced to make it look professional.

Step 7: Refining the Stitches

Adding more detail to the laces of the football.

Add more small, curved shapes to fill in the stitching area. Tip: Don't worry if they aren't perfect; real football laces have a bit of texture to them!

Step 8: Finalizing the Stitching

The completed stitching detail on the football.

Fill the remaining space with stitches. Tip: Use your eraser to clean up any overlapping lines inside the stitching box.

Step 9: Adding Texture Lines

Adding contour lines to the body of the football.

Draw two long, curved lines running the length of the ball. Tip: Stop these lines when you hit the stripes so they look like they are behind the white bands.

Step 10: Coloring Your Masterpiece

A fully colored, realistic-looking brown football.

Time to color! Use a rich brown for the leather, and keep the stripes and laces white or tan. Tip: Use a darker brown shade near the edges to give your football a realistic, rounded look.