Giants Coach John Harbaugh Employs Weighted Footballs to Combat Fumbles
The team is using a 12.5-pound football in practice to reinforce ball security with running backs and tight ends after seven fumbles in four games.
The New York Giants are employing an unconventional method to address their recent ball-security issues: practicing with a 12.5-pound football. Head coach John Harbaugh is hoping this heavier ball will help running backs and tight ends develop better habits.
Harbaugh explained that the weighted football makes it significantly harder to hold improperly, forcing players to maintain a secure grip. "A normal ball, it’s natural to swing it away [from your body] when you run because it’s so light," Harbaugh told The Post. "A weighted ball, you swing it away, and it falls. You can’t even hold onto it. They are forced to hold that position all the way through the run."
The Giants have recorded seven fumbles through their first four games of the season, although only two have resulted in lost possession. The team currently holds a 3-1 record. This weighted ball drill has been a part of the Giants' practice routine since training camp.