Football Glove Guide for Every Position

When it comes to football, having the right gear can make all the difference—and that includes your gloves. But with so many options out there, how do you know which ones are the best for you? In this guide, our experts will break down everything you need to know to choose the best gloves for football based on your playing position, hand size, and more.

Football gloves aren’t just a stylish or flashy accessory. They serve several major functions that boost a player’s hand efficiency during games, including:

• Protect your hands from impact

• Add tack to a player’s grip for more secure catches

• Often provide ventilation to deliver cool, breathable comfort

The first step to choosing the best football gloves is understanding the types of gloves available. There are three types of football gloves to choose from based on your position and preferences.

The best way to determine what type of football gloves you need is by your playing position. We’ve broken it down for you below.

Quarterbacks don’t always wear gloves, but when they do, it’s about improving grip and control, especially in wet or cold conditions. A good pair of quarterback gloves:

• Is thin for maximum ball feel.

• Features sticky palms for enhanced grip on the ball.

• Is lightweight and flexible to allow easy wrist and finger movement.

• Has slightly padded backhands to absorb shock.

Linebackers wear gloves primarily for protection and grip. They’re in the thick of the action, making tackles and defending passes, so gloves help keep their hands safe from injury while maintaining control.

• Offers padded protection for tackling and shedding blocks.

• Includes moderate grip for holding on to interceptions or fumbles.

• Balances flexibility and durability for rugged use.

Lineman gloves are all about toughness. These players are in constant contact, pushing, pulling, and battling in the trenches. Lineman gloves have:

• Heavy padding to protect hands and fingers from collisions.

• Reinforced stitching to prevent wear and tear.

• A secure fit to keep the gloves in place during intense scrimmages.

Receivers rely on their hands to catch the ball, so their gloves are built for precision and grip. These gloves feature:

• Ultra-sticky palms for maximum grip in any weather.

• A snug, second-skin fit for minimal interference.

• Lightweight materials for speed and comfort.

The next step in choosing the best gloves for football is determining your hand size. To find the correct glove size, measure from the bottom of your palm to the tip of your middle finger. Then, reference our football gloves size chart below.

The most important thing to consider when choosing the right gloves for football is to select the right fit. Poorly fitting gloves – just like football cleats, helmets, and other protective gear – can lead to poor performance and possibly injuries.

Football gloves should fit snugly but comfortably. This allows for full movement and control without excess material bunching or restricting circulation. Here’s what to look for:

• Snug Fit: The gloves should be tight enough to stay in place during play but not so tight that they feel restrictive. A close fit ensures better grip and control of the ball.

• Fingers: The fingers should fill out the gloves without extra space at the tips. Too much room can reduce your ability to feel and control the ball, while gloves that are too tight can restrict your movement.

• Palm and Backhand: The material should lay flat against the palm and back of your hand without wrinkles or sagging. This ensures that the gloves won’t interfere with your performance.

• Flexibility: You should be able to move your hands freely, make a fist, and fully extend your fingers without feeling restricted or stretching the material too much.

Most football gloves are designed with ventilation, and for a good reason—it helps keep your hands dry, cool, and comfortable when the game heats up. Look for gloves with a ventilated back or mesh between the fingers and around the knuckles. When the pressure’s on, sweaty palms could mean the difference between making the play or missing it.

The material of the glove is just as important. Go for something stretchable and synthetic for flexibility and durability. A seamless or reinforced-seam design is a bonus—it’ll give you a snug fit and stand up to tough weather conditions, so you can focus on the game, not your gear.

By focusing on fit, materials, and the specific needs of your position, you can pick a pair of football gloves that helps you play your best. Whether you need extra grip for those highlight-reel catches or added padding for protection in the trenches, there’s a glove out there for you. If you’re ready to gear up and hit the field, check out the selection of football gloves at Academy Sports + Outdoors!