How Do They Measure Hands In The NFL?
Contents
The answer to this question may seem complicated, but it’s actually quite simple. Find out how the NFL measures hands and why this is important.
The Process
Generally, the hand size measurement process in the NFL is simple and straightforward. A player sticks his hand out, palm open and perpendicular to the ground, and a ruler is placed at the base of the player’s pinky finger to the top of his thumbs. That measurement is then recorded and used as a comparison tool for that particular player.
Measuring during the NFL Combine
Every year, the NFL Combine invites the top college football prospects to showcase their skills in front of NFL coaches, general managers and scouts. The week-long event includes various drills and tests designed to measure a player’s physical and mental abilities.
One of the most important tests at the Combine is the hand size measurement. While hand size isn’t the most important factor in determining a player’s success, it can be helpful in evaluating certain positions. For example, quarterbacks with larger hands often have an easier time gripping the ball and throwing it with accuracy, while smaller hands can be an advantage for pass-catching wide receivers who need to make difficult catches in traffic.
Here’s a look at how hand size is measured during the NFL Combine:
Players are asked to stand with their arms extended out to their sides and palms facing forward. A measuring tape is then placed at the base of the palm and wrapped around the hand until it meets back at the starting point. The measurement is then taken in inches and recorded.
The average hand size for NFL players varies by position, but generally falls somewhere between 9 inches and 10 inches. Quarterbacks tend to have on average larger hands than other positions, while running backs and defensive backs usually have smaller hands. Wide receivers can fall anywhere in between, depending on their role on the team.
Measuring during Pro Days
Pro Days are when college football players perform for NFL scouts at their respective universities. These events take place all over the country from late February through early April, and they are typically well-attended by representatives from every team.
One of the most important measurements for any player, especially those vying for a spot in the NFL Draft, is their hand size. A player’s hand size can be a key factor in determining their position and future success at the next level.
There are a few different ways that hand size is measured during Pro Days. The most common method is to have the player extend their arm out to the side and measure from the tip of their thumb to the base of their pinky finger. Another way is to have the player make a fist and measure from the bottom of their palm to the top of their middle finger.
Measuring during Pro Days is not an exact science, but it does give NFL teams an idea of what a player’s hand size might be. The measurements are then used as part of each team’s evaluation process when determining which players to draft.
Measuring during team visits
During team visits, all 30 NFL clubs measure the height and weight of every draft-eligible player they interview. Sometimes they’ll also measure the player’s hand span and reach. Handspan is measured from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the pinkie while the player keeps his hand open and his fingers extended. Reach is measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the middle finger, with the player’s arm fully extended.
The Tools
The officials measure each player’s hand from the tips of the player’s fingers to the bottom of the player’s palm. The official then rounds the measurement to the nearest eighth of an inch. Players with big hands have an advantage because they can better control the ball.
The Vertec
The Vertec is the standard device used by the NFL to measure hand size. It consists of a series of vertical bars that are used to assess the length and width of a player’s hands. The measurements are then used to determine the size of the player’s glove.
The Calipers
The calipers are slid across the hand to get a measurement of the hand’s width.
The Results
The average hand size for an NFL quarterback is 9.3 inches. The average hand size for an NFL wide receiver is 9.1 inches.
The Record
The Record:
Measuring hands is a necessity in the NFL. A players’ hand size can be a determining factor in whether or not he makes the team. The largest recorded hand size belongs to San Diego Chargers’ offensive lineman King Dunlap, who measures in at an incredible 10.25 inches! Dunlap’s hands are so large that he can palm a basketball! The next largest hand belongs to Houston Texans’ defensive end J.J. Watt, whose hand size is 9.5 inches.
The Average
The average NFL player hand size is 9 1/4 inches.
The Ranges
At the low end of the range, small hands might measure as little as 6 7/8 inches. The high end of the range might be 10 inches or more. That’s a difference of almost four inches, which is why hand size is such an important factor in the NFL draft.
There are three main types of hand sizes in the NFL: small, medium, and large. Small hands are defined as measuring less than 9 inches in length from the tip of the thumb to the bottom of the pinky finger. Medium hands are between 9 and 10 inches, and large hands are anything over 10 inches.
