This easy drawing tutorial shows how to draw a cartoon football step by step. You will build the shape slowly, then add simple details for a friendly face. It is a calm drawing for beginners and works well with markers or crayons.
What You Will Need
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Black marker or pen
- Colored pencils or crayons (brown, white, red, and light gray)
Here are my RECOMMENDED Art Supplies!
- Crayola Coloring Set (140 Pieces – Mega Value!)
- 24 Colored Crayon Set
- A4 Printer Paper
- Crayola Coloring Pencils
- HP Home Printer with Instant Ink!
Time needed:
13 minutes.
Step-by-Step Drawing Guide
Step 1: Sketch the Football’s Main Oval
Start with a tilted oval in the center of your page, like an egg lying on its side. Keep the lower-left side a bit rounder and the upper-right side a little narrower to feel like a cartoon football. Use a light line so it’s easy to refine later.
Pro Tip: Avoid sharp points on the ends; slightly rounded tips look cuter.
Step 2: Add the Seam and Laces
Draw a long, gently curved line across the football, running from the lower-left toward the upper-right. Add a few short vertical stitches across the middle of that line, spaced evenly like laces. Then darken the outer oval to make the football shape clearer.
Pro Tip: Let the seam curve with the oval so the football feels more rounded.
Step 3: Add the End Stripes
On the left and right ends, add two gently curved vertical lines on each side, following the football’s round shape. Leave a small gap between each pair to create stripe bands. Let the stripes stop softly before the edge for a cleaner cartoon look.
Pro Tip: Match the stripe curve to the outline so the football still feels round.
Step 4: Add a Small Logo Detail
In the open area on the upper-left part of the football, draw a small spiral shape, like a curled “6.” Add a short curved line above it as a little shine mark to make the football feel more playful. Keep it slightly away from the edge so it sits comfortably.
Pro Tip: Keep the logo small and in an open spot so the laces stay the main focus.
Step 5: Add the Second Cartoon Eye
In the open space to the left of the laces, draw a second small round eye, similar in size to the first one. Add a tiny inner circle for a highlight, then place a short curved eyebrow above it. Keep both eyes at a similar height, with a slight difference for a cute expression.
Pro Tip: Leave a small gap between the eyes so the face feels open and clear.
Step 6: Draw a Smiling Mouth
In the open space below the laces, add a long curved smile, dipping a little lower in the middle. Add a tiny short line at each end, like small dimples, to soften the expression. Keep the curve smooth so the face feels friendly.
Pro Tip: Leave a little space under the laces so the smile doesn’t feel crowded.
Step 7: Color in your drawing!
Fun Facts
- A football’s laces come from older designs where the ball was stitched closed by hand.
- The pointed shape helps the football spin in the air when it is thrown.
- The white end stripes can make the ball easier to see during fast plays.
Pin it now, Draw later!
You now have a cheerful cartoon football with stripes, laces, and a friendly face. For coloring, start with a warm brown body, then add lighter shading along one side to show roundness. A soft gray shadow under the football can help it “sit” on the page.
A common beginner mistake is making the seam line too straight, which can make the football look flat. Let your seam and stripes curve gently with the oval.
Take your time and try drawing the football again with a different expression. Keep practicing, and explore more step by step drawing ideas to build confidence.
Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide
FREE Download Printable Cartoon Football Drawing Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the football look more 3D?
Curve the seam and stripes, then add light shading on one side and a small shadow underneath.
What if my oval looks uneven?
Lightly erase and adjust the outline, or redraw the oval with a softer pencil line first.
Can I change the face expression?
Yes. Try a smaller smile, a surprised “O” mouth, or different eyebrow angles for new moods.
