Wilson GST Leather Footballs

Premium leather game ball is the top choice of high school and college football programs.
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The Wilson GST football is the gold standard for high school and collegiate play, built for durability, control, and consistent performance. Designed with patented laces and deep channeling, this leather football delivers a reliable grip that supports active, engaging learning and skill development. Its dual-tone design with white stripes also makes tracking the ball easier during drills and game play. 

Built for Maximum Durability 

This football is built to last with an 863 premium GST WE leather cover that stands up to daily use in demanding school environments and games. 

 A multilayered lining and 3-ply bladder provide excellent air retention and moisture control, helping the ball maintain its shape and performance over time. This construction ensures long-lasting value for physical education programs, teams, and recreational use. 

Superior Grip for Better Control 

The Wilson GST football is designed to give players unmatched control. Composite leather stripes offer 82% more grip than traditional painted stripes, while patented Accurate Control Lacing delivers 174% more grip than standard laces. This enhanced feel helps improve passing and catching accuracy by reducing slips during play. Choose the laces and logo in 4 color options beyond black to match school or organization's colors.

Trusted by Programs Nationwide 

Preferred by more than 18 NCAA programs and numerous state high school associations, this football is trusted by schools for its consistent performance. It is available in youth and official sizes to meet a variety of program needs. Official size options include multiple color choices, and balls that meet NFHS specifications include an authentication mark. 

Designed for Easy Tracking and Skill Development 

The dual-tone color pattern with white stripes improves visibility, making it easier for students to track the ball in the air. This feature supports skill-building activities and helps players react more quickly during drills and games. 

Key Specs and Benefits 

  • Construction: Premium materials and design make it a top choice by high school and college programs  
  • Cover: Premium leather  
  • Laces:  Patented pebbled laces for ultimate durability and grip. Choose from 4 color options beyond black to match school or organization's colors.
  • Stripes: Sewn-in composite stripes enhance players’ grip 
  • Bladder: Airlock butyl bladder  
  • Usage: Designed for game play in high school and college 
  • Specifications: Official size meets NFHS and NCAA specifications

Upgrade your program with the Wilson GST football and give athletes the grip, durability, and performance they need to succeed! 

Football Drills and Activity Ideas with Wilson® GST™ Leather Footballs

The Wilson® GST™ Leather Football is a top-tier ball ideal for teaching students throwing, catching, and kicking techniques. These activities are designed to build fundamental movement skills like coordination, agility, and manipulative skills while fostering teamwork and individual performance. Below are distinct, fun, and engaging activities using the Wilson® GST™ Leather Football.

1. Target Throw Challenge: Students practice their throwing accuracy by aiming for progressively smaller targets, like hoops or cones. The sewn-in stripes on the Wilson® GST™ Football help students focus on their grip and spiral formation, increasing control and precision.

2. Precision Punting: Punters work on both distance and directional punting using the Wilson® GST™ Football. Thanks to the ball's pebbled leather and easy grip, students can control their kicks with greater precision, helping them focus on pinning opponents in specific field positions.

3. Grip & Go Running Back Drill: Running backs practice ball security by holding the Wilson® GST™ Football high and tight as they maneuver through a line of defenders trying to strip the ball. The ball’s patented leather texture and sewn-in stripes help players maintain grip, even when contact is made.

4. Sideline Catch Drill: Receivers work on catching the ball along the sidelines and keeping their feet in bounds. 

5. Game-Stripe Quarterback Challenge: Quarterbacks practice their footwork and throwing accuracy by hitting moving targets at various distances. The Wilson® GST™ Football’s sewn-in stripes allow them to maintain a consistent grip, even in quick rollouts or when throwing on the run.

6. Pebbled Leather Fumble Recovery Drill: In this drill, defenders practice recovering fumbles by pouncing on the Wilson® GST™ Football. The pebbled leather helps players grip the ball firmly, reducing the likelihood of a loose ball during a fumble recovery.

7. QB Rollout Timing Drill: Quarterbacks practice rolling out to the right or left and delivering a strike to a receiver. The Wilson® GST™ Football’s enhanced grip allows the QB to keep control of the ball while on the move, resulting in accurate passes under pressure.

8. Stripe & Sprint Drill: Receivers and defensive backs engage in one-on-one sprints, where the receiver must track the Wilson® GST™ Football using the sewn-in stripes to make a clean catch. The stripes help receivers stay focused on the ball as they fight for position.

9. Red Zone Fade Drill: Receivers practice catching fade routes in the end zone using the GST’s pebbled leather for enhanced grip during contested catches. QBs work on placing the ball in high spots where only the receiver can grab it.

10. Stripe-Tracked Catch Relay: Receivers form a relay line, catching the football and sprinting down the field. 

11. Interception Drill: Defensive backs practice jumping routes and intercepting passes. The sewn-in stripes on the GST make it easier to time and track the ball in flight, enhancing the defensive backs’ ability to anticipate and react quickly.

12. Out Route Precision: Receivers practice running crisp out routes, and QBs focus on timing the throw perfectly. The Wilson® GST™ Football’s grip and control help QBs place the ball where only the receiver can catch it, improving both timing and accuracy.

13. Punt Return Focus: Returners practice fielding punts using the Wilson® GST™ Football. The sewn-in stripes aid in tracking the ball in the air, giving the returner better control and focus, especially during high, spiraling kicks.

14. Pop-Up Drill: This drill focuses on recovering fumbled balls. Coaches throw or pop up the football at random, and players must react quickly to recover it. The ball’s pebbled leather allows for a firm grip, even during fast recoveries.

15. Field Goal Frenzy: Kickers practice field goals from various distances, using the GST’s exceptional grip and control for improved ball handling during the snap and hold process. The focus is on accuracy and consistency, kicking through target zones marked with cones.

Gopher offers a football for you no matter your players’ ages, skill levels, or program type—but sometimes that choice can be overwhelming. See our guide to sizing and materials to help decide which is best for you!

Football Material Types:

Composite: A quality leather-like material at a good price. Great versatile option for a practice or game ball. 

Synthetic: A manufactured material that offers the enhanced grip and feel of a composite at a good price. Great for practice and PE instruction.

Leather: The best handling material. Used in pro, college, and high school game settings.

Rubber: Molded construction offers an extremely durable surface at a low cost. Great for PE and other demanding institutional usage. 

Football Size Guide:

Size

Diameter

Age Level

Pee Wee

10”L x 5-¾"

Early Elementary

Junior

10-¾”L x 6"

Upper Elementary

Youth

11”L x 6-½"

Middle School / Jr High

Official

11”L x 7”

High School & Up
 

 

Looking for football storage bags? Follow this size guide: 

*estimates based on an inflated, official sized football* Mesh Bags Duffles DuraBags BackSacks

Small

2 footballs

-

-

-

Medium

5 footballs

-

-

-

Large

10 footballs

4 footballs 4 footballs 12 footballs

Extra Large

16 footballs

14 footballs

14 footballs

16 footballs

Extra Extra Large

25 footballs

18 footballs

18 footballs

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