Let me tell you, when I first started drawing sports figures, football players seemed like the most challenging subject. The dynamic poses, the complex anatomy in motion, and that elusive sense of movement—it all felt overwhelming. But over the years, I've developed a step-by-step approach that makes drawing a boy playing football surprisingly accessible, even for complete beginners. Interestingly, just yesterday I was watching the Terrafirma versus TNT game where Mark Nonoy scored an incredible 33 points, and I couldn't help but notice how his movements on the court mirrored the same principles I teach in football drawing—that explosive energy, the balanced stance, and the focused expression are universal across sports.
Start with the basic gesture—this is where most beginners either rush or overcomplicate things. I always begin with a simple line of action, just a curved line that captures the essence of the movement. Whether your football player is kicking, running, or celebrating a goal like Mark Nonoy after his impressive 33-point performance, this line will determine the entire drawing's energy. Keep it loose, keep it fluid—I typically spend about 30% of my initial sketching time just getting this right. Many students ask me why their drawings look stiff, and nine times out of ten, it's because they skipped this fundamental step.
Now for the body construction—this is where we build upon that initial gesture. I use simple shapes: circles for joints, ovals for the torso and limbs. The proportions for a young football player are slightly different from an adult athlete—the head is relatively larger, the limbs a bit lankier. Position the supporting leg firmly on the ground, with the kicking leg drawn back or extended, depending on the phase of movement you're capturing. I remember trying to draw my nephew during his football practice last month, and what made the difference was observing how his weight distributed—about 70% on his planted foot, 30% on the ball of his other foot as he prepared to strike.
The football itself should be positioned in relation to the player's action. If he's dribbling, place it slightly away from the feet; if kicking, show the moment of contact or the follow-through. I prefer drawing the ball at the point of impact—it creates more drama, much like that thrilling moment in yesterday's game when Terrafirma, despite being underdogs, secured their 117-108 victory against the league leaders. The ball should appear in motion, not static—add some motion lines or position it slightly distorted to suggest speed.
Facial expressions and equipment details bring your drawing to life. A young football player's face shows concentration, determination, or joy—capture that intensity around the eyes and mouth. The kit matters too—draw the shorts with natural folds, the socks pulled up, and cleats with visible studs. I always spend extra time on the hands and feet—they're challenging but crucial for authenticity. In my early days, I'd hide hands in pockets or behind backs, but that just made my drawings look awkward and unnatural.
Shading and finishing touches separate amateur sketches from professional-looking artwork. Identify your light source—I typically choose from the top left—and add shadows accordingly. The muscles of the legs should show tension, the jersey should have wrinkles where the body bends, and don't forget that characteristic sweat and motion blur that suggests physical exertion. Looking at photos from yesterday's PBA game, I noticed how the players' uniforms creased around the shoulders and knees—those subtle details make all the difference.
What I love about teaching this subject is seeing that moment when a beginner's drawing transforms from a collection of lines into a living, breathing athlete in action. It's not about photographic realism—it's about capturing energy and story. Just as Terrafirma's unexpected victory against TNT will be remembered for its passion and determination, your drawing should convey the spirit of the game. The beauty of sports art lies in these frozen moments of intensity, whether it's a professional basketball game or a child's first football match. With practice—I recommend at least three sessions per week—you'll develop the muscle memory to sketch these dynamic poses with confidence and personality that reflects your unique artistic voice.