Why does the holder hold the laces away on the football?

My hubby, who by the way played pro ball for a bit in case somebody wonders if GOOGLED THIS ANSWER, says the holder holds the ball with the laces facing the upright because if the kicker kicks the laces it can cause the ball to "shank" (whatever that means), spin, and simply prevents a proper kick.

Ask Ray Finkle.

It's very simple. When the laces are properly turned away, the kicker makes impact with a smooth surface on the football. Therefore, the trajectory will be the "normal" or the expected trajectory. When he kicks the laces, the foot may impact one of the many bumps these laces make and the path of the ball may be altered a bit, either by a different spin or simply the wrong impact point.

I agree with Jobu. ;-) If the laces are the wrong way it can turn a football player psyco, make him get a sex change and steal a dolphin - like Ray Finkle

The reason is because if the kicker kicks with the laces in it could affect the way the ball comes off the kickers foot.

you ever kick a cold football on the laces? it hurts---but really the reason is a smoother trajectory.

The back side with no laces is smooth so when it's kicked, it flies smoother & striater. LAces side has the ridges so it will bounce to one side or the other.