Thegreatest area where friction is demanded and soon shows when it id not present is in the passing of the ball hand to hand. It is not just the ability to grip the ball that occurs in the handling process. Friction is needed to maintain the grasp. Passing the ball across the running like requires that the ball can be held and thrown - friction is required to maintain the equilibrium. The receiver of the ball needs to be able to hold on to the shiny surface of the ball. or we see it dropped like a bar of soap. Some players use a resin similar to that used on violin bows to increase the grip and reduce the slipping when throwing and catching. That the answer.
Look at the laws of friction and then watch a game of rugby league. That will give you the answer Or... Get a football and role it down hill.
