Like a loaf of bread 

If you hold a loaf of bread tightly, you will damage it. The term refers to holding the ball LIGHTLY as you would a LOAF OF BREAD, which means it can be easily dislodged from the player.

"To avoid a fumble, running backs should grip the ball tightly and not like a loaf of bread"

Like a loaf of bread by SwimUpRiver February 2, 2016

Like a loaf of bread 

The way TV sports announcers, usually following a fumble, describe a football player's style of holding the ball, when he has it in one hand away from his body. It's ridiculous because no one has ever actually seen anyone hold a loaf of bread that way, but they say it every time anyway.

No wonder he fumbled. Look how he was carrying it out there like a loaf of bread.

Like a loaf of bread by Ooooooya January 21, 2011