by Debby Burton

Created on: October 23, 2008   Last Updated: October 28, 2008

Have you really looked at a football? It looks a bit like a missile, but bulges in the middle. There are two points, and a thread of a large seam running end to end. Footballs are so large, not many people can easily hold them with one hand. But to make them really fly, only one hand is needed, and they must spin as well. Once you have learned how to throw a football, you will never forget.

Hold the football with the laces facing up. Use your throwing hand, which is generally the one you write with. Put that index finger on the point, and spread your three fingers on the laces. Put your thumb on the other side of the ball - anywhere that holds the ball steady. Feel the grip? Adjust so that it is comfortable in your hand.

Moving your hand back to your shoulder, try aiming at something with the tip of the ball. When you are comfortable, think about the spin. Before you actually throw, think of pushing off of the laces with those three fingers to make the ball rotate as it goes. Try a small throw but AIM before you start the spin. Pull the ball back, and aim it where you want it to go. If you must throw over people's heads, aim in either a direction or height to miss them. Keep your arm steady, and remember to brush the laces with those three fingers. The ball should rotate as it goes forward (think of the earth rotating as it moves).

This requires practice. There are other ways to throw footballs. Lateral passes, for example. These are just ways to pitch the ball sideways to fake out the other team. No skill required for this pass. In fact, even when the Center hikes the ball to the Quarterback, there is no certain way to pitch the ball. It just requires being sure the QB can get hold of it. Catching a thrown ball is best done with both hands open and together at the base of the palm, open enough to grab and secure the ball. A woman who can throw a football is a valuable person to many men. But anyone can throw a football with practice.

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