by Charles Durfee

Created on: October 25, 2008   Last Updated: October 28, 2008

The key to throwing a football well is achieving a good spiral. Just like a rifled gun barrel spins a bullet to help it travel farther and more accurately, giving the ball spin as you throw it helps the ball travel down the field and into the arms of your receiver.

A football has laces to make it easy. Most people throw a football with the hand they write with. As you get ready to throw the ball, center the ball in your hand and rotate it so the laces are under your fingertips. When you've spied your target, pull your arm back so that you are holding the football a few inches from your head, cocked just behind your ear. As you are first learning, improve your accuracy by extending your other arm straight at your target, like a caveman getting ready to chuck a spear at your receiver.

To create that spiral, you need to put spin on the ball, and that's when your fingers come into play. As you let go, squeeze a little bit with your fingers, which will gently tug downward on the laces as you release it. It takes some practice to get the timing right, but you should see the laces "orbit" the ball as it travels if you are doing it right. If the ball isn't spinning right, try varying the finger pressure as you throw. If the ball is spinning but wobbly, try placing your hand more towards the front or back of the ball.

The moment has come. The cornerback has stumbled and your receiver is wide open! By now, your throws have a nice spiral, but it's not traveling very far. The next step is to increase your power.

As you begin your throw, prepare to put your whole body into it. All of your muscles are interconnected. By tensing and relaxing them in unison, you can generate a lot of power! Try pulling your shoulder back a little before throwing, and leaning your shoulder into the throw. Next, try it with your torso. Lastly, the legs. Almost like a baseball pitcher, you can lift your left leg (if your throwing with your right hand) before the throw and step forward into the throw, allowing your right leg to trail back for balance.

With some practice, you should be able to throw a spiral with the best of them!

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