by Chris Hester

Created on: December 03, 2008   Last Updated: July 04, 2011

If you have ever tried throwing a football, you know how frustrating it can be. It's about time to change that. Today you are going to learn how to throw a football! Would you like to throw a perfect spiral across your yard? With a little technique and some practice, in no time you will be throwing the ball like an expert.

Throwing a football is an art and today you will learn how to use this art. Learning how to throw a football properly does not take long to learn, if you are taught the proper technique behind it. The first thing that needs to be understood when learning how to throw a football is there is a few simple steps that must be followed. Once you learn these steps you will be launching the ball across your yard effortlessly.

The first step in throwing a football is proper grip. You should spread your finger out over the football, with your ring finger and pinky on the laces. Use your thumb and forefinger to make a "U" shape to cradle the ball. Make sure you have a firm grip so the ball does not slip out of your hand.

It's time to get in the proper stance to throw a football. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, always keeping the thumb on your non throwing hand facing the target. Have a solid grip on the football with your throwing hand and cradle the ball with the non throwing hand. Most of your power will come from your legs and trunk, so be sure to have a steady base as you are focusing in on your target.

As you prepare to throw the ball, you should begin opening your hips and trunk toward the target. Turn your hips first, followed by your torso and then your shoulders. As you bring the ball back, it should stop directly behind your ear. The nose of the ball should be facing behind you.

As your arm begins to move from the overhead position, your forearm should begin to extend in the direction you wish to throw. The spiral on the ball depends on your release.

Let go with your thumb as you throw. This lets the ball begin to rotate as your finger move off the laces. As your hand and wrist turn over the ball will leave your palm in a perfect spiral. Make sure you follow through with your palm facing the ground.

Now that you have the fundamentals, it is all in your hands. Grab a ball and hit the back yard for the most important step of all, practice.

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