The most popular sport in America today is football. While baseball may be our national past time, it’s football that draws the huge television ratings and national interest. When it comes to playing the game with friends however, the inability to throw a football properly can strike at the confidence of a player. Maybe even cause them not to want to play at all. However, with a few simple pointers anyone can throw a nice football spiral with ease.
First, don’t grip the football too hard or too light. This will decrease your ability to control the ball as you throw.
Second, position the ball so that it is close to your shoulder. This is the optimal positioning to ensure a quick release of the ball.
Third, watch the target and make sure your back foot is also pointed toward the target. Shoulders should be parallel so that the ball is on course to travel where you want.
Fourth, throw the ball towards the target using a circular motion. Shift your weight towards the front foot and release the ball at the top of your circular motion as you are coming down. Your shoulder will generate the velocity if your throw while shifting your weight forward will help guide your pass toward the intended target.
Fifth, make sure you follow through with your throw. Errant throws are often the result of a poor release point. By releasing the ball at the right point in your throw, you will get speed and accuracy, but naturally this takes quite a bit of practice to perfect.
Throwing a football can be intimidating. You don’t want to look foolish or like less of a man for not being able to throw a ball, but sitting the game out is not a choice either. Simply practice and put the time in. Given these steps, you may not be Tom Brady, but you won’t embarass yourself either.