1. Get a Grip
Grab the football and grip it in your throwing hand. Place the hand closer towards the top of the football. The fingers should be the primary contact point on the football. The palm of the hand should barely touch the football if at all. The grip should be loose but secure. It should be difficult to dislodge from your grip because in football ball security is very important. Position the fingers over the laces of the football. The placement of the laces in relation to the grip is important because the laces provide leverage for the throw. Experiment with slight variations on this football grip to determine the best one for you.
2. Throwing Motion
As you raise the arm to throw the football, it is important to recognize how the throwing motion dictates velocity and accuracy. Bring the ball back towards your ear and keep the elbow inside your body. Use the off-hand to provide protection and support for the football. Keep your shoulders square as you bring the football back. When you throw the football, keep it steady and release the support hand. Bring the throwing arm forward in the direction of the target. Release the football at the midpoint of the motion by rotating the palm inside with the palm facing you at the end of the release. Finally, the index finger should be the last contact point before finishing the throwing motion.
3. Football Footwork
The lower body gives the throw its power and you the proper balance. If you are right handed then place your left foot about six to eight inches out in front of the right and vice-versa for left-handers. Bend the knees slightly. When you start the throw plant the back foot to drive off and throw from that foot. The feet should also be roughly shoulder width apart. Never throw while fading away off your back foot because the throw will drift and miss the target.
4. Finish the Throw
Growing up our parent's constant maxim was to finish what you start and that is certainly the case when throwing a football. After you release the throw, it is vital that you do not finish the throw fading to one side or the other. Stand tall and hold the release for a few seconds after you release the football. This ensures the proper concentration on the throwing mechanics and provides you an excellent window to see if your throwing motion has any flaws.
5. Throwing Drill
An excellent drill to assist you in throwing a football correctly is to lie down flat on your back and throw the football. This allows a person to work specifically on throwing the football and nothing else. When throwing the football from your back, concentrate on throwing a nice tight spiral and do not worry about height. This drill is all about form.
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