Some people believe that fall arrives when the leaves change colors, but for many Americans, it's marked by the long toss, the end zone dive and the goal line stand. Football has been king of U.S. sports for decades, especially because it can be played in the backyard. Basketball, baseball, hockey and soccer take a fair amount of organization. Throwing a pigskin requires two people and no special equipment. Throw a tight spiral down field to your buddy, and you can understand why the end of the calendar year is the beginning of elation.
Step 1
Grip the football by the laces. Keep your index finger off the laces completely. Put the rest of your fingers along the horizontal lace, not on the vertical laces. Place your thumb on the ball comfortably underneath the laces.
Step 2
Take three steps back. Pause with the ball by your ear. Secure the other side of the ball with your opposite hand. Survey the field for potential receivers, if there are any. Your leading foot should be the one opposite your throwing arm. For instance, a right-handed thrower would have his left foot forward.
Step 3
Turn your body so that you're in line with the target. Pull your shoulder back. The ball should stay in the same position throughout the throw.
Step 4
Look at your target one last time. Turn your shoulder forward and release the ball in one motion. Step forward when you throw the ball, shifting your weight from your back foot to your front foot. Keep your shoulder from dipping on the follow-through.
Tips and Warnings
- Snap your wrist counter-clockwise upon release. This motion will make for a better spiral.
- Hold the football with both hands for as long as possible. The leather grip of the ball differs from rubber footballs in that it is more difficult to grip, especially in poor weather conditions. Secure your grasp on the laces before throwing the ball. They will provide better grip and control than the leather of the ball. Do not throw off of your front or back foot. Balance between both feet is required for a proper throw. Shift your weight from the back leg to the front during your throw but keep both feet permanently planted.
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