How to Throw a Football Spiral
Just like in other sports, how you throw the ball is very important in football. If not done properly, the football will look like a wounded duck pass, and will cost your team the big win. One of the basic throws in football is the spiral. If you’re a newbie at this sport, here’s how you can throw an impressive and tight football spiral.
What You’ll Need:
Football
Open field
Rubber shoes
Procedure:
Perfect your grip on the football. If you have average-sized hands, your grip must be positioned near the end of the ball, just at the point at the back of it. Your hand should be on the laces, spread apart in a comfortable but secure manner, your ring finger should be on the first lace and the pinkie at least at the fourth lace, while the index and middle are off. Hold the ball firmly, but not too much so you’ll still have control.
football spiral throw
Practice the right stance. This is very important in your throw’s success. Spread your feet a bit less than a shoulder’s width away from each other. The leg on the non-passing side should be extended in front of your body. As for the leg on the throwing side, put it slightly behind you.
Your lower body should be balanced and you shouldn’t lean backwards or forward during the throw. Avoid slouching. Your feet should be flat on the floor, facing straight outwards. The laces should face away from you. Lock your eyes and head on the target.
As you begin the throwing motion, put your back foot in the ground, so you’ll have the right leverage. The throw’s power comes not from the arm motion, but from the lower body. Hip rotation is also very important for a good football spiral.
Hold the ball and ark your arm backwards, so you’re holding it at the same height as your head. The laces should be facing the opposite way of the hand you’re using. As for your other hand, lift it at least two feet in front of your face, the open palm facing your target.
As you start rotating your hip, bring your football straight back, just behind your head, almost touching it. Your elbow should be close to your body as you bring the football back.
As your move the football forward to do the spiral, release the thumb from the football, rotating the wrist as you release it from the laces. The football should spiral in the air neatly and tightly to reach your target. When the throw is completed, your palm should be facing the ground.
Some Tips:
Proper wrist movement is very important for this throw.
During an actual game, you might only have a few seconds to perfect everything: the grip, the stance and the throw. Learn to practice all these movements fluidly.
Make sure you practice in an open field, away from people, so you won’t accidentally hit anyone.
A perfectly-executed football spiral can be the key to win a game. Remember these steps and tips, and soon enough, your spiral will be as good as that of a professional player’s. Have a great game! If you want to go back to basics, learn how to pass a football and how to catch a football.