You must have experienced it: you and your friends are playing football in the backyard, the ball is ready to be thrown and your friend is in a very free position. However, your passing is very poor and looks more like a duck shot down from the sky. So that it doesn't happen again, learn how to hold the ball properly and do spiral throws.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Grasping the Ball Correctly
Step 1. Use the right size ball
If the size of the ball used is too large, the spiral throw will be difficult. Even if the technique is correct, the pass will still look ugly if the ball used is the wrong size. Therefore, find the ball size that is right for you:
- Size 9 is the official standard for professional competitions, universities and all players aged 14 and over.
- Players aged 12-14 should use a size 8.
- Sizes 6 and 7 are for small children.
Step 2. Position your fingers between the strings of the ball
The best finger position for a spiral throw is that the ring and little fingers of the dominant hand are between the ball's strings, and the thumb is under it, on the opposite side of the ball. The thumb should be directly under the white ring on the ball. Use this white ring as a marker.
Some quarterbacks also place their middle finger along the ball's strings. It all depends on how big your hands are and what position is most comfortable
Step 3. Place your index finger near the end of the ball
Your index finger should pass through the seam, and be near the end of the ball so that it forms a right angle between your index finger and thumb.
Experiment to find the most comfortable and strong index finger position for you. Depending on the size of your hand, your index finger will be either closer to the other finger, or closer to the end of the ball
Step 4. Use your fingertips to hold the ball
Effective spiral throw spins are produced from the fingertips. Therefore the ball should be grasped with the fingertips. Try the practice of gripping the ball with your fingertips, and the knuckles are slightly curved away from the surface of the ball.
- Do not put your palms together with the ball. Give a little distance between the surface of the ball with the middle of the palm.
- The grip should be strong enough so that the ball does not slip when the hand is rotated, but not too tight so that the fingers do not get tired quickly.
Part 2 of 3: Making Spiral Throws
Step 1. Position both feet correctly
Spread your feet shoulder width apart. Flex your knees slightly, and stand facing your side. If your dominant hand is right, then your left foot is in front.
- Transfer the weight to the back leg. This will give your throw more power.
- The foot opposite the thrower's hand is in front of the throwing target.
- It's best to keep your feet moving. When the ball is thrown the feet should never be stiff and careless.
Step 2. Perform the correct throwing motion
When you find your target and prepare to throw the ball, keep your upper arm perpendicular to your body and your forearm at a right angle. Use your other hand to hold the ball to keep a firm grip on the ball.
- Elbows should always be at a 90-degree angle when the ball is pulled back before being thrown. Rotate the throwing arm at the shoulder, pushing straight ahead but the ball and throwing hand are still facing up.
- Use your whole body to throw the ball. Do it in one smooth, flowing motion and twist your body on the throw. Step forward with your forefoot, and push your non-throwing hand forward to maintain balance.
Step 3. Release the ball well
If thrown well, the ball feels as if it was pushed straight ahead, and the palms face down after throwing. Release the ball at the highest point of the throw before the arm rotates down. If the ball is thrown too high, the pass will falter and if the release is too late, the ball will hit the ground.
- When the ball is released, rotate the ball with your finger to produce a spiral throw. Basically, use your fingers to spin the ball out of your hand. Just make sure your hands and arms are extended so that when the ball is released, your index finger is the last to touch the ball.
- Some football players like Philip Rivers and Tim Tebow use the side-arm style to make effective spiral throws. There is also a vertical throw like Joe Montana. Most quarterbacks fall somewhere in between.
Step 4. Go on
If the throwing motion stops when the ball is released, the ball will wobble. This is the most common cause of wobbly throws. Be sure to continue the throwing motion to the end, even for short throws. Rotate the pitcher's thumb toward the thigh of the forefoot. The tip of the index finger should be the part of the hand that touched the ball last.
Part 3 of 3: Improving the Quality of Spiral Throw
Step 1. As you practice more, your throwing motion will become smoother
There are many components to throwing a ball properly, and all of them can be improved with practice. The most important thing in spiral throwing is to make all the throwing mechanics as smooth as possible. So, practice diligently until you are really proficient.
Step 2. Do a melee practice
If you intend to hail Mary, most of the pitch will appear wobbly. To fully understand the mechanics of the spiral throw, it's a good idea to practice short, accurate passes first, not more than 9-14 meters apart to begin with. Once you are comfortable and strong enough to throw at that distance, feel free to increase the distance gradually.
Step 3. Stretch before throwing
Stiff muscles can be the cause of a wobbly throw and even cramping. So, it's important to stretch beforehand. Stretch for 10-15 minutes before throwing the ball and feel the difference in the quality of your passes and your muscles won't hurt the next day. Try doing some of the following stretching movements:
- Back stretch
- Shoulder stretch
- Upper back stretch
- Chest stretch
Step 4. Increase upper body strength
Correct mechanics is the most important part of making a spiral throw. However, basic throwing power is equally important, especially when you're going to make long-range passes. Increase the strength of the biceps, triceps, pectorals and forearms.
Step 5. Increase the strength of both hands
Hand and wrist strength is an important factor in getting a quality throwing motion. Improve your hand and wrist strength for a reliable and accurate spiral throw.
