Trick to Tightening a Spiral Football

Proper grip is the starting point for throwing a tight spiral.

NFL great Steve Young threw for more than 33,000 yards and 232 touchdowns in his Hall-of-Fame career. Even he, though, has admitted that it was difficult to throw tight spirals every time because he does not have large hands. Proper technique can help a quarterback at any level develop the trick to tighten a spiral and deliver a pass that's on target for a receiver to turn into a big gain.

Instructions

1. Wipe your hands dry before taking the snap. Tuck a field towel into the waist of your pants to use. Taking moisture off your fingers reduces the chance the football will slip during your throwing motion.

2. Grasp the ball with the tip of your pinky finger at the middle of the laces. Spread your fingers comfortably so they are equally spaced across the top seam. The index and middle finger may rest on the leather, depending on the size of your hand.

3. Release the ball after moving your arm forward at a 45-degree angle. Retired NFL quarterback Phil Simms said you cannot put the proper spin on a spiral by throwing overhand, with your arm angle directly perpendicular to the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• Turn your upper body toward the target as your arm moves forward. Simms recommends this action to prevent you from simply pushing the ball forward with your arm and cutting down on the spin created by your release.

References

• The Wall Street Journal: How To Thrown Like a Pro
• Inside the 49ers: Meeting Steve Young
• NFL: Steve Young