How to Hold a Football Like a Quarterback

Learning to hold a football like a quarterback is the key to throwing a hard, tight spiral on a pass play. Get it right and you'll be the hero of the game. Get it wrong and you'll be watching from the bench. Here's how to hold the ball to put control, distance and speed on your throw.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Start by gripping the ball with both hands. This allows you get your throwing hand into the proper position on the ball.

2. Turn the ball so the laces are up and on the same side as your throwing hand.

3. Position your throwing hand along the rear half of the ball with your first three fingers along the string line where the football is laced. Only two of your fingers, the middle finger and ring finger, should be touching the laces under the first joint of both fingers. Your index finger should be to the rear of the laces to help control your throw. Your thumb grips the ball from the opposite side. Your remaining two fingers will serve to steady the ball just below the laces.

4. Get a comfortable grip on the ball with your throwing hand and take your other hand off the ball. You should be able to hold the ball with one hand and have a little daylight between the ball and the crease in the palm of your hand. The nose of the ball will point slightly upward with the proper grip.

5. Release the ball as you throw, letting the laces spin off your fingers to create a nice, tight spiral.

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