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Step 1
Grip the ball between the center and a point at one end. Gently grip the laces with the tips of all four fingers.
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Step 2
Pace your feet a little more than hips-width apart. Keep your feet pointing in the same direction for stability until beginning the throwing motion.
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Step 3
Cock your throwing arm with your shoulder back and elbow bent. Hold the ball behind your head just above the top of your ear.
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Step 4
Step into the throwing motion with the foot opposite your throwing arm. Right handed passers step with the left foot. Point the toe of your lead foot in the direction you plan to throw.
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Step 5
Lean forward into the throw. Use your shoulder and upper torso to force arm movement that straightens the elbow during the motion.
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Step 6
Create spinning rotation on the ball as you release it. Let go with your thumb first and pull slightly against the laces with your fingers. Make the football spiral in flight.
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Step 7
Arc the ball between you and the receiver. Release the ball while it's still pointing slightly upward. Only short passes can move in a straight line. Any pass over five yards will travel at a slight arc. The longer the passing distance the higher the arc. A "Hail Mary" pass is thrown upward and follows an arc similar to a rainbow.
