How to Throw a Leather Football
Learn how to throw a leather football for backyard play or gridiron competition. Leather footballs have a slightly rough texture that makes them tacky for sure grip. A proper throw will cause the football to spin as it flies with one point leading through an arc in the air. The better you throw, the easier it will be for someone to catch. Coaches are quoted to say, "a good pass is one that is caught." Throw footballs with proper technique so all your passes can be caught.
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Instructions
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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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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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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 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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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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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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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.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice throwing footballs by playing catch with a friend. Try throwing across various distances. Ask your friend to run in a pattern so you can attempt to hit a moving receiver.
Wear a helmet, teeth guard, shoulder pads, thigh pads, tail pad and knee pads to play competition tackle football. Serious injuries can result from playing football even for players wearing full contact pads.
