How to Throw a Football
Throwing a football correctly, with spiral, is not so easy.
Throwing a football is easy. Throwing a football correctly, with spiral, is not.
To begin, hold the ball in your dominant hand — your middle, ring, and pinkie fingers should be on the laces, while your pointer and thumb should be gripping the point of the ball.
Stand with your feet and body perpendicular to your target. Fixate your eyes on where you want the ball to go, and bring and keep your elbow at shoulder height while you launch the football toward your target.
Your follow-through should leave your throwing hand touching your opposite hip. When you throw the ball, turn your hips and shoulders toward your target — this is where the power comes from. If you don't put your whole body into the throw, it will likely come up short of your target. As you turn your body, shift your weight from your back foot to the front.
To add spiral — and seriously, it's the coolest part of throwing a football — make sure your fingertips are the last thing to release the ball. Snap your wrist upon release.
Bad throws result when your focus is on the throw itself. Instead, concentrate on your release and follow-through to ensure a tight spiral — and remember to turn your hips and shift your weight to get good distance.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
-
I Researched Over 2,000 Beauty Gift Sets to Find 57 Options Worth Your Money
Holiday shopping made easy.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Meet Mia Rodgers, the Witty Brit Making Waves on 'The Sex Lives of College Girls' Season 3
Taylor is one of several new students on the Essex College campus this season.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
King Charles Might Take Back Some of the "Treasures" From Brother Prince Andrew's Home in Ongoing Battle Over Royal Lodge
One author says there's a possibility the Royal Collection Trust could "start taking the paintings and some of the furniture away."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
The 100 Best Movies of All Time: The Ultimate Must-Watch Films
We consider these essential viewing.
By Quinci LeGardye Last updated
-
The 32 Best Sports Movies Ever
These hit a home run.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
A’ja Wilson Says the "Biggest Thing" in Addressing the Gender Pay Gap Is Finding Allies to Invest in the WNBA
The WNBA star and author spoke to editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike for 'Marie Claire' podcast "Nice Talk."
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Where Are the Stars of Netflix's 'America's Sweethearts: The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders' Now?
Most importantly, here's who returned to this season's training camp.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Cleopatra Coleman Plays the Fascinating Center of a Tabloid Scandal in 'Clipped'
The Australian actress discusses finding humanity in her depiction of V. Stiviano in the new FX series about the Donald Sterling scandal.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Flag Football Star Diana Flores on the Collective Power of Women's Sports
"I bet if you see a female athlete succeed, you're going to cheer with her."
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The Best Bollywood Movies of 2023 (So Far)
Including one that just might fill the Riverdale-shaped hole in your heart.
By Andrea Park Published
-
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ 2023: Everything We Know
Cue up Mike Reno and Ann Wilson’s “Almost Paradise."
By Andrea Park Last updated