throwing mechanics

Question
hi
my name is ed i live in the uk and am just starting to play football, i want to play quaterback as i can throw the ball accurate and long, however i dont always get the right spiral on the ball, can you explain why this is? and can you explain what the correct throwing feel and mechanics are as i am not completely sure of these as at the moment i am just griping it and throwing it like you would any normal ball. also any drills would be very appreciated.
thanks

Answer
Ed

Here are some instruction video links that can help you:

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL7xmniYK6c
2.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pI_ufB6gKB0&feature=user
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr2MdLTEanw&feature=related
4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xwk78aVggnA&feature=related
5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWo2b13-C_4&feature=related
6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuQKM9BaWlU&feature=related
7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52JJ7Upfii4&feature=related
8. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ_r19DgoRo&feature=related
9. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AUUN01smAk&feature=related


Drills:

Progression Drills
Purpose
This is an excellent Warm Up Drill for quarterbacks.  It  will improve arm strength and will help prevent arm soreness.
Description Two QBs or a QB and Coach or QB and Receiver align across from each other at about a distance of 10 yards.  The drill begins with both people in a seated position and they will play catch with the football .  It is important to watch the mechanics of the throw to be sure that all the proper mechanics are being followed.  This is not a time to develop bad habits.

Throw about 25 balls in each position. It must be Stressed that both hands on football,Bring the ball up to the arm pit, then snap it up to the throwing position (cock  your gun and fire). Be sure to follow through. Remember to roll the thumb over with the index finger being the last to leave the ball

KNEELING ON BOTH KNEES
Purpose - The purpose is to warm up the arm and, at the same time,
teach concentration on target and ball release.  Description 2 Quarterbacks pair off about 10 yards apart directly in line with each other, kneeling on both knees. receiving Quarterback will hold both hands up, giving the throwing quarterback a target to throw to. Don't throw hard and concentrate on target.  Two Knees Drill - This Quarterback Warm Up Drill forces the Quarterback to focus on Good Arm and Upper Body Technique

KNEELING ON RIGHT KNEE
Purpose - To develop stronger arm and wrist snap. Description
2 Quarterbacks pair off 10 yards apart facing each other and get down on one knee (their throwing arm side leg). the quarterback places the football on the ground grips it with just his throwing hand lifts it up with one hand, cocks his arm and ball high with two hands and throws the football to partner. Exaggerate follow through, pick up grass. Use the arm only. Switch the down knee for variation.
Make sure arm movement is lead by elbow. Then alternat to the left knee.  One Knee Drill- The One Knee Quarterback Warm Up Drill also works on the Quarterback Arm and Upper Body Technique with his hips locked in the step position.

KNEELING ON LEFT KNEE (same as above))

OTHER PASSING Drills:

Feet Parallel Drill - The Feet Parallel Quarterback Warm Up Drill works on Good Body Technique with the legs working on the lead-in phase of the throw.

Opposite Foot Drill - The Opposite Foot Quarterback Warm Up Drill works on Good Body Rotation when forced to throw back without being able to set the feet right.

Normal Foot Follow Through - The Normal Foot Follow Through Quarterback Warm Up Drill is the final progression step of throwing the Football now in a natural and complete motion.

Circle Toss- The Circle Toss Quarterback Passing Drill works on Throwing on the Run (especially on the Roll Out Pass.)

Down The Line - The Quarterback Down The Line Drill work on Throwing a Short Drop Off Pass on the Run.


Victor Winnek
NCAA Football Official