Football Question/QB

Question
I play with a group of friends ages around 15, and I usually play QB if no one else would like to try it.  It is tackle football and it is competetive with teams of about 6v6 or more/less.  We have plays such as so-so reciever runs this route and adjusts if the defender is doing his job.   I believe I can throw a good spiral but it is not consistent and i believe it is my throwing mechanics/mechanics.  I have searched the internet but I feel it is only a general way to throw the football.  My question is what are the proper throwing mechanics and how can i improve my arm strength and use the "proper" mechanics to throw that hail mary 20-50 yards at least near the reciever.


Answer
Campbell -

Hey there again!  I am answering this one second, and the good news is that I CAN help you all you want with this one!  So, let's talk about your questions Campbell.

First off, you say you can throw a spiral, but it isn't consistant.  You have looked on the net, but it seems like general info.  Well, learning to throw a football is a general thing.  The basic mechanics are general.  However, there are a few FACTORS that may change, and you might have to adjust.  The first thing I see is that you HAVE the ability to throw a spiral.  IF you can do it once, you can do it 100 times.  It is physically possible is what I am saying.  So thats a good thing.  Here are the basics , with a few things to think about:

1- Grip:  When gripping the ball, your palm should not be pressed hard, if at all, on the ball.  Your finger tips are what is supposed to be gripping the ball.  If you palm it, it is harder to throw a tight spiral.  Place your finger tips on the laces, barely going across / over them.  Also, do not hold the ball squarely in your hand.  It should be slightly offset.  So, grab the ball with your hand equal on it, then shift the ball so that your fingers are pointing slightly towards the top of the ball (your thumb side of the hand).  This will help you get that tight spiral.  

2-  Arm motion:  Throwing a football is different from a baseball in 2 major ways. First is that in baseball (unless you are a catcher) you want to bring your arm in a full sweeping motion, going back behind you, then up over, and through.  When throwing a football, you have to do what's called a "short-arm" motion (just like a catcher).  For this, you bring the ball directly up to your right ear (if you are right handed, and vice versa).  You hold the ball there until it's time to throw.  When it is time, you do not take the ball any further back.. You throw directly from that position.  The second is the hand during release.  In baseball, your hand mostly goes around the outside of the ball as you throw, leaving your palm facing towards your body.  In football, your palm will actually turn inside-out, leaving it facing away from your body when done.  Think about it, and you will get it.  To get the spiral, you have to spin the ball using the laces to assist you.  When you are throwing, and turn your hand inside-out, it will create that spin. Your pointer finger should be the last part of you to touch the ball. Give it a try and you will see what I mean.

3-  Follow through:  This is basic.  Make sure and finish your motion.  This will increase distance and spin..

Remember... this takes a lot of time and effort.  Also, other things effect your results.  The size of your hands, size of the ball, weather / wind, is the ball over-inflated / under-inflated, and surface of the ball will make a difference.  Try laying on your back and throwing the ball in the air over and over.  This is a great drill.  You don't have to throw it high at all.  It isnt about the height, it's about the spin.

As for arm strength, start by just throwing the ball!  The more you throw, the stronger your arm will get.  Make sure and warm up correctly, then work on your distances.  Throw long passes each time you throw to increase arm strength.  Just be careful to warm up properly, and don't overdo it.  When your arm gets tired, stop for the day.  IF you are really sore one day, take it easy or don't throw at all.

I hope this helped you out.  Now go on the net and look for PICTURES of QBs throwing.  You will see what is written above, in action, which will greatly assist you in understanding the mechanics.  I am sure you will get this down in no time.  Let me know how it goes!

Best wishes

Coach Perl