Q&A for How to Throw a Spiral

It depends on how far away your target is. If your target is close, no need for the ball to go high. If your target is kind of far, yes, you would need to make it go high a little.

Depends on how far your target is. But overall, it should just roll off your fingertips. The force should come from you stepping into the throw with your legs, so you don't really need to put much strength in the 'flick'.

Practice. Learn to keep your feet set the right way and use good form when passing.

Fast balls. Aim for the center mass of the receiver. It will be easier for him to make the reception and hold the ball close to his stomach.

When throwing a spiral, you want a small space between the ball and the palm of your hand (creating a pocket shape). Your arms may not be strong enough as well, so if that's the case, work on your upper core.

Work on your follow through and stepping through your throw, and you'll be throwing a perfect deep ball spiral in no time.

Spend more time practicing your spiral while wearing your equipment to get used to the padding.

For me, if I ever need to be calm I chant in my head something uplifting like, "there is no such thing as fear." Or if you are scared of disappointment just tell yourself you are too good to miss and that should help you calm down.

It's actually not about how many fingers are on the seam. It's about making sure your thumb and index finger are behind the ball, and that your other fingers will be able to roll the laces when you release your throw.

Throwing a spiral is easier when your fingers are between the laces, with your pointer finger near the tip. But if you find another way to do it, you can do it that way. The trick to a perfect spiral is practice.

It depends on the the grandma. Generally lighter would be better for arm strength but it is easier to throw a spiral with a heavier ball. Your grandma should try both and see which one she likes better.

The ball is supposed to spiral a little at the end; it's not from too much flick, you're actually putting the perfect amount of flick.

Keep practicing with a target.

Don't throw the ball high. That's dangerous. A short quarterback's best bet is to throw on the run.

The laces are the white lines on the football. Your fingers should go in between those laces.

Hold the ball with both hands until you begin your throwing motion. As you throw, point the ball downfield, and let your fingertips be the last part of your hand to touch the ball.

On the seams.

Is your arm at a 90 degrees angle? Are your feet flat on the ground? Are your neck and head straight? Is your ball behind your head but not too far? Have someone check your form.

Hit the gym and work on biceps, triceps and deltoids. That should help you throw the ball farther.

Yes, you should keep your grip tight.

No, following through has no effect on the spiral, but it does increase the power of the throw and decrease strain on your arm.

Try not to throw the ball exactly like a baseball. The follow-through should not make your wrist bend down, because your hand is on the side of the ball. When you throw, your arm should come down across your body instead, preventing your wrist from moving.

See Be a Good Wide Receiver .

Scrambling is a good talent to have, but most passing plays work better if you can stand in the pocket.

If you will directly face your target and throw with a fully overhand motion, the ball will go toward the target. If the ball sails too high, release it later in your throw. If it goes too low, release it sooner. Once you get comfortable with this, you can experiment with slightly different throwing motions.

It's mainly a matter of arm strength: lots of weights and push-ups.

If you will simply play catch with someone or play quarterback in a casual game, that should answer most of your basic questions.

The ball will spin if your fingertips are the last part of your hand to touch the ball as you let it go.

Yes. A spiraling ball will not "wobble" in flight, will be less affected by wind and will be easier for the receiver to catch.

When you throw, your palm might be facing down, causing the ball to spin sideways. Let the ball roll off your fingers and keep the back of your throwing hand away from your face.