I’m going to show you how to throw an NFL ball like they do on Sundays! I’ve been lucky enough to be in the stands and can tell you that it’s truly an amazing thing to witness, seeing the quarterback wind up and throw the ball with perfect precision. To the uninitiated, it’s a little confusing as to how to even start, but with some practice, you can throw just as good as the pros.
First and foremost, you need to focus on your stance. You have to have your feet firmly planted on the ground; a stable starting point is crucial to ensure your accuracy. Once you’re cleared for takeoff, hold the ball in both hands and keep your arms out in front of you. This is the point where you’ll put in the most work, since you’ll have to generate all the power behind your throw.
Next, tuck the ball in near your elbow and shift your weight forward from one leg to the other. You want to keep your hips and shoulders in-sync, because this is what’s going to give you the velocity you want for your throw. When you are ready to release, snap your wrist slightly and use your elbow and your whole body to generate the force. It may feel awkward at first, but eventually you will figure out the movement.
The most important aspect to remember is to keep your eyes on the target throughout the entire throw. This allows you to have better accuracy, so concentrate on that field marker that you’re aiming for. You’ll never know what you can accomplish unless you try, so don’t worry about the results – just focus on the technique!
Now, once you’re done with the throw: Hold your hand out, and use your thumb and index finger to hold the ball in the air instead of just letting it drop. This will help you control your spin and your placement much better. Last but certainly not least, once you let go of the ball be sure to keep your follow-through. You want to keep your throwing motion straight and consistent, and you can check this by keeping your balance – make sure you don’t fall over or lean too far in any one direction.
Next, let’s discuss arm angles and where to point the ball. The higher the ball is thrown, the longer the distance, while lower trajectories create a more accurate throw. If you are throwing diagonally, tilt the ball forward so it is on the same line as the target you want to hit. Many quarterbacks do this during the game, so keep that in mind – the more experience and practice you have, the better at this you’ll become.
Finally, focus on your grip and your arm strength. You want to wrap your fingers around the laces of the football firmly but not too tightly, and hold it up close to your body. This gives you good control of the football, which will enable you to place the ball in the location you want it to go. As for strength, you’ll need to practice and work on your arm muscles as much as possible. A good arm strength can also help in the throwing motion itself – it can generate more speed and increase the range.
So there you have it – the basics of how to throw an NFL ball. It may take some practice but once you have the fundamentals down, you’ll be sailing in no time. Who knows – you may even be the next quarterback in the league. So what do you think, ready to start your own outdoor training sessions? C’mon, let’s go!