Ask TheFan(NJ)

This is a local high school student from Lincoln High School out of NJ. His name is Terrance and he is in the 10th grade. He will be apart of: Ask TheFan.

Terrance: I want to learn the basics of throwing a football to become a better QB. What are the first things I would need to know if I have a strong arm?

TheFan: Well the first thing to now about playing the QB position is; "How to hold the ball?" When learning how to throw the football, an inspiring QB would need to learn the basics of holding the ball. When a QB is setting up to pass the ball, it is best if that QB hold the ball with two hands. The ball is an oval shaped object, so a QB would like or need to get their middle finger on the second thread of the laces that are on the ball. After he gets his hands on the second thread of the laces that are on the ball, he would then want to spread his fingers across and down the ball. He would also want to leave some air, or pocket space between the ball and the palm of the hand. (Note: You don't want to leave the ball flat on your hand, you might throw wobbly passes.) When you start to throw the ball to your target, a QB would want to use his little finger as the starting point of, what we call, a tight spiral.
Most QB likes to squeeze the four pressure points, but it is very effective if you squeeze only on three spots of the ball. These spots are the middle, the little fingers, and the thumb. When you squeeze on the middle finger during the release it adds zip and speed to the ball, while guiding the ball to the target. A QB uses the thumb to keep the ball steady when the non-throwing hand is removed. You would want to squeeze on that part of the ball as you throw to your target. (Note: Don't squeeze on the ball to hard, you just want to squeeze on it enough to create a tight spiral.) Why? Well, it gives you grip and the way the ball is shaped that is one pressure point. On a football there is four pressure points, and if you can control the four pressure points, chance are you will have a tight spiral.
As the QB throws the ball, He should release his non-throwing hand; where he must use it as a guide to the target. The proper motion for a QB should be like this: Arms to waist, then arms to the chest and then arms to the ear as arm opens and sling forward.

Terrance: Okay! I got that but what about the feet because I know good QB's have balanced feet. So, how do I improve on my skills with positioning my feet when throwing the football?

TheFan: That is a great question; to bad I don't have the answer. Nah! I am just kidding around. When the QB takes the ball from the center, the QB must take a 90-degree angle as his first step on the drop back.

Terrance: Why?

TheFan: When a QB takes that 90-degree angle it keeps his body square and in position. It also allows him to see the whole field compared to having blind spots if he didn't take a perfect 90-degree angle on the drop.
Terrance: So, what do I do when I am about to release the ball? Like, where should my feet be on the release of the ball?

TheFan: Are you sure you are in high school? When you are ready to throw the ball, a QB would need to or like to take a 45-degree angle to the point of attack. This opens up the hips so a QB can release the ball with out throwing across his body.

Terrance: Okay! So, what if I don't take that 45-degree angle? Like, what will happen on my throwing process?

TheFan: Hey, what grade are you in! If you don't take that 45-degree angle or open up you hips you will be out of position with your legs and throwing across your body. So it is important to get those hips open after you made you complete 90-dergee angle. The 45-degree angle brings you square to the field.

Terrance: What else should I now when it comes to throwing the ball?

TheFan: Well you would need to now that following through on the throw will increase the speed and spiral on the ball.

Terrance: How do I do that Fan?

TheFan: To follow through, a QB must use a rocking chair motion with his legs. He would lean from the front of the tips of his toes, to the back heal of his back leg and then back to the tips of his toes.

Terrance: Then What?

TheFan: He will then roll his shoulders in place, as his twist his hips. The QB will then use his non-throwing hand to lead him to the target. When he is throwing the ball all the rules on the pressure point applies. The final step is to step forward into the throw and lean in with your back to complete the motion.

That is the basic of throwing the football and TheFan is a not a QB expert, of Coaching Guru. He studies the game and spots out things in place a normal person wouldn't see. These basic movements can improve your Quarterbacking skills, if you practice regularly. Thank you for tuning in and reading TheFan's Blog.