How to … throw a sweet pass - passing in football

Men's Fitness, Oct, 1998 by Kevin Foley

A well-thrown football blends physics with poetry. A cock of the arm, a flick of the wrist and there it is: the ball cutting crisply through the air in an arc that connects the Carolina Panthers with Pee Wee ball, John Elway with you. It's a satisfying thing, throwing a pass like this. As the ball sails straight, you are peers with Young and Favre and Montana. For a brief moment, you are athlete instead of fan.

This state is worth pursuing, especially during bloated half-time shows. But it's elusive, we warn you. It can't be rushed; it can't be forced. Ignore the marketplace's clutter of corkscrew balls and other gadgets that vulgarize the skill required to throw a pass with a tight spiral. Stick with the real thing, a regulation Wilson or - if you must - its Nerf equivalent, and hone your technique with the following tips. You'll appreciate the great game more for having made a crucial part of it your own.

* Start with a good grip, fingers spread lightly across the laces, thumb and forefinger making a "U" that cradles the tail of the ball. The strength of your grip should come primarily from your thumb, middle and ring fingers. The bigger your hands (or the smaller the ball), the farther back you can grip, and the easier it will be to achieve a spiral.

* Stand with your feet directly beneath your hips, keeping your non-throwing hip facing the target. Grip the ball solidly with your throwing hand while cupping it lightly with your nonthrowing hand. As in baseball, most of a good throw's power will come from your legs and trunk, so steady your base as you focus on the target.

* As you prepare to throw, begin opening your hips and trunk toward your target. Uncoil your hips first, then your torso and shoulders. As you cock the ball back behind your ear, its nose will face behind you. As your arm moves from the cocked position over-head, your forearm should cross over your elbow as your hand extends in the direction you wish to throw.

* The ball's spiral depends on your release. Let go with your thumb as you throw, letting the ball rotate as the laces move off your fingertips. As your hand and wrist turn over, imparting all-important spin, you should follow through with your palm facing the ground.

The wrist-flick that imparts spin can be difficult to learn; initially, it may be easier to involve your palm in the motion, letting the ball rotate from the flat of your hand to your fingertips to get more rotation. This move will sacrifice some power, but it will be easier for you to feel how the ball should spin as it comes off the hand. Feel is what this is about. Even in a game of power - of brute violence - feel is crucial. And few things feel better than a perfect spiral, straight, tight and true.