How to Throw a Football
Holding the football
To throw a
football, most people prefer to grip the laces
with their pinky and ring finger. Their is no set
order in which fingers are placed, however most
people prefer the 1st and 3rd laces, or the 2nd
and 4th laces respectively as pictured. Griping
the laces allows for superior grip, enabling the
spiraling of the football. Putting your hand
behind the center of mass of the football allows
the thrower more control over the football. If you
don't believe me, try throwing football
Hand
Position
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by the front!
Aiming the football
- If
your target is far away, make sure to aim above
your it to allow for gravity to pull the
football downwards.
- It is important to note
that the catcher may continue to move
horizontally after the ball is released, but the
football cannot since once it is in the air no
horizontal force is applied to it (Newtons first
law, a body in motion stays in motion unless an
outside force acts upon it). So, if your target is
moving, throw slightly ahead of your target to
hit him where he is going to be.
In order to
determine where to throw a football in relation to
where your target is, kinematics is the solution.
However, classroom calculations can't help.
Adjustments in your head have to be made instantly
and are usually subconsciously done. Exactly how
hard to throw the ball, at what angle, and the lead
to throw in front of your moving target are all
decisions that must be made instantly in your head.
It takes practice to be perfect!
Technique
-
First, get a strong
stance. According to newtons second law,
F=ma, your going to be pushed backwards hard
since your accelerating the football
forwards!
-
Now grip the
football in way that's comfortable for you
as described above
-
Then bring your arm
back so that the football is parallel to
your
head
-
Throw the football
by swinging your arm forwards
- Just as it leaves your finger tips,
flick your fingers for a spiral
- Practice practice practice!
Technique meredith.com
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