How to Throw a Perfect Pass

If you are someone who loves the game of football, throwing the perfect touchdown pass has likely been a fantasy for as long as you can remember. Competition for the quarterback position is tough, however, and this fantasy may never come true, but don't let that stop you from tapping into your talent for throwing the perfect pass. With an understanding of the basic technique and a lot of practice, the intrinsic satisfaction of throwing the perfect pass may still be available to you.

Things You'll Need

  • Regulation-size football
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Instructions

  1. Instructions:

    • 1

      Be confident. The first rule for a quarterback is to maintain his confidence. Terry Bradshaw, a former quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, once quipped, "What's the worst thing that can happen to a quarterback? He loses his confidence." Remain calm and cool-headed at all times and focus on the task at hand -- throwing the perfect pass.

    • 2

      Get a grip. If you want to throw the perfect pass, you'll want to perfect an aerodynamic spiral. This starts with your grip. Wrap your hand so it fits securely around the ball. Hold the ball with your fingertips. Place your middle finger and thumb around the bottom quarter of the ball, ensuring your ring finger and pinkie are gripping the laced seam.

    • 3

      Take a stance. Square your shoulders, pointing the shoulder opposite your throwing arm toward your intended receiver. Spread your feet apart keeping your knees slightly bent. Having a strong arm is helpful in throwing the perfect pass, but it's the whole body working together that makes it work. Using both hands, hold the football securely to your chest as you scan the field for your open receiver. In a game situation, it's your job to ensure the football reaches the intended point of reception. This means throwing the ball accurately to where the receiver will be according to the play. Accurately gauging this distance and throwing the ball at the proper speed and with the right amount of "lift" are all part of the perfect pass.

    • 4

      Eyeball your intended receiver as you lift your throwing arm and cock it back to a 90-degree angle. Keep the ball parallel to the ground. With your throwing hand secure around the ball, step forward with the opposite foot to your throwing hand as you release the ball in the direction of your receiver. To add velocity, use the strength in both your upper and lower body to project the ball away from you. Thrust your elbow in a downward motion to increase momentum.

    • 5

      Rotate your thumb in a downward motion as you follow through. This helps release the football into a tight spiral, cutting through the air like a bullet. The ball should roll off your fingers, your index finger being the last to touch the ball as it sails smoothly toward the intended point of reception.