How to Throw a Long Toss

The deep pass -- the long ball -- is a football play that can change the course of a game. A long pass that sails in a perfect arc and lands in a receiver's grip behind the defense demoralizes an opponent.

Instructions

    • 1

      Grip the football in your throwing hand. Align your pinkie, ring and middle fingers on the laces of the football with your thumb and index finger gripping the point of the ball.

    • 2

      Hold the ball shoulder high, making sure the points of the ball are vertical. Your elbows should be tucked in close to your body and your chin should be pointed toward your forward shoulder.

    • 3

      Use your free hand to cover the side of the ball not being gripped by your throwing hand. This acts as a balance to help set your throwing motion. Take a shoulder-width stance with your knees bent, and point your lead foot in the direction of your receiver, but keep your eyes on the area in which your teammate is headed, not on the receiver himself.

    • 4

      Cock your arm back and shift your non-throwing shoulder toward the target. Take a step forward, lower your throwing shoulder, plant your lead foot, tilt the ball about 45 degrees and toss it while fully rotating your throwing shoulder. The key to achieving lift and distance on the ball is tilting the ball and lowering the throwing shoulder. That gives a natural arc to your throwing motion, allowing the ball to sail farther. Follow through all the way until your throwing hand touches your opposite hip and your thumb points downward.