Many quarterbacks prefer variations on the common grip on the ball, as described above. For instance, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning lays his middle finger across the laces in addition to his ring and little fingers. [2] X Research source Experiment to see which position is most comfortable for you. Don’t “palm” the football. Hold it lightly with your fingertips. Some palm contact is OK, but try to keep space between the center of the palm and the ball. Don’t grip the ball too tightly. Keep your hold firm but loose - you’ll be able to adjust your grip more easily.
Use the rest of your body to build momentum for your throw. The hips, legs and shoulders can add great power to a pass. [3] X Research source Step forward with your non-dominant (or pivot) foot, and move your non-dominant elbow down toward your back. Rotate your hips and shoulders in the direction of the pass.
A proper throw will feel like it’s only utilizing the thumb, index, and middle finger. The other two fingers on your hand stabilize the ball as it’s being flung. They are not generally used to impart spin on the ball. To impart more spin on the pass, you may snap your wrist forward as you follow through to the hip.
You possess the ball for the last play of the half and are a long way from the end zone. You have to complete a long fourth-down play and punting isn’t advisable (for instance, if the game will end during the next possession and you are behind. ) You possess the ball for the last play of the game and can potentially prevent the game going into overtime by scoring. Caution: Long passes are risky - it’s difficult for even the best quarterbacks to throw accurately at extremely long distances, and because these passes typically travel in a higher arc, they are easier for the defense to intercept. Also, because the receivers require more time to get into position for the pass, the quarterback is open to a sack for more time. For these reasons, use caution when throwing Hail Mary Passes.
Because you will need to wait longer than usual before throwing the pass, drop back especially far after receiving the snap - you’ll be more able to avoid rushers. If you are tackled while throwing, see Method Four below.
Allow the ball to roll off your fingers as in Method One above. Follow through the motion by continuing to step forward until you naturally slow down. Don’t lose focus now - if your Hail Mary is intercepted, you may need to try to tackle the ball carrier! For best results, try to arc the ball high enough that it reaches your receiver’s hands while passing over his defender’s head. To arc the ball higher, release it a split-second earlier in your throw.
Gaining several yards to convert a first down. Scoring a touchdown on a goal line play. Quickly getting the ball to a fast, maneuverable runner.
Don’t drop back as far as you would for a Hail Mary pass. Your goal is to execute the pass as quickly as possible - look for your receiver immediately.
Run the ball. If your linemen have made an opening for you, you may want to dodge any rushers and run forward for a possible gain of several yards. If there’s no openings, you should run up the side of the field. In both situations, you may still be tackled for a loss of yards, but you still avoid an especially damaging sack. Execute a lateral. If there is an open and attentive offensive player (usually a running back), you can toss the ball to him as long as he is behind or to the side of you. This is called a “lateral. " If an attempted lateral goes forward, it is usually illegal and will receive a penalty.
An intentional grounding penalty results in a loss of 10 yards (9. 1 m) - worse than many sacks. Because of this, it may be better to take a small loss of yards if you are in the pocket.
Keep your arms free, but if you can’t throw before you’re tackled, tuck the ball in as you fall. This way, you’re less likely to lose control of it and fumble.
