Throw a Perfect Spiral

Be an all-star in your own backyard! Master the art of throwing a beautiful spiral pass. Few things blend physics and beauty like a football thrown in tight spiral. Friends will stand in awe as it cuts through the air with dangerous efficiency.

• Get a grip. Holding the ball firmly, spread your fingers lightly across the laces with your thumb and forefinger making a "U" that cradles the back end of the ball. NOTE: 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 tall. Don't get shaken by the defense. Stand with your feet directly beneath your hips, keeping your non-throwing hip facing the target.
   
• Step into it. Your strength will come from your trunk and shoulders. Open your body toward your target. Uncoil your hips first, then your torso and shoulders.
   
• Cock back. Draw your arm back until the ball is behind your ear. Extend your arm from the cocked position, ensuring that you lead with your elbow and snap your forearm firmly as it passes over the elbow.
   
• Let her fly. 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. Follow through with your palm facing the ground to achieve maximum rotation and a tighter spiral.
  
  
• Taunt. Do a victory dance when your intended receiver grabs that beautiful pass from the sky for the score. Your gyrations may vary.