Throwing the football with a nice and tight spiral is a problem for most people. To begin with, the ball is not round but oblong. Then it has lace on top, which interferes with your grip and makes the ball wobble. However, with the right technique and a little practice you can learn to throw the ball with a nice spiral.
The first step is to grip the football with the fingers of your throwing hand interlaced with the laces. The other hand should also grip the ball lightly so that the ball is better protected.
Start your throwing action with the ball under your chin held by both hands as described above. Cock the throwing arm back with the elbow bent, while extending your free arm in front to point towards your target. Extending the free arm in front gives you greater balance during the throw. Shift your body weight to your back foot as you cock the arm.
Snap your throwing arm forward from its cocked position. As you throw, shift your weight to your front foot putting your body behind the throw. During the throwing motion the forearm of the hand gripping the ball will cross the elbow and gets extended forward.
Release the ball when your arm is slightly above your head and out to the side. Flicking your wrist and fingers at the point of release will add speed and give a nice spiral to the ball. Make sure you follow through with your shoulders and hips. And, finish the throw with the index finger of the throwing hand pointing down.
A little practice will make you throw the ball with a perfect spiral.
