Self-Diagnosing the Throwing Motion

Ninety nine percent of all throwing errors and bad balls can be attributed to one or more of four common but fixable problems. Teaching quarterbacks to understand and recognize which of these four problems they are prone to will help them self-diagnose and correct bad balls faster and easier.

Problem #1: Over Striding

Over striding (stepping out too far) makes it difficult to impossible for a quarterback to throw over his front foot. This causes the release point to be closer to the ear, turning the throw into a “push” that results in high and wide balls. Over-striding also makes it nearly impossible to follow through as the ball will release well before the hand and shoulders can do their work.

The Fix: 1. Practice throwing with feet parallel and 2. throwing with very short or no strides. Both will enable the body to follow over the front foot. This will help release the ball at a higher and more forward point, enable a smoother and better follow through resulting in tighter and more accurate spirals.

Problem #2: Locking/Squaring the Opposite Shoulder

Keeping the opposite shoulder in a locked or square position also causes the release point to be closer to the ear and will significantly impact velocity as the arm is now forced to throw with little to no shoulder and body help.

The Fix: Practice pushing the ball back with the opposite arm to where the front shoulder points at the target. This creates more natural should action enabling the QB to practice rotating his opposite shoulder back farther to allow a higher and more forward release point. Another effective drill to increase should rotation is to have the opposite hand reach behind on each throw as if to slap a hand directly behind the quarterback. Improving shoulder rotation immediately impacts ball velocity as well as accuracy.

Problem #3: Breath Holding

Breath holding is a surprisingly common yet often overlooked problem. Breath holding causes the chest area and shoulders to tighten, restricting the shoulders from rotating properly. This causes the same problems as locking and squaring the opposite shoulder.

The Fix: Practice exhaling on each and every throw, including warm-ups, practice and in games.

Problem #4: Follow Through

A proper follow through is more than a pretty hand motion after a throw; it is a natural and smooth deceleration of a successful should rotation and hand pronation (finishing with the index finger and thumb pointing downward – opposite a curve ball throw). It is nearly impossible to throw a spiral without a good follow through as the hand will have to push the ball rather than rifle it towards the target.

The Fix: Exaggerate good follow through motions on every throw, including warm-ups, practice and in games.

Throwing Motion Tip: Pushing the Ball Back

Pushing the football back to the ear: QB's must always think "chest-ear-throw" while throwing the football, keeping the elbows relaxed by the side, shoulder width apart, avoiding tension and strain throughout the upper body. Pushing the football back to ear at the start of the motion will allow for the opposite shoulder to face down field in a perpendicular position. This results in better shoulder rotation, generates a more consistent release point and adds more torque to the throw.

Throwing to Both Sides of the Football Field

Throwing the football to both sides of the field is extremely difficult to do without proper footwork. Many quarterbacks have the tendency to open up their front/lead foot and front shoulder to quickly when throwing to the arm side of the field. This can cause the body to be too far out ahead of the arm and throwing motion causing the QB to sail the football and lose accuracy. Quarterbacks also have the tendency to stay too closed while throwing to the opposite side of the field (not stepping at the target), causing them to throw the football across their body.

Proper footwork the end of each drop (3, 5, or 7) is the key to preventing these two common errors from happening at. On the final step of the drop, the Quarterback should angle his foot and body towards the side of the field he's intending on throwing to. This will prevent the QB from having to take an additional gather step to re-direct the body. This also gives the QB the opportunity to deliver the football quicker if need be, since he's already in a "ready" position to throw.

Points to focus on:

1. On the final "plant" step of the drop, angle the feet and body towards the side of the field you intend on throwing too.
2. Do NOT open your shoulder to quickly, QB's should be able to look on a straight line over the front shoulder at the target receiver.
3. The front/lead foot should be facing the side of the field you intend on throwing to.
4. Do not lose momentum; keep a forward lean on the final step and keep the feet moving (“crushing pebbles”) until you are ready to throw.
5. Do NOT throw across the body.

Throwing the Long Ball

Focus on a few main points when throwing the long ball:

1. Exhale before you throw, releasing any tension and tightness in the upper body.
2. Create slight momentum (small shuffle steps forward) going towards your target. Beware - Even though you need momentum forward, try not to take too much depth away from your drop; try to stay as far away from the line of scrimmage as possible.
3. Short stride, allowing yourself to get over the front foot.
4. High release, in front of your body (as if your throwing over a bar).
5. Finish by following through all the way to your hip - don't be afraid to over-exaggerate.

DO NOT muscle the throw, stay smooth and let it fly.

Throwing on the Run

Throwing on the run may be one of toughest things to do as a quarterback. A quarterback's accuracy decreases dramatically while throwing on the run however it is a strategy that can really opens up offensive options and stress a defense.

The quarterback needs to place great emphasis on depth while rolling out, especially to the side opposite of his throwing arm. Depth will help the quarterback to achieve proper shoulder rotation, left shoulder facing down field (right handed QB) or right shoulder facing down field (left handed QB). Pull the opposite shoulder out of the way while throwing so you get the proper throwing rotation and release the football out in front. Quarterback's need to OVER emphasize the follow through after throwing, and continue to run AT the target. This will make the throw much, much more accurate and pretty.

Note: If a defensive end or linebacker shoots downfield in a contain position, try to set up and throw rather than try and get around him. Eyes should be down field recognizing where the defensive backs are in relation to receiver routes.

Focus On:

1. Proper depth, always looking down field.
2. Opposite shoulder facing UP field.
3. Pull the opposite shoulder out of the way while throwing, so you get the proper throwing rotation, releasing the football out in front.
4. Emphasis on follow through.
5. Continue to run AT target for accuracy.
6. Run FULL SPEED, slowing down will cause your body to be out in front of your arm.

Throwing the Fade

Quick notes on throwing the fade ball:

1. Do NOT over stride, always take a short, controlled stride while throwing.
2. Pretend you are throwing over a bar, release the ball out in front of your body, and emphasize a long, proper follow through (hand finishing at the inside of opposite hip).
3. Do NOT muscle the football, keep the upper body relaxed and let if fly.
4. Following through is going to give the football the proper "drop in" motion.
5. Do not throw at the receiver, lead him, dropping the ball in over the shoulder closest to the sideline.
6. Throw the ball from the numbers and out, anything inside the numbers gives the safety an opportunity to come over top and make a play.