Most teams tend to stay away from a passing game on the youth football level, but when you attempt a pass the technique must be proper. Here are the keys to having a proper throw from your youth quarterback.
- Pinkie needs to be on the middle of the laces gripping the ball. Top two fingers (Thumb and pointer) are where the quarterback will make his release point from. Top two fingers need to be on the top of the ball, above the laces.
- Feet should be shoulder width, have good balance on your toes.
- When ready to throw the ball the ball needs to be up by your ear.
- Never throw off your back foot, or in your set position. Always step through the throw. If your quarterback does not step through the throw that will take away from the velocity and kill the quarterback’s arm.
- None throwing arm’s elbow whips out around chin level; this will clear any defenders coming through, also will give velocity to your throw, and it will help you stay balance as you follow through your throw.
- You follow through with your throwing hand like a chop, releasing all your fingers at once (rolling the ball off them) with your pointer finger releasing the ball. This will give you a nice spiral, which will help give the ball some zip as well as making the throw accurate.
- Come down from shoulder level with follow through, or the ball will carry high.
- If it is a waggle or bootleg pass the techniques stated above still apply; with the only thing changing is your shoulders. Shoulders need to be square to the target you are throwing at. Also it is important that you zip your follow through– leading the receiver. If throw is behind the receiver the defense can undercut and pick the pass off. Never throw across your body!
Follow these techniques every practice and your Quarterbacks will be able to throw the ball adequately. Coaches need to work on throwing the football every day, not once a week it takes practice. There will be times you need to throw the ball in the game so practice it!
(Picture of Daron Craig Bryden, Youth Football Online All-Star)
