How do I throw a better spiral?

Question

I'm a high school quarterback, and I've developed a slight problem from throwing a tight spiral. I'm not the varsity starter this year, but I am starting at WR and CB. I haven't really thrown much in about 2 weeks because I bruised my finger really bad, and I think this might be the reason why I haven't been throwing a tight spiral. Are there any drills or exercises that I can do to correct this problem.

Answer 1

If you threw a tight spiral before your bruise, you will again after it heals. The injury is impacting the sensitivity of your hand/fingers so the ball isn't releasing the same way. When your tissue/nerves are no longer bruised your touch will be restored.

You may also want to experiment with different grips.  I have friends who played with Jeff George and his technique of his index finger on the rear point of the ball, and only his little finger near/touching the seam, looks very awkward - but it works!  He had a cannon of an arm.  

Answer 2

1- Grip:  When gripping the ball, your palm should not be pressed hard, if at all, on the ball.  Your finger tips are what is supposed to be gripping the ball.  If you palm it, it is harder to throw a tight spiral.  Place your finger tips on the laces, barely going across / over them.  Also, do not hold the ball squarely in your hand.  It should be slightly offset.  So, grab the ball with your hand equal on it, then shift the ball so that your fingers are pointing slightly towards the top of the ball (your thumb side of the hand).  This will help you get that tight spiral.  

2-  Arm motion:  Throwing a football is different from a baseball in 2 major ways. First is that in baseball (unless you are a catcher) you want to bring your arm in a full sweeping motion, going back behind you, then up over, and through.  When throwing a football, you have to do what's called a "short-arm" motion (just like a catcher).  For this, you bring the ball directly up to your right ear (if you are right handed, and vice versa).  You hold the ball there until it's time to throw.  When it is time, you do not take the ball any further back.. You throw directly from that position.  The second is the hand during release.  In baseball, your hand mostly goes around the outside of the ball as you throw, leaving your palm facing towards your body.  In football, your palm will actually turn inside-out, leaving it facing away from your body when done.  Think about it, and you will get it.  To get the spiral, you have to spin the ball using the laces to assist you.  When you are throwing, and turn your hand inside-out, it will create that spin. Your pointer finger should be the last part of you to touch the ball. Give it a try and you will see what I mean.

3-  Follow through:  This is basic.  Make sure and finish your motion.  This will increase distance and spin..

Remember... this takes a lot of time and effort.  Also, other things effect your results.  The size of your hands, size of the ball, weather / wind, is the ball over-inflated / under-inflated, and surface of the ball will make a difference.  Try laying on your back and throwing the ball in the air over and over.  This is a great drill.  You don't have to throw it high at all.  It isnt about the height, it's about the spin.

As for arm strength, start by just throwing the ball!  The more you throw, the stronger your arm will get.  Make sure and warm up correctly, then work on your distances.  Throw long passes each time you throw to increase arm strength.  Just be careful to warm up properly, and don't overdo it.  When your arm gets tired, stop for the day.  IF you are really sore one day, take it easy or don't throw at all.