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Every youth football player, no matter what their regular position is, should learn to throw a spiral with accuracy. It’s a crucial component of the game and one never knows when an opportunity to make a spectacular passing play may come along.

For the youth football quarterback, these tips need to be practiced over and over again to gain passing proficiency. Besides checking out the below tips, you can also learn the fundamentals from free football video tutorials on sites like Weplay.com, where top pros like Peyton Manning show the proper way to throw a spiral.

The Grip for Throwing a Perfect Spiral

It can be difficult for young football players to get a good grip on the football as their hands may not be large enough. That doesn’t preclude them from learning the proper technique with some slight modifications.

•    The football should be gripped lightly with the fingertips and not rest in the palm of the hand. The light grip allows for increased ball control. This can be a problem for younger players with small hands where there is no choice but to use the palm.

•    It’s important to place your index finger on the seam to put a “spin” or spiral on the football upon release. Don’t force the spin; let it roll naturally off the fingers.  Trying to over spin the ball is a common mistake.

•    As you step back in the pocket, hold the football next to your ear as you look for your target. The ball will be cradled in the “U” between thumb and index finger.

The Release Technique for Spiral Passes

Practice throwing spiral passes with this release technique at 50% of your throwing capacity until you perfect it. You can then start increasing your velocity as you begin to master the skill.

•    Keeping your eye on your receiver, take your arm backward and then “spring” it forward in a circular motion releasing the football at the top of the arc.

•    A good release will spin the football off the index finger as you let it go. The other fingers are used only for supporting the ball and not for putting a spiral on it.

•    As you release the football, be sure to continue with the follow through for spin and accuracy.

Passing Accuracy in Football

Now that you’ve mastered the spiral pass you have to work on hitting your target. Many football recruiters list passing accuracy as the primary passing skill when selecting potential quarterbacks. A perfect spiral is of no use if it’s bouncing along the field, or worse, in the arms of an opposing player. Again, throw the football at about 50% velocity when performing accuracy drills. They’ll be plenty of time to work on your power once you have mastered the basics.

•    Get yourself set in your stance with your non-throwing hip pointed towards your receiver. Being “set” is crucial for accuracy and power.

•    When you are ready to pass, cock your shoulder and step towards your target when you release the football.

•    Follow through on the pass with the palm of your throwing hand facing the ground.  Here is an example video demonstration of Peyton Manning follow through on the pass.

•     Throwing an accurate spiral pass in football is not a difficult process. Repetition of basic throwing mechanics is the key along with adequate rest. Youth football players should practice these passing tips every other day to master them.

A good passing team is a beautiful sight to watch. A team that can handle the ball and pass well is a tough team to beat.

Many coaches will agree that passing is the most important fundamental in basketball. Throwing a ball is not passing! Passing is an art which is controlled by very definite fundamentals.

The usual passing situation is one in which an offensive player must get the ball by his immediate defensive man and to a teammate who is also guarded. Preferably the offensive man should be no more than three or four feet from the opponent he is attempting to bypass. By getting close, he shortens the pass and decreases the danger of the opponent deflecting or intercepting the ball. Many times during a game passes are thrown away because the passer is too far from his opponent.

Pass the ball to a teammate who is away from his defensive man in order to minimize the danger of interception. The receiver can help by coming out to meet the ball and offer a target away from his defensive man.

Do not make a blind pass! Choose your receiver! Learn to pass without staring at your receiver. Do not give your opponent the advantage of knowing where you will pass. Try to pass to a teammate by looking out of the corner of your eyes – split vision. The passer should see but not look at the intended receiver.

Pass the ball ahead of the receiver, waist high. Pass the ball so that it can be handled easily. A ball thrown hard at close range is difficult to handle. Chest-high passes are handled easily and they also enable the receiver to gain some time for his shooting and passing.

Never pass to a teammate cutting away from you with his back turned; wait until he has turned.

Do not pass to a player who is calling for the ball if you think he is cornered and will not be in position to receive your pass.

Keep the ball moving; never hold onto it! Holding the ball gives the defense a chance to get set. When you keep the ball active, the defense is more likely to make mistakes.

Use a fake when necessary! Fake to the left and right, fake up and down. Pass when you see an opening. Avoid cross-court passes, especially in front of the opponent’s basket. If they intercept the pass, they can easily score two points.

Do not force your passes once your team has possession of the ball; it is important to keep it until you make a score! While you have the ball the other team cannot score.

Many good passes are fumbled because of the inability of the receiver to catch the ball properly. In receiving a pass, keep your eyes on the ball. Receive it with relaxed hands, fingers spread with thumbs in. The receiver should give slightly, relaxing arms and shoulders.

From this position the player can receive and pass in one smooth motion without shifting his hands on the ball.

Passing Tips:

1. Do not use “blind” passes (looking one way and passing in the opposite direction).

2. Make your passes chest high.

3. Gauge the speed of the pass with that of the receiver.

4. Pass to the side of the receiver away from his guard.

5. Make the passes snappy and deceptive.

6. Get as close to your guard as possible before making the pass.

7. Never pass to a teammate cutting away from you with his back turned.

8. Use a fake whenever useful.

9. Avoid cross-court passes.

10. Do not force your passes.

11. Do not hold the ball; keep it moving.

12. Keep two hands on the ball so that you will be ready to dribble, shoot or pass.

13. Pass with your wrist and fingers, keeping the palms off the ball.

14. Meet the ball; do not wait for it.

15. Use bounce passes against big men.

Practice these points and you will become expert in passing.