Football Drill Question

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obbay

Banned
Aug 21, 2008
2,199
0
Boston, MA
sorry for starting another thread on this but I didn't want the question to get lost on the other thread. I need to confirm a couple of "how-to" basic points-

1) A 'Junior" sized leather football is best for this exercise.

2) When throwing the football, I assume you are throwing from the same motion as the riseball with the back of the hand toward the legs and the palm facing out (toward 3B for RH pitchers) at release and the fingertips are on the laces- correct? (typically when I throw a football underhanded I either grasp it on the end with the point in my palm or Grasp it over the top with palm facing in toward the body, fingertips on laces.

3) If executed correctly, the football is thrown in a spiral with the front pointing slightly up - correct?

thank you
 
Dec 5, 2012
4,143
63
Mid West
Yes, but remember that this drill is only for learning how to stay back and getting the hand under the ball. Be sure to include the double ball and regular balls with a stripe drawn on it to ensure shes getting correct rotation as well. (12/6 back spin is your goal)
The football grip is the same as an overhanded football throw. Middle, ring, and pinkie fingers on the laces and the index and thumb are closer to the nose.
 
Last edited:
Nov 29, 2009
2,975
83
The footballs that work the best are the rubber ones. They have enough weight to them for the girls to "feel" the ball and they have an easier time holding on to the ball.

One thing I love about football drill is it's a self-correcting drill. If the ball is not thrown properly is does not fly correctly. There are no arguments about it being done correctly.
 

obbay

Banned
Aug 21, 2008
2,199
0
Boston, MA
Thank you- regardless of whether this is the best drill, it sounds like it is a great drill for getting started with the rise and it's basically free.
(rather than make my own double ball, I broke down and ordered one.)
 
Apr 24, 2010
171
0
Foothills of NC
I have seen pitchers use this drill then have a problem later getting the 6-12 spin(catchers prospective). It seems some coaches are content with almost a bullet spin. You can certainly see a yellow dot coming at you as a batter.

It looks to me like you would be better foregoing the football and work directly on the correct backspin using the striped or double ball.
 
Dec 5, 2012
4,143
63
Mid West
Regardless of whether you choose a stripped ball, or double or football. Its imperative that she understands how to stay back with a loose but long arm, and get the release point low with the palm up. The football will help do this. The double ball will teach correct spin and the stripped ball will confirm the both!
 
May 29, 2013
226
0
The double ball is obviously twice as heavy. What is the highest starting spot would you recommend for the double ball drill? Or is higher than"xxx" unnecessary?
 

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