SKILLS

PASSING:
GRIP:
form a "V" on the ball with the thumb and index finger
-the ball is held in your fingers and NOT the palm
-the 3rd & 4th fingers are placed across the laces 1/3 of the way down from the end of the ball.
-place the thumb underneath the ball in a comfortable position--acting as a brace
-the index finger is responsible for acting as a directional guide. This guide keeps the ball in a level (spiral) position

PASSING POSITION:
-stand sideways to the selected target
-the lead or front shoulder points toward the desired target
-maintain your balance on the balls of your feet
-bring the ball straight back behind your ear/head
-the non-throwing hand should act as a guide (keep it down & away from the ball)

RELEASE/WEIGHT TRANSFER:
-step towards the target with your opposite foot
-shift your weight from the back foot to the front foot, and rotate the trunk/hips

ARM ACTION:
-start the throwing shoulder forward leading with the elbow
-bring the throwing arm forward

FOLLOW THROUGH:
-uncock the wrist
-allow the arm to continue with the full range of motion toward the target
-the throwing arm and fingers point toward the target
-roll the ball off your fingertips

RECEIVING THE PASS
-Keep your "eyes on the ball" until the ball is caught
-keep your fingers relaxed and spread out to receive the ball
-the ball should be caught with the fingers and hands and NOT the body
-"cushion" the ball by bringing it into the body

RECEIVING THE BALL CHEST HEIGHT OR HIGHER:
-shoulders are perpendicular to the path of the ball
-the hands & fingers are spread/cupped, forming a circle /window" with the thumbs & forefingers.
-Frame the ball with the hands by looking through the opening ("window")

RECEIVER THE BALL BELOW THE CHEST:
-shoulders are perpendicular to the path of the ball
-fingers are pointing downward (or palms facing upwards)
-keep your "pinky" fingers together
-"cushion" the ball into the body

RECEIVING THE BALL TO THE SIDE: (i.e. right side of body)
-receiver should be looking over their left shoulder (closest to the passer)
-reach both arms out
-the right arm is slightly above the left
-keep both palms facing the passer
-the fingers should form a "basket"
-cushion the ball into the body

PASS PATTERNS:
FAKING:
-receivers must make use of their shoulders, head and eyes to "fake" or mislead their defender.
-wait for the defender to react one way before you go in the opposite direction.

HOOK:
-This is a downfield motion, driving the defender backward
-plant the outside foot at appprox. 15 yards and turn back to the flight of the ball and the passer.
FLY:
-this is simply a straight sprint to the goal line
HOOK & GO:
-essentially the same action as the "hook pattern"
-the QB fakes a throw at the hook point. The receiver then breaks deep
DOWN & OUT:
-receiver runs downfield approx. 10-15 yards
-receiver then breaks to the outside at a 90 degree angle
DOWN & IN: (the opposite of Down & Out)
CORNER:
-receiver runs downfield for approx. 10-15 yards
-receiver then makes a 45 degree cut towards the corner
POST:
-essentially the same as a corner but the receiver makes a 45 degree cut towards the goal post.

Skills page developed for Morton JFL by Joe Morgan, Jovialty LLC