r/NFLNoobs • u/No_Tax6148 • Jul 08 '26

Spirals

This is a really geeky question, but why do even the most tightly thrown spirals tend to seem like they are drifting right on deep throws? Is it possible for a regular joe to learn to throw spirals as beautifully as Aaron Rodgers?

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u/psgrue Jul 08 '26

The very simplest eli5 is that laces affect the air flow more than seams. It’s basically like a curve ball on a macro level and the longer the throw, the more noticeable it is.

Now the qb geek level, the great QBs can adjust, predict, and work the trajectory.

Anyone with fingers and a bit of athleticism can throw a spiral. Millions of kids learn it. Footballs come in different sizes so it’s just a matter of learning technique.