Lose the passing curve

Potential passing problems

There are two problems for the passing player caused by the movement of their arms and body.

1. Pendulum swing

If the player’s arms swing like a pendulum, they have to release the ball at exactly the right moment to get the desired flight path. Too early and the ball is too low, too late and the ball is too high.

2. Torso twist

If the body is turned too much through the swing, the effective release moment has to be exact. Too soon and the ball is passed forward, or too far in front of the receiver. If released too late, the ball curves and goes behind the receiver. 

If the player combines the swing and the twist, they will have major problems in controlling both the height and the direction of the ball. The problems are magnified when the pass is longer and harder, as the extra effort and speed required mean the optimum release time is even shorter and it is harder to get the timing right.