Major Question

What are the optimal biomechanics of the American Football Forward Pass? 

Before analysing the biomechanics of a skill it is important to provide the context in which the skill is typically used. The motion of the forward pass has often been linked biomechanically to the baseball pitch because they often utilise a whipping or slinging motion. This link has some basis but it is important to remember that by the very nature of the game of American Football there are a ‘unique set of performance constraints, objectives and conditions.’ (Heppe, 1992)Within a typical game situation not only does the initial and final alignment of defensive players constantly change but the ‘constraints and objectives of which target to throw to and how to get the ball there constantly change as well.’ (Heppe, 1992)  Lastly and most importantly it is vital to remember that the size and mass of the projectile and the time available in executing the skill make the two different skills a less effective comparison.

The closest comparison to ball used in American Football would be a rugby ball but again there are several key differences. Testing of Quarter Backs at the combine highlights that the higher level athletes clock in at around 60 mph, whilst the Guinness world record for a rugby passing throw is set at 48 mph.  One can argue that it is because of the very different movement patterns and skill executions that allow an athlete to be able to throw the two very similar in size and mass balls at vastly disproportional velocities.

Thus I argue and aim to highlight the unique biomechanical constraints necessary to achieve the goals of velocity and to some degree accuracy when executing the forward pass skill.