This pass is made in general in the same way as the closed grip spiral, but the thumb lies alongside or near the fingers and the hand is open, the ball lying in the palm of the hand. It is held in position as the throw is made by the centrifugal force of the swing. In making this pass a bigger swing may be used, more comparable to a “wind-up” delivery, and consequently greater distance and greater height may be secured. The ball can be literally “heaved” out and passes of fifty to sixty yards are easily possible. The greatest difficulty in the execution of this as in the closed grip pass is to keep the nose of the ball up. This can be accomplished, however, without bringing the hand in so closely as in the other, thus allowing opportunity for more individual peculiarities. Players therefore usually learn this pass easier than the other, and because of its greater usefulness with a wet and slippery ball is the pass now most commonly used. Its chief disadvantage is the greater height which it usually requires. This tends to increase the danger of interception.
Receiving the Forward Pass.
Although a great deal of practice is usually given to receiving forward passes, often very little actual coaching is given on the correct form.
Every receiver should be notified by some method just before a pass is made to him. At this signal the receiver should turn toward the point to which the pass is supposed to be made. This should be known on all forward pass plays. The receiver and ball should then meet at this point, the receiver on the dead run and somewhat sideward to the ball. It will occasionally happen, but should rarely be necessary, for the receiver to take a pass from directly behind or even very much over one shoulder. He should, however, be able to do it when necessary.
The actual catching of the pass is not essentially different from catching a punt or any ordinary pass. One hand should be used to guide the ball into the body, one hand should be kept well under the ball, the elbows should be kept close and the ball always be brought in against the body and held securely against any possible attack.