[Redskin in Canada]

[Smithian]

Arm strength CAN really help throw deep outs and such. Arm strength doesn't help as much deep as it does mid range near the sideline or in between two defenders playing the middle of the field.

[El Mexican]

Bill Walsh sometime said that their offense with the 49´s was so good because Joe Montana always delivered the ball where it could be catched.

With that in mind maybe arm strengh is a bit overvalued (see Jeff George).

[welch]

Maybe we need to be more precise about "arm-strength".

Do we mean pure muscle?

I don't think its key, since the throwing motion depends so much on the whipping motion of your body. The extra acceleration that boosts speed. That's one reason why 6-4 Norman Snead could throw a ball about 100 yards. He could knock down a brick wall at 10 yards, or, unluckily, a receiver.

Snead was tall for his day. Maybe only Roman Gabriel had the same build (6-4, 220 pounds...unheard of...).

For a baseball comparison, Walter Johnson had very long arms.

So, if you have technique, sure, you might well out-throw the QB's on your school team.

[ArizonaHOG]

Does it really matter how far a QB can throw the ball if no one is there to catch it? Arm strength is important for some throws (the deep out, quick slant), but accuracy is equally important. Decision-making in terms of how and when to throw the ball is an important variable that must be considered, as well. Field vision and recognition of defensive schemes allow a QB to make quick, good decisions with the ball. Arm strentgh and accuracy allow the QB to get the ball where it needs to be.

Hail!!

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

Arm strength? Vision? Technique? Receivers?

Baloney.

Everyone knows...

It's gotta be the shoes!!!

[vicsportsaddict]

You can really see arm strength on display under the rush though. As an example, Favre can get the ball to a RB in the flat off his back foot quicker, allowing the player to catch the ball and possibly even make a move while a weak-armed QB like Brunell (just using him for example, not trying to start a flame war) would likely get the RB stopped in his tracks. The fraction a second difference it takes the ball to arrive can mean the difference between no gain and who knows how many yards if te RB braks the initial tackle.

[butzadams]

From the "FATHER" of the Modern Pro Passing Game - HOF Coach Sid Gillman"

SID GILLMAN PASSING GAME THOUGHTS


TIMING OF PASS:
1. The timing of the delivery is essential. It is the single most important item to successful passing.
2. Each route has it’s own distinct timing. As routes and patterns are developed on the field, the exact point of delivery will be emphasized.
3. Take mental notes on the field on timing of the throw.
4. If you cannot co-ordinate eye and arm to get the ball at it’s intended spot properly and on time, you are not a passer.
5. Keeping the ball in both hands and chest high is part of the answer.
6. Generally speaking, the proper timing of any pass is putting the ball in the air before, or as the receiver goes into his final break.
7. If you wait until the receiver is well into his final move, you are too late.

THIS is what it takes to be a successful QB!

[butzadams]

Jim Zorn talks about Jason Campbell:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJAlyHvpv2k

[butzadams]

Collins needs to play!!

[j05h]

[langleyparkjoe]

[chiefhog44]

I do not think it's technique. You either have a strong arm or you don't. I have great technique throwing a baseball and football, but can't get the thing to go nearly as far as some others I know. Hell, look at some of the pro's. I'm sure you can come up with many who had great technique but didn't have any zip on the ball. I can't name any but I'm thinking most of the 90's U. of Florida QB's.

[SkinsJock]

[DarthMonk]