Joe Namath Throwing Mechanics

[@MyXxx77]

I'm imagining what guys like Namath, Unitas, Jurgensen, Starr and Tarkington would've done to passing stats had they played with wide receivers wearing synthetic shark skin gloves who couldn't be touched 5 yards past the line of scrimmage and pass rushers who couldn't touch them below the waist, etc, etc, etc...

[@TheChallenger1000]

Namath was a turnover machine. He read defenses poorly. He never would've succeeded against the complex coverages that came after his era.

[@dangelo1369]

There was a photo book called "A Matter Of Style" where they took multiple exposure photos of his throwing motion. I read this book in junior high school in 1975 and I noticed his throwing motion is more rotational than linear. That is, he uses his legs and hips to propel the ball and the arms and hands give it direction and spin. It's the reason why he could throw passes not only with velocity but also with accuracy and distance.

[@Yeomannn]

Same as Dan Marino!

[@mkadoza]

@@Yeomannn Same as Aaron Rodgers, Torque over Launching.

[@mpb1472]

Saw Joe Willie, Marino, Favre, Elway, George, Brady, Kelly, Cutler and many others play in person and on TV. Elway had the strongest arm from all positions. Favre next. Namath and Marino are like mirror images of each other. The quickest releases and in my opinion the two best pure throwers I’ve ever seen. Brady has the most underrated arm strength of any I’ve seen. The zip on his tight window throws is incredible. But if I had to pick one it would be Joe.

[@greggsloate4677]

Terry Bradshaw had a stronger arm than any of them. And virtually every long pass he ever threw, it was clear that he was holding back somewhat-- taking something off of it!

[@mactavish10]

If you can find it, the book: "Joe Namath A Matter of Style", goes into his motion circa 1972.

[@hudsonhawk0016]

Yup, I read that book to learn how to throw the ball better as I really couldn't perfect the mechanics of it myself. His throwing motions was like no one else. He would have his back pointing toward his target looking over his shoulder and un coil as he started his motion. At first it was a very uncomfortable thing to do, but with practice it made perfect sense. The way he held the ball had a lot to do with the velocity of his throws. He held the ball toward the end with his index finger on the point of the ball and the pinky finger on the laces. Yeah I read that book cover to cover more than once.

[@frankzito1660]

Maybe the best mechanics ever. One of the biggest arms and likely the tightest spiral ever. Don Meynard used to say he could hear the ball coming before he could see it.

[@mpb1472]

Frank Zito Heard Don Maynard tell that to a room full of us in my town.

[@drobson8004]

@@mpb1472 Jurgensen regularly had tighter spirals. Drew Brees, many others

[@Tonyconner74]

Vince Lombardi said Joe Namath threw the perfect spiral, he said the ball made a whistling sound as it went past you....

[@MyXxx77]

Like Mickey Mantle in baseball, we'll never really know how good Namath would've/could've been without the catastrophic knee injury/injuries. With healthy knees and an offensive line that can protect him consistently, I'm picking Namath for my all-time team starter. If you add in quarterbacks calling their own plays like they used to, it's Namath hands down.

[@moonrich3492]

He's my all-time team QB even WITH the bad knees. Stats are for losers and newer fans that didn't see him play are truly clueless.

[@decadantdog4444]

@Kent Horvath Namath got more pussy!

[@foarfield]

​@@moonrich3492 Stats are for the losers that weren't there to watch Joe Namath show up to a game drunk and throw 5 interceptions.

[@shamrock4840]

@@decadantdog4444 no

[@drobson8004]

@@foarfield I'm a huge Namth fan, however whet you wrote; sad but true.

[@rogerwelsh2335]

Special arm talent. What goes unrecognized is how fast he hits his drop backs

[@flintfleming3935]

Excellent observation,,, he DID have a very urgent drop back.. very very quick,...

[@yusufu9]

Namath once mentioned that he "left his passing game" back in college, as his severe knee injuries greatly hampered his throwing ability once he reached the NFL. That might be one reason why he tended to throw a "javelin" ball, with less arc than most of his peers -- hence the high number of interceptions. Loved watching him shred defenses when he was on his game -- Don Maynard said his chest and arms would be regularly bruised after catching Joe's rockets.

[@Performancelabofcalifornia]

Thats great insight yusufu

[@edwindundas863]

there's footage of Namath at Alabama on KZbin.He could really move before the knee injuries,Bryant said he was the best athlete he ever coached.Marino also had gimpy knees and after 93 an achilles that didn't heal properly.Their mechanics made them effective pocket passers despite their relative lack of mobility.

[@whyis_hehere6638]

Hey how about doing Bert Jones. He was a real pure passer that doesn’t get a lot of credit or recognition

[@Shinobi33]

I see where some of his Marino got his release from

[@edwindundas863]

Marino had the book.He mentioned it once in a coffee table book my nephew had.I always figured his dad had read the book.Marino says his dad taught him to throw.

[@Mrm_Mario]

@@edwindundas863 When Marino first car into the league, when he dropped back to pass his footwork reminded me of John Unitas.

[@Yeomannn]

I can't believe I just realized Marino got his throwing motion from Joe Namath.

[@moonrich3492]

Joe Namath was the Sandy Koufax of QBs.

[@ElliottNest41]

I was thinking the same thing. They both mastered the mechanics to optimize their throwing motions.

[@Mrm_Mario]

For throwing the deep pass under pressure, how about Terry Bradshaw

[@drobson8004]

Absolutely

[@99somerville]

Namath was noted for having the quickest release of his era.

[@VMan29397]

yeah it took the bite out of the colts blitz in the super bowl

[@onefoot7]

That's what she said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!LOL

[@MyXxx77]

I don't think it's physically possible to release a football any quicker than that.

[@jonberry5816]

@Kent Horvath Dan Marino credits Namath as the original quick release guy. Both Western PA dudes.

[@16rumpole]

in the superbowl, he threw a 55 yard in the air ball and he looked like he put no effort into it at all. He just launched it.

[@MrJimMajor]

Every time I see an analysis of the mechanics of some high level athlete, I feel a need to say that even with the very best mechanics, and a lifetime of conditioning, the best coaching, and assorted vitamin supplements, very very few people are capable of playing anywhere near the level of the best athletes even if they dedicate themselves at age 7. Talent, i.e. genetic make-up, accounts for most of the abilities seen on the playing field.

[@nikosuavesworldofsportsmusic]

Can you please do a throw mechanics breakdown of both Cristian Adolph "Sonny" Jurgensen & Jeff George???

[@richardacquistapace2317]

I met Jeff G. He threw the ball just like Terry Bradshaw. His right index finger was at the tip of the rear of the ball which allowed them to throw the ball from end zone to end zone. They are the only two I know of that threw the same way. Sonny Jurgensen was a mystery. That man was just plain and simple - powerful!

[@Tonyconner74]

Jeff George Had a laser for an arm....

[@nikosuavesworldofsportsmusic]

@@Tonyconner74 BIG FACTS👏🏾👏🏾🔥🔥!!

[@johnnyrockets571]

Does anyone remember Bert Jones?

[@frankpagano9947]

Fuck Bert Jones he couldn't carry Namath's jock strap

[@Njbear7453]

The first quarterback to EVER throw for 4,000 yards in a season.... EVER! 4000 yards !

[@jamesdenecochea5709]

I'm definitely a "Namath & Marino guy". Even with all the injuries, Joe Namath was the best I ever saw. And yes, his 'bama days were really magical!(Al Davis was right: "this Namath guy, plays like he's always going dowm-hill). Some of these comments are spot-on; the "stat-boys who dwell in their parents basement" are totally clueless about Real Football players of the past. Today's Game is as far removed from Football as is honesty-in-politics. Namath is my No.1 All-Time QB. Please do an analysis of my favorite player of all-time: Bobby Douglass...forget "the stats", look at his incredibly strong throwing ability. Dig deep in the film archives for his highlights.

[@philippeigoa7765]

Namath would've made a dynamic Raider !

[@robertzenniful]

I feel you should show his drops then the throw

[@Performancelabofcalifornia]

I like that Robert. Thanks for the insight

[@gahloot]

I was a college Qb, that learned to pass like Namath as a kid. I use to win bets by throwing the ball over 50 yards from one knee in college. I could throw the ball 90 yards. And the defensive guys use to tell me. I don't see your ball, go by me. I hear it. Qb coach Homer Smith of UCLA came out to watch me pass when I was 17. My brother was standing next to him, and he turned to my brother and said "Who the hell is that guy, he has a rocket launcher for an arm" My brother said "He's my brother" At 16 & 17 I was going out to a football camp called Offense Defense, and was invited to throw to the Cowboys back then. Can u imagine being a young kid, throwing to the likes of Dorsett, and Drew Pearson. Also some of the LA Rams receivers. Anyway, as you mentioned the oblique muscles it is very important to have them strong. I had been throwing way to much in college, and the left upper oblique muscle on me, popped out and herniated. It hurt, but didn't stop me ever from throwing. To this day that muscle still sticks out. I would like to point out something, you did not make mention of. And that is the size of Namath's hands. Take a look at them some time. Damn hands looked like orangutan hands. Hand size helps with grip obviously, and the leverage you have on throwing the ball. Especially when throwing the long ball. When Namath releases the ball. It almost looks like a javelin leaving his hand. The hands generate lots of force, and as mentioned leverage such as using a lever to launch something. As well as helping to throw tight spirals, and the ball using less wind resistance. Just thought I would chime in.

[@отпирайте]

gahloot did you pronate your wrist that the back of the hand is facing the body?

[@gahloot]

Very little, and it depended on what kind of pass I was making. The hand in your pocket isn't always the answer to a spiral, or a great throw.

[@отпирайте]

gahloot no i wasnt talking about the the motion arm does after throwing but the wrist. So what do you do to spin it? If i dont pronate my wrist to the right from lefty standpoint, pass will come out all wobbly

[@gahloot]

The spin comes from the way the ball comes off your index finger. I knew one Qb that actually had the ball pointed out to his right before releasing it. (Right hander) It was a bit odd, but it helped him throw a spiral. I wish i could show you photos on here of me throwing. You could see how the ball comes off my fingers. The grip has a lot to do with it as well. I had a very strong grip. My index finger was not super long like Namath's above (He had huge hands) And the ball came out with so much velocity, the ball may try to wobble. But wouldn't because of the speed, and torque the ball had on it. Defenses would tell me. Man I didn't see your ball coming. I heard it go by me.

[@gahloot]

Are you on twitter?

[@coldisle]

Joe was larger than life, and from all accounts just a truly decent guy. I still enjoy seeing him and hearing him. I disagree with those people who have a problem with Joe being in the HOF. What he did to elevate the game into the stratosphere can NOT ever be minimized.

[@vanterpoolkids4763]

Joe Namath's throwing motion was the blueprint for Dan Marino ....they are literally mirror images of each other 💪🏾

[@jayfridayaq]

I've had someone teach me the Namath motion. This video is dope, but it doesn't truly show Namath's real motion. It's actually a much quicker throw. But thank you so much for this video

[@Performancelabofcalifornia]

Thanks for sharing!

[@lordburlap4514]

Without a doubt, the most beautiful throwing motion of all time.

[@lienholder5339]

Warren moon threw the best ball

[@lienholder5339]

Without a doubt

[@rogerwelsh2335]

Namath had the best throwing motion ever. Let’s put it this way. He was visually the most fun to watch throw a ball. His arm talent stands out against today’s players.

[@Tonyconner74]

Vince Lombardi said Joe Namath threw the perfect spiral, he said the ball made a whistling sound as it went past you....

[@jmarcguy]

Great analysis as always. The phone alert during the first 3 minutes had me looking at phone though. Lol!!!

[@Performancelabofcalifornia]

I love it jmarcguy!

[@Cuddyscott84]

Bro I been looking 4 this show 4 ever. I'd like 2 see Jim Kelly not sure if u have done him yet. But his motion is similar 2 peyton I think. Very unique.

[@BigLX2235]

Can you please do a Roger Staubach throwing breakdown

[@benjamindillard2391]

Do Roger Staubach

[@johnfarrelly4753]

These guys never say, "threw a football 10,000 times.' Learn all the different angles that you can release the ball, good and bad. They knowing about the box opposite the throwing arm. Great left arm block. So did Marino.

[@Performancelabofcalifornia]

Can't deny that. Just giving a different perspective.

[@urbanlegendsandtrivia2023]

Joe Namath threw the OLD footballs, as opposed to the NEW Ultra Pebble footballs that were introduced in 1981. They were slipperier and felt a little fatter in the middle. The night football with the two white stripes was even more slippery. The old J5V college football was such a blimp some quarterbacks could not throw it, so those teams only ran the ball. You had to have huge hands and almost perfect form to be a quarterback before 1981.

[@vgrg7841]

Joe Montana and Joe Namath had the same beautiful mechanics

[@mattjones1378]

Can you do the qb with one of the best looking throwing motions, jeff george. And can you do one of the ugliest throwing motions, david carr

[@jmarcguy]

I was going to mention Jeff George. Had a really quick release with loads of power.

[@Cuddyscott84]

Matt Jones kosar?. The ugly duck..

[@evilpaulstark]

40 seconds in and you mention Manmath being, basically, the first pure passer the NFL ever had? How about Sonny Jurgensen?

[@Performancelabofcalifornia]

It's funny you say that. I'm working on a breakdown with him right now CLaude

[@evilpaulstark]

Be sure to mention the numerous shoulder surgeries he had!

[@kjchicago1]

Or Roger Staubach

[@OnePost909]

Jurgensen, definitely. And while we're on the subject, in what sense was Otto Graham not a "pure passer"? In what sense was Norm Van Brocklin not a "pure passer"? For that matter, in what sense was Sammy Baugh not a "pure passer"? I don't understand what your definition of "pure passer" is, but for me, Joe Namath, however great he was (and he was truly great) wasn't the first. Not by a long shot.

[@hudsonhawk0016]

Frost none of the above mentioned could throw a perfect 60 yard rope 61/2 feet off the ground like it came out of a cannon either.

[@edwindundas863]

I bought the book "Joe Namath A Matter of Style" back in 73 when I was 22.I taught myself the technique and definitely got the most out of my limited talent.Marino had the book and his father coached him,he'd of been about 12 when the book appeared.Not a coincidence that the best and most dangerous pure passers of they're respective era's had the same technique.Namath beat the heavily favored Colts,considered by many to be the best team of all-time going into Super Bowl 3 because he could beat their blitzing zone defense.Marino torched the undefeated 85 Bears for 38 points,when most teams were lucky to get a field goal.Still thought to be the best defense of all time.Tom Brady,a man with more modest physicai skills than Namath or Marino,has a near perfect throwing motion like them, and is probably the best all round QB ever.You can find the book on ebay.If you want to learn or teach a person to throw like Marino,find this book.Morey's breakdowns of Namath and Marino will help you see the technique in action.There is a lot of highlights and game footage of both Namath and Marino on KZbin.Marino is best before 93 when he tore his achilles.He kind of altered his motion and began to throw more sidearm after 93.

[@tonyanthonyfowler]

Reminds me of Aaron Rodgers

[@Performancelabofcalifornia]

Very similar for sure.

[@xanhteps8667]

What do ya think projecting joe into the 2021 draft? Looks like a 6th rounder to me. Party lifestyle lack of dedication trouble reading 2nd level progressions injury concerns (knee) could be a team distraction. projects an undrafted free agent.

[@Performancelabofcalifornia]

Xan Hteps lol so is this a projection when Namath was just coming out of college?

[@JC23783]

Still waiting for Randall Cunningham...

[@Performancelabofcalifornia]

ecwjcw2012 We will do this soon!

[@JC23783]

The Performance Lab of California That's good to hear. Overshadowed by his rushing ability, but one of the strongest arms in history.

[@claybolton2318]

Warren moon thank you

[@whatnow3597]

I needed Dramamine tablets to watch this choppy mess without puking on my keyboard. Funny how you failed to mention Joe's all important wrist snap that's key to throwing high velocity darts and a perfectly tight spiral.

[@sjnorthmusic]

Can you do Doug Williams?

[@flintfleming3935]

Let me tell yous something..... Throwing in shea stadium during the winter is not easy,, being right in the flushing bay,,,, the cold, the wind, but he spiraled balls thru the cold,the wind, like no problem,, got to give him props, his mechanics were pretty much flawless,, but it aint easy to throw a football thru gusts of wind ,,especially spirals...had one of the quickest drop backs when healthy i have ever seen....

[@sophie87371]

namath hard ball when growing up thats the secrets all the great quaterback played hard ball pitchers

[@lancelink2812]

Jurgensen and Plunkett

[@Performancelabofcalifornia]

Here is a QB Preview for the 2018 National Championship kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqmbpX6PebCGidU

[@Robert-gg1er]

And the Jets won the game...!

[@DireHammer]

First pure passer? Ever hear of a guy named Johnny Unitas? Y.A. Tittle? A dozen other guys who came before him?

[@rogerwelsh2335]

Steve Hammer no doubt those guys are all time greats and always will be but he’s not talking about how much they threw the ball or tds or completions. What people mean when they say that is the style and technique. Joe was the 1st. Look back at every QB before 1980 and Namath is the only one that an okay today and he doesn’t look dated. All QBS during this time and before look dated. So people aren’t saying who’s better because that is subjective. But it’s obvious that Joe was the 1st of his kind. He invented the QBs from Marino and Elway onwards.

[@tonyanthonyfowler]

W no knees

[@morganrockwell2506]

Unlike Terry Bradshaw and his nasty ball 4 Superbowls though not bad.

[@TheChallenger1000]

Great arm. Bad brain. He threw interceptions like it was the right thing to do.

[@prestonphelps1649]

The narrator of these videos is inarticulate

[@RonS.-ts8ec]

They broke namaths jaw hence the low facemask, those quarterdacks took a beating in those days, the wide recievers also. No comparison todays flag football.

[@Performancelabofcalifornia]

Yeah very different game in many ways from then until now..

[@AngryHatter]

Pure passer? How many passes did he throw in Superbowl III? 17 of 28. Did not throw a touchdown pass.

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

Joe Namath is the most overrated Quarterback to ever play the game of football 🏈 173 touchdowns to 220 intercepted passes His passer rating was mediocre compared to Joe Montana His completion percentage is nothing compared to Tom Brady Dan Marino had a much better arm than Namath Aikman had better mechanics than Namath I can give you a list of pro football quarterbacks of the 90s/early 2000s who were better but it will take forever and I don’t wanna waste my time Point Is He shouldn’t have been on this list nor should he be in the HOF One word: OVERRATED And Yes I’m a Patriots fan

[@hudsonhawk0016]

And a moron.

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

hudsonhawk 001 I know more than you

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

hudsonhawk 001 Namath wasn’t even half the player Dan Fouts was

[@jstarks123]

The fact that you’re comparing quarterback from the ‘60’s to those from the current day proves you’re clueless. Different rules, different game.

[@sirchickenlittle395]

Dumisa Tony Johnson Joe Namath Super Bowl Champ. As a quarterback, when healthy, much > than “Dink and Dunk, Product of the System” Brady...by far. The problem is the game was a lot tougher back then and he took shots from defenders that would result in suspensions in this current “Brady Rules” era. They didn’t even result in penalties most of the time. I guarantee you he had a target on his back every game he played.