How to Use Highball Technique to Stop Throwing Picks
Want to stop throwing interceptions? There's one technique the best players use that's honestly a little annoying and cheesy. But it WORKS.
It's called highballing.
Press left bumper (Xbox) or L1 (PlayStation) while throwing. That's it. The defense takes a huge catch rating hit when going for high balls. Your QB can still throw picks technically, but highball protects you most of the time.
Don't highball everything though. Use it smart. Tight coverage situations, contested throws, end zone fades. Wide open receivers don't need it.
What is Highball Technique
Highball is a pass modifier you activate with left bumper/L1 while throwing. It makes your QB throw the ball higher than normal. Above defenders' heads but still catchable for your receiver.
How to execute:
- Hold left bumper/L1 while throwing your pass
- Don't worry about pass leading with left stick at first
- Just focus on the highball timing
The key is pressing the button during your throw motion, not before or after.
When to Use Highball
Three main situations where highball saves your ass:
Tight Coverage Situations
Any time defenders are close to your receiver. Doesn't matter if it's man or zone. If there's a defender within 3-5 yards, highball protects you.
Contested Throws
Launching balls into coverage. Maybe your read broke down, maybe you're forcing a throw. Highball gives you the best chance without the pick.
End Zone Situations
Back corner fades, jump balls, any red zone throw where space is tight. End zone picks are drive killers. Highball prevents them.
Specific examples:
- Slants against Cover 2
- Outs vs man coverage
- Any route with a safety coming down
- Fourth down desperation throws
Why Highball Works Against Defense
The game mechanics favor offense on high throws. Here's why:
Defenders lose catch rating. Going for high balls crushes defensive players' catch stats. Even good DBs struggle.
Animation advantages, Receivers get better jump ball animations. Defenders often whiff or get bad positioning.
Reduced pick chances: Can your QB still throw picks? Yeah. But the odds drop way down compared to regular throws into traffic.
How to Execute Advanced Highball
Basic highball is just left bumper. But you can combine it with other mechanics:
Highball + Catch Types
- Possession catch, Highball + X/Square for safe catches
- RAC catch, Highball + A/X for yards after catch
- Aggressive catch. Highball + Y/Triangle for jump balls
Highball + Pass Leading
Once you're comfortable, add left stick leading:
- Pass lead inside + highball = safe slant
- Pass lead back shoulder + highball = unstoppable fade
- Pass lead away from safety + highball = easy completion
Example combo: Running slant vs Cover 2. Pass lead inside with left stick, highball with left bumper, possession catch. Defender can't pick it, receiver secures it safely.
What NOT to Highball
Don't be that guy who highballs every throw. You'll overthrow open receivers and miss easy completions.
Skip highball when:
- Receiver is wide open (3+ step separation)
- Clean throwing lane with no defenders
- Short underneath routes with space
- Timing routes where placement matters
Notice how you can overthrow balls with highball. If your guy is running free, just throw it normal. Save highball for when you need protection.
Common Highball Mistakes
Highballing everything - Biggest mistake. Use it situational, not every snap.
Wrong timing. Press left bumper during the throw, not after. Late timing gives you regular throws.
Ignoring coverage. Still need to read defense. Highball doesn't fix terrible decisions, just protects decent ones.
Forgetting catch types. Your receiver still needs to catch it. Call possession catch in traffic, aggressive for jump balls.
How Defense Counters Highball
Smart opponents will adjust:
Taller DBs. Height helps with high throws. Expect more press coverage with big corners.
Safety help. Extra defenders over top. Forces you to check down or run.
Pass rush. Can't highball if you don't have time. Pressure forces quick decisions.
Your counter to their counter: Have checkdowns ready. If they're playing over top to stop highballs, dump it underneath. Mix your throw types. Don't become predictable.
Practice Highball Setup
Start simple. Pick any passing formation. Run basic routes. Slants, outs, hitches. Practice the left bumper timing on contested throws.
Don't worry about pass leading at first. Just get comfortable with when to highball vs when to throw normal.
Once timing feels natural, add catch types and pass leading. Build up the combinations slowly.
Bottom line: Highball isn't for every down. It's for smart, situational protection when coverage is tight and picks are likely. Use it right and watch your interceptions drop.