If anyone tells you how many fingers to put on the laces and how to hold the football this way and that way, don't listen to them. The general rule is the smaller your hands are, the further back (toward the end) your hand should be placed. Just put your hand on the football, spreading your fingers out and move it back along the ball until you feel you can comfortably grip the ball with however many fingers on the laces near the fingertips (or anywhere along your fingers. Whatever's comfortable and gives you a "feel" for the ball). There should be a little space between your palm and the ball (you should be able to see a space between your thumb and index finger when gripping the ball. When you throw, use your hips and shoulders and step into the throw. Finally, when the ball leaves your hand, your middle and index fingers should be the last two fingers touching the ball.