Post by Coach Campbell on Sept 19, 2013 17:08:32 GMT
How to Catch a Football
Authors unkown
Catching a football the right way is something few people can do. Master it and you'll be catching balls like the pros instead of looking like a fool in either recreational or competitive situations. To actually be good at receiving you also have to worry about corner back, linebackers, and the safeties.To get in a good position to catch the ball, obviously you need to be in front of the person trailing you.
Keep your eyes on the ball at all times. A good way to stay zeroed on the ball is to watch the tip of the ball.Every time you take your eyes off the ball you increase your chances of dropping it. If you aren't focused on the ball when it hits you in the hands, catching it becomes pure luck.
Extend your arms toward the ball, as the ball approaches, so your hands meet it at the furthest possible point. Do not run with your arms extended. Extend your arms right before the ball reaches you.
Make a triangle with both hands, palms facing away from your body. Thumbs pointing at each other, all other fingers pointing up. You want the tip of the ball heading for the open space in between your two hands. If the ball is below the waist, palms still face out, but put your pinkies together,if you are running and the ball is coming over you should also put you pinkies together.
Catch the ball, letting it get about halfway between your hands before clamping down on it with all your fingers. Keeping your eyes on it the whole time. (If the pass is below the waist let the ball slide through the inside of your palms about halfway and then clamp down on it)
Proceed to tuck the ball away, under your arm on the opposite side of any defenders.
Now that the ball is caught, run with it (football game), throw it back (playing catch), or whatever the game you're playing requires you to do.
Make sure that you see in your mind catching the pass. And under no circumstances think about not catching it. Don't forget when the football touches your hands or any part of your arms try to tuck it in.
Edit TipsPractice catching the ball on the run.
Ignore the rest of the world and focus on the ball. There is no sky, no ground, nobody else even exists. The only thing is that ball and your hands.
DO NOT catch with your body. That is wrong. It can hurt, it increases your chances of fumbling it, and if you're wearing pads you will drop it a lot. I don't care what you saw Joe Pro doing on TV, because Joe Pro runs a 4.2 40 yard dash and people are more concerned with what he does after he catches the ball. Even so, his coach probably still tells him to catch with his hands.
Practice, practice, practice. You can't master anything by reading it in a book (or online). You need to get out there and practice.
Watch the rotation of the ball. The rotation velocity affects your ability to catch it. The faster the spiral the harder you will have to grip it. If the pass is a wounded duck (the rotation is all over the place because it is an ugly pass) then you will have to adjust your hands to get a good grip when you catch it.
And don't push at the ball, let it come to you.
Have confidence in your ability to catch the ball. If you are thinking, "I can't catch from this angle" or just think about how difficult it is going to be to make the catch, then the chances are you won't catch it. It all starts with believing in your ability to catch the ball no matter what the circumstance.
Keep your eyes on the ball at all times. Some people think they are keeping their eyes on the ball and they really aren't. The more focused you are on the ball, the better job you will do of catching it with your hands.
A drill to encourage catching the ball in your hands: lie on your back and toss the ball in the air 4-5 feet above you. Watch the ball all the way into your hands, catch it away from your body and squeeze it for two seconds before you throw it again. For increased dexterity, catch it one handed with each hand.
Try practicing with a basic football instead of an official one.
Authors unkown
Catching a football the right way is something few people can do. Master it and you'll be catching balls like the pros instead of looking like a fool in either recreational or competitive situations. To actually be good at receiving you also have to worry about corner back, linebackers, and the safeties.To get in a good position to catch the ball, obviously you need to be in front of the person trailing you.
Keep your eyes on the ball at all times. A good way to stay zeroed on the ball is to watch the tip of the ball.Every time you take your eyes off the ball you increase your chances of dropping it. If you aren't focused on the ball when it hits you in the hands, catching it becomes pure luck.
Extend your arms toward the ball, as the ball approaches, so your hands meet it at the furthest possible point. Do not run with your arms extended. Extend your arms right before the ball reaches you.
Make a triangle with both hands, palms facing away from your body. Thumbs pointing at each other, all other fingers pointing up. You want the tip of the ball heading for the open space in between your two hands. If the ball is below the waist, palms still face out, but put your pinkies together,if you are running and the ball is coming over you should also put you pinkies together.
Catch the ball, letting it get about halfway between your hands before clamping down on it with all your fingers. Keeping your eyes on it the whole time. (If the pass is below the waist let the ball slide through the inside of your palms about halfway and then clamp down on it)
Proceed to tuck the ball away, under your arm on the opposite side of any defenders.
Now that the ball is caught, run with it (football game), throw it back (playing catch), or whatever the game you're playing requires you to do.
Make sure that you see in your mind catching the pass. And under no circumstances think about not catching it. Don't forget when the football touches your hands or any part of your arms try to tuck it in.
Edit TipsPractice catching the ball on the run.
Ignore the rest of the world and focus on the ball. There is no sky, no ground, nobody else even exists. The only thing is that ball and your hands.
DO NOT catch with your body. That is wrong. It can hurt, it increases your chances of fumbling it, and if you're wearing pads you will drop it a lot. I don't care what you saw Joe Pro doing on TV, because Joe Pro runs a 4.2 40 yard dash and people are more concerned with what he does after he catches the ball. Even so, his coach probably still tells him to catch with his hands.
Practice, practice, practice. You can't master anything by reading it in a book (or online). You need to get out there and practice.
Watch the rotation of the ball. The rotation velocity affects your ability to catch it. The faster the spiral the harder you will have to grip it. If the pass is a wounded duck (the rotation is all over the place because it is an ugly pass) then you will have to adjust your hands to get a good grip when you catch it.
And don't push at the ball, let it come to you.
Have confidence in your ability to catch the ball. If you are thinking, "I can't catch from this angle" or just think about how difficult it is going to be to make the catch, then the chances are you won't catch it. It all starts with believing in your ability to catch the ball no matter what the circumstance.
Keep your eyes on the ball at all times. Some people think they are keeping their eyes on the ball and they really aren't. The more focused you are on the ball, the better job you will do of catching it with your hands.
A drill to encourage catching the ball in your hands: lie on your back and toss the ball in the air 4-5 feet above you. Watch the ball all the way into your hands, catch it away from your body and squeeze it for two seconds before you throw it again. For increased dexterity, catch it one handed with each hand.
Try practicing with a basic football instead of an official one.