How To Get Better At Catching A Football (7 Steps)
Have you ever watched an NFL game and wondered how the players seem to make catching a football look so easy? If you’re like most NFL fans, you probably dream of one day being able to catch a football like the pros.
But making that dream a reality takes practice – lots and lots of practice. While some people may be born with natural talent, anyone can improve their ability to catch a football with practice.
In this blog post, we will share some tips on how to get better at catching a football.
Whether you are a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, these tips will help you catch the ball like a champ.
Ready to learn more? Keep reading!
7 Steps To Catch a Football
1. Use Two Hands
The first step to catching a football is using two hands. Although it might seem like an obvious tip, you’d be astonished at how many individuals attempt to catch a football with just one hand.
Not only does using two hands give you more surface area to make the catch, but it also provides stability and prevents the ball from bouncing out of your hands.
2. Create A Pocket
The next step is to create a pocket for the football. You can do this by cupping your hands around the ball and tucking it into your palm.
This will help you keep control of the ball and make the catch more secure.
3. Use Your Body
The third step is to use your body to shield the ball from defenders. This is especially important if you are a receiver and are being defended by a cornerback.
You can use your arms, legs, and even your head to block the defender from getting to the ball.
4. Squeeze The Ball
Once you have the ball in your hands, be sure to squeeze it tightly. This will help you hang on to the ball even if a defender hits you or tries to strip it away from you.
5. Tuck The Ball Away
The fifth step is to tuck the ball away so that it is protected from defenders. Once you have caught the ball, bring it close to your body and tuck it under your arm.
This will help prevent defenders from being able to knock the ball out of your hands.
6. Run To The End Zone
The sixth step is to run to the end zone for a touchdown. This is the ultimate goal of catching a football, so make sure you have a clear path to the end zone before you catch the ball.
If there are defenders in your way, try to juke them or stiff-arm them out of the way.
7. Celebrate Your Touchdown
The seventh and final step is to celebrate your touchdown! This is the most fun part of catching a football, so enjoy it. High-five your teammates, spike the ball in the end zone or do whatever you want to celebrate your big catch.
Now that you know how to catch a football, it’s time to put these tips into practice. Grab a friend or family member and head to the nearest park or backyard to start practicing.
Basic Catching: Hand Positions
When you are first learning how to catch a football, it is important to start with the basics. One of the most important things to focus on is your hand placement.
There are two main hand positions that you can use when catching a football: the extended position and the cup position.
The extended position is when you extend your arms out in front of you and catch the ball with your hands. This is the most common position used by receivers when they are trying to catch a pass.
The cup position is when you cup your hands around the ball and tuck it into your palm. This position is often used by running backs when they are catching a handoff from the quarterback.
The Window: Big Eyes
Once you have the basic catching positions down, it’s time to start working on your technique. One of the most important things to focus on is what is known as the “window.”
The window is the space between your hands that allows you to see the ball and catch it. The bigger the window, the easier it is to catch the ball.
There are two main ways to create a bigger window: by using your fingers or by using your thumbs.
To use your fingers, simply spread them out wide and make sure they are not touching each other. This will create a bigger space for the ball to come through.
To use your thumbs, hold the ball in the cup position and then tuck your thumbs underneath the ball. This will also create a bigger space for the ball to come through.
The Tuck
As mentioned, once you have the ball in your hands, it is important to tuck it away so that it is protected from defenders. The best way to do this is to bring the ball close to your body and tuck it under your arm.
This will help prevent defenders from being able to knock the ball out of your hands. It is also a good idea to keep your elbows close to your body when you are tucking the ball away.
This will create a barrier between the ball and any defenders that are trying to tackle you.
Different Kinds of Catches
Now that you know the basics of catching a football, it’s time to start working on your technique. One of the most important things to focus on is different kinds of catches.
High Balls
One of the most common types of catches is the high ball. A high ball is a pass that is thrown high in the air, often to a receiver who is taller than the defender.
To catch a high ball, you will need to use your fingers to create a bigger window. You will also need to jump up and reach for the ball with your hands.
It is important to keep your eyes on the ball at all times and to tuck the ball away as soon as you catch it.
Low Balls
Another common type of catch is the low ball. This happens when the ball is thrown low to the ground, typically around knee level or lower.
The best way to catch a low ball is to get your hands down as quickly as possible and then scoop the ball up.
You want to try and keep your body as low as possible to the ground as well, which will help you stay balanced and prevent the ball from bouncing off of you.
Balls Thrown Behind the Receiver
Balls thrown behind the receiver are often more difficult to catch, especially if they are low and close to the ground.
The best way to catch these kinds of balls is to reach back with your hands and pluck the ball out of the air.
It is important to keep your eyes on the ball at all times so that you can adjust your hands accordingly.
Over-the-Shoulder Balls
Over-the-shoulder balls can be tricky, but they are often catchable if you keep your eyes on the ball and use your hands to guide it into your body.
Adjusting to Off-Target Balls
If a ball is thrown off target, you will need to adjust your body in order to make the catch.
This may mean diving for the ball or extending your arms to reach it.
No matter what, always keep your eyes on the ball so that you can make the necessary adjustments.
Sideline Balls
Balls thrown close to the sideline can be difficult to catch because you may have to adjust your body quickly to keep your feet in bounds.
The best way to catch these balls is to extend your arms and reach for the ball as soon as possible.
As always, keep your eyes on the ball so that you can adjust your body position to maintain balance to catch the ball.
How To Practice Catching a Football by Yourself
One of the best ways to practice catching a football is by yourself. This allows you to focus on your technique and get comfortable with catching the ball.
One way to practice catching by yourself is to throw the ball up in the air and then catch it. This can be done with either one hand or two hands.
If you are using one hand, you will need to focus on getting your fingers in the right position to make the catch.
If you are using two hands, you will need to focus on tucking the ball away so that it is protected from defenders.
Another way to practice catching by yourself is to throw the ball against a wall and then catch it. This is a good way to work on your catching technique if you don’t have anyone to throw the ball to you.
Start by standing close to the wall and throwing the ball so that it hits the wall and then comes back to you. As you get better, you can move further away from the wall.
You can also try throwing the ball at different angles so that you can practice catching balls that are thrown at different heights.
How To Improve Catching a Football
Do you want to improve your catching skills when it comes to playing football? If so, then there are certainly some things that you can do in order to make sure that you’re able to catch the ball more effectively.
Take a look at the following tips and start putting them into practice today:
1. Use Two Hands When Catching
One of the best ways to make sure that you’re able to catch a football is by using two hands. This will help to stabilize the ball and ensure that you don’t drop it.
2. Use Your Fingers, Not Your Palm
When you’re catching a football, it’s important to use your fingers and not your palm. This will give you more control over the ball and help to ensure that you don’t drop it.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice
If you want to get better at catching a football, then you need to make sure that you’re practicing as much as possible. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at catching the ball.
4. Watch The Ball Into Your Hands
When you’re trying to catch a football, it’s important to make sure that you’re watching the ball into your hands. This will help to ensure that you don’t drop the ball.
5. Get Your Hands Ready Early
If you want to be able to catch a football, then you need to make sure that you’re getting your hands ready early. This means that you should put your hands out in front of you so that you’re ready to catch the ball.
How To Catch a Football With Small Hands
If you have small hands, then you may think that it’s going to be difficult for you to catch a football. However, there are some things that you can do to make sure that you’re able to catch the ball effectively.
- Use your body to shield the ball
- Use your hands to cradle the ball
- Bring the ball in close to your body
- Make sure that your fingers are spread wide
- Tuck the ball away quickly after you catch it
Football Catching Mistakes To Avoid
One of the most difficult things to do in football is catching the ball consistently. Even the best receivers drop passes from time to time, but there are some things that you can do to minimize the number of drops that you have.
Here are some mistakes that you need to avoid if you want to be a better receiver.
- Not Looking The Ball Into Your Hands
This is probably the most common mistake that receivers make. They take their eyes off of the ball as soon as they start to run their route, and by the time they turn their head back around, the ball is already on them.
What you need to do is keep your eyes on the ball from the moment it is thrown until the moment you have it securely in your hands. This will help you track the ball better and give you a better chance of making the catch.
- Not Using Your Hands
Another common mistake that receivers make is not using their hands to catch the ball. They try to body-catch the ball, or they let the ball bounce off of their chest.
If you want to catch the ball, you need to use your hands. Reach out and grab the ball with your hands, and then tuck it into your body. This will help you secure the catch and prevent the ball from bouncing off of you.
- Not Catching The Ball With Your Thumbs Up
One of the most important things to do when catching a football is to keep your thumbs up. This will help you keep the ball in your hands and prevent it from slipping out.
A lot of receivers make the mistake of catching the ball with their thumbs down, and as a result, they drop a lot of passes.
Catching a Football FAQs
Why Is It Hard To Catch a Football?
There are a few reasons why people might find it difficult to catch a football. One reason could be that they’re not used to the size and shape of the ball.
Another reason could be that they’re not used to the way the ball moves through the air. And finally, some people might just have trouble coordinating their hands and eyes to track the ball and then make the catch.
What Are the Three Most Important Aspects of Catching a Football?
The three most important aspects of catching a football are 1. Tracking the ball with your eyes 2. Getting your hands in the right position 3. Catching the ball cleanly. These will help you make a successful catch more often than not.
How Can I Catch Better Balls?
If you’re looking to catch better balls, there are a few key things you can do. First, make sure you have good hand-eye coordination. This will help you track the ball as it comes towards you and ensure that you’re able to catch it cleanly.
Secondly, practice catching balls in various scenarios – in different weather conditions, from different angles, and with different types of throws.
Conclusion
Catching a football can be difficult, but it is possible to improve your skills with practice. In addition to practicing catching, it is important to improve your hand-eye coordination and focus.
Also, improve your technique by practicing with different types of catches. For example, try one-handed catches or over-the-shoulder catches.
In general, the best way to get better at catching a football is to simply catch as many footballs as possible. The more you practice, the better you will become at catching a football. Follow our tips above and you will become the star of your team in no time!
What is your favorite way to catch a football? How much practice do you do catching a ball?
Related Article: Want to learn how to throw a football? Check out our guide for more tips and easy-to-follow steps to improve your football handling skills.
