Learning to catch a football effectively is a key skill for any athlete aspiring to excel on the field. The focus of these drills is to help you catch with your hands, without relying on your body, and to develop soft yet strong hands that will make you a reliable receiver.
These drills emphasize two essential hand positions: Diamond Hands and Cupped Hands. Practicing both techniques will enhance your ability to catch passes at different angles and heights, ultimately making you your quarterback’s favorite target.
Drill 1: “Good Hands” Drill (Video Coming Soon)
Setup:
- Equipment: A football and at least two people.
- Position: Stand about 10 yards apart from your partner.
- Objective: Catch with your hands, minimizing the use of your body during the catch.
Body Position:
- Keep your shoulders square to the thrower.
- As you improve, vary your body positioning and adjust to faster throws, but always focus on catching with soft hands.
Drill Steps:
- High Balls:
- Form a diamond shape with your hands by positioning your thumbs and forefingers close together.
- Keep your elbows bent and catch the ball using your fingers or fingertips.
- Let the ball come to your hands; absorb it with soft hands and immediately tuck it away.
- Low Balls:
- Cup your hands with palms facing up and pinky fingers slightly separated.
- Catch the ball with your fingertips, avoiding your palms to prevent the ball from bouncing off.
- Absorb the ball into your hands and tuck it securely after each catch.
- Practice Variety:
- Alternate between high, low, and intermediate throws to improve your versatility.
Drill 2: Stationary/Moving Over-the-Shoulder Catch (Video Coming Soon)
Setup:
- Equipment: A football and at least two people.
- Position: The receiver stands approximately 10 yards away from the thrower, slightly offset, and faces away as if running a “go route.”
- Objective: Catch the ball over your shoulder using proper hand techniques.
Drill Steps:
- Over-the-Shoulder Technique:
- Use diamond hands for balls thrown closer to your body.
- Use cupped hands for balls requiring an extended reach.
- Watch the ball into your hands and tuck it immediately after catching.
- Progression:
- Begin stationary and practice the over-the-shoulder catch.
- As you improve, start jogging and then build up to running faster, maintaining proper fundamentals.
Key Focus Points for Catching a Football
- Hand Positioning:
- Practice both diamond and cupped hand techniques.
- Finger Tips:
- Always catch with your fingers or fingertips, not your palms.
- Avoid letting the ball bounce off your hands.
- Body Mechanics:
- Keep your elbows bent and maintain an athletic stance.
- Soft Hands:
- Absorb the ball into your hands instead of grasping for it.
- Tuck the Ball:
- Secure the ball immediately after catching it to protect against fumbles.
- Optional: Add a push-up penalty for every missed tuck to reinforce the habit.
- Catch Variety:
- Work on catching passes at different angles, heights, and speeds to simulate game scenarios.
By consistently practicing these drills and focusing on the fundamentals, you’ll develop the skills needed to become a dependable receiver. Stay patient, work hard, and remember: soft but strong hands make all the difference!
BtL
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