How to Intercept a Football

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

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When you play football, you are always looking to control the ball. Whether you are a running back trying to break free of defenders or a linebacker trying to strip the ball from the quarterback, your only desire is to get your hands on that ball. One of the more exciting ways to gain control is to intercept the football. At those critical moments when the offense needs that pass, a smart and stubborn defender can be there to stop it. Read on to learn how to intercept a football.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Football
Players
Football Field

Step1

Line up in position opposite the receiver you are tasked with covering. If he goes into motion, follow him to his next position.

Step2

Begin running backwards, continuing to face your receiver to watch his motion.

Step3

Pay attention to his hips first, his eyes second. If you are looking into his eyes, he may be looking in a direction opposite to where he truly intends to go, but he's going to have to shift his feet and hips in the true direction of his motion.

Step4

Move into a position between the quarterback and the receiver. This is an optimal position for a defender when you want to intercept a football, although always a risky one. If the receiver catches the ball, you may not have a chance to make the tackle and will have to rely on the safeties in the backfield for coverage.

Step5

Close in to a point between the quarterback that would be a direct line between the two, keeping that position even as you move around the field. This makes it difficult for the quarterback to complete the pass.

Step6

Hop, step or shift in the direction of the ball once it is in the air. If you are still in front of the receiver, you have a good chance of intercepting the ball.

Step7

Catch it. Assuming you have done everything right up to this point, this part should be easy.

Tips & Warnings

Practice interceptions during your drills or with your friends. The more exposure you have to interception opportunities, the more likely you are to notice them in an actual game.
Do not, under any circumstances, interfere with the receiver if he is about to catch the football. Interference refers to any attempt to trip, push, bump or similar action against the eligible receiver. The penalty for pass interference includes an award of first down to the offense, as well as an advance of the football to the point at which interference occurred.