How to Catch a Football Using the Hands

When you play football a fundamental part of the offense is passing. The best way to catch the football is by effectively using your hands. Reduce your percentage of dropped passes and get in better positioning to gain yards after you make the catch. Watch the professionals and realize that the stars of the team have a reputation of having great hands.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find the football. If you running a timing pattern, start raising your hands, while looking for the football in the air. Place yourself in the area the quarterback is throwing towards on the field.

2. Position your hands palms forward with your arms raised. Create a triangle between your thumbs and forefingers. Your thumbs must nearly be touching and your fingers splayed.

3. Adjust your speed if you're running and the placement of your hands. You want the football to hit your hands in the triangle. Immediately squeeze your hands together to catch the football.

4. Grip your hands firmly. Make sure your hands are away from your body and pull the ball in tight under your armpit. This keeps the football from striking your shoulder pad and bouncing away.

5. Bring the football against your body in one fluid motion. Protect the football with both arms because many times a defender may hit you immediately after you make a catch.

6. Run toward the end zone while protecting the football.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice catching a football with a friend by throwing it back and forth and make sure the football doesn't touch any part of a body other than the hands.
• Consider purchasing receiver's gloves for sporting goods stores. Check with your coach to make sure this type of equipment is permitted for use. (See Resources)

Resources

• Dick's Sporting Goods

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