How to Catch a Football

While there are many different ways to catch a football pass, the general idea is to keep your arms and hands up and out in front of you.

Difficulty:
Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

  • Footballs
    • 1

      Run to the area that is called for in the play and try to clear yourself of any defenders.

    • 2

      Turn back toward the line of scrimmage as you run. Look for the ball and move toward the quarterback.

    • 3

      Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.

    • 4

      Raise and outstretch your arms, leaving your elbows bent slightly and in front of your chest. Your hands should be at about head level.

    • 5

      Bring your hands together, touching the thumbs and index fingers. The space in between should resemble a spade on a playing card.

    • 6

      Catch the nose of the ball within that shape. Keep your hands soft when you contact the ball - pretend it's an egg.

    • 7

      Bring your arms in and cradle the ball when you run by placing one end in the crook of your elbow and clutching the other end with your hand, the nose of the ball between your first and middle fingers. Hold the ball tight against your body.

    • 8

      Turn back toward the end zone and continue running. Make sure to dodge tackles.

Comments

View all 55 Comments
  • lbull84 Dec 16, 2008
    listen either you can catch the football or you cant..... catching the football and recieving are natural talents either you have soft hands or you have brick hands its simple. Always look the ball in and always use your hands to catch the ball never your body. That is all you need to know to become a reciever the rest is natural talent.
  • lbull84 Dec 16, 2008
    listen either you can catch the football or you cant..... catching the football and recieving are natural talents either you have soft hands or you have brick hands its simple. Always look the ball in and always use your hands to catch the ball never your body. That is all you need to know to become a reciever the rest is natural talent.
  • Sep 27, 2006
    You want to catch the ball away from your shoulder pads. That way the ball doesn't bounce off and the defense doesn't run off with a careless interception.
  • Sep 27, 2006
    You want to catch the ball away from your shoulder pads. That way the ball doesn't bounce off and the defense doesn't run off with a careless interception.
  • Sep 17, 2006
    Make sure as you catch the ball, that you are running up on your toes. If you hit on your heels, it will jar your eyes and arms.
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